13 of the Best Dallas Rehearsal Dinner Venues
As the saying goes, "everything's bigger in Texas," so when you're planning your Dallas rehearsal dinner, you might have some big expectations. Worry not—because the third largest city in the Lone Star State has many neighborhoods and entertainment districts in which you can find private event spaces perfectly suited for this type of pre-wedding event.
You'll want to keep the time of year of your Dallas wedding in mind when planning your rehearsal dinner. With an average daily temperature of 65.4 degrees Fahrenheit year-round according to Visit Dallas, certain seasons (namely the spring through the fall) may give you the opportunity to have an evening event al fresco. In the winter, temperatures can drop low—especially at night—so an indoor celebration may be more appropriate.
Overall, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex's rehearsal dinner offering can satisfy everyone from those with large guest counts to those with large appetites. In this guide, we've laid out some of the best locations within the city. The variety of options includes restaurants with private dining rooms and hotels that double as event venues. Continue reading, and you just might find your perfect venue.
Carte Blanche
It's all about intimacy at award-winning restaurant and bakery Carte Blanche. The boutique restaurant specializes in using only Texas products and prides itself in paying extreme attention to detail. Because the restaurant is small in size, for private events, the maximum capacity is 30 guests (25 comfortably). Carte Blanche does not offer AV services, but the service level and quality of food here make up for that fact. It boasts a five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, a rating reserved for "outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities." The restaurant offers six-course and nine-course dinner menus, with options for wine by the bottle or wine pairings.
Saint Rocco's
Saint Rocco's New York Italian is an upscale-casual eatery from restaurateur Phil Romano and executive chef Jay Valley. Both are first-generation Italian-Americans, and the restaurant takes inspiration from their family dinner tables growing up. On the second floor of Saint Rocco's, the Trinity Room is available for private events. The space can accommodate groups as large as 180, and it offers unobstructed views of the Dallas skyline. Additional features include a private bar, two large TVs, original artwork by Romano, a private entrance, private bathrooms, customizable lighting and more. There's also Rocco's Rooftop, which is available upon request for couples interested in an open-air affair.
Fachini
Another homage to Italian-American dining is Fachini. The fine-dining setting is a wonderful Texas rehearsal dinner option. For your event, you'll choose from Fachini's menu, which is made up of antipasto, salads, pasta dishes, house specialties, sides and desserts. Start off your celebration with Texas wagyu carpaccio and lobster ravioli before moving on to dishes like veal parmigiana, chicken al limone and flounder piccata. Elevate these dishes with seasonal cocktails like the Proper Espresso Martini and the Spaghetti Western. Finally, end your evening with carrot cake, molten chocolate or tiramisu. Fachini can accommodate various group sizes, with custom event options.
The Henry
In the heart of Dallas, The Henry is a restaurant and a Texas wedding venue. Evoking "a blend of Gatsby-era elegance and modern industrial cool," as described on its website, the interior spaces inside The Henry include a private dining room and an upstairs bar. The private dining room is ideal for rehearsal dinners. The space is located on the second floor, it can hold up to 48 guests seated and it's equipped with a 72-inch TV and a wireless microphone. A cozier option for seated events with up to 40 guests is a buyout of the rooftop patio. This area boasts fire pits, overhead string lights, views of Uptown and more.
El Fenix
Mexican restaurant El Fenix hosts wedding events ranging from engagement parties to bridal showers/brunches to rehearsal dinners in Downtown Dallas and Irving, Texas. El Fenix's team of experienced professionals will help you plan, coordinate and execute all aspects of your event, and you can order from the banquet menu or create a customized menu that suits your needs and budget. The Dallas location can seat up to 110 guests; it features free parking and a rooftop patio overlooking the city. All reservations require a $500 room fee, and there are several banquet menus to choose from.
Jalisco Norte
At Jalisco Norte in Turtle Creek, chef José Meza serves up modern Mexican cuisine made from fresh ingredients. For private events, Jalisco Norte has two spaces—the Treehouse and the Mask Room. Inside the Treehouse, which has a capacity for 90 guests seated, you and your guests can enjoy gourmet dining and fine wine as you look out on beautifully lit oak trees. For more intimate rehearsal dinners, the Mask Room holds up to 40 and is embellished with mask art and heavy drapes. Dinner packages range from $50 to $75 per person and include family-style starters, a first course of soup or salad, entree selections, Mexican white rice and refried beans for the table, and dessert. Jalisco Norte has bar packages for two-hour and three-hour events.
