When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Founded by Angelo George on St. Patrick’s Day 1958, Angelo’s began as a tiny four-table beer bar and barbecue stand and grew into one of Fort Worth’s best-known old-school barbecue institutions. The restaurant remains at the same 2533 White Settlement Road address and still uses the [phone removed by ] telephone number printed on this matchbook.
This particular matchbook provides an interesting clue to its period. Inside it advertises:
“Beef and Rib Dinners served after 5:00 P.M.”
Historical accounts of Angelo’s date the addition of pork ribs and beef-and-rib dinner platters to 1973, followed by table service in 1974. That establishes an earliest likely date of approximately 1973. Based on the menu reference, seven-digit 332-0357 telephone format, graphics and prominent “Cold BUD on tap” advertising, this example is best placed in the mid-to-late 1970s, approximately c. 1973–1978.
The bright yellow oversized matchbook advertises “The World’s Greatest Hickory Smoked Ribs And Beef” and carries the ornate Angelo’s “Great Texas Bar-B-Que — By George!” logo along with the original 2533 White Settlement address. Angelo’s has long been particularly associated with hickory-smoked barbecue and exceptionally cold draft Budweiser served in frozen mugs.
The restaurant has an especially interesting connection to Fort Worth history. Angelo’s became a favored gathering place for Carswell Air Force Base B-58 Hustler crews; an account maintained by the B-58 community describes Angelo’s as the unofficial local watering hole of the 43rd Bomb Wing and recounts Carswell crews taking Angelo’s barbecue to the Paris Air Show.
Original oversized feature matchbook with matches remaining. Attractive yellow-and-brown graphics with Budweiser advertising. Please examine photographs for exact condition and completeness.
