Reunion Tower has been an icon of the Dallas skyline, captivating visitors since its opening in 1978. Situated in downtown Dallas, the tower might not be the tallest in the city, but it is certainly the most eye-catching. Its shape has earned it the nickname “God’s golf ball”, making the building instantly recognisable from anywhere in the city. The tower really comes alive at night, with the 259 LEDs that form a dome around the top of the tower burning bright in the Dallas night sky. For special occasions, such as St Patrick’s day or when the Dallas Cowboys are playing at home, the lights change colour.
Dallas has seen a lot of changes in recent years, with many historic buildings being demolished, but the Reunion Tower has remained. At 171 metres tall, the views from its dome are spectacular. Climb up the 837 steps (a lift is available to zoom you up to the top in just 68 seconds) to the observation deck, situated on the lowest level of the three in the dome itself.
For some sky-high dining, head to the very top of the Reunion Tower. This rotating level gives you excellent views over the whole city, without having to get out of your chair. Austrian-born celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck opened his acclaimed fine-dining restaurant “Five Sixty” here in 2009, which showcases a modern combination of Japanese and American cuisine. The food here is not cheap and there is a fairly strict dress code in operation, but the stunning night-time vistas across Dallas and the quality of the food on offer make up for it.
If you’re on a slightly tighter budget, there are many alternative places to grab a bite in the area surrounding the tower. Have a drink at one of the many bars in the historic district and the main downtown thoroughfare of Elm Street and raise your glass to what could be described as the Empire State Building of the South.
