Monarch Park
Park · Fitzhugh-Capitol ·
Basketball court, playground with slides, swings, scenic views
Basketball court, playground with slides, swings, scenic views
"When visiting clients stay Downtown, treat them to the best views in the city. Evenings here start with a glass of sparkling wine and an elevator ride to the 49th floor, and the 24-seat Emerald Room is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that look onto the skyline’s lights. Monarch will customize menus, especially for larger groups, but it’s easy enough to order a bunch of shareable items a la carte. We like the 40-ounce bistecca alla Fiorentina, dripping in butter and jus, and the showstopper of a lasagna that’s been roasted in the wood-fired oven until the cheese sets into a molten crust." - kevin gray
"Even the elevator ride up to the 49th-floor restaurant at Monarch feels celebratory. They hand you a glass of champagne and off you go towards jaw-dropping views of Dallas from a Downtown perch. Dinner at this Italian-American joint-that’s-also-a-steakhouse is large and luxurious, including a caviar service with potato chips and warm blinis. There are gigantic, butter-slathered steaks and Italian classics worth passing around the table, especially the fork-tender, crackly veal parmesan that usually comes out about as big as a birthday cake." - nick rallo
"Monarch is known as the spot for a pricey night out, but it also has stellar Downtown views from the floor-to-ceiling windows that run throughout the restaurant. The secret is getting a booth in the back dining room next to the windows, so you can have the killer views all to yourself — although the views in the bar area, if you just want to stop by for a drink, are pretty spectacular too. Monarch regulars love the spicy rigatoni, and the chef’s tasting menu, which made its debut early in 2025, is worth checking out at this Michelin-recommended restaurant." - Courtney E. Smith
"This see-and-be-seen stop Downtown boasts excellent views, endless hotspot vibes, and a chance to get all dressed up in one’s finest to show off. This is the spot to land a reservation when a showy dinner is the order of the night, be it for a date, work dinner, or celebratory occasion. There is a tasting menu for $175 per person that changes seasonally (with a wine pairing for an additional $125). The menu is made up of fine dining faves: filet mignon, veal chop, wood-grilled branzino, king salmon, whole Maine lobster spaghetti, oxtail cappelletti, fire-roasted lasagna Diane, and a host of reserve A5 wagyu and dry-aged steaks. There is paid parking underground." - Courtney E. Smith
"Heads up: Someone might propose at the table next to you at Monarch. This is a spot for committed romantic partners, not couples looking to avoid awkward discussions better suited for a Netflix rom-com than a fine-dining restaurant. Perched on the 49th floor of the Thompson hotel, Monarch does most of the work for you, with scenic views, a stunning bar, and white tablecloths as far as the eye can see. You’re free to just be your charming self over Italian reds and charred octopus swimming in prosciutto broth and sherry vinaigrette. Split one of the massive dry-aged steaks, then consider getting a nightcap and dessert at Catbird, the good-looking terrace just 39 floors below." - kevin gray
