A popular cocktail lounge in Bishop Arts has closed and has been turned into an event space, a decision that has caused mixed reactions among the public. 

Casablanca, previously called a “grown and sexy” hangout spot by the CEO of the restaurant and bar’s operator, was located in the heart of the artsy Dallas neighborhood. It offered Moroccan and Mediterranean-inspired dishes and six karaoke rooms in the back of the space that acted as a “singeasy” named Casanova. 

The popular cocktail lounge was from a company called Exxir Capital, which is behind what The Dallas Morning News previously called “some of the most gorgeous dining rooms in Dallas.” Paradiso, an Italian restaurant with a breezy courtyard, and cocktail lounge Bar Eden are some of the spots under the company’s belt. 

The company reintroduced the Casablanca space in a March 6 Instagram post as “Villa Paradiso,” Paradiso’s private-event villa. With a “beautiful indoor-outdoor space,” Villa Paradiso was designed for celebrations of all kinds, the Instagram post said. Villa Paradiso is a block south of Paradiso and Bar Eden.

“From birthday soirées and bridal showers to brand activations, rehearsal dinners, and unforgettable gatherings, Villa Paradiso offers a stunning setting just steps from the heart of Bishop Arts,” the post said. 

In the comments, some expressed their dissatisfaction with the change. “Bring back Casablanca. Dallas doesn’t need another event space,” one user wrote. Another said: “Will miss Casablanca. Don’t know why they would do this.” 

There were some in favor of the new change, however. One user wrote “Obsessed” with the heart-eye emoji, while another said “Wowza, y’all killed it! Absolutely stunning!!!”

The News reached out to Exxir Capital by phone and email Monday morning but did not immediately hear back. 

Casablanca originally opened in October 2021, and its menu, which was full of shareable dishes, included sweet potato dumplings, lamb kabobs and kofte. Cocktail options were frozen piña coladas, a boozy Moroccan tea service, and an alcoholic play on a mango lassi.