HISTORY AND BACKGROUNDDakota’s was established in 1984 and has been a downtown Dallas dining icon for over 35 years. Dakota’s unique underground location has an interesting story behind it. It is located one level below street level on a section of real estate that was once occupied by the Dallas First Baptist Church. There is a legally binding clause in the deed that prohibits any future owner from selling alcohol on former church grounds. Because “on grounds” and “below ground” are two different terms, and because Lincoln Property Company wanted a restaurant to anchor their international headquarters, land was excavated and the restaurant was placed 18 feet below street grade. The restaurant is decorated with a hand-cut Italian Carrera marble floor in a basket weave pattern, dark wood paneling, brown leather, marble trim, and New Orleans style brass gas lamps. There are authentic art deco lamps and mirrors located in the back of the restaurant and stately classical wood columns – salvaged from an early 20th century beaux-arts Dallas home – topped with Corinthian capitals that rise above the bow-shaped bar topped with green marble. The large French doors allow sunlight to stream through giving the dining room warmth and light. Customers ride down to Dakota’s in a canopied glass elevator accessed from street level while viewing the 1,800 square-foot subterranean courtyard. This cool oasis is complete with a 5-tiered granite water wall, multi-tiered landscaping, lava rock fire pit, and black granite bar. Dakota’s patio has long been considered one of the city’s most romantic dining spots. It is also a perfect venue to host a large business dinner, rehearsal dinner, holiday party, etc. So why “Dakota’s”? The name was chosen in homage to the eight million pounds of Dakota mahogany granite that was used throughout the restaurant and Lincoln Plaza.