Earlier this year Dallas was awarded "Best International Skyline" in a USA Today reader's poll. The unique shapes and flashing lights that characterize the view helped beat out cities like New York and Chicago.
This unbeatable skyline plus the cooling temperatures, make autumn the perfect time to kick back and relax with a cocktail on one of Dallas' best rooftop bars. Here are five locations you don't want to miss.
Dallas' South Side boutique hotel boasts a rooftop bar with acrylic lights and an infinity pool overlooking the flashing skyline. Soda Bar was voted "Best View from a Bar" by D Magazine in 2013 and is open year-round.
Atmosphere: Hotel manager Darrique Barton describes the atmosphere as "sexy" and "chic" with a "diverse crowd of people enjoying themselves."
What to order: Signature cocktail called Flirtini, as well as bites from the full menu.
Events: Both private and nonprivate events offered, with the option of cabana rentals.
2. Tei-An
While none of the five restaurants in One Arts Plaza lack in the location department, only Tei-An boasts an open-air rooftop lounge where patrons can tip back their heads and take in Downtown's immense grandeur.
Nestled in One Arts Plaza in the downtown Arts District, this Japanese restaurant offers a spacious rooftop for those looking for a semi-private atmosphere. A membership is required to enjoy rooftop dining and drinking, although restaurant diners are able to go upstairs for a drink.
Atmosphere: Restaurant manager George Kaiho describes it as having a "lounge" vibe complete with comfortable couches and standing room.
What to order: House Old Fashioned, a soba tea-infused whiskey and homemade black honey with bitters.
Events: "Many private parties are held in the springtime," Kaiho says. "We also do jazz and other music events which we promote publicly on the email list or Facebook."
3. Quarter Bar
The sister restaurant of the popular Breadwinner's Café (located nextdoor), Quarter Bar has been in Dallas for 15 years and offers a relaxed vibe inspired by the French Quarter of New Orleans. Starting at its 4 p.m. opening, a diverse crowd of college kids and neighborhood regulars can choose from a list of beers and specialty drinks. It is "more of a relaxed bar than a lounge," says Manager Lauren Herrera.
Atmosphere: Bar goers can find "a casual vibe with a mix of people, including regular customers that have come for years," Herrera says.
What to order: Hurricanes or booze pops (variety of flavored popsicles made with liquor)
Events: Parties can be held at both Quarter Bar and Breadwinners. The inside offers a pool table for a laid back night of fun.
4. HG Sply Co.
This two story restaurant has been a staple in the Lower Greenville area for a year and a half, and finished its most recent rooftop expansion five months ago. The rooftop is unique because of its history. "Imagine taking a 100-year-old building and building a huge parking deck three stories up instead of two stories, to not ruin the great history of the building," says Owner Elias Pope.
Atmosphere: "Laid back but still upper casual," Pope says.
What to order: Moscow Mule and Double Under. The latter is made with beet-infused dulce vita organic tequila, fresh lime and rosemary syrup.
Events: Semi-private area serves up to 75 patrons with smaller areas for up to 25. The rooftop is designed to fit diverse needs, offering high tables, simple benches and a lounge area around the fireplace.
Also in the Lower Greenville area, this Afghan grill was half its current size in 2012 and the rooftop opened in the fall of 2013. The cozy bar is the perfect spot to spend time this season, complete with fireplaces, couches and a view.
Atmosphere: If you're looking for a vigorous nightlife scene, this is not your spot. Co-owner Rosalind Lynam says it's not a "high volume bar" but a great spot to grab a drink before or after dinner downstairs.
What to order: Kabul Mule, cardamom-infused Aylesbury Duck Vodka with house-made ginger beer, lime, and Velvet Falernum.
Events: Depending on party size, either a section of or all of the rooftop can be rented out.
Caroline Hicks is a senior at Southern Methodist University from Charlotte, North Carolina. She is majoring in journalism with minors in fashion media and Spanish. Follow her on Twitter @CarolineHicks93.
