Brad and Sarah Gavigan, the husband-and-wife team behind Otaku Ramen in Nashville, have launched a new bar space in the city’s Gulch neighborhood. The 2,700 square foot, 103-seat Bar Otaku has opened in the former Little Octopus space (also owned by the duo) with a lively atmosphere inspired by the izakayas found in Tokyo and Los Angeles.
Brad Gavigan led the design of the space, creating a cozy yet convivial flair complemented by Japanese décor. Neon signage and red and white lanterns contrast charcoal gray walls and white oak furniture. The interior’s dark walls and light wood accents are punctuated with extensive artwork from Japanese prints to murals from locally based graffiti artists. Four Nashville artists were commissioned to craft artwork depicting popular Japanese cultural characters atop an 8-foot-tall wood board.
