Texas has an incredible amount of natural beauty - so much so that we sometimes forget how beautiful manmade creations can be. From enormous cities with towering skyscrapers to quaint, historic downtowns, our state has no shortage of sights to see. What if you could get a panoramic view of an entire city at once? Guess what - you can. Here are 8 restaurants with rooftop dining that will take your breath away as you watch the city come alive with lights and color when the sun sets.
1. Five-Sixty by Wolfgang Puck (Dallas)
(Note: as of September 8th, 2020, Five-Sixty is permanently closed). Five-sixty is a modern Asian restaurant located 560 feet (hence the name) above Dallas' horizon. It has floor-to-ceiling windows in a revolving dining room, offering 360-degree views of the city. Try interesting combos like this "surf n' turf" sushi with steak, and finish with the famous chocolate souffle (yes, at an Asian restaurant - trust me on this one).
2. Chart House (San Antonio)
Located in the historic Tower of the Americas, Chart House offers a panoramic view of the gorgeous Alamo City from 750 feet high. Enjoy some delicious seafood like this shrimp and crab fondue or scrumptious peach-bourbon glazed scallops and shrimp. The restaurant is downtown, so you'll be within walking distance from the famous Riverwalk and other attractions such as the Alamo.
3. Reata (Fort Worth)
This restaurant is pleasing to all the senses with its delicious Southwestern-inspired food and beautiful rooftop view of downtown Fort Worth. It's cowboy inspired, so you'll find real artifacts from Roy Cooper and the movie set of "Giant" as well as food from Creole, Southern, and Mexican cultures fused together. The most famous dish is the beef tenderloin tamales pictured above. They also have plenty of traditional steaks and interesting Tex-Mex options like Stacked Chicken Enchiladas.
4. Republic of Texas Steakhouse (Corpus Christi)
This steakhouse is located on the 20th floor of the Omni hotel, so it offers breathtaking views of the beautiful Corpus Christi bay. All your favorite cuts of meat from ribeyes to filet mignon are served here, made from only the finest quality beef. There are plenty of chicken and seafood options as well if red meat isn't your cup of tea. Whatever you choose, it would be hard to be disappointed with a view like this complementing your meal.
5. The Uptown Social (Georgetown)
You won't find another restaurant like this one in Central Texas. Uptown Social combines the atmospheres of a classy restaurant and casual bar, all while offering affordable prices and unbeatable views. This 4,000 sq. ft. wrap-around terrace has private balconies and 360-degree views of historic downtown Georgetown and the San Gabriel river. Their specialty is New York Style Pizza, handmade in an old-fashioned brick oven. It doesn't get much better than that.
6. The Corner Bar and Grill (College Station)
You won't find your typical college kid Easy Mac and ramen noodles here. Instead, you'll find juicy half-pound burgers, buffalo ranch chicken tacos, and queso fries (yes, that's a thing. A delicious thing). Kick back and enjoy your meal in the relaxed, bar-style rooftop terrace while looking out at the Aggieland nightlife coming to life before your eyes.
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7. Iron Cactus (Dallas)
(Note: as of September 8th, 2020, Iron Cactus is permanently closed). This three-story, contemporary Mexican restaurant has been serving modern Latin fare inspired by various regions in Mexico for more than 18 years. It's also in the top five tequila bars in the country, serving over 100 different types. Their menu includes sizzling fajitas (or fajita nachos, pictured above), a southwest paella with jalepeno sausage, brisket enchiladas, and even more delicious, interesting combos that fuse Texas and Mexican flavors together in ways that no other restaurant has thought to do. The view of the gorgeous lights of downtown Dallas at night is just the icing on the cake (or the queso on the nachos, I should say).
8. Spindletop (Houston)
Sit high above the hustle and bustle of the fourth largest city in America and enjoy a delicious seafood meal with a Southwestern flair. Located on the 34th floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Spindletop serves interesting dishes like Ancho BBQ Glazed Salmon (pictured), Sweet Corn Polenta Ravioli with Shrimp, Seafood Mac N' Cheese, and more. Gaze out the glass windows while you eat and take in the 360-degree view of downtown Houston as the dining room revolves.
Have you ever been to a rooftop restaurant in Texas? What was your experience like?
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