Kessaku has been on my list for a while. I'd gone for drinks but took advantage of Dallas Restaurant Week with the hope that we'd get to try some of the restaurants best items from the menu. They have made a fan out of me! The ambience was great. The service was excellent (Thank you Estrella!). The food was exceptional! First Course - MARINATED CUCUMBERS * This simple dish packed so much flavor. We ate every bite (and would've probably order another serving if we didn't have so much more ahead to try!) - SASHIMI * I believe we had Salmon, tuna, and hamachi. Each bite was delicious and in my opinion progressively tastier than the previous. Even my friend who's not a sashimi girl enjoyed! Second Course - MISO COD * This was a very generous portion of cod and we were both very excited about this option. While it was good, it was not my favorite item in comparison to the other menu items. - SPICY TUNA ROLL * I didn't find it spicy but it was good. - SALMON MISO ROLL * This was definitely the standout of the rolls! - KING CRAB ROLL (added as an upgrade item) * I really enjoyed this roll. I like that it was served with butter for dipping. To quote my friend it was like dipping crab in butter and I mean who can be mad at that?! Third Course - MATCHA TIRAMISU * As a matcha and tiramisu girl, I wanted to love this but it was a bit too bitter for me but I loved the concept and presentation. They were also very welcoming of the feedback and overall everyone was so welcoming and helpful from beginning (receptionist) to servers and other staff. We also were able to try to the Yuzu which was a delicious and another visually beautiful executed dessert. read more

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We had a nice evening at Kessaku due to the views! The service we received from Luis, was amazing. He was extremely attentive, charismatic, and polite. I would not recommend the tasting menu for the price, the sushi was sparse and just not as fresh or a large enough 3 course meal to substantiate $400 for 2 people (20% tip included) Drinks were good but also in the $20-$25 range for a standard bevy. Overall it was good not great, I came for my birthday and there was nothing written on the plate, no candle, or anything to make it memorable and recognizable. I'd potentially come back for cocktails but not for the food menu. Overall an enjoyable evening at Kessaku! read more

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Kessaku is a hidden gem in downtown Dallas. This place is amazing and has great views of Dallas. The atmosphere is very elegant but also casual. The staff were also great and were very friendly. The food is just amazing. Since we did the restaurant week menu it was a tasting but I definitely want to come back and try more. read more

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What a memorable night with break taking views from the historic observation deck. I valet at the National hotel. Once arriving you are greeted by the staff at the hotel and told to go to the 50th floor in the elevator. I walked out of the elevator and into Monarch which is apart of the Maple Hospitality Group. The hostess greeted me and told me to take the stairs to Kessaku. Lined with cherry blossom trees this lavish sake cocktail lounge was small but intimate. No more than about 10 tables and the bar. The staff were all friendly and checked me in to a small table with a view of the Dallas skyline. Sophia was attentive and suggested the lychee martini to start. I did the three course restaurant week menu for $59. This is from August 4-17th. It was such a great offer and perfect to fill you up. First course is cucumber salad and sashimi. Then 2 pieces of spicy tuna and 2 pieces of salmon miso roll. For my 2nd course I chose the miso cod. I also added the oyster shooter from the happy hour. It was served in a shot glass with ponzu sauce, so delicious. Everything was so good the cucumber salad was refreshing, the sashimi was fresh, and the miso cod melted in your mouth. I finish it off with the matcha tiramisu. I was told to take a walk after dinner for the sunset view and it happened to be the full moon as well, on the historic observation deck that wrapped all the way around the restaurant. It was so magical to be at the top and see it all. I had a wonderful evening and highly recommend the place. It was nice to know that they also have Maple and Ash in Miami. I had it in my list to try when I head back home to Miami. read more

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Went here for my mom's birthday and everything was delicious! The service was awesome (I'm sorry I forgot our main server's name but she was amazing) and everybody taking care of us were very attentive and sweet! Ambiance was very lively when we went, everyone was bustling and involved in their own conversations and we felt very nice and comfortable there! Overall amazing experience would return again! read more

