Romantic & INTIMATE

If Gable and Lombard had been looking for the great romantic escape, their search could have ended at one of these spots. Who needs Hollywood for romance? Even if you are just searching for an intimate gathering place, your options are endless.



Laurel’s atop the Sheraton Park Central Hotel and Towers offers the only roof-top dining and cocktail lounge in North Dallas. A sweeping view of the downtown skyline is supplemented with soft music by a harpist-if that’s not romantic, what is? 12720 Merit Drive. 851-2021.

Gershwin’s offers live jazz music nightly with an emphasis on, what else?, George and Ira Gershwin’s lively American tunes. The setting features a somewhat traditional fern bar atmosphere in one room and a livelier art deco wine bar for the more aggressive bar crowd. 8442 Greenville Ave. 373-7171.

Longtime Dallas favorite Arthur’s is known for quiet steak dinners followed by live entertainment in the masculine, yet friendly lounge adjacent to the dining room. 8350 N. Central Expwy. 361-8833.

Imagine spending a quiet evening in the den of an elegant English country home and you’ll understand why Dallasites enjoy the Library in the Melrose hotel. As you listen to the piano music you’ll expect Winston Churchill to drop by for an after-dinner cigar and brandy. . .3015 Oak Lawn. 521-5151.

Nana Grill is another roof-top retreat that features a view of the skyline. The oversize paintings and elegant artwork from the personal collection of Trammell Crow surround you without distracting from the terrific view of the city. 2201 Stemmons Frwy. 748-1200.

Top of the Dome is still a must for tourists, but there is no better place to scope out the rotating scenery of the city and all its finer points. Your waitress can even sell your out-of-town guests a T-shirt. 300 Reunion Blvd. 651-1234.

If down under is more your style, then Dakota’s is the place for a romantic rendezvous. Underneath a downtown street, the sleek interior has intimate dining alcoves with a view of an outdoor terrace with a beautiful waterfall and al fresco cocktail area. 600 Akard. 740-4001.

The intersection of Mockingbird Lane and Central Expressway isn’t known for its nightlife offerings, but Harper’s Corner atop the Dallas Hilton lends a spectacular southbound view of downtown amidst a mirrored art deco backdrop. 5600 Central Expwy. 823-9180.

When the Mansion on Turtle Creek opened nine years ago, Dallas socialites and serious businessmen flocked to the city’s most elegant watering hole. They’re still here. 2821 Turtle Creek. 526-2121.

The recently remodeled Den at the Stoneleigh Hotel is a cool, dark oasis in the middle of Oak Lawn. The drinks are strong and the crowd runs the gamut from hotel guests to local political and business leaders. 2927 Maple. 871-7111.

Encounters. This only sounds like a Steven Spielberg flick. Lots of neon and high-energy music with a terrific view of downtown and North Dallas. In the Doubletree Hotel Campbell Center. 691-8700.

Papillon lets you fly away to live piano music nightly with various combos performing each evening after 8 p.m. 9330 LBJ Frwy. 699-9788.

Farfallo’s is North Dallas’ elegant answer to dining. With its subtle lighting and terrific post-dinner cocktails, this quiet hideaway appeals to a sophisticated crowd. 12900 Preston Rd. 387-0369.

Gabriel’s isn’t your typical hotel lounge. Soft piano music and a subtle crowd yield quiet conversation without the usual hubbub found in hotel bars. In the Summit Hotel. 2645 LBJ Frwy. 243-3363.