In the highly choreographed world of business lunches, the right restaurant is crucial in making a good impression. But it’s not just about the dining destination—the table you reserve says as much or more about your influence and intentions. Here are four Dallas power lunch spots and the bold-faced names who make them so. photography: Palomino, Nick & Sam’s, Mansion: Kevin Hunter Marple; Al’s: Elizabeth Lavin
| Restaurant |  |  |  |  |
| Power Position | Table 23 | Table 73 | Table 37 | Table 30 |
| Why | Situated toward the front of the main dining room, table 23 is for those who want to see and be seen. It seats eight people comfortably, 10 if you don’t mind getting cozy. The table’s front-and-center placement—close to the action of the bar and celebrity-friendly booths 20 and 21—draws plenty of attention your way, so save the private business talk for a more secluded spot. | This table seats smaller groups—four people or fewer. It’s located in the front of the restaurant, so the rest of your party won’t be able to miss you. And as an added bonus, table 73 is near the window. So not only will you get to enjoy sunlight and a view of the Crescent, you can easily keep a close eye on your Enzo. | You’ll find big shots doing big deals at table 37 in the very back of the main dining room. Situated far enough from the kitchen to eliminate noise while still keeping you close to the action, this round table offers you and your party some privacy and can accommodate anywhere from six to 12 diners. | The 125-foot, glassed-in veranda is the spot for lunch at the Mansion, and table 30 is the table within it to snag. Able to seat four to eight people and slightly tucked away in the corner of the dining area, it provides a private spot to discuss business or to merely take in the view of the room and its gorgeous architecture. With two arched walls of windows surrounding the table, it is flushed with sunlight in the afternoon. |
| Distinguished Diners | Jerry Jones and son Stephen, Todd Hamilton | McKool Smith principal Robert Goodfriend | Tom Hicks Sr. and Jr. (Table 37 was the site of contract negotiations with new Rangers manager Ron Washington.) | Manolo Blahnik, Caroline Rose Hunt |
