This weekend is the time to beat the crowd at Fort Worth-area restaurants. Here’s why

Beat the crowd at Sunday dinner, Monday lunch

Hey, Bud! What’s a good quiet restaurant Sunday for dinner with no football on TV?

—Fort Worth reader

This is one of the special weekends for dining out.

Just about every restaurant will have short lines Sunday night and particularly Monday at lunch (after everybody else stayed up late).

Pick anywhere you love, but I’d suggest Grace, Reata, Righteous Foods or a hotel dining room like 97 West in the Drover or il Modo in the Harper.

Then, Monday is a great day to beat the crowd anywhere — say, for lunch at Joe T.’s or at Heim Barbecue on Magnolia Avenue. Or go shopping and eat at NM Cafe in Neiman Marcus.

Nicer Mexican restaurants have Valentine’s tables

Hey, Bud! Where’s best for Valentine’s dinner?

—Reader who missed last week’s column at star-telegram.com/eatsbeat

You’re a little late.

But there are still dinner tables available at chain Italian restaurants like Romano’s Macaroni Grill or Brio or at nicer Mexican restaurants like Mesero, Meso Maya, Paco’s, Paloma Suerte or Tinie’s.

Some old-time Italian restaurants like Campisi’s or Candlelite Inn don’t require a reservation, but the wait might be long. Or check into a hotel and order room service.

Take-home dinner for 4 for less than $50

Hey, Bud! Money is getting tight. Does anybody still have family dinners?

—Facebook message at facebook.com/diningguy

Chef Jon Bonnell still sells take-home heat-and-eat dinners for four people for $48.

This week’s menu included brisket and sausage Thursday, shrimp scampi Friday and chicken-fried chicken Saturday.

Pick up at 3:30 p.m. — don’t be late — Tuesdays through Saturdays at the side door at 4259 Bryant Irvin Road.