//3877, in collaboration with KNEAD Hospitality + Design and Chef Roberto Santibañez, has completed a new contemporary, upscale American eatery, The Grill, located in the District Wharf area of Washington D.C. With riverfront views, the 5,400-square-foot restaurant destination at The Wharf houses 108 seats inside with an additional 82 seats on the enclosable, wrap-around outdoor patio, which faces southwest out over the water.
//3877 and KNEAD Hospitality + Design's polished, mid-century modern design features sophisticated Miami influences-a nod to the KNEAD partners' years living in Miami-like plush banquettes, poured terrazzo flooring, and rose gold accents. Soft colors such as the pale pink on the ceiling combined with bleached oak, handmade tiles, and copper accents define the lightness of the overall space and balance with darker walnut paneling to provide some drama to the subtle color story.
Working with lighting designer Flux Studio, //3877 emphasized the drama of the space through a thoughtful lighting program; the stepped ceiling and cove lighting take full advantage of the high ceilings, enhancing the dramatic views of the Potomac River. The cove lighting, accented with a rose gold paint, creates a shimmery, incandescent effect, reminiscent of the waters and sunset found surrounding Miami.
Upon entering the vestibule, guests are greeted with linear wall-paneling that is bathed in light, projecting movement and texture. As patrons approach the monolithic concrete host stand, a low ceiling and illuminated columns provide intimacy and focus for the check-in experience. That ceiling then ascends, providing the guest direction toward the bar and dining area. The three-sided bar anchors the space as a focal element, featuring a glass, rose gold and wood back bar and a custom, rose gold chandelier from Juniper lighting. The backbar is also seen as a focal feature from the exterior of the restaurant.
The open display kitchen showcases a modern wood-fired Josper Basque Grill. Soft rose-colored handmade tiles are the backdrop to the highly visible expo line. Moving further into the space, an illuminated interior trellis-crafted from textured wood and flanked by a decorative wine wall-connects the two seating zones of the restaurant. The front and back dining zones are defined by fluid curvilinear banquettes that create comfortable, intimate seating while simultaneously breaking down the open expanse of the restaurant.
For the back wall, the design team worked with Kalisher to create a custom, oversized mural that features a tropical, muted palette, with palm trees and birds-a nod to the lush atmosphere of Miami's South Beach. Tucked away at the back of the space, the restrooms transport the guest to a Miami paradise with tropical mural tiles and cracked ceramic tiles with custom pink grout.
Photography: Rey Lopez