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Plan a Dinner Party with Views of the Dallas Skyline

By Mac Hernandez

Over the years, the shape and silhouette of a city’s downtown often become its brand. The historic structures and their iconic shapes tell a story about its people and culture. One Texan city’s silhouette is recognized around the world. Some folks call it Big D. Others call it the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

For some it was the classic TV show Dallas, with its catchy tune and infamous characters, that gave the city’s skyline its popularity. The shimmering Reunion Tower and entourage of neon-lit buildings have drawn people to Dallas from all around the world.

Downtown Dallas is perfectly framed by the neofuturistic Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge arching into the city and edged by the family favorite Klyde Warren Park. There are few cityscapes that capture the imagination like the Dallas skyline. It has become an amazing backdrop for event planners needing a one-of-a-kind venue for dining and meetings. 

One location with exceptional food and an amazing view is SĒR Steak + Spirits. Sitting high atop the Hilton Anatole, SĒR has floor-to-ceiling windows and private dining rooms that promise to make an impression. And we don’t just mean the views. The steaks, chops and fresh seafood paired with handcrafted cocktails keep people coming back for more.

SĒR has four rooms that can be used individually or transformed into a large space for receptions. Saddiq Mir, director of food and beverage for SĒR, explains how some people can use the rooms (perhaps one room for a luncheon and the other for presentations). They can accommodate 50 to 200 people.

“We have a board room that seats 12 to 16 people with incredible privacy and incredible views,” Mir says, adding the restaurant can provide screens, lights and places to plug in for your event. “It’s way better than sitting in a banquet room staring at walls.”

Another great view of the city can be seen from Klyde Warren Park. The park has become a popular attraction in the area that connects uptown Dallas to downtown. With events and food trucks—and because it is walking distance from the art district and museums—the park has been a sensation since it was completed. Lark on the Park restaurant opened its doors around the same time Klyde Warren debuted. Annie Shamoon, director of sales and special events says, “Lark was the first restaurant down here. Others have opened up since, but we were the first.”

As soon as you step inside the Lark, you’ll notice large windows with city views on one side and artist impressions on the other. One of the unique things about the restaurant is the giant blackboards that double as walls. Each season, the restaurant invites seven different illustrators to come in and create an original chalk drawing.

The food is considered continental or contemporary American cuisine, with a seasonal menu and hors d’oeuvres for standing and mingling events. For meetings or groups, parties of up to 24 can utilize the private dining room. Larger groups can be accommodated by turning the area into a cocktail space with tables and chairs. And for even more space, a restaurant buyout is available. “We have events here almost every day. It’s a popular space,” Shamoon says.

On the other side of the city you can find a view like no other. But you’ll have to go up 560 feet to do it. Nestled into the iconic, glowing globe called Reunion Tower is Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, featuring a private meeting and dining space called Cloud Nine.

Senior Catering Sales Manager Lauren Eck with Five Sixty explains the unique space: “We’ve got the floor-to-ceiling windows on Cloud Nine that is very unique,” says Lauren Eck, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck senior catering sales manager. “Nobody else in the city has the view that we have. The floor rotates, so we get a 360-degree view of the city while they dine. And we have LED designs in the ceiling looking like clouds.”

Rental comes with glassware, china, tables, votive candles and lounge furniture. For presentations, you can utilize a microphone that hooks into the house system. There is a TV screen on the side of the bar that can display logos to brand an event.

Eck says people are often surprised to find out that the historic tower has event and meeting space. The venue can seat 200 and accommodate up to 275 reception-style. There are partitions for breakout rooms.

Cloud Nine options include the popular Asian fusion of Five Sixty or a custom menu from Wolf Gang Puck’s Catering. “We do a little bit of everything—Chinese, Japanese, the sushi bar, we have some Indian dishes,” explains Patton Robertson, Five Sixty’s executive chef. “It’s pretty much Asian food, all encompassing.”

Event planners spend a lot of time trying to hold the perfect meeting. Now think about having a perfect backdrop for it: the Dallas skyline.

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