Inside Scoop: Networking Events in Downtown Dallas
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?
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.
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.
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. 📖🍸
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.
See also
Top Dining Spots in West Dallas: Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Places
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.
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.
Discover the Best Networking Events in Downtown Dallas
Networking in Downtown Dallas has rapidly evolved, offering professionals a dynamic mix of events and gatherings that blend business with the vibrant local culture. For those looking to make meaningful connections while enjoying the unique ambiance of Downtown Dallas, we've curated a list of top local secrets that can enhance your networking experience.
Top Spots for Networking and Socializing
When it comes to effective networking, location is everything. Downtown Dallas boasts a variety of venues known for fostering professional connections. The Joule Hotel, for instance, offers a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for high-end business discussions. Their rooftop bar, boasting panoramic city views, creates an ideal backdrop for both casual and formal networking.
Meanwhile, The Statler Hotel, a revived 1950s haven, offers a blend of vintage charm and modern amenities. Regular meetups are hosted in their spacious lobby area and the chic rooftop lounge. These venues provide not only an inspiring environment but also make it easier to strike up conversation with fellow professionals.
Trending Community Gatherings
One highlight of the Dallas networking scene is the variety of trending community gatherings that cater to different industries and interests. The Dallas Business Club hosts monthly mixers that draw top-tier executives, offering a structured environment for networking while enjoying culinary delights from renowned local chefs.
For tech enthusiasts, The Dallas Startup Week is a must-attend event. It is an annual celebration featuring workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions. This week-long event attracts a wide spectrum of professionals, from budding entrepreneurs to seasoned investors, all eager to share insights and collaborate on new ideas.
Insider Tips for Effective Networking
Timing and approach can significantly impact your networking success. One insider tip is to arrive early at events. This tactic not only allows you to choose the best spots but also makes it easier to engage in meaningful conversations before the crowd builds up. Another local secret is to frequent places like the Ascension Coffee in the Design District. Here, morning meetups often blend the best of both worlds – coffee and casual networking.
For evening gatherings, the Midnight Rambler bar within The Joule Hotel is a popular spot for after-work drinks and vibrant discussions. It's a haven for those who prefer a laid-back approach to networking over a crafted cocktail.
Networking through Local Insights
One outstanding feature of Downtown Dallas is the community-driven approach to networking. Platforms like Kikihub offer an invaluable resource by providing access to local anonymous chats. This unique feature means you can gain real opinions and secrets shared by locals who know the ins and outs of the scene. This makes it easier to identify which events to prioritize and offers a deeper understanding of the networking landscape.
Another local secret is the power of volunteer-driven events like those hosted by the Dallas Regional Chamber. These events not only provide networking opportunities but also offer a sense of fulfillment as you contribute to community betterment. They are often less formal but equally impactful in forging strong professional relationships.
Networking Nightlife Spots
Don’t overlook the vibrant nightlife that Downtown Dallas has to offer when planning your networking activities. Places like Happiest Hour and The Standard Pour are fantastic for informal meetups with a social twist. Featuring a mix of live music, craft cocktails, and a buzzing atmosphere, these spots are perfect for relaxed conversations and spontaneous networking.
The local insights reveal that the best networking happens when professionals are comfortable and enjoying themselves. Therefore, taking advantage of Dallas’s eclectic nightlife can enhance your networking endeavors. Regular happy hours at Coraline Bar are the stuff of legends among local business circles, known for drawing in a diverse crowd of savvy professionals.
Upcoming Networking Events
Staying updated on upcoming networking events can be your ticket to success. Mark your calendar for the weekly Dallas Networking Mixer held at the Omni Dallas Hotel. This event is specifically designed to connect entrepreneurs and business leaders over cocktails and panoramic city views.
Another noteworthy event is the Real Estate Networking Social, hosted at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. This social event gathers industry professionals, offering a unique opportunity to mingle with leading real estate investors, developers, and professionals in a relaxed yet professional setting.
