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 from some of its finer rooftop patios and terraces.
While no list can cover all the options available for high-altitude al fresco dining, the following compilation is a good start. Each has something to offer, including but not limited to amazing views, strong cocktails and great food — and on a good night, all three.
Catbird
1401 Elm St. (Downtown) Perched on the rooftop of The Thompson Hotel, Catbird is an Asian-inspired spot with wraparound outdoor seating, complete with several comfy couches and gas-powered fire pits for those evenings when the temperature dips a bit. On the weekends, a DJ sets up on this balcony where you can feast on some really good Texas beef bao buns, grilled octopus tacos or some nicely roasted Brussels sprouts. This place has a dress code, so don’t show up in your flip-flops and tank tops. But if you take the trouble to put on a decent pair of pants, you’ll be rewarded with great views and even better food and drink. Be sure to check out Catbird's spin on classic cocktails such as the Manhattan or Collins.(Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 5–11 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 5 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.)Culinary Dropout
150 Turtle Creek Blvd. Culinary Dropout is one of Dallas’ newer rooftop bars in the Design District. It’s a British-style gastropub with quirky decor and comfort foods like Yesterday’s Soup, a shaved prime rib dip and crispy chicken katsu. Happy hour is Monday – Friday from 2-5 p.m. on the rooftop only and features a roster of discounted finger food, Long Afternoon Iced Teas, frozen creations and sushi. (Hours: Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. – midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m. - midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.)Mirador
1608 Elm St. Mirador, atop the luxury department store Forty-Five Ten, is a sophisticated rooftop bar in Dallas for drinks, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea. It runs a seasonal menu with leveled-up classics like salads, burgers and sandwiches served among a lobster roll, whipped ricotta and crispy chicken bites (which could be a fancy way to say chicken tenders). The best views are from the outdoor patio, so make sure you’re going in good weather. Not too hot. Not too cold. All you’ll need is a light jacket. (Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sunday/Monday, closed.)The Gallery Lounge
1325 Botham Jean Boulevard (inside CANVAS Hotel) The Gallery Lounge on top of the CANVAS Hotel is a retro-industrial bar with an infinity pool, fire pits and a nice northeastern view of the Dallas skyline. The menu sticks to traditional American foods like flatbreads, salads, wings and burgers, as does the cocktail list with all the staples like old fashions and the Leave Me The Espolon (Espolon tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, pineapple puree, soda and Tajin rim). Take a dip in the pool every day from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 4-11 p.m.; Friday/Saturday 1 p.m. – 2 a.m.)HG Sply Co.
2008 Greenville Ave. (Lower Greenville)HG Sply Co.'s large rooftop terrace is triple the size of the restaurant below, so you'll 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 smoky carrot hummus. Wash it down with a Smash or a Double Under: a beet-infused tequila with rosemary turbinado sugar and lime. (Hours: Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – midnight; Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – midnight.)Mexican Sugar
2355 Olive St. Mexican Sugar boasts the most expensive (to build) rooftop bar in Dallas. Its menu has creative takes on Mexican classics that are plated just as beautifully as the restaurant itself. Try an agave flight that shows off their library of the spirit and the filet and lobster fajitas. Happy hour runs from 2-6 p.m. Monday through Friday with $7 select margs, frozen chupas, $2 wines by the glass and $2 off appetizers. (Hours: Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.)
The Henry
2301 N. Akard St., No. 250 (Harwood)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 the popular Thai Grapefruit Smash as well as the Pomelo & Ginger Mule (Ketel One, pomelo, fresh winter citrus blend and Fever Tree ginger beer). Oh yeah, it’s also a great brunch destination, and rumor has it that Henry validates parking at the garage next door. What’s not to love? (Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – midnight.)
HIDE
1928 Greenville Ave.HIDE was born in Deep Ellum in 2017, closed in 2020 during the pandemic and reemerged on Lower Greenville Avenue in 2022. The rooftop here is spacious and relaxing: a perfect spot to take in Lower Greenville. Be sure to check out happy hour (Monday – Friday, 3–6 p.m.) and get a double cheeseburger for $7. Pork belly bites are just $5 on the happy hour menu. (Hours: Monday – Thursday, 3 p.m.. – midnight; Friday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – midnight.)
In true New Orleans fashion, the Quarter Bar has a great rooftop space and balcony.
Courtesy of the Quarter Bar
