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.
Culinary Dropout
This new-ish addition to Dallas’ Design District is ideal for big groups. The roof is one expansive patio, with 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 shareable snacks like pretzel bites with provolone fondue ($17) and barbecue pork belly nachos ($18), or whole entrees like Peking duck and shrimp fried rice ($25) or the fried chicken platter ($24) with a buttermilk biscuit, smashed potato, and gravy. 150 Turtle Creek Blvd. # 101, Dallas, culinarydropout.com
HG Sply Co.
For East Dallas dwellers, HG Sply Co. on Greenville Avenue is a mainstay. The UNCO concept from Elias Pope has a rooftop patio with picnic tables, wood paneling, string lighting, and large red umbrellas that give it a backyard beer garden feel. HG Sply Co. takes a healthy approach to classic bar fare, focusing on minimally processed, properly portioned food. 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, with cocktails like the HG Mule ($13) made with ginger kombucha, and spirit-free drinks like the Wrinkle Free juice ($7) with honeydew, apple, kale, and lime. 2008 Greenville Ave., Dallas, hgsplyco.com
Catbird
This restaurant and bar atop the Thompson Hotel in Downtown, with both indoor and outdoor seating, gives guests a totally immersive city experience. The vibe is intimate, and the views are expansive. Cocktails like the nitro espresso martini ($18) and the Kyoto water ($16), made with vodka and clarified tomato water, shine, and the menu 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 feels like you have been transported to 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 is even reported to be haunted. Cocktails are simple, but classic, with go-tos like red and white sangria ($11), spicy margarita ($14), and French 75 ($13). A menu of shared plates, including 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 a meal. Sky Blossom is open for lunch and dinner, and offers 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 is the centerpiece of the space and 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, tinga chicken 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
