Here’s a closer look at Dallas/Fort Worth’s newest eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms, and other spaces available for events this fall. The new and renovated Dallas/Fort Worth venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings, and more.
Omni Las Colinas Hotel
Photo: Courtesy of Omni Las Colinas Hotel
Omni Las Colinas Hotel completed a property-wide renovation in June, including a redesign of all 421 guest rooms and suites, as well as enhancements to public spaces throughout the hotel. Across the property, curated artwork, textured and brass accents, natural woods, and nature-inspired hues blend inspiration from both Dallas’ serene surroundings and industrious spirit. This final phase of the revamp included the property’s largest event space, the 10,650-square-foot Las Colinas Ballroom, which accommodates 2,000 for receptions, 1,152 guests theater-style, 684 classroom-style, and 600 for banquets. Guests and planners can also choose from three new food and beverage outposts: the Texas-style LRH Restaurant & Bar, brunch spot Flossie’s, and gourmet market Over the Counter. In total, the property includes 80,000 square feet of event space, and AV assistance is provided through Pinnacle Live.
The Highland Dallas
Photo: Courtesy of The Highland Dallas
The Highland Dallas, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, completed a renovation in June that touched the guest rooms, lobby, and public spaces. The renovation is inspired by Dallas’ modernist architecture and cultural style, with hand-blown glass chandeliers and a terra cotta mural in the lobby and works by contemporary artists displayed throughout the hotel. The 204 guest rooms now feature large windows, neutral materials, and muted palettes. Elsewhere on property, planners can take advantage of 11,420 square feet of event space, a world-class spa, and Knife steakhouse.
The Joule
Photo: Courtesy of The Joule
The Joule unveiled the third and final phase of its multiyear renovation in September. Now, the 21-story, 160-room jewel of downtown Dallas features updated guest rooms, hallways, public areas, meeting space, spa, and more. West Tower rooms now feature design-forward decor like neutral hues, residential-style furniture, and striking artwork, while the 11,000-square-foot spa added an express facial bar and new treatments. In total, the hotel offers 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including a rooftop terrace, three ballrooms, three breakout rooms, and prefunction space. Meeting planning services ranging from on-site IT support to personalized menus can be handled by hotel staff.Â
The Terrace
Rendering: Courtesy of Vestals Catering
Vestals Catering, the team behind The Bomb Factory and The Studio, debuted a new event space in downtown Dallas in September. With features like a green room, floor-to-ceiling windows, a retractable roof, and a rooftop patio with skyline views, The Terrace offers a versatile, upscale space for a variety of event types. The venue accommodates 250 seated guests or 400 for cocktail-style receptions, and rentals include lighting, tables, seating, security, and an on-site venue liaison. Planners are welcome to use their own vendors or venue partners.
Sandman Signature Dallas-Las Colinas Hotel and Suites
Photo: Courtesy of Sandman Signature Dallas-Las Colinas Hotel and Suites
After five years of construction, the six-story Sandman Signature Dallas-Las Colinas Hotel and Suites opened its doors in Irving in September. Part of Star Park, the modern 204-room hotel features a mix of king rooms, junior suites, and one-bedroom suites. On property, guests can enjoy amenities like an indoor pool and hot tub, a 24/7 fitness center, complimentary parking, and a 750-square-foot meeting space that seats as many as 50. Accessible through the hotel, the new Tavern on Meridian offers a 6,635-square-foot, high-energy nostalgic dining concept serving hearty pub food like burgers, poutine, and Detroit-style pizza.
Avra Estiatorio
Photo: Samantha Marie Photography
With outposts in New York, Miami, and Beverly Hills, Calif., Avra Estiatorio opened its first Texas location at The Crescent in Dallas in September. In addition to favorites like Greek salad and dips, the menu specializes in seafood sourced from around the world, along with classic Greek dishes like whole grilled branzino, grilled octopus, and lamb chops. The restaurant spans 14,000 square feet, seats 350, and features private dining spaces and two patios to accommodate a variety of group sizes. Decor like vibrant greenery, 300-year-old planters, high ceilings, and light linens help create an airy feel.
The Mont
Photo: Samantha Marie Photography
In August, Fort Worth’s west side welcomed The Mont, a chic neighborhood restaurant that merges ’60s glamour with modern sophistication. Spanning 7,400 square feet, the space features a centerpiece bar that seats 30, along with 105 seats at tables in the dining room. The kitchen dishes out artistically composed interpretations of timeless favorites; think lobster hush puppies, red snapper ceviche, oysters on the half shell, Wagyu beef strip steak au poivre, and roasted monkfish.
Hudson House
Photo: Vandelay Hospitality Group and Samantha Marie Photography
Hudson House’s newest location opened in Frisco in July. The menu features the same signature dishes as the brand’s other locations, including the cheeseburger, raw bar with oysters flown in daily, and crisp, inventive, ice-cold martinis. With seating for roughly 175 diners, the 5,000 square foot restaurant matches the look and feel of the brand’s other locations, which incorporate elements like warm leather booths, a sit-down raw bar, and a large wraparound bar to evoke the feel of a European-style cafe in downtown New York City.
El Molino
Photo: Samantha Marie Photography
El Molino opened in October, bringing an elevated Mexican experience to Snider Plaza. The vibe in this 2,500-square-foot restaurant is moody yet sophisticated, with dark wood, accent lighting, tufted leather booths, and deep red carpeting. The intimate restaurant seats 83 in the dining room, along with nine seats at the bar. While wood-fired fajitas are the centerpiece of the menu, guests can also enjoy specialties like crispy corn tempura, jumbo crab and shrimp enchiladas, and brisket tacos. The beverage program includes a plethora of margaritas and hard-to-find tequilas.
Elaine’s Cocktail Kitchen
Photo: Courtesy of Elaine’s Cocktail Kitchen
July brought the opening of Elaine’s Cocktail Kitchen, a European-inspired restaurant and lounge in Downtown Frisco. The menu features shareable plates like buffalo deviled eggs, inventive spreads like lemon basil goat cheese and blue cheese mousse, and heartier dishes like grilled brie and apple sandwiches, all made with seasonal ingredients sourced locally. The beverage menu includes an artfully crafted mix of classic and creative cocktails. With a stylish look and feel inspired by the ’20s, the venue showcases velvet seating in bright shades of purple and emerald, marble surfaces, and vintage crystal chandeliers. Elaine’s seats 44 inside for buyouts, with additional bistro-style seating on the patio.
Norman’s Japanese Grill
Photo: Samantha Marie Photography
Open since August, Norman’s Japanese Grill reimagines a traditional raw bar with a Western flair. The restaurant’s open kitchen combines a traditional Japanese charcoal robata and an Argentinian-style wood-fired grill, and the unique menu spans options ranging from creative sashimi, handrolls and nigiri, to large cuts of grilled meat. The decor follows suit, with elements of both the American West and post-WWII Japan. Encompassing 3,100 square feet, the restaurant seats 70 inside and 35 on the outdoor patio.
Caché
Photo: Samantha Marie Photography
August brought the opening of Caché, a new cocktail lounge located above the historic S&D Oyster Company. While Caché is distinct in style, guests can access the 600-square-foot, 35-seat lounge via its own entrance or through the restaurant. In both decor and menu, the cozy spot is heavily influenced by French and New Orleans style, with vaulted ceilings, moody lighting, a wood-burning fireplace, and a balcony overlooking S&D’s courtyard. While the bar pours inventive cocktails and an expertly curated wine list, the kitchen serves delectable goodies like caviar service, charcuterie, deviled eggs with Creole filling and truffle pearls, and steak tartare with pickled strawberry jam.