Kessaku - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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Second time at this restaurant (to celebrate my birthday) and the service, food, and vibes are still good! There's valet parking available and the restaurant is easily accessible. Our waitress, Ashley, was amazing and very knowledgeable of the menu and drinks. We made it in time for happy hour so we started out with edamame, tuna tartare, and various drinks (saketini and my friend ordered a mocktail). We really enjoyed the edamame and tuna tartare was the perfect 2-bites! The sakatini was ok but I did end up with a drink worth having - scarlet letter - and it was delicious! For mains, we ordered the nigiri, sashimi, and all of the rolls (king crab, spicy tuna, salmon miso, and wagyu jalapeño). The nigiri was spot on but it only came with 4 pieces - not enough to share but you can - the sashimi was ok but the rolls were all great especially the king crab roll! I'll definitely return here as the restaurant has been very consistent! read more

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This place is heaven on earth for me ! Idk why, but when I'm here nothing else matters. The drinks, the food, the views, the vibes, the decor ! Just everything is dreamy ! We celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary here and everything was perfect as always. This is our fourth year celebrating here just the hubby and ! The only thing that I was not too pleased with this, time was the deposit for the window view on the 4th of July and we did not really get a chance to see the fireworks that well due to the fog on the windows. But we will be back. read more

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Beautiful spot, great view of Dallas, cute drinks, small menu, honestly only things I'd get from here is the tuna tartar & king crab roll. read more

Kessaku - Tuna T Una Tartare & Spicy Salmon Roll - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Stopped by Kessaku for a cocktail, and wow--what a spot. Sitting on top of the Thompson Hotel, it's got some of the best views in Dallas. There's a walkway that wraps around the entire top, so you can take in the city from every angle. Perfect for golden hour or just soaking in the skyline at night. Didn't stay for food this time, but the vibe was sleek and intimate, and the drink was great. Definitely one of those places that makes you want to come back for the full experience. If you're looking for a gorgeous view with a solid cocktail in hand, this is the place. read more

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I came to Kessaku for the second time a year apart and it was great yet again! Service and food are exceptional and I HIGHLY recommend king crab roll it is to die for! Loved everything read more

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Amazing view of downtown dallas. This romantic, dim lit, sushi spot is perfect for a date night or small group dinner. They do require reservations. The cocktails are delicious, recommend the ghost tequila margarita. The must have menu items- hamachi crudo, Wagyu shashimi or nigiri! read more

This was our second attempt dining at Kessaku. The first time, our reservation was removed due to a private event. We decided to give it another try for Valentine's Day, hoping for a better experience. We were greeted promptly by the host and taken to the bar while we waited for our 9:30 PM reservation. I ordered a martini, and although the blue cheese olives weren't stocked at the bar (they had to retrieve them from downstairs, which delayed the drink about 10 minutes), it wasn't a major issue. Our table was ready before my drink, so my husband went ahead to the table while I waited. The view from the 49th floor was gorgeous, the vibe was great, and our server, Ashley, was knowledgeable and kind. We ordered the Valentine's Day prix fixe experience and the first course arrived quickly. The food was exceptional, and we were truly enjoying ourselves. A few minutes into our first course, the host approached our table with another couple to seat them. There was visible confusion on both sides. After stepping away and returning, the host explained that our booth was intended to accommodate two separate reservations. The table was a single booth with two chairs on the opposite side and one candle centerpiece. There was no indication that it was meant to be shared. The other couple was understandably uncomfortable, and the host ultimately seated them elsewhere. We assumed the situation had been resolved and continued our meal. Shortly after, a gentleman who identified himself as a manager approached our table. Rather than offering a solution, he informed us that "there are rules here" and that we were not allowed to have the table to ourselves. His tone was abrasive and accusatory, as though we had done something wrong. We had no prior indication the table was meant to be shared, nor were we informed when seated. We offered a simple solution: move us to one of the visibly open two-top tables and reserve the booth for two clearly informed reservations. He refused, stating he had 24 reservations coming in and that we were disrupting the flow. After further discussion, he reluctantly said he would "see what he could do," but by that point, the experience was completely soured. We asked to close out and leave. The manager attempted to re-charge us for drinks we had already paid for at the bar, which added to the frustration. Ultimately, he told us to leave without charging for the first course. As someone who waited tables for 10 years, I understand how complex restaurant operations can be. However, this situation could have been easily avoided with clearer communication and better problem-solving. If a table is intended to be shared between reservations, there should be visible indicators, such as partitions, separate place settings, signage, or multiple centerpieces, and guests should be clearly informed when seated. Ashley, our server, was wonderful. This issue was solely related to management's handling of the situation. We ended up enjoying a fantastic dinner elsewhere, but unfortunately, this experience has permanently turned us off from returning. read more

