Isaac-Rae hides cave-like cocktail bar behind Williamsburg coffee shop

Rybtorg, a boutique seafood shop and raw bar, has opened in Moscow's affluent Patriarch's Ponds area, offering a unique blend of fresh seafood and a hidden wine lounge. Designed by Russian-born, British-educated designer Yuna Megre, the establishment reimagines the traditional fish market into a sophisticated culinary experience. The primary retail space features a galley-style setup, showcasing Japanese oysters and scallops sourced from Russia's eastern Primorye region, alongside a curated selection of spices and pastas. The interior design of the market area incorporates whitewashed brick and scalloped tiles, ingeniously chosen to evoke the texture and appearance of fish scales, creating a thematic and immersive environment for shoppers. A distinctive feature of Rybtorg is its clandestine wine lounge, accessible via a small staircase located at the back of the seafood shop. This intimate space offers a stark contrast to the bright and open market, providing a cozy and exclusive ambiance. The lounge is adorned with imported Indonesian wood details, adding a touch of exotic warmth and luxury. Cushioned window nooks invite guests to relax and unwind, while tabletop marble ice baths are strategically placed to keep beverages perfectly chilled. A striking ceiling installation made of perforated armor sheets serves as a focal point, contributing to the lounge's unique and sophisticated aesthetic. This dual-concept establishment successfully merges the functional aspects of a seafood market with the refined experience of a hidden wine bar, catering to a clientele seeking both quality products and an elevated dining or social experience. #Moscow #SeafoodShop #WineBar #InteriorDesign #YunaMegre #BoutiqueRetail #RestaurantDesign #LuxuryDining

Uncle Wolfie's Breakfast Tavern, a new restaurant and bar located at 234 E. Vine St. in Brewers Hill, is set to open its doors on Monday, Dec. 17. The establishment is the culmination of a decade-long dream for husband and wife team Wolfgang and Whitney Schaefer, who envisioned a casual dining spot where a love for food and communal meals could flourish. The restaurant will offer a menu of creative breakfast and lunch dishes, complemented by a selection of cocktails. The journey to opening Uncle Wolfie's began in 2015 when the Schaefers acquired the historic Miller Brewing Company tied house. Their initial focus was transforming the building's second floor into their family residence. Following this, they launched Orange and Blue Co., a home decor boutique featuring a curated blend of vintage and modern goods. The breakfast tavern represents the third and final phase of the property's revitalization, which brings an end to its nearly 40-year vacancy. For the restaurant's design, the Schaefers collaborated with 360 Degrees, a design and build firm known for its work with several city restaurants. Whitney Schaefer highlighted their desire to source many design elements themselves while relying on 360 Degrees for structurally sound components like the bar and tables, and for ensuring functionality and compliance with city regulations. Ryan Foat, project manager at 360 Degrees, described the project as a "from scratch" endeavor, noting the extensive work required to transform the space from a mere root cellar and implement modern hospitality elements, including HVAC systems. The design strategy honored the building's historical identity as a tied house, with the bar serving as the central focal point, designed to appear as if it had always been there. The current bar's footprint mirrors the original. Historical nods are evident throughout, from the light fixtures to a penny tile rug surrounding the bar. Repurposed elements include original hardwood flooring, wainscoting, and tin ceiling tiles meticulously restored by Wolfgang and installed above the bar. Foat emphasized the restaurant's intention to embody the hospitable and comforting atmosphere of old neighborhood establishments. The quartz-topped bar, seating 14, anchors the 40-seat restaurant, which also features banquette-style seating for 26 guests along the east and south walls. The interior boasts an eclectic bohemian aesthetic, with warm yellows and cool grays that complement the Cream City brick walls. A strong connection exists between the restaurant and the adjacent Orange and Blue Co. through decor items from local Milwaukee female artisans. Examples include custom cushions behind the banquettes, fabricated by Vanessa Andrew of Madam Chino using custom fabric and Loom House antique rugs, and hung with leather straps by Jess Goehner of Directive. Espresso mugs by Kim Eckroth of Covet & Ginger and ginger-colored wallpaper from Chasing Paper are also locally sourced, adding texture and a blend of masculine and soft elements to the space. Local artist Whitney Anderson of Wit & Co. contributed various art pieces, including a graphic illustration of Wolfgang's father. The menu at Uncle Wolfie's also blends classic and contemporary. Traditional offerings like Johnny cakes, steak and eggs, and classic eggs Benedict are available alongside innovative creations such as peanut butter and jelly stuffed French toast and a sweet potato chorizo omelet, with prices ranging from $7 to $12. Lunch options include salads, such as a hearty steak salad, and sandwiches. Highlights include a chicken salad, grilled cheese, the "BCSS" with house beet-cured salmon, and the Breaky Burger, an American cheese-stuffed burger topped with Weber’s mustard, raspberry balsamic pickled onions, bacon, and an egg. Lunch items are priced between $9 and $14. The bar will offer bottled and canned beer, a short wine list, and a variety of creative cocktails, from bloody marys to jasmine tea toddies, in addition to full coffee service. The tavern will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. #restaurantOpening #brewersHill #localBusiness #homeDecor #interiorDesign #historicRenovation #breakfast #lunch #cocktailBar

