HANK VAUGHN APRIL 19, 2022 4:00AM, DALLAS OBSERVER
12 Great Dallas Rooftops for Dining and Drinks
HANK VAUGHN APRIL 19, 2022 4:00AM
Stirr in Deep Ellum offers one of many great views of the Dallas skyline. Alison McLean
See also: You like dining outdoors but don’t care for heights? Check out our list of other great patio options at DFW restaurants.
Rumor has it that spring has finally arrived, and while it may only last a week or so here in North Texas, it’s time to start planning and taking advantage of this transitory clement weather by noshing a bit over a cocktail or three while taking in the glorious views and sunsets that North Texas can offer via some of its finer rooftop patios and terraces.
While no list can cover all of the options available for such high-perched al fresco dining, the following offer a good start, for each has something to offer, including but not limited to their amazing views, strong cocktails and food — and on a good night, all three.
Te Deseo
2700 Olive St. (Downtown/Harwood)
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Sponsored Content – Prime Video ‘TNF’ Analyst Andrew Whitworth shares differences in preparing for games as analyst vs. player
Prime Video TNF Analyst Andrew Whitworth shares his differences in preparing for games as a football analyst vs. player.
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The rooftop patio of Te Deseo
Alex Gonzalez
Te Deseo has Latin-American inspired fare atop a large rooftop space with great skyline views of Dallas. You can enjoy a cigar from their cigar menu and hang out with a DJ either in the sun or in the shade of the partially covered roof. Special rooftop drinks include Maluma Baby (Maker’s Mark, pineapple, lime) and Gaviota (ILegal mezcal, grapefruit, sparkling Jasmine water, lime). (Hours: 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. Wednesday and Sunday; 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. Thursday – Saturday; Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Waterproof
1914 Commerce St. (Downtown)
Waterproof’s patio
Taylor Adams
Waterproof atop the 19th floor of the Statler Hotel has beautiful panoramic views surrounded by skyscrapers. Relax near the rooftop pool or in one of the private cabanas available. In the winter, this space transforms into a winter wonderland with igloos and s’mores. Try a couple of their cocktails such as Chalet Cider (Zacapa 23 rum, buttershots schnapps, Grand Marnier, apple cider, cinnamon) or peppermint mocha Iced Coffee while sharing a plate of caprese skewers or toasted ravioli. (Hours: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. Sunday – Thursday; 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Friday – Saturday)
The Henry
2301 N. Akard St., Suite 250 (Uptown / Downtown)
The Henry
Another rooftop with a partially covered terrace for those afraid of the sun, The Henry sports a dedicated food menu for its rooftop that includes rotisserie chicken nachos and short-rib potstickers. Standout drinks include their popular Thai Grapefruit Smash as well as a Fig & Ginger Mule (Basic vodka, Figenza fig vodka, lime, pomegranate). Oh yeah, it’s also a great brunch destination and rumor has it that they validate parking at the garage next door. What’s not to love? (Hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday – Thursday; 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday – Saturday)
Sky Blossom Bistro
1514 Elm St., No. 611 (Downtown)
The view from Sky Blossom
Lauren Drewes Daniels
Sky Blossom has a menu of Vietnamese fusion that can be enjoyed with a great view the swimming pool hanging off the side of the Joule across Main Street. Honestly, the eye-level view of the pool can be almost comical, especially after a flight of their margaritas. The spot can be hard to find on the ground level, but look for the dedicated elevator next to the Campisi’s on Elm and you should be fine. Colorful drinks such as a blueberry mojito can be enjoyed with a bowl of short-rib pho, crispy wings or a couple spicy tuna tacos while one stares back at the ever-present Eye sculpture. (Hours: 11 a..m. – 9:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday; 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday)
Sundown at Granada
3520 Greenville Ave. (Lower Greenville)
Courtesy Sundown at Granada
Right next door to the Granada Theater, Sundown at Granada offers a rooftop patio with wonderful sunset views. It has a good brunch complete with discounted mimosas and bloody marys during the weekend. Or, go at night and be a witness to all the hustle and bustle that is Lower Greenville while you nosh on some pesto Parmesan flatbread or turkey meatloaf. Follow their Instagram account for special events and live music. (Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday – Saturday; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday)
The Quarter Bar
3301 McKinney Ave. (Uptown)
In true New Orleans fashion, the Quarter Bar has a great rooftop space and balcony.
Courtesy of the Quarter Bar
The New Orleans-inspired Quarter Bar has multiple indoor spaces with weird and eclectic vintage furniture, but also sports a rooftop terrace with views overlooking McKinney Avenue, where one can enjoy a Vieux Carre cocktail (or two) consisting of rye, cognac, wine, Benedictine and bitters, and sample some Southern-inspired tacos, flatbreads, and burgers. Don’t miss their famous Voodoo fries, a tantalizing mishmash of jalapeno bacon, queso, gravy, and sriracha. (Hours: 3 p.m. – 2 a..m. Monday – Friday; 10 a.m. – 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday)
Stirr
2803 Main St. #110 (Deep Ellum)
Stirr’s panoramic view of Downtown is the perfect backdrop for selfies.
courtesy Stirr
Stirr’s Deep Ellum rooftop patio offers nice skyline views as well as an extensive and fun cocktail list and eclectic food menu of contemporary American fare that includes Buffalo chicken egg rolls, volcano shrimp, ahi tuna tacos and a dry-aged pork porterhouse. Sip your watermelon margarita or Deep Smash (bourbon, blackberry-mint syrup, lemon juice) while listening to some live music on weekend nights, or nibble at your short-rib hash during their brunch service. (Hours: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. Monday – Thursday; 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Friday; 10 a.m. – 2 a.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. Sunday)
Harlowe MXM
2823 Main St. (Deep Ellum)
Back in 2018 when everyone forgot their masks in their car, but it was OK.
Courtesy of Harlowe MXM
Located at the corner of Main and Malcolm X, Harlowe MXM has a massive rooftop spot that is cigar-friendly. Be sure to try their MXM Burger (made with brisket short rib) and “cookie” dumplings (shrimp and pork belly with sweet Thai mustard). Wash everything down with a Paloma or a frosty gin and tonic. You want some chicken and waffles for brunch? You’re in luck, they have that, too. (Hours: 4 – 10 p.m. Wednesday – Thursday; 3 p.m. – 1 a.m. Friday; 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday; Closed Monday and Tuesday)
HG Sply Co
2008 Greenville Ave. (Lower Greenville)
HG’s patio is best at sunset.
Susie Oszustowicz
HG Sply Co.’s large rooftop terrace is three times bigger than the restaurant below, so you will have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy springtime Dallas nights while enjoying the skyline from afar. Happy hour starts at 3 p.m. with beer for $3 and select wines and cocktails for $6. The rooftop food menu includes such healthy-leaning dishes as beet tartare, vegan chips and salsa and some smoky carrot hummus. Wash it down with a frozen Moscow Mule or a Double Under: a beet-infused tequila with rosemary turbinado sugar and lime. (Hours: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. Monday – Friday; 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. Saturday and Sunday)
HANK VAUGHN is a freelance writer who enjoys sharing and overthinking his food and drink experiences, both good and bad, from his culinary journeys with his wife across North Texas and beyond.