Small Bar

We loved heading up the redesign of this classic Chicago bar. We sought to build on the space's existing charm by layering in new materials, colors and textures that feel true to Small Bar's identity as a beloved neighborhood gem. Detailed millwork serves as a backdrop for vintage elements that keep the space feeling warm, comfortable, lived-in.  Light fixtures from various bygone eras - 1910s Tiffany-style glass, 1920s Art Deco geometry, and 1960s mod - are intentionally mixed, hinting at the history of the building. Textured walls and patterned wallpaper contribute to the interior's character, as do unexpected pops of red, greens and maroons. Longtime patrons returning to the refreshed space will find it comfortingly familiar, while new guests will delight in their own discovery of this local treasure.

Photos by Garrett Sweet and Wade McElroy