This article explores various stylish and functional home bar storage ideas, emphasizing how well-designed cabinets, shelves, and coolers can transform a beverage station into an inviting and neat space. It highlights the importance of bespoke storage, whether for a small, closet-sized setup or a custom space, to properly showcase glassware and spirits. The piece encourages consulting design stores, both online and in person, to find options that align with personal aesthetics and home decor. The first suggestion involves designing a wet bar with a combination of open and closed storage, ideal for comprehensive home bars. An example provided features a large black cabinet with lower closed storage for bar essentials like mixers and napkins, and upper open shelves for displaying spirits and glasses. The designer emphasizes enhancing the mood with statement lighting, such as a sculptural brass pendant, for a loungy atmosphere. For such a stocked bar, a full complement of bar tools, including jiggers, shakers, strainers, muddlers, and even blenders, is recommended to ensure self-sufficiency. Several product recommendations for bar cabinets are also given. Another idea focuses on concealed bar units that can be opened for entertaining and closed for a streamlined look. An illustration shows a bar set up inside a cabinet with hidden doors and a vibrant pink interior, which creates a dramatic statement when revealed. For these smaller, more discreet setups, functionality is key, suggesting that the unit should hold at least five regularly used bottles and essential bar tools to avoid constant trips to the kitchen. The article then presents the concept of a bar closet for homes with limited space. This involves transforming a living room corner, kitchen niche, or hallway closet into a functional drinks station with wall shelves and drawers, enhanced by paint or patterned wallpaper. An example shows white shelves contrasting with wallpaper, adding charm and personality to the space. For those with ample space and a substantial collection, a dedicated wine and bar storage room is suggested. A luxurious, floor-to-ceiling wine rack designed for optimal storage, access, and aesthetic appeal is presented. The inclusion of a ladder for upper shelf access and durable wooden racks for proper aging of bottles is highlighted. Building a bar cabinet within the kitchen is another practical solution, especially for spaces between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. A glass cabinet allows for easy viewing of spirits, while the ample storage ensures bar clutter is contained, contributing to a tidy kitchen-diner. The importance of sufficient task lighting, such as recessed or strip lighting, for drink preparation is also mentioned. Investing in a small freestanding bar unit or a bar cart offers flexibility and mobility. These units can be painted to add personality or serve as a focal point. Two-to-three tier units are recommended for a more substantial visual impact. A DIY approach, using flea market finds and styling with existing decor, is also suggested for budget-friendly options. Finally, the article proposes installing bar shelves on an antique mirror. This method not only draws focus to the home bar but also creates an illusion of a larger, more stylish space, particularly beneficial in small living rooms. An antique French mirror is specifically mentioned for adding flair and avoiding a kitschy look. The article concludes by offering guidance on choosing the best home bar storage, advising readers to assess their space, consider the types of bottles they own, and set a budget. For organizing a home bar, it recommends sorting spirits by type, placing frequently used items at eye level, and utilizing accessories like tiered bottle shelves, hooks for stemware, and trays for small items. Several product links for wine racks and bar shelves are also included. #HomeBarStorage #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #WetBarIdeas #ConcealedStorage #BarCloset #WineRoomDesign #KitchenBarCabinet #FreestandingBarUnit #MirroredBarShelves

