With almost year-round patio weather, Dallas’ rooftop bars are a draw for late night group outings, vibey date nights, and brunchy get-togethers. Along with epic views of Dallas’ soaring skyline, these establishments offer picture-perfect cocktails, hearty bar bites, and unique dining spaces with music, atmosphere, and some of the best people watching in the city. Consider this guide of the best rooftop bars in Dallas, and take your bar-hopping to new heights.
HG Sply Co.
For East Dallas dwellers, HG Sply Co. on Greenville Avenue is a mainstay. The UNCO concept, created by Elias Pope, features a rooftop patio with picnic tables, wood paneling, string lighting, and large red umbrellas, giving it a backyard beer garden feel. HG Sply Co. takes a healthy approach to classic bar fare, focusing on minimally processed, properly portioned food with calories, fat, carbs, and protein all noted. The rooftop has its own Snacks menu with options like Cochinita nachos ($18) with pulled pork, deviled avocados ($14), and salmon poke tacos ($14). The beverage menu follows the same ethos, featuring cocktails like the HG Mule ($13), made with ginger kombucha, and spirit-free drinks like the Wrinkle Free juice ($7), which combines honeydew, apple, kale, and lime. 2008 Greenville Ave., Dallas, hgsplyco.com
Upside West Village
From the street, you’d never know that the Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown has one of the most awe-inspiring views of the skyline in the city. Once you’re eight stories up, it becomes clear you’ll want to hang out for a while. Nosh on roasted pepper coconut shrimp ($10) and southwest tandoori chicken bites ($12) while sipping on a Mrs. Doubtfire ($18) cocktail made with Woodford Reserve, chocolate and walnut bitters, and Licor 43. 2950 Cityplace W. Blvd., 8th Floor, Dallas, upsidewestvillage.com
Vidorra Cocina
Vidorra Cocina is among Deep Ellum’s most vibrant rooftops, with a retractable roof, views of Downtown, lush greenery, and colorful decorative touches spread across two floors. Start with a margarita and an appetizer sampler ($22), featuring chicken flautas, quesadillas, queso-birria empanadas, and guacamole, before moving on to a foursome of fajitas ($84) with fajita chicken, carne asada, grilled shrimp, and carnitas. 2642 Main St., Dallas, vidorracocina.com
Catbird
Catbird isn’t exactly on a rooftop, but its 9th floor perch of The National building — the 51-story home to Thompson Dallas — feels atmospheric enough. Its outdoor seating gives guests a totally immersive city experience from a unique vantage point. Cocktails like the nitro espresso martini ($18) and the Kyoto water ($16), made with vodka and clarified tomato water, shine, while the menu, created by chef Jeramie Robinson, is just as interesting. When hunger strikes, consider bites like the truffled edamame ($9), popcorn chicken karaage with ginger sriracha ($16), and the teriyaki smashburger ($17).1401 Elm St., Dallas, catbirddallas.com
Quarter Bar
Quarter Bar’s rooftop patio transports guests to a cozy corner of New Orleans. As its name suggests, and with its greenery, wrought iron accents, and leather seating areas, the Uptown institution oozes French Quarter vibes — and the building may even be haunted. Simple yet classic cocktails include go-to options like red and white sangria ($11), a spicy margarita ($14), and a French 75 ($13). Quarter wings ($12), Cajun fries ($8), and a fried shrimp po-boy ($20) round out the menu. 3301 McKinney Ave., Dallas, quarterbardallas.com
Sky Blossom Bistro
This Vietnamese restaurant and bar in Downtown is a rooftop oasis. Pull up a seat by the wall of cherry blossoms, and sip on a specialty cocktail like the Blue Mermaid ($14), crafted with vodka, banana rum, and blue curacao; or the Sky Blossom Spritz ($14) with watermelon vodka and elderflower liqueur. Stick around for lunch or dinner and enjoy a menu of Vietnamese comfort eats like fried or steamed dumplings ($10), beef short rib pho ($20), and shrimp garlic noodles ($26). 1514 Elm St. #611, Dallas, skyblossombistro.com
Gallery Rooftop Lounge
