Brian Nagele
Despite its infamous role as the city where JFK met his demise, Dallas, Texas, has a reputation for being a modern, white-collar metropolis with a lively cultural scene.
Of course, if John F. Kennedy’s untimely death is what draws you to Dallas, you can visit the Sixth Floor Museum to transport you back to that unfortunate day in 1963. You can also pencil in a trip to art museums or catch a Dallas Cowboys game.
Dallas’ nightlife and restaurant scene are on par with its upper-class demographic, offering a variety of great options for evening happy hours or late-night fun.
Best Rooftop Bars in Dallas
- Happiest Hour
- HG Sply Co.
- Quarter Bar Dallas
- STIRR
- Sundown at Granada
- Terilli’s
- The Henry
- Waterproof
- The Gallery Lounge
- Sky Bloosom
- Te Deseo
- Upside West Village
- Wits End
- The Green Room
- The Pool Club
- The Clover Club
- Harlowe MXM
If you’re looking to enjoy a cocktail al fresco, I have compiled a list of the best rooftop bars in Dallas to complete your Dallas itinerary.
Happiest Hour
2616 Olive St, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 972-528-0067
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With a name like Happiest Hour, you can bet that they boast the best happy hour in Dallas.
Located in the Harwood District in Victory Park, Happiest Hour is a massive restaurant, bar, and beer garden with a glorious outdoor lawn, four bar areas, and a large rooftop deck.
They have over 50 beers on their menu, along with craft cocktails and a dinner menu. Their exclusive rooftop menu features a small list of cocktails and an abbreviated beer selection.
I felt feisty and ordered the Horny Water made of Hornitos tequila, topo chico, and lime juice.
HG Sply Co.
2008 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
Phone: 469-334-0895
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HG SPLY Co. is a friendly, Texas-chic American food restaurant with a lively rooftop patio in the Belmont neighborhood.
HG SPLY Co. is dedicated to serving organically sourced, fresh, and simple dishes that benefit your health and the environment.
The rooftop has its menu of elevated bar fare and craft cocktails.
I was there in the summer, so I opted for the Frozen Mule, which takes a healthful approach by using ginger kombucha instead of ginger beer to pair with vodka, lime, and simple syrup. It helped me digest my order of vegan queso, chips, and avocado.
Quarter Bar Dallas
3301 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Phone: 972-777-0789
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Featured in Zagat, the Dallas Observer, Culture Map, and D Magazine, the Quarter Bar Dallas is a favorite Uptown haunt for a festive, NOLA-style party.
The interior is a dive bar with old-school wood-carved furniture, and Mardi gras beads hangin6g from antique chandeliers, opening onto a circular rooftop balcony.
Thrillist raves about Quarter Bar’s frozen booze pops, but they have a full menu of bar fare for snacks and dinner, plus a late-night menu.
I couldn’t resist a plate of sweet and savory Cajun Fries with a mixture of regular and sweet potato fries tossed in Cajun seasoning with Remoulade dipping sauce.
STIRR
2803 Main St #110, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 214-983-1222
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Located in the hip Deep Ellum district, STIRR is a fashionable yet friendly neighborhood restaurant with a fabulous rooftop patio for enjoying the sunset or stunning views of the downtown Dallas skyline.
Every Sunday at 3 pm, STIRR has a rooftop party Called Sundaze with live DJ sets. They offer lunch, brunch, dinner, and drinks with a great New American menu.
I loved their selection of flatbreads like the Italian Sausage or the Garlic Chicken Alfredo to pair with my martini.
Sundown at Granada
3520 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
Phone: 214-823-8305
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Named after the historic theater next door, Sundown at Granada is a farm-to-table restaurant, live music venue, and bar with multiple outdoor patios.
A favorite Lower Greenville haunt for over ten years, Sundown at Granada is a charming Texas country chic hangout spot dedicated to everything local, from food to music to waitstaff.
I went for a boozy brunch to enjoy a spicy bloody mary and a Texas-style Skillet Brisket Hash and Eggs.
Terilli’s
2815 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
Phone: 214-827-3993
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Owned and operated by the Terilli family, whose story started in Italy and ended in Dallas by way of New York City, Terilli’s has been the pride of Greenville since 1985.
Terilli’s has a refined yet welcoming atmosphere, serving both authentic and creative Italian-Texas fusion dishes.
They serve classic Italian multi-course meals but are known for their Italian-style nachos, called Italchos.
I made a plate of Italchos, topping crispy pizza dough chips with ricotta, basil pesto, veggies, and shrimp.
The Henry
2301 N Akard St, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 972-677-9560
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The Henry is a high-end New American bistro, rooftop bar and lounge, and morning espresso bar in Uptown Dallas.
The interior is a gorgeous vintage Texas-chic space with plush cowhide leather booths and thick wood tables.
They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main dining room, while the rooftop is open for happy hours, nighttime festivities, and weekend brunches. I went for their happy hour to get a 25% discount on a bottle of wine.
Waterproof
1914 Commerce St 19th floor, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 469-776-3702
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Located in Downtown Dallas’s posh Statler Hotel, Waterproof is the 19th-story rooftop pool deck with a lively, hip poolside bar and grill.
You can lounge poolside with a cocktail in hand or dine while enjoying birds-eye views of the Dallas skyline.
