Imagine knocking the scratchy PA system and all of those pesky chalkboards out of your elementary school and adding a minimalist bar, Big Sur-style natural-wood details, and a garden patio with enough lighted trees to keep even a third-grader enchanted. Congratulations, you have just mind-melded with the folks behind Saint Ann, the circa-1927 elementary school redo on the corner of Harwood and Moody now open for nibbles, surprisingly unfussy meals, and cocktails.

The decor is wicked fun. An old schoolhouse rehabbed and polished, the interior features blonde wood beams on nearly every surface, breaking up the exposed brick walls that echo the building’s iconic exterior, and a glass floor — odd, as there’s nothing showcased below it but some sand and stones — serves as a focal point for the entry and bar area. At the bar, the schoolhouse theme is carried through in the the naming of the drinks on the creative cocktail menu, itself printed on wide-ruled notebook paper. Cocktails ranged between $9 and $12, and a thoroughly extensive wine list was reasonably priced, as well. The food wasn’t bad, but not really worth “writing home about” either.

Its walkability to the American Airlines Center make it a good pre- or post-event option, as well… but be prepared to wait! This spot is HOT

Link: www.saintanndallas.com