With its showstopping infinity pool as a main attraction, this lounge atop the Canvas Hotel in the artsy Cedars District offers a luxe experience. Surrounded by outdoor loungers and seating, oversized umbrellas, and fire pits, the pool serves as a dreamy backdrop against the night sky. The menu features plenty of snacks and sips, including crispy wings ($17) in a variety of flavors, chicken tinga nachos ($17), and cocktails like the Beachy Peachy ($17), made with bourbon, peach puree, lemon juice, and ginger beer. Bring along your swimsuit for a post-cocktail dip. 1325 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas, canvashoteldallas.com
Waterproof
Waterproof is located high above street level at the Statler in Downtown. It’s a 21-and-up affair during operating hours where guests can relax under the warm Texas sun or sink into a cabana between dips in the pool. Munch on spiced hummus and crudité ($14), a classic smashburger ($16), or a pepperoni flatbread ($19). Pair with sips like the Llama’s Choice — named after the hotel’s mascot, Llinda Llee Llama — made with vodka, rum, and guava nectar ($15). Big spenders can take advantage of bottle service. 1914 Commerce St., 19th floor, Dallas, waterproofdallas.com
Happiest Hour
Located in the heart of the Harwood District between Uptown and Downtown, Happiest Hour delivers party vibes from open to close. Its airy rooftop deck provides guests with spectacular views of the Dallas skyline. Pop in for happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., when you can take advantage of an extensive list of half-price Happytizers. The special pricing is on guacamole, queso, and salsa dip trio ($8), hand-breaded chicken tenders ($8), and loaded BBQ brisket nachos ($9). Signature cocktails are also discounted. Highlights include the Happiest Ranch Water ($7) and the Watermelon Rush ($7) with vodka and Red Bull watermelon. 2616 Olive St. Harwood, Dallas, happiesthourdallas.com
The Henry
Breakfast on a rooftop patio isn’t always an easy find, unless you’re at the Henry in Victory Park. Get a healthy start with the veggie-packed Flower Child Scramble ($18), or an egg white turkey omelette ($18), and add on a guava mimosa ($13) or Hank’s espresso martini ($17). There are non-alcoholic choices too, like the Açai at the Beach Smoothie ($12) and cold brew coffee on tap ($6). 2301 N. Akard St. Ste. 250, Dallas, thehenryrestaurant.com
Culinary Dropout
This addition to Dallas’ Design District is ideal for big groups. The expansive rooftop patio has dining tables, lounge areas with fire pits, and a wraparound bar, all offering a clear view of the Dallas skyline. A dedicated video wall showcases daily sports, and the bar menu features a little something for everyone. Try the tequila-fueled Tijuana Spa Water ($16), spiced with jalapeno and cilantro; or the bone-warming Campfire Vibes ($15) with whiskey, Chai-Jacked apple cider, Spanish vanilla, and roasted five spice. Stay for snacks like pretzel bites with provolone fondue ($17) and barbecue pork belly nachos ($19), or whole entrees like spicy vegan curry ($21) or the fried chicken platter ($24) served with a buttermilk biscuit, smashed potato, and gravy. 150 Turtle Creek Blvd. # 101, Dallas, culinarydropout.com
Monkey Bar on 9
The city’s newest rooftop bar debuts Friday, June 13, atop Tru by Hilton Dallas Market Center. Like its sister location in Highland Park Village, this location features more than two dozen tequilas, as well as sotol and mezcal spirits. Handcrafted skinny margaritas ($15) utilize Socorro Blanco tequila, while the Chihuahua ($14) serves as a nice introduction to Sotol for those unfamiliar with the spirit. Snack on loaded 50/50 nachos with a combination of chicken and beef ($17). 1949 N. Stemmons Fwy., 9th Floor, micocina.com
La Terraza at Te Deseo
At La Terraza at Te Deseo, night owls can dance the night away under the stars Thursday through Saturday beginning at 9 p.m. Vies are on offer on the earlier side Wednesday through Sunday, during which guests can take advantage of happy hour specials from 5 to 7 p.m. for $7 cocktails and small bites, including mini brisket flautas ($9), shrimp aguachile ($9), and chips and guac ($8). 2700 Olive St, Dallas, tedeseo.com