I love taking someone here for the first time - you walk in, and the scene before you is not why you came. Grab a drink, and wander around the hallways enjoying some of the best views in the city. Yes, that is why we came! It's like two different venues. read more

Was so excited to try this spot but I was super disappointed by the service despite this being a pretty nice restaurant. We ended up waiting around 25 minutes just to get the check/speak with the manager and during this time a line had formed of people waiting for tables and since there is no designated space for them to wait they end up standing along the wall leading to them just staring at your table. By the time the manager got there we just wanted to leave so nothing was done. The king crab roll was the standout like everyone mentions but we also tried the wagyu asparagus and were a little surprised when it was only 3 pieces of asparagus. The asparagus also came out cold and I truly don't know if it was supposed to be cold or not since we had completely finished our 2 rolls by the time we got the asparagus. They also don't validate the valet parking at all which I thought was weird since other restaurants in the building do. read more

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Having been here a few times within the past year, I am very impressed with Kessaku. My first visit was following an awesome dinner at Monarch (one floor below); a friend and I stepped up here for post dinner cocktails. Considering it is a lounge, the vibe was energetic without being club-like and the amazing cocktails only added to that vibe. Add to that, are the amazing cityscape views. While there is window seating available, do not fret if those seats are taken as there is a space that wraps around the building which provide excellent views of the downtown and the surrounding areas. On this visit, we noticed they also have a nice selection of sushi and sashmi to accompany the various cocktails but since we had just dined, we skipped that part on this visit. Since my initial visit, I have returned for some of the Saturday afternoon events hosted at Kessaku which have been lots of fun. In addition to the fun times, these events have included an array of cocktails along with small bites; some directly from the Kessaku menu and others customized for the event. The food for the events (usually 3-4 courses) is always fresh and flavorful. The cocktails are tasty and always compliment the entrée. I highly recommend checking out their events! The staff has been phenomenal on all my visits. The servers do an excellent job of clearing plates, refilling water glasses, etc. and they do by being just visible enough. As for the bartenders, they do an awesome job creating some tasty beverages and do it while keeping wait times down. Kudos to them!! Kessaku is located downtown on the 50th floor of The National which also houses Monarch. Parking options included street parking, nearby garages along with valet which is shared with the other businesses in the building (Thompson Hotel, Monarch, etc) I really like Kessaku and look forward to future visits. read more

Very expensive so I didn't leave feeling full but everything we had was delectable:) Also the setting is one of a kind. Great views and it kinda feels like a speakeasy. read more

Kessaku is such a vibe. It's very New York-esque to me. Very intimate, good music, dim lighting. You can also take a walk around the restaurant and get either a 180 or 360 view of the city. Can't remember but either way it's gorgeous. The menu is very small, but they seem to put a lot of TLC into what is on there. I loved the surf and turf roll. The salmon roll was also good and the king crab wasn't bad, it was good but not my favorite of the three. The service was also good. read more

Kessaku - View of the city - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Exceptional! Loved the view, vibe, service and the food of course. I don't even usually like tuna but the spicy tuna was perfection. Great wine list. Loved the energy too! As a hotel guest it was extra great to have some later options for a bite and after dinner drink. Highly recommend. read more

