Trailbend Taproom
Seattle
Owners of Seattle beer institutions the Dray and the Yard wanted their next venue to reflect the Pacific Northwest’s laidback ethos with a more character-driven approach. Enter Trailbend Taproom, a minimally outfitted beer bar from local firm Graham Baba Architects that lets the rotating array of 42 taps take centerstage. “The idea was a contemporary and distinctly Northwest spin on a beer hall,” says firm principal Brett Baba, “with a simple and authentic palette of materials recalling the gritty and industrial feel of the neighborhood.” Expansive windows filter in natural light and complement the wood-clad interiors, some of which were salvaged from sinker logs that had sunk to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. “It’s a comfortable place to relax, kick back with friends, and enjoy a beer,” he says.
Dvojka
Prague
This stark, experimental wine bar from owner Richard Preisler is a coming home of sorts for Prague-based designers Jan Plechac and Henry Wielgus of the local practice, Plechac & Wielgus, who also worked with Preisler on their first project 10 years ago. “In that time, we’ve become friends and we know that having a place like this has been a longtime dream of his,” says Wielgus. The interior of Dvojka expresses Preisler’s personality with a design that’s contemporary yet “a little punk and vintage, with an artistic vibe.” To that end, old workbenches, stools, and functional vintage refrigerators were all painted white, down to the concrete floor. “Everything is white and clean,” says Plechac, except for the wine, Preisler’s artwork from his private collection, and a neon number two on the wall. The dramatic scheme unifies the small space while creating an interesting backdrop for the play of light and shadow.
VinVinVin
Montreal
Serving natural wine that is free from pesticides and farmed organically, Montreal’s VinVinVin (meaning wine, wine, wine in French) takes cues from the brand’s graphic bottle labels for a bold design story that includes geometric patterns, a custom mosaic-tiled floor, and rich hues of green, purple, red, and saffron. The 1,650-square-foot space is an “organized chaos of colors” that is balanced by warm white oak flooring, leather banquettes, and beige stucco walls, says David Dworkind of local firm Ménard Dworkind. Further, vintage and custom tables and chairs complement the service island, made from an antique wood dresser that is topped with a travertine slab.