In Detroit's Financial District, the 1920s US Mortgage Bond Building now hosts an Australian-inspired coffee shop, Coffee Down Under, and Shelby, a clandestine speakeasy situated within the building's original bank vault. Designed by Primary Projects, an architecture firm based in Detroit and Boston, Shelby's interior design thoughtfully incorporates elements from early 20th-century banking to acknowledge its historical context. This is evident in the transformation of the former teller enclosures into a multi-tiered, arcade-like back bar, serving as an attractive display for bottles. The chosen material palette subtly references the aesthetics of money, featuring a gold back bar constructed by Fillmore in Woodbridge with a repetitive bank teller pattern, along with green velour banquette seats and various metallic fixtures. New terrazzo-style tables and bar tops have been installed, meticulously matched to complement the restored original floors. The bank vault, which remained operational until 1998, has been repurposed to offer a distinctive dining experience in Detroit. Owner Tarun Kajeepta described the vault's initial condition, noting its deterioration despite being intact. Significant restoration efforts were undertaken to make the space functional, particularly addressing rust on the stainless steel, including the iconic vault door. This involved extensive buffing and dedicated work to salvage and integrate the original materials into the new design. The vault can accommodate 30 guests for a full dinner service and is also available for private events and meetings. A notable design feature within the vault is an accent wall that, upon closer inspection, reveals a subtle, rough diagram of Detroit's city streetscape in gold on a black background. Campus Martius forms the central point, with lines representing major avenues such as Michigan Ave, Woodward, and Gratiot, among others. Kajeepta also highlighted the unexpected challenges encountered during the renovation, particularly the difficulty of working with the space's existing infrastructure. Drilling the HVAC hole into the vault, which involved penetrating raw steel and concrete, took 18 hours. This necessitated innovative solutions, such as using powerful magnets to suspend all ceiling elements—lighting, speakers, and a projector screen—from the original steel structure. The main dining room further exemplifies the creative integration of old and new. Layers of the building's history are visible through the exposed old plaster and original crown mouldings, which interact dynamically with modern finishes. Plush velvet banquettes and stools introduce warmth, contrasting with the dominant metal and stone elements. The culinary and beverage concepts are also designed to align with the unique character of the space. Shelby primarily functions as a cocktail bar, but with a strong emphasis on food quality. Initially, due to restrictions, a three-course pre-fixe menu was offered, which proved popular and has since been maintained. The menu now also includes shareable savory and sweet plates, alongside a coursed meal that provides a comprehensive dining experience and allows for seasonal and inventive culinary creations. An art installation by local Detroit artist John Bianchi adorns a large wall in the dining room. His panels incorporate color, metal, and layered textures found throughout the space, with one panel designed to peel away from the wall, revealing its construction layers of wood frame, canvas, and metal sheets, inviting careful analysis much like the multi-layered interiors of Shelby itself. #adaptiveReuse #bankVaultConversion #speakeasyDesign #detroitInteriors #restaurantDesign #primaryProjects #historicalRenovation #barDesign #architecturalAdaptation

Raised by Wolves, a speakeasy and cocktail bar in La Jolla, California, offers a unique and elegant experience that stands out in the revamped Westfield UTC mall. Despite its location within a shopping center, the establishment has garnered significant recognition, including being ranked 19th on William Reed's list of the 50 Best North American Bars. The bar's unassuming entrance, concealed behind a high-end liquor store, adds to its allure, providing a sense of discovery for patrons. The journey into Raised by Wolves begins in a sophisticated bottle shop, which serves as a facade for the hidden bar. Guests are encouraged to defer their purchases until after their visit, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the speakeasy experience. The transition from the bottle shop to the bar is a distinctive feature: a circular platform within an enormous fireplace acts as a secret passage, transporting guests into a luxurious interior. This grand entrance sets the tone for the establishment's elaborate design and atmosphere. The interior design of Raised by Wolves is a deliberate and meticulous effort to evoke the glamour of bygone eras, specifically drawing inspiration from European hotel bars. Bartender Erick Castro emphasized the intention to create an unexpected venue in an unexpected location, focusing on tactile details and bespoke elements. The bar boasts custom draft handles shaped like golden wolf heads, hand-painted walls, fringed lampshades, velvet-topped barstools, chessboard tables, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. A striking emerald-green glass-domed ceiling further enhances the opulent ambiance. Castro highlighted the importance of 'human touch' in the design, a quality he believes is often missing in modern establishments that tend to rely on generic mood boards. This dedication to unique craftsmanship ensures that Raised by Wolves maintains a distinct identity, avoiding the homogenization seen in many contemporary venues. The bar's capacity to hold around 200 people is intentionally managed to maintain a low-key, sophisticated, and intimate atmosphere, enhanced by a curated selection of music ranging from French jazz to 90s R&B. The drink menu at Raised by Wolves is as impressive and thoughtfully crafted as its decor. A standout is the Island Old-Fashioned, a creative concoction featuring coconut-washed Irish whiskey, Peruvian bitters, Angostura bitters, and banana liqueur. This drink was inspired by the surprisingly tropical notes found in Irish whiskey, demonstrating the bar's innovative approach to classic cocktails. The menu caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets, offering everything from Negronis on tap to a luxurious $790 Old Fashioned made with rare Old Fitzgerald Bourbon from the 1960s. The bar's location within a public thoroughfare presents a unique challenge and opportunity for its bartenders. They must craft drinks that are both approachable enough for casual visitors and sophisticated enough to satisfy seasoned cocktail enthusiasts. Castro views this as a 'cool challenge,' aiming to balance inventiveness and creativity to please both discerning connoisseurs and those new to the world of high-end mixology. This commitment to versatility ensures that Raised by Wolves appeals to a diverse clientele while maintaining its reputation for excellence. #LaJolla #SpeakeasyBar #CocktailBar #BarDesign #HiddenGem #LuxuryExperience #SanDiego #Mixology #InteriorDesign

