Monarch

For non-alcoholic drinkers, few settings in Dallas are as striking as Monarch's 49th-floor perch inside The National building in the heart of downtown. The floor-to-ceiling windows frame a panoramic skyline that's hard to replicate at street level, and the kitchen's serious Italian cooking means you're not just there for the views. Crucially, Monarch treats its zero-proof program with the same craft attention as its full bar, rotating the mocktail menu seasonally so there is always something new—and priced accessibly at $10—for guests who aren't drinking alcohol.

Three drinks have earned press attention across multiple outlets. The Smoked Old Fashioned uses Lyre's Amaretti and Lyre's Highland Malt with black walnut bitters for a spirit-forward, smoky sip that mirrors the complexity of its boozy counterpart. The Icy Road is more delicate: verjus blanc, lychee water, and violet syrup poured over rosemary and hibiscus ice in a format that makes the ice itself part of the flavor. Seasonal offerings like Grapefruit Goddess and Purple Reign round out the rotating card. Wine director Nicole Nowlin oversees the broader beverage program, which is known for its deep cellar and thoughtful pairings.

Monarch sits firmly in the special-occasion tier—business casual dress is required, and a meal for two can easily run well over $200 before drinks. Reservations are strongly recommended; window booths require a per-person deposit applied to the final bill. That said, the bar and lounge area allows walk-in seating and offers happy hour Monday through Friday and Sunday, making it a viable option for guests who want the views and a craft zero-proof cocktail without committing to a full dinner. It's a strong pick for non-drinkers attending a celebration with a mixed crowd—you'll have something genuinely interesting to sip.