On a recent business trip, my colleagues and I stayed at the Adam's Mark Hotel in downtown Dallas. While we had a rental car, we didn't want to venture too far from the downtown area for dinner. We found Sambuca not a five minute drive from our hotel and had dessert there the first night and dinner the second.

Sambuca is an eclectic restaurant with urban chic furniture, brocade wall hangings, a giant Buddha in the bar area, and great jazz musicians performing most of the night. Somehow, it all comes together nicely to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that both the couple nuzzling in the corner and our own business party found enjoyable. The patio area looks like it was designed by Thom Filicia on Queer Eye with chocolate colored furniture swept over by awnings of cream colored fabrics and lighted by dozens of candles. The interior is red, black, and chocolate, including the recessed lounge areas of the bar. Banquettes line the walls in the dining area and there appeared to be a few small private dining rooms behind large curtains. Accordingly, the crowd was young and urban; mostly people in their 30s and early 40s still in their business suits and the young 20-year-old girls who dig them. There's a dress code in the dining area, but apparently this doesn't apply for the patio or bar, which all wrap around each other and are hard to delineate.

The food was very good: not excellent, but better than average. Everyone at the table enjoyed their selection, from well grilled fish to nicely sautéed vegetables to a medium rare steak that was actually served medium rare. Menu selections were fairly diverse and offered something for both the meat and potatoes guy and his gulf shrimp with mango chutney date. The wine selection was above average with quite a few nice offerings in the glass. Their storage area in the bar offered a window onto several bottles worthy of display. Desserts were very good: poached pear, chocolate mousse, and an excellent sabayon (zabaglione). Dessert drinks were also very good, including a nice selection of spirits and drinks made with espresso. The service was courteous and attentive.

The entertainment was excellent. The jazz band were local celebrities, but I forget their name. The singer sounded like Steve Earle most of the night, but could also do a nice baratone on the blues pieces. They played for more than three hours with short breaks. Much better quality music than I usually expect in a restaurant unless that's their specialty.

Prices were well matched to the atmosphere, food, and entertainment. Dinner for three including appetizers, entrées, desserts, and espressos all around plus a bottle of wine was roughly $275 without tip. The steaks and lamb chops were around $30 per entree, but lighter fare was more towards the $18-20 side. I suppose two people could dine for less than $100 if they skipped the wine and chose their meals carefully.

As my colleague noted that night, "it is nearly perfect" for those looking for something close to downtown with a comfortable atmosphere, good food, and great entertainment.