New York-based Celano Design Studio has completed Tippling Hall in Chicago.
The studio drew inspiration from Chicago’s industrial past. Working with a 4,500-square-foot loft space in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, Celano’s team exposed the structure’s brick walls and wood ceilings, keeping the building’s integrity alive while blending modern, edgy elements into the restaurant’s design. 


Above the entrance staircase, a cage-like light fixture made of vintage flasks illuminates the space. Between the bar and dining areas, pivoting panels open to let energy flow freely between the rooms. The leather-wrapped light fixtures and fritted glass in the panels follow the industrial theme.
The space also features alcohol- and graffiti-inspired artwork from artist Erni Vales. A wall is sculpted into the shape of Chicago’s skyline; panels are painted to reflect the anatomy of alcohol and cocktails; and colorful, large-scale murals are showcased throughout.
Vales’ work is also featured in the long corridor leading to Tippling Hall’s restrooms. To liven the hallway walls, Vales was inspired to transform the space into a tribute hall to recognize some his favorite artistic talents and influences-including Dondi, Shy 147, Kase 2, Iz the Wiz, and Keith Haring-on a graffiti backdrop.