Chartreuse Saloon, a new establishment in Kansas City, offers a unique cowboy-themed experience characterized by its distinctive yellow-green color scheme and an intentional focus on inclusivity. The saloon, located at 1625 Oak St., Kansas City, MO, aims to provide a welcoming atmosphere for all patrons. The decor features steer skulls, a dart board, and green-and-black chess tables, creating a visually stimulating environment that some might initially find overwhelming. The menu at Chartreuse Saloon is deliberately streamlined to minimize food waste and optimize cost-efficiency. It includes customizable options such as loaded nachos ($12) and hot dogs, alongside other items like BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich ($8), Street Corn Dip ($8), Hummus ($8), and a variety of snacks. Vegan cheez is available for an additional charge, and adventurous diners can add pickled eggs for $2 each. The food preparation prioritizes ingredients that can be utilized across multiple dishes, reflecting owner Jill Cockson's commitment to sustainability, influenced by her upbringing with a father who managed grocery stores. Jill Cockson, a hospitality consultant and majority owner of Chartreuse Saloon, is also known for her involvement in other Kansas City establishments like Swordfish Tom’s and Drastic Measures. Her vision for Chartreuse Saloon was distinct, drawing inspiration from her Nebraskan roots, a fascination with circus performers, and the historical significance of the color chartreuse. She conceptualized the saloon as a gathering place for creative individuals, akin to where circus performers might unwind after a show. The drink menu features seasonal cocktails, each priced at $10. Examples include the Apricot Crumble, made with apricot brandy, apricot liqueur, fall syrup, bitters, and lemon, offering a sweet and refreshing profile. Other options like the Poached Pear and Plum’s the Word provide variations in sweetness, tartness, and bitterness. Non-alcoholic beers and mocktails are also available to ensure a wider range of choices for guests. The establishment encourages feedback on drink preferences, highlighting a customer-focused approach. Beyond food and drink, Chartreuse Saloon offers various forms of entertainment. It provides high-quality pool tables, specifically 9-foot diamonds, which are available for free play. This policy allows anyone to challenge the table, preventing professional players from monopolizing them and ensuring accessibility for all. Darts, checkers, and chess are also available for patrons to borrow. In a unique collaboration, Chartreuse Saloon hosts burlesque brunches every other month with Burlesque Downtown Underground, featuring themed shows that range from country and rockabilly to steampunk. Cockson's philosophy extends beyond merely serving beverages; she aims for guests to have enjoyable experiences and create lasting memories without an emphasis on excessive drinking. The saloon hosts pool tournaments on the second and fourth Thursday of each month with a $10 buy-in, offering cash prizes for top finishers. Live music is also a regular feature, typically on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, further enhancing the saloon's vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. #ChartreuseSaloon #KansasCity #InclusiveBar #CocktailBar #CowboyTheme #FoodWasteReduction #BurlesqueBrunch #PoolTables #JillCockson

Simmer Down, a subterranean bar in Wilmington, is situated within The Quoin, a hotel that previously operated as a bank. The bar occupies a vaulted brick space that was historically used for storing valuable commodities such as furs, silk, gold bars, and coins. This historical context is reflected in the bar's design, which blends raw materials with an elevated aesthetic. Stokes Architecture + Design was responsible for the interior design of Simmer Down, as well as the broader renovation of the building into a 24-room boutique hotel. The bar's interior features a custom-built wooden bar and a series of deep, caramel-brown banquettes, contributing to a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere. A central artistic element of Simmer Down is a room-long mural created by Philadelphia artist Reverend Michael Alan. This hand-drawn mural incorporates local landmarks alongside mythological imagery, forming a surreal tapestry. The artist indicated that the work draws inspiration from cave paintings and catacomb art, enhancing the bar's subterranean feel. Further contributing to the unique ambiance are design elements such as fringed table lamps, leather bar stools, and layered rugs. Uplighting illuminates the weathered brick ceiling, ensuring it remains a prominent architectural feature of the space. The cocktail menu at Simmer Down offers a selection of beverages categorized as either 'stirred and boozy' or 'shaken and refreshing,' catering to diverse preferences. Located at 519 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801, Simmer Down represents a transformation of a historic bank vault into a modern hospitality venue, blending its rich past with contemporary design and a curated drinking experience. #Wilmington #SimmerDownBar #BankVault #BoutiqueHotel #InteriorDesign #StokesArchitectureDesign #ReverendMichaelAlan #CocktailBar #HistoricPreservation #TheQuoinHotel