Their creative craft cocktail menu changes seasonally. I was there over the winter break and ordered the comforting Figgy Pudding with bourbon, Benedictine, Allspice Dram, and caramelized fig syrup.
The Gallery Lounge
1325 Botham Jean Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
Phone: 214-778-6777
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A picturesque rooftop lounge in Dallas’ elegant Canvas Hotel, The Gallery Lounge has a stunning infinity pool for you to float on by day.
At night The Gallery Lounge turns into a stylish cocktail lounge with stunning views of downtown Dallas from the Cedars District vantage point.
They serve drinks and small plates for light lunches, happy hours, and late-night fun. I found their light and flavorful shrimp ceviche to be the perfect afternoon snack by the pool.
Sky Blossom
1514 Elm St #611, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 469-313-1524
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Overlooking Pegasus Plaza in downtown Dallas, Sky Blossom is a vibrant, modern Vietnamese eatery and cocktail bar.
They put a modern twist on classic Vietnamese dishes and fuse local flavors and dishes into the mixt to create a unique dining experience.
They’re open for lunch, happy hour, and dinner from Monday through Friday, making them a favorite spot for young professionals.
I loved their Vietnamese-style tacos, like tempura-fried shrimp tacos with sesame rice in a seaweed shell.
Te Deseo
Harwood District, 2700 Olive St, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214-646-1314
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Another massive Harwood District concept restaurant and bar, Te Deseo is a multistory, indoor-outdoor Latin-inspired locale for tropical cocktails and delicious South American dishes in a hip and modern atmosphere.
There are four bars, multiple indoor dining rooms, and a spectacular rooftop lounge. The rooftop cocktail menu is a creative mix of tropical cocktails from the Caribbean and Mexico.
Their Mambo #5 frozen margarita with pineapple liqueur, lime, and chicha morada with a splash of spicy, tangy chamoy was incredible.
Upside West Village
2950 Cityplace W Blvd, Dallas, TX 75204
Phone: 214-522-2929
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A favorite cocktail party spot, Uptown’s Upside West Village is a rooftop cocktail lounge and chef-driven fine dining restaurant with the best views of the downtown skyline.
They are a trendy spot for happy hours, bachelorette parties, and romantic dinners for two. Their creative cocktails are named after famous Old Hollywood stars.
I enjoyed the Rita Hayworth, with gin, Aperol, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup to accompany a plate of delicate crab rolls with hickory-infused aioli.
Wits End
2724 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 214-552-3365
Wits End is a funky, colorful dive bar with a casual rooftop patio in the heart of Deep Ellum. The interior is scrawled with graffiti and adorned with neon lights, serving cheap alcohol and beer to the young adult crowd.
The bar menu is on an old-school marquee board, offering a selection of around 20 draft beers, a modest cocktail menu, domestic canned beer, and cheap frozen drinks.
Live music and DJ sets occur most nights of the week, so grab a cheap Tecate and head up to the roof between sets.
The Green Room
2715 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 214-748-7666
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A classic Deep Ellum haunt with years of serving young professionals and the older crowd alike, the Green Room is a fun, casual bar and gastropub.
The Green Room has a lively and welcoming interior with three different bar areas and a spectacular rooftop patio for enjoying cocktails and delicious bar food al fresco.
Their refined, modern takes on classic bar fare have everything from cornmeal encrusted mushrooms to extravagant burgers. I recommend the Texas Short Rib Poutine with queso, Dr. Pepper gravy, Oaxaca cheese, and chives.
The Pool Club
1445 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: 469-359-7700
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The Pool Club is a true urban oasis on the roof of the hip and stylish Virgin Hotel Dallas, with incredible views of the Museum District, International Center, and Trammel Crow Park.
The Pool Club is a lush pool deck with cozy day beds and a cocktail bar by day. By night it’s a red district risqué music party with DJ sets and live music.
I wanted to beat the Texas heat, so I got a top-shelf margarita to sip poolside.
The Clover Club
2404 Cedar Springs Rd Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 469-691-0299
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Located in Uptown, The Clover Club is an edgy yet elegant cocktail bar and lounge with an unbeatable atmosphere that will create a memorable nightlife experience.
There’s a large stage for live music performances or themed parties with awesome lighting. There’s a different music and entertainment lineup each week.
I went for a lively night out on the town with friends. Their Devil Wears Prada cocktail was as fashionable as it sounds, adorned with sugar floss and gold glitter.
Harlowe MXM
2823 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 214-624-3310
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Voted one of Dallas’ best rooftop bars by Thrillist, Harlowe MXM is a hip New American restaurant and bar in the heart of Deep Ellum.
Their high-end food and lively, bustling atmosphere make them a favorite dinner, lunch, and brunch spot. Their modern and clean rooftop has hardwood floors, bar height tables, and live music performances.
They use the finest spirits to make their classic cocktails, sticking to simple mixes that showcase the quality of the alcohol. I loved the Mezcal Paloma, a classic mix of mezcal, grapefruit juice, and soda.
Final Thoughts
Dallas’s large white-collar business population calls for a high-end and fun selection of happy hour spots to blow off steam after a long workday.
Whether you’re visiting or a thirsty local, you can enjoy great cocktails with spectacular views of Dallas’ elegant cityscape at any bar, restaurant, or pool deck on my list of the best rooftop bars in Dallas.
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!