The Westin Dallas Downtown
If you'd prefer a hotel venue over a restaurant, look no further than The Westin Dallas Downtown. The hotel can handle all of your wedding weekend events. It features an award-winning culinary team, dedicated catering staff, 21 event rooms and 34,709 square feet of event space. For a one-of-a-kind experience, the hotel's Texas Presidential suite can be reserved for a private dinner for up to 30 people. With corner penthouse views, a dining room table, a full kitchen and furniture, it would be a rehearsal dinner experience unlike any other. There is also the on-site restaurant, Grill & Vine, with a private dining room for up to 20 guests. The eatery has thrown everything from showers to rehearsal dinners to corporate events.
Meso Maya
Meso Maya offers "a culinary adventure into the fresh, bold and earthy flavors of authentic interior Mexico." Over the past decade, it has received several accolades from D Magazine, including "Best Regional Mexican Cuisine" (2015, 2018 and 2019), "Best Brunch" (2016) and "Best Chef" (2015). The acclaimed establishment has locations in Dallas, Fort Worth and Plano. For your rehearsal, you'll choose from one of three dinner menus, with prices starting at $32 per person, or create a custom menu. House or call drinks of margaritas, wine, liquor, imported beer and domestic beer are charged on consumption.
Warwick Melrose Hotel
Warwick Melrose Hotel—another hotel option in the Uptown Oak Lawn neighborhood—is a storied venue designed by American architect C.D. Hill and built in 1924. The hotel doubles as a special event and wedding venue, and the experienced staff is happy to assist with planning your wedding rehearsal. The on-site event rooms (spanning over 12,500 square feet) are the newly constructed Turtle Creek Grand Ballroom, the Foyer, the Warwick Crystal Ballroom, the Bridewell Suite, the Oak Lawn and Terrace rooms, Cedar Springs, Pool Side, the Landmark and the Library Bar. Perks of celebrating here include customized catering, personalized planning assistance, access to in-house A/V equipment and more.
Cane Rosso
Cane Rosso has six locations within the DFW area: Deep Ellum, White Rock, Carrollton, Frisco @ The Star, Arlington, Fort Worth and North Dallas. The Italian eatery specializes in Neapolitan-style pizzas made from the highest quality ingredients available. Also on offer are a selection of pastas, salads, sandwiches and desserts. The team at Cane Rosso loves throwing events, and you can utilize a private room or the entire restaurant for your rehearsal dinner depending on your guest count. The Deep Ellum location can seat up to 62, the White Rock up to 45, Fort Worth up to 36 and Carrollton up to 50.
Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse
Declared one of the nation's finest steakhouses by the Food Network, Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse features U.S.D.A. Prime hand-cut beef prepared using a method dating back more than a century. The restaurant also serves wild game and seafood. Here, you can host a private party for groups of 20 to 300 guests, with custom and all-inclusive packages available. The team will work with you to design a menu suitable to your guests' palate and your budget. Y.O.'s facilities include two full-service kitchens and two full-service bars.
Ozona Grill & Bar
With locations in Dallas and College Station, Ozona Grill & Bar offers patrons a comfortable atmosphere, homemade food and a variety of drinks. The American restaurant features can't-go-wrong dishes like onion rings, spinach artichoke dip, homemade chili, burgers and more. For your rehearsal dinner, Ozona's Dallas location has 3,100 square feet of event space, reasonable room fees and minimal food and beverage requirements. As an added bonus, there are no additional staffing fees for bartenders or servers. The venue is ready to assist you with your event needs, like parking, valet and talent for the evening.
Buca di Beppo
Authentic Italian dishes are served up family style at Dallas's Buca di Beppo. The restaurant hosts all sorts of wedding-related events, such as engagement parties, bachelorette/bachelor parties, bridal showers and rehearsal dinners. For a dinner, you'll be delighted by Buca di Beppo's "relaxed eclectic décor," delicious food and attentive staff. Multiple group dining and bar packages are available, and the establishment is eager to work with guest lists both small and large. Prior to booking, Buca offers couples a free consultation to ensure your event will be one to remember.