Credit: Photo by Gerald E. McLeod

Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth brings alfresco movie viewing back to the Metroplex. It has been at least 20 years since the Fort Worth-Dallas area has had its own outdoor movie theatre.

Up until Mother’s Day weekend, folks who wanted the nostalgic fun of watching a film from the back of a pickup under the stars had to drive to Gatesville, Granbury, or Ennis. There has been a resurgence of sorts, with 19 outdoor theatres still operating around the state. It’s a far cry from the peak of nearly 400 drive-ins during the Sixties.

The Coyote Drive-In is on the north bank of the Trinity River in a developing entertainment district called the Trinity Uptown, already occupied by the minor league baseball team’s stadium. The lights of the downtown skyline provide a backdrop for one of the three screens.

It would be a bit of a stretch to call the theatre’s concession stand food “gourmet,” but it is better than average. The signature Coyote Burger comes with a tasty covering of sweet peppers. The kitchen also makes a pretty good Natchitoches (La.) meat pie. You’ve got to give the management credit on their selection of adult beverages; it includes beer from Real Ale Brewery in Blanco.

Coyote Drive-In is at 223 NE Fourth St., a few blocks off North Main Street in Fort Worth. To see what’s showing, go to www.coyotedrive-in.com.

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Gerald E. McLeod joined the Chronicle staff in November 1980 as a graphic designer. In April 1991 he began writing the “Day Trips” column. Besides the weekly travel column, he contributed “101 Swimming Holes,” “Guide to Central Texas Barbecue,” and “Guide to the Texas Hill Country.” His first 200 columns have been published in Day Trips Vol. I and Day Trips Vol. II.