Nice view. Great sushi Tried this restaurant on a Saturday night. It's not very intuitive getting to the location (you end up going up a dark staircase) but once you're there the view is quite cool, especially if you walk around the corridor. I would consider going back for drinks just for the view. My favorite was the sashimi and king crab. Only vl negative was that it is really warm if you sit next to the window and the tables closest to the window aren't the most comfortable. read more

Kessaku - Sashimi - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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I visited Kessaku for the first time this weekend with a group of friends to celebrate a birthday! Kessaku is a quaint little lounge with a limited food & drink menu (so I automatically assume what they do, they do well). My friend (the birthday girl) loves Kessaku and comes specifically for the King Crab Roll - I was so excited to try! We pulled up to the Thompson, used the valet, and were greeted with a delicious sparkling wine then escorted up the elevators to the restaurant. My first drink was "call me in the morning" I say this with my chest, if you do not enjoy mezcal do not get this, I did, I liked it. However, the rest of my party did not. We then ordered the wagyu asparagus, wouldn't get again, wasn't special enough to merit a second order. Now if you came exactly for the King Crab Roll, you will not be disappointed. It is delicious, it is everything you want it to be, it is more. I give this restaurant 4/5 because there are A LOT of luxury, fine-dining options in Dallas. This one isn't any better or worse than most. Just average. The drinks were okay, and the king crab roll was good. Will I go here again? Probably not? Should you go here? Maybe, don't come hungry. Ps- they won't split the bill for you so be aware of that beforehand, they don't tell you so. read more

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We're guest of the hotel, staying in the penthouse right next to the restaurant. We arrived 45 minutes before they closed and wouldn't allow us to come inside. They said there is a private event tomorrow. We are only in town for one evening and planned to come enjoy this food. They then said we were allowed to only come in to observe the "observatory" area. Where we saw children passed out in a booth with drinks in front of them. We also witnessed a woman puking out front of the restaurant. We had hoped to try the sushi, unfortunately we went back to our room and ordered room service. We will choose from the many wonderful sushi options in Dallas next time. read more

If you're looking to see downtown from above than this place is for you! It has beautiful scenario and an area to sit as well as walk around to get a better view. The music selection is fire and very much a nice R&B vibe. Our server was just okay. She didn't introduce herself properly and didn't inform us of any specials. I knew I wanted to eat and went to Yelp to check out some reviews and saw they had ramen on Tuesday's that she never mentioned. I order the pork belly ramen. It wasn't bad but doesn't come close Oni Ramen. The server never came back and asked how my food was and seemed too busy in face of a guy at the bar. Overall this seems better for a drink and vibes with no high expectations of service. read more

Kessaku - Pork belly Ramen - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Dallas, Texas

First visit here . We were staying at the Thompson so we made reservations for dinner. First always make reservations . It's such a small space and seems to fill up quickly. The food was delicious. We did the king crab roll, spicy salmon roll , and some type of jalapeño roll. My only dislike was the stranger sitting next to me with a cough. It's shared tables but doesn't seem like a good idea for dinner in such a small space . I would Like to try it again but I'll definitely ask for a private table . read more

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What a crazy disappointment! Was staying at the Thompson downtown Dallas and a group wanted to check out the views and enjoy this experience. We had a 630 reservation so we did get to see the views before the sun set which might have been the only plus. Once the sun set the light in the dining room was non existent to the extreme. Clearly they didn't want anyone seeing their food as every table had phones out with flashlights on just to see what they had in front of them. Started by ordering drinks and edamame and some tuna tataki which we figured would be pretty quick as we were all quite hungry. The edamame took about 30 min to arrive and the tuna app took at least another 20 min. We at this point had also already ordered the tower and some rolls. It was 8 by the time we received our tower which was so sub par. The only decent tasting item was the beef item as the sushi just tasted so overly fishy. Once the tower was completely finished there was another 20 min delay and then the other rolls arrived. Absolute WORST food delivery timing I have ever experienced. The staff was not very friendly or even apologetic when these concerns were pointed out. For the price and the hype, just a terrible overall experience. Save the sushi for a coastal city. read more

