Fort Worth wine store retools to become bar (with beer too!)

Beer nerds and winos can co-exist peaceably during happy hour, but it’s not easy when bars offer a limited menus of one or the other. Fort Worth has beer bars aplenty and the wine bar scene is growing nicely these days, but residents have been waiting for a spot that can host big selections of both.

44Bootlegger is an equal opportunity wine and beer spot with 44 wines and 44 beers on the menu.

The owners, Tommy and Tammy Brown, opened an eclectic resale shop in the same location, using the same name, for two years. One day Tommy turned to Tammy and said, "You do realize half the people who open our front door think we are a bar?" She agreed. Deciding to change the concept was a no-brainer.

"We'd offer beer and wine to shoppers--sometimes even cocktails," Tammy said. "People started thinking we were a bar and that's when we decided to re-open with this new concept where you don't have to compromise. There's a high-quality beer or wine for everyone."

The name might suggest that the bar embraces a speakeasy-style of entrance, but no secret codes are needed. The name pays homage to the last bootlegger in the family business: Tommy's grandmother, who sold whiskey and beer in the '60s and '70s.

The throwback spirit of the bar is reflected in the warm vintage interiors. Antique window panes and large weathered doors -- some at least 300 years old -- were collected by the owners to line the walls with some whimsy. The Browns had the when-one-door-closes adage in mind while redesigning for the new concept. Previous shoppers will recognize statement pieces from the retail shop, like the hanging canoe or the wall-mounted wildebeest. Guests who live near Magnolia Avenue or in the surrounding Fairmount neighborhood will appreciate the bar sticking to an eclectic, non-West 7th feel. If you like the atmosphere at Brewed, 44Bootlegger will appeal to you.

If you're a fan of The Usual's cocktails, you'll find former Usual bartender Matt Duran now mixing up a few beverages at 44Bootlegger. With all the care of a true artist, Duran mixes up a mighty delicious mojito or mule using a splash of blackberry flavor and a sparkling torrontes-style wine from Sieta Fincas in Argentina (both $12).

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If you need a wine recommendation, the bartenders and owners will present you with plenty of delicious insights. Tommy, being an avid fan of rieslings, kindly introduced us to Schloss Gobelsburger, an Austrian take on riesling with memorable notes of honey and subtly spiced fruit flavor.

Local craft beer fans can enjoy rotating brews from Rahr & Sons Brewing Co., Lakewood Brewing Co. and Deep Ellum Brewing Co. We tried what may be our new all-time favorite stout, Southern Tier Brewing's Choklat, and we enjoyed the nuttier Southern Pecan by Lazy Magnolia Brewing, both available on draft for a limited time.

Currently the bar doesn't offer a food menu, but the owners are hoping to debut a selection of cheeses, charcuterie, and chocolates this fall. Until then, guests are encouraged to order from Nonna Tata, an Italian restaurant located across the street. Likewise, Nonna Tata encourages guests to bring over drinks from 44Bootlegger.

44Bootlegger is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursdays 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to midnight. Happy hour is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. The Tuesday special features select beers and wines for $4. On Thursdays you can drink prosecco to no end for $20.

1411 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth. www.facebook.com/44bootleggermagnolia/.