There's a new bar opening in one of Dallas' hottest club districts. Called Saaya, it's a new spot from Milkshake Concepts (Vidorra, Harper's, The Finch) opening at 2511 Swiss Ave., and will debut this spring.

According to a release, Saaya will serve as an escape from the urban hustle bustle; Saaya means shadow, shelter, or refuge in ancient Sanskrit.

It'll sit next door to Citizen, the glitzy nightclub that Milkshake relocated to Deep Ellum in 2019, with a synergistic plan to feed off each other, making for a lively night on the town or else a tranquil setting for late-night cocktails and shared plates. The group also opened Harper's, their upscale restaurant in the Epic building, one block away in 2021.

"With both Citizen and Harper’s nearby, we felt a venue like Saaya - with its unique offerings - would be a welcome addition to the neighborhood," says Asim Sheikh of Milkshake Concepts in a statement. "Saaya delivers that same energy, but with the refined and relaxed approach of an oasis in the middle of downtown. There’s nothing quite like it in Dallas and we can’t wait for our guests to indulge in our newest experience."

It's also across from Bottled Blonde, one of the most successful bars in Dallas, and is in the middle of the so-called North Good Latimer District, an unexpected club zone in a neighborhood just east of downtown Dallas, straddling Good Latimer Freeway, between Live Oak and Elm streets, that has drawn a number of high-profile bars.

Saaya will offer live entertainment, including private karaoke suites and also traditional hookah.

They'll also do food. The menu will feature mezze – small Mediterranean-style tapas meant to be shared with family and friends.

Dishes will include

• Lebanese Caesar Salad with Chopped Romaine, Goldened Zaatar Croutons, Pickled Red Onions, Tahini Caesar Dressing
• Crispy Cauliflower with herbed tahini, pine nuts, capers, Hawayej spice
• Beef Shawarma Bites made with Lavash Bread, Tahini, Red Onion, Tomato, Cucumber, Sumac, Parsley

They will also bake fresh Manakish – Lebanese flatbreads – in a variety of options.

The bar program will feature two signature cocktails: 43 Shades of Gray, with Gray whale Gin Crème de violet, Licor 43, allspice, and lemon; and the Pompeii Passion, with Ancho Reyes, passion fruit, coconut, and lime.

Decor at the authentic Mediterranean feel to ensure the nearly 5,400-square-foot space is Mediterranean, including an expansive patio, rich and colorful fabrics throughout the interior, and a lush native greenery and foliage in the outdoor space.