Let me offer something different. In downtown Dallas, at the triangular intersection of Ervay, San Jacinto, and Akard, there is a hole in the ground. At street level there is an elevator with a valet standing outside the golden doors, under an awning that says "Dakota's." Along the north side of this hole is a waterfall. At the bottom is a elegant patio with outdoor subterranean dining. They also have indoor dining below the streets.
It's more expensive than most of the suggestions so far($40 for an 8 oz , filet mignon, $14 for a side of Mac and Cheese with aged white cheddar and black truffles) but it has fantastic food. It's the kind of place that has waiters who only have one or two tables. On busy nights you should make a reservation.
They have a nice website at
http://www.dakotasrestaurant.com including a small video of the view from the elevator as you look at the waterfall on your ride down from street level.
And there's this
Quote:
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Dakota's unique underground location has an interesting story behind it. It is located one level below street level on a section of real estate that was once occupied by the First Dallas Baptist church. There is a legally binding clause in the deed that prohibits any future owner from selling alcohol on former church grounds. Because "on the grounds" and "below ground" are two different terms, and because Lincoln Property Company wanted a restaurant to anchor their international headquarters, land was excavated and the restaurant was placed 18 feet below street grade.
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Maybe it's just because I spent so much of my time in and around that church in my youth, but there's something about Dakota's serving alcohol "below" former church property that just makes it all the sweeter to me.