If you're looking for a boujee sushi restaurant with a view... look no further! Kessaku was featured in Dallas love list so my hubby and I decided to check it out! This is definitely a "fine dining" experience with a price tag to match. Supposedly the head chef is a Michelin chef or worked at a restaurant that had a Michelin star. The quality of the food is amazing and the lobster roll was to die for! Probably one of the best sushi rolls I've ever had and I've eaten my fair share of rolls in my lifetime. The restaurant is small, so my pro tip: make a reservation online in advance. The setting is intimate and very "date night" feel. It also gives speakeasy vibes due to the location of the restaurant. You have to take the elevator and then go up a flight of stairs. Very unique! However, if you're a baller on a budget like myself, this is one of those one and done type of places for me. read more

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I heard a rumor that there was $10 ramen on Tuesdays, so we came to check it out. You get special treatment the moment you walk in the door - sparking wine for your elevator ride. The restaurant is beautiful, and offers great views of the south side of the city. The restaurant is kind of hidden above Monarch, so you wouldn't know it's there unless someone tells you. It was practically empty on a Tuesday at 6:30. Started with the salmon and avocado roll ($18). Was fresh and yummy, just don't think it was worth as much as it's priced. I got the ramen with crab (extra $20) and my husband just the pork belly (the normal $10). Next time I'd just stick with the regular - wasn't worth the extra money for crab. Overall, pretty good though. I'd go back for the ramen. read more

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The food, the atmosphere, the drinks. Every thing was top notch! My wife and I really enjoyed the entire experience. Our first time visit was made so easy with the help of Alexis as our server. She explained the menu, was very attentive and provided great customer service. The views were really great as there is a 360 walkway. It made for a great night and we will definitely be back read more

Great drinks and decor, but the execution leaves something to be desired. You certainly pay a premium price for the vibes alone. The hamachi crudo and nigiri tasted good from their small menu. Our server was amazing, but she was the only one on the floor, which slowed service down. You are not required to dine at Kessaku to access the observation deck, which provides a stunning view of the city. I would go back for the sights, but I wouldn't dine a second time. read more

I've always been skeptical about fancy sushi "lounges" that are perched up in tall buildings, but this place definitely puts that stereotype to rest. Dined here a couple of times and have left with a satisfying night. The drinks are made with care and the sushi is delicious as well (despite a small menu). If you want to splurge and get a look at everything on the menu, look no further than the kessaku tower which will give you a nice look at all the great items on the menu. (P.S - It's still a lot of food even for 2 hungry dudes!). Service is friendly and prompt without any of the snobbery that you sometimes run into at such establishments. Make a reservation and go check this place out. Also a nice way to start your night out in the city :) read more

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Food was 5/5 amazing! Best sushi I've ever had. Service 3/5 our server was m.I.a. most of our dinner. Ambiance is beautiful! Perfect place for date night or a birthday. read more

Kessaku - Bottom King Crab Roll Top I can't remember! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Dallas, Texas

I was excited to visit Kessaku after seeing such rave reviews. The ambiance of Kessaku is worth five stars if you get a window seat. You'll get a gorgeous view of the Dallas skyline and wow - it's impressive. The sound? It's a bit loud - you've got club music blaring and you're forced to yell at your tablemate (intimacy is a thing with the closeness of seats, but not the conversations). This unfortunately makes it not so ideal for a date. The drinks are incredible. The mixologists know exactly what they're doing with their craft. The desert rose is earthy and lightly sweet. The fifty shades is the choice for those who prefer fruitier drinks that don't taste like alcohol. The food. I was excited for the sushi because it was coming from a Michelin star chef. The sashimi was absolutely to die for and I wish I'd have just gotten sashimi everything. It melted like butter and never needed anything. The rolls that were recommended were not sushi... The king crab roll. You're told to cover it with butter. The butter helped calm down the smothering of truffle oil in the roll. I couldn't taste the crab. Everything. Tasted. Like. truffle. Oil. It was horrible. The spicy salmon roll was decent, but the random panko crumbs felt like they were just thrown on. The sashimi is the way to go here... The rolls are so... White-washed to not taste the fish. *sighs* read more

