Let me start by saying I’m no longer a rowdy twenty-one-year-old man running from college bar to college bar. I’m now a slightly less rowdy twenty-eight-year-old man running from local dive bar to local dive bar. Big distinction.
Low Doubt is fairly new to the bar scene here in Fort Worth. It’s tucked away at the end of a small alley next to Tulips (a fantastic music venue) and can be hard to find if you aren’t looking for it. Walking down the alley adds to the ambiance, making the bar feel like a local secret, which it kind of is. So if you’re reading this, don’t go bringing the whole world with you when you come!
I’m never really sure what I’m looking for in a bar when I visit one. I just go, have a drink, and feel the place out. But something about Low Doubt grabbed me the first time I went. The interior has strong hints of ’70s retro: from the orange tint of the lights and décor to the black-and-white damask wallpaper and music posters, this place oozes personality.
Bars are in a weird space when it comes to business. They all essentially have the same product. Maybe a beer or two that others don’t, but overall you can get a Michelob anywhere, and it’ll taste exactly the same. So to stand out, you really have to rely on your vibe. Low Doubt’s vibe is laid-back and super friendly. Every time I go, I can reliably strike up a conversation with the bartenders or other patrons. It seems like the place you’d go alone or with a couple of friends rather than a large group, and maybe because of that, people are more open to conversation.
Music tends to differ depending on the night. I usually go on Thursdays, and the bartender always plays a mix of indie rock and hip-hop, which is so up my alley y’all have no idea. If you keep up with their Instagram, you’ll sometimes see posts about events like karaoke nights or live DJs. Tattoo Tuesdays are also a thing here: show them any tattoo you have, and you get a free shot. Tell me your local bar does that. I doubt it!
They have all the usual domestics and imports, plus some specialty drinks, but I almost always opt for an extra dirty martini, which is probably one of the best I’ve had. It’s the reason I come on Thursdays because I swear that bartender has some kind of martini magic running through his veins. I’ve always said everyone should get to know their local bartender, and the guys here are no exception. They’re great at making a drink and holding a conversation.
Another reason I frequent this bar is that they serve Chicken Express sweet tea. If you know me, then you know sweet tea is my Achilles heel, my kryptonite, my everything. What better way to chase a shot of tequila than with the world’s best drink? Before this turns into a love letter for tea, I’ll move on to talk about the outside.
The patio area is a decent size and is shared between Tulips and Low Doubt (they share the same owner). There’s plenty of seating and a food truck that serves tacos and hot dogs—perfect for that late-night bite before you head home. A large mural by local artists covers the side of the building, featuring some Fort Worth flair with a big panther head in the middle. Events are sometimes held out there as well. String lights spread across the top of the patio, bringing that same soft orange glow from inside the bar.
Music plays outside too, sometimes interrupted by a lively concert and applause from inside Tulips. After a show ends there, the crowd pours out into the patio and bar area, elevating the energy and tempting you to stay for a couple more drinks. Because why would you leave? It’s too much fun.
