The buzz: Third in the Sawaree family, after Sawaree at Victory Monument and Sawaree Terrace at Coco Walk (Ratchathewi), Sawaree Society is their latest hangout and eatery. It’s currently generating a buzz thanks to its arty events designed to foster a community around it.

The décor: Giant windows surround this loft-like space involving lots of black steel beams, transforming this old shophouse into a cool spot with lots of exposed brick and bare concrete. The second floor is dedicated to an assortment of events, like exhibitions and film screenings. They also have a little terrace with low black tables and leather stools. Proper dinner seating inside.

The food: Lots of affordable, unpretentious Thai and inter dishes with spicy, strong flavors fit for a night of drinking, like salmon with spicy lime dressing (B150), stir-fried New Zealand sea mussels with black pepper (B180) and spinach ban (B120) —tasty fish balls stuffed with spinach.

The drinks: Standard beers, liquors and whiskies. As for cocktails, try to catch the lady owner, who is famously heavy-handed with her pours, especially with the signature cocktail, the Sawaree (B150). If you want to upgrade to wine, they have Chilean, Australian and American wines by the bottle only (B800-B2,400).

The crowd: Laid back and diverse professionals attracted to the jazz and other low-key music. Due to Sawaree’s relatively quiet location, you won’t find loud party animals here, just an after-work crowd of professionals. They also have free WiFi for those who can’t bear to be unplugged. Monruedee Jansuttipan