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We made a reservation at 9:15 and didn't get seated until 9:50ish. It was a Saturday night and the food did take some time to get to us, which is understandable. Everything we ordered was delicious, even the edamame! read more

Kessaku - Top left: Spicy Salmon Roll Top right: Sashimi Bottom left: King Crab Roll Bottom right: surf n turf roll - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Dallas, Texas

One of my favorite spots for a quick bite. Beautiful views, beautifully prepared food, great ambience. I felt welcomed by everyone. My must go to when I'm in Dallas. read more

Pros: +The sushi truly was so fresh and delicious. I was skeptical it would be worth the prices and it was! +The building was beautiful and upon entering you were given complimentary champagne/sparkling wine. It was a nice touch. +The views from the restaurant and even the bathroom are awesome. +There was a former NFL three time Super Bowl winner sitting beside us. +Sally, manager, did her best to help salvage our night from a negative encounter with the hostess. +Ashley, server, was kind and wonderful. read more

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Cocktails are excellent and ambiance is sexier! Recommend the Lychees martinis and any of the dishes to try read more

First time at Kessaku and had one of the most amazing experiences. Arriss/our server was most attentive, naturally!!!! She knew her stuff and we bought in 'Hook Line and Sinker. She really made this late night dinner one of our most memorable experiences. read more

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Really cute sushi bar that top of the Monarch building in Downtown Dallas. There's also a connecting observation deck to walk around get an even better view. There's always a fun vibe, great playlist and delicious drinks. The sushi menu is petite but solid. Good for dates, solo drink and groups. read more

Kessaku - Tower - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Dallas, Texas

fancy! fancy! fancy!! grab a date, a friend, an anyone and check this place out! 10s across the board for this place. service 10/10 ambiance 10/10 food 10/10 drinks 10/10 and did i mention the view??? make a reservation to sit at the window and watch the sunset i ordered the king crab roll with the truffle butter and it did not disappoint!! read more

I enjoyed my outing in this place. Its upscale so level set your price sensitivity accordingly, but aside from being on the 48th floor of the building the vibe and music was more relaxed than expected! (Still a dress code tho) I enjoyed the hell out of the throwback playlist they had going in the place and the view from the window seating is stunning. The rolls i sampled in this place were both stellar. So good we told them to run the order back! I think the rolls came with butter I didn't even know i needed until i did. Also ask for eel sauce, spicy mayo and chili oil if you're up for the challenge and ensure to bless each bite accordingly. The drinks were also very smooth, but you get what you pay for there. The service was a tad slow for the first round, but the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. If you're looking for bougie sushi, u gotta tap into this one! read more

Kessaku - King Crab Roll & Spicy Salmon Roll. Both exceptional. Pair with eel sauce, chili oil butter - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Dallas, Texas

March 2023 Speechless.... Took myself on a date to Monarch to celebrate the end of my work trip and was casually directed to head a floor up to this amazing speakeasy-ish establishment for a full view of the city, amazing drinks, and better company. They lied! Because literally everything is above and beyond here, including the bartenders, and most definitely the ambience. I was still full from the lobster pasta at Monarch, so I only had libations. Started with chilled sake, and ended with the One Punch Man. In between we had a couple shots of chilled Hennessy to keep it spicy . This bar has outlets to charge your device. Service: 5/5 Prices: $$$$ Ambiance: 10/5 Taste/Textures: 5/5 Value: 5/5 Bottom Line : This is a beautiful spot for a date night, a girls' night, even for a solo traveler, like myself ( it's super easy to meet new people here). Drinks are expensive, but worth every penny. Looking around with the sexy ambience and perfect curation of music along with the view of the city is mind blowing. This place is truly a must see for yourself! I can't spoil the rest of it for you... read more

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