Five Sixty Dallas: Wolfgang Puck’s Iconic Sky‑High Dining Legacy
A View to Remember: The History of Five Sixty
Opened in February 2009 atop Dallas’ landmark Reunion Tower, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck quickly became the city’s premier sky-high dining destination.
The revolving restaurant—named for its 560-foot elevation—offered panoramic views across the Dallas skyline while serving Puck’s signature Asian-influenced New American cuisine.
Designed by EDG Interior Architecture + Design, the space balanced elegant zen-like decor with bold skyline drama.
Food critics lauded its inventive menu: pork-belly dumplings, spicy tuna tartare cones, Michelin‑style quail, and expertly crafted sushi.
Sky‑High Celebrations and Loyal Fans
For over a decade, Five Sixty was a hotspot for birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, and corporate events—hosting over 700 engagements annually. A Redditor fondly recalled the “quality of food” and “unique ambiance” despite the premium price:
“I was really impressed … it was actually delicious and totally worth the price tag for the entire experience.” reddit.com
Pandemic Closure and the End of an Era
Sadly, like many establishments, Five Sixty was forced to close in May 2020 during the COVID‑19 pandemic and never reopened.
OpenTable officially lists the restaurant as “permanently closed,” marking the end of a celebrated chapter in Dallas’s culinary history.
What Replaced Five Sixty? Enter Crown Block
In spring 2023, Reunion Tower introduced its newest culinary chapter: Crown Block, helmed by Elizabeth Blau and Chef Kim Canteenwalla of Blau + Associates.
- The menu focuses on steak and seafood, featuring Texas and Japanese wagyu, sushi, raw bars, and a premium cocktail and wine program.
- Unlike its predecessor, Crown Block no longer spins, opting for a dramatic, stationary space to highlight views and guest comfort.
- Dining now spans two floors: the 18th holds the main restaurant, while the 17th houses a rotating private event space .
Comparing Two Eras at Reunion Tower
| Feature | Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck | Crown Block (Blau + Associates) |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Year | 2009 | 2023 |
| Cuisine | Asian‑fusion New American | Steakhouse, seafood, sushi |
| Dining Experience | Rotating dining room | Stationary main floor, rotating event floor |
| Notable Features | 560 ft elevation, Zen-style design | High-end steaks, regional seafood, wine bar |
| Closure Reason | COVID‑19 pandemic (May 2020) | — |
Legacy and the Future of Skyline Dining
The closure of Five Sixty marked the end of an era—a 14-year run blending gourmet food with dizzying views. Its legacy lives on in Crown Block, which retains the breathtaking vista but offers a bold new aesthetic, menu, and atmosphere.
Crown Block aspires to become a Dallas landmark, providing unforgettable experiences without the spinning gimmick .
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Five Sixty permanently close?
It closed in May 2020 due to the pandemic and never reopened. - What is Crown Block?
It’s the new steak and seafood restaurant that opened in spring 2023, taking over Five Sixty’s space in Reunion Tower. - Is the new restaurant still rotating?
No—the main dining room remains stationary, with only the private event floor retaining rotation. - Can you still enjoy skyline views?
Absolutely—the panoramic views remain central to the dining experience. - Why did they stop the spinning feature?
Owners prioritized a fixed layout for amenities like plumbing and centralized bar access without motion disruption.
Conclusion: From Revolving Legacy to Elevated Experience
Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck earned its place in Dallas history for combining culinary craft with sky-high views.
Though it’s closed, its spirit remains elevated—now reimagined by Crown Block, which continues the tradition of noteworthy dining atop Reunion Tower, showing that while the era may spin out, the view will always endure.
