Discover Design District's Hidden Networking Gems
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A grateful
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THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
At the 19th-floor of the Statler Hotel, a true Dallas icon, you find the exclusive indoor/outdoor urban oasis the Waterproof bar and pool. Here you can swim with an epic panoramic view of surrounding downtown Dallas and enjoy delicious cocktails and bites. Waterproof is open for everyone, but to access the pool you need to make a reservation for a cabana. As the sun sets the energy picks up with life DJ entertainment, bottle service and ever more impeccable views. There is also an outdoor resort-style pool on the 4th floor, called The Statler Pool, offering loungers, cabanas and a relaxing experience.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Perched on top of the classic hotel The Statler in downtown Dallas, the beautiful Waterproof is a pool bar by day and a rooftop lounge by night. Both stylish indoor lounge and open-air terrace, where the outside part offers both a refreshing rooftop pool and panoramic views over the Dallas skyline. Visit for sunny and relaxing afternoon cocktails, or come for the nightly, more swanky and vibrant atompshere. During the colder months, the terrace turns into Winterproof, with some really cool and cosy rooftop igloos.
Dallas Magazine
Ari’s Pantry An Italian-focused grocery-and-provisions store that opened on West Davis Street this winter. The first time we met Ari Lowenstein, he told us, “I opened this place because I was tired of driving to Jimmy’s.” His little shop doesn’t sell sandwiches or wine, but it has everything else, from top-notch imported meat and cheese to homemade tomato sauce. There are great pastas, jams, and even cookbooks. This fall, a new commercial kitchen will allow Ari’s to bake breads and sell take-home meals such as lasagna. Signature Offering: You can find everything you need to make your own pizza here, from homemade tomato sauce to hot salami—plus expert staff advice on topping combos. Got some pizza dough and leftover broccoli? They’ll help you find the perfect cheese. Secret Weapon: You might be offered a free bundle of fresh herbs with your purchase.
Paige
👀Enjoyed the lounge at Sweet Tooth and the art exhibit! 🎇 It's Showtime - Tropical citrus and pineapple combo that'll make sparks fly! 💜 My Whole Life is a Dark Room - Mescal base with some fruity notes and a shrunken head of course. 💚 The Beetlejuice - Our classic green cocktail with hints of melon, citrus, and pineapple (you'll wanna keep an eye out for this one 👁️). 🔥Headless Manhattan - Spooky twist on the espresso martini featuring pumpkin and flames!
Just Dallas Things
It’s not SMU Homecoming Weekend without a night out at Javier’s🍸 The staff is always extremely friendly and the atmosphere is so much fun! I’ve narrowed down my favorite menu items and they include (1) The Perfect Margarita, (2) Smoked Chicken Nachos, and (3) Cafe Pierre ~ this dessert drink is 🔥 (literally!) It’s made with Rum, Kahlua, Brandy, Amaretto liqueur, Coffee, and homemade Whipped Cream. It’s delicious & the star of the show every time✨ Minimum order of 2 but you won’t regret it! Oh and if you’re looking for something to try in the cigar room, go for an Espresso Martini and a Vanilla Cigar😘 What are your Javier’s favorites?
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hola bonitas
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Top Dining Spots in West Dallas: Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Places
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Just steps away from the American Airlines Center, Happiest Hour is a vibrant and spacious venue. In fact, it is the largest patio bar and lounge in Dallas. Offering 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor lounge, the prime spot for alfresco vibes is the stylish second floor rooftop, surrounded with impeccable views over Victory Park and the Dallas skyline. Packed with plenty of atmosphere, from the casual post-work and pre-game sessions, to more upscale late night vibes, the large rooftop menu comes filled with signature cocktails, wines on tap and more than 50 different beer selections.
