Dakota's Is An Underground Steakhouse Hiding Beneath A Big City In Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published January 18, 2019
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, this restaurant has closed since this article was written.
Most fine-dining restaurants are pretty similar. White tablecloths, fancy finger bowls, and waiters who fill your glass after every sip. Dakota’s Steakhouse in Dallas sets itself apart in the neatest way possible: it’s underground! Descend 18 feet below the surface for a culinary experience unlike any other.
Completely unassuming from street-level, this pillar is actually a canopied glass elevator. Customers ride it 18 feet below ground before arriving at the most unique dining experience of their lives.
The story of how Dakota's got its start is guaranteed to elicit a chuckle. Once belonging to a church, the site is bound by a clause stating no future owner can sell alcohol on hallowed grounds.
When plans for a restaurant were being crafted, the property company discovered a loophole in that deed. They decided to excavate the land and build a subterranean steakhouse, technically not violating the agreement.
Both indoor and outdoor seating allows guests to experience the atmosphere in entirely different ways. Complete with a 5-tiered water wall, lush greenery, lava rock fire pit, and black granite bar, you'll never want to leave this magical oasis.
The 1800-square-foot courtyard is recognized as the city's most romantic dining spot. Isolated from the rest of the world, it's an escape from reality and opportunity to focus on nothing but the person sitting across from you.
Only the finest USDA prime steaks are handpicked by the master chefs at Dakota's. Each cut is aged for a minimum of 28 days, resulting in a tender, juicy bite that's unlike anything you've ever tasted.
Both the lunch and dinner menu are only updated twice a year, so quality is never an issue. The freshness of in-season vegetables, herbs, and spices add subtle flavor nuances that elevate every dish.
Leaving without a slice of Dakota's Signature Coconut Cream Pie would be a cardinal sin. Served with fresh whipped cream, toasted coconut, and a caramel drizzle, it's the perfect grand finale to your underground dinner date.
