59 Almshouse Restaurant
Designing a restaurant offers a unique combination of possibilities and puzzles to solve. The concept for 59 Almshouse was inspired by its farm-to-table menu, so we created a “refined farmhouse” aesthetic to enhance the dining experience.
One of the challenges was taking a large space and making it feel cozy enough for smaller weekday crowds, while also allowing it to open up to accommodate larger groups. To achieve this, we split the dining space into two areas. The bar/main dining room are on one side with the secondary dining room on the other. We added a private function room next to the secondary dining room, with custom pivot and sliding opaque glass windows that open to combine those two spaces for larger business or social gatherings.
What makes designing a restaurant unique?
For our commercial design projects, including restaurants, we often take the role of creative director. In this capacity, we work with external agencies on graphic design, signage, and branding to support the overall vision. Our design for 59 Almshouse included the logo, menu, and coordinating all graphics throughout the entire space. We believe that the interiors of a space are a key part of creating brand identity and cohesion. Understanding our clients, their vision, and their message is integral to our design process.
Prior to its current inception, 59 Almshouse was a restaurant with an additional residential space of two apartments on the second floor. A major challenge was the fact that we couldn’t move the existing kitchen, and there was no established back of house in the previous design. Kitchen deliveries had been made through the front door and seating area of the original restaurant. We were able to create a more convenient delivery area and full back of house setup, along with storage and employee areas, manager’s office, and multiple server stations for greater efficiency.
For the renovation, we gutted nearly all of the 3500 square foot space, leaving only the kitchen. Together with the architecture firm, we completely overhauled the floor plan. We added an outdoor bar and dining area with a fireplace. In the main dining room, we took the space that used to house the apartments and installed a truss system for a soaring, expansive ceiling. Finally, we selected all of the furniture and finishes both inside and out.
Crafting the 59 Almshouse experience
We wanted guests to feel surrounded by the menu concept in a tactile way as soon as they enter the restaurant. Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted by the warmth of an exposed brick fireplace while slate planks display daily specials from local farms. Iron signage coordinates with the custom chandelier above the host stand, and the strapping on the host stand itself.
The host stand design is repeated in the bar, accessible through an open doorway to the right leading into the main dining room. Streamlined barstools lend an inviting vibe with a modern edge. One of our favorite details is a hand-distressed mirror behind the bar, fronted by custom metal shelving for bottles and glasses. We selected wood and metal finishes with a grounded feeling that radiates warmth and welcome.
59 Almshouse restaurant – Bar details
The main dining room also opens out to the outdoor patio seating and bar. With its high ceilings, modern farmhouse-inspired lighting, and custom banquette seating around the perimeter, the space feels open and friendly. There’s not a bad seat in the house, whether you’re stopping in for lunch, meeting up for happy hour, or hanging out to watch the game.
59 Almshouse restaurant – Main dining room and bar
Located a few steps down from the entry, the secondary dining room has a more intimate and cozy vibe. The same spalted maple tables as the main dining room sit snugly in custom curved booths or lined up in two rows, with sunlight streaming through large windows. This space features a custom-built glass wine display cabinet with interior lighting. Overhead, iron chandeliers and glass pendants with exposed filament bulbs continue the farmhouse-meets-modern aesthetic.
59 Almshouse restaurant – Secondary dining room with custom wine display
59 Almshouse restaurant – Secondary dining room with windows to private room
The versatile private dining room
We designed the private function room, adjacent to the secondary dining room, with an eye towards versatility. When it isn’t being used in conjunction with the dining room and the windows are closed, the space is perfect for more intimate events or private meetings. Two custom wooden tables can be placed together to create a boardroom arrangement with upholstered chairs, or left separate for family style gatherings. Custom barn doors along one wall disguise a TV that is ideal for meetings and working lunches. The handmade built-in sideboard offers both storage and display areas, with a vinyl grasscloth wallcovering adding sophistication to the space. Large windows allow for ample natural light, along with two hammered pendant lights and recessed lighting on dimmer switches.
59 Almshouse restaurant – Private function room
Most importantly, the food tastes as fantastic as the restaurant looks! You can visit the 59 Almshouse website to peruse their menu, including takeout specials (food and drinks).
Photography by Rebecca McAlpin
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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. Utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!