STEPHANIE
Local Tap And Table is a Cajun restaurant in Dallas that sits on the Katy Trail. Most people know it for brunch, but they also have a really great dinner menu and a good vibe during the week! 🥂 They also launched new food items, and as always, everything was spot on. Some of my favorites were: 🦞 Fried Crawfish Ravioli 🍝 Pontchartrain Pasta 🥖 Crawfish Bread 🍜 Birria Ramen 🍹 Bacardi Mango Chile Fever Parking is free during the week! There’s a run club called runitup that meets here on Tuesdays! It’s free to join, but it does get packed, so if you want a more chill vibe, come any other day during the week! ✨
STEPHANIE
Social club in Dallas to network and make new friends: Dallas Book & Sip Club Our shared experiences and the perspectives written about in novels can provide a look into the bigger picture of people. Every month we invite new members to join our social club to read, hang out, and overall explore Dallas through books and bonding. 📖🍸
Kristy Mee
Cool and tenderhearted
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VICTORIA northtx.gemz
DRAKE’S HOLLYWOOD || DALLAS 🍸 🍒 WHAT THEY’RE KNOWN FOR: the coldest martinis, steaks, and pastas! They have a such a unique menu to choose from. 🍒 THE VIBE: old Hollywood vibes. They do have a dress code they would like you to adhere to but I find that they’re not actually strict about it. 🍒 PRICE: ~$90 + $20 tip 🍒 WOULD I COME BACK? Yes! Second time here. •••• Overall Rating: 11/10 - This is probably my favorite special occasion restaurant of all time because every time I come here I’m just obsessed with the food and ambiance! The service is always a 10/10 too. - They have the best martinis- my personal favorite are the French 75 (tastes like a light sparkling lemon drop) and the espresso martini WITH reposado tequila (you gotta ask for the tequila!). - Omg…. YOU HAVE TO TRY THE OZZY PIZZA. It’s absolutely delicious. The steak on it was cooked perfectly and this is the perfect size for two people or to share amongst a larger group so you can enjoy the other dishes. - The salmon crispy rice was pretty average but honestly I love any sushi and I was craving it so it satisfied my craving! - Overall, DRAKE’S HOLLYWOOD you’ll see me again!!! A classic old Dallas staple.
Networking Hotspots in the Design District, Dallas
The Design District in Dallas is teeming with opportunities for local networking. With its hip vibes and trendy atmosphere, it's no surprise that professionals and creatives alike flock to this area for socializing and building meaningful connections. Whether you're new to the scene or a long-time resident, here are some local secrets about networking in the Design District that can elevate your social game.
Networking Events You Can't Miss
Frequent events are the lifeblood of networking in the Design District. If you're looking to make waves, you should mark your calendar for 'First Friday,' a monthly gathering that brings together artists, designers, and business professionals. This event is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and the chance to network with some of the most influential people in the area. Another must-attend event is 'Dine & Deal,' a monthly dinner meetup for entrepreneurs and investors. These events are not just about exchanging business cards but about forging genuine relationships with like-minded individuals.
Trending Community Gatherings
If you’re more interested in ongoing opportunities to network, consider joining one of the local groups or clubs. The 'Design District Networking Circle' meets bi-weekly at various trendy locations, offering members a chance to discuss industry news, share opportunities, and collaborate on projects. Another trending group is the 'Creative Collective,' which pulls together artists, designers, and tech enthusiasts for collaborative workshops and social events. This group is a fantastic place to meet individuals who share your passion and can offer fresh perspectives on your projects.
The Socializing Scene: Bars and Cafes
The Design District in Dallas is also famous for its vibrant social scene, boasting many bars and cafes perfect for casual networking. 'The Meddlesome Moth,' a gastropub that has become a local favorite, is often buzzing with professionals unwinding after work. With an impressive list of craft beers and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to strike up a conversation with someone new. For a quieter setting, head to 'Ascension Coffee,' where the communal tables often encourage spontaneous discussions about everything from design trends to business strategies.
Insider Tips for Networking Success
Networking in the Design District comes with its own unspoken rules and local customs. Locals suggest that you always prepare an elevator pitch that's tailored to the creative and business-savvy crowd. Authenticity is key; people here value genuine connections over formalities. Don't forget to follow up on any leads or connections you make—sending a quick message through platforms like Kikihub can keep the conversation going and pave the way for future collaborations. Also, always be ready to share a little about yourself while being genuinely curious about others.
Nightlife: Networking with Cocktails
After a day full of meetings and events, the Design District’s nightlife offers a more relaxed environment for networking. 'The Tipsy Alchemist' is a hotspot where creative concoctions and relaxed vibes make mingling easy. If you prefer a more sophisticated atmosphere, 'Savor Gastropub' offers exquisite cocktails and a refined setting ideal for more intimate networking sessions. Lounge areas and rooftop bars provide ample opportunities to meet influential figures and expand your network.
Local Insights to Boost Your Networking
For anyone serious about networking in the Design District, understanding local culture is crucial. Engaging in local anonymous chats on Kikihub can provide real opinions and behind-the-scenes secrets that are invaluable. Get to know the unsung heroes of the community—bartenders, baristas, and event coordinators—as they often hold the keys to exclusive gatherings and can introduce you to the right people. Being in the know will not only elevate your social game but also provide you with insider information that can prove advantageous in your professional journey.
