Court Street Lobster

An Urban Coastal Experience

The heart of this space is the bar. The layout seamlessly combines the bar area with an open kitchen, sharing one continuous 42’ surface. Guests are invited to enjoy the owner’s curated wine selection as they observe skilled chefs in action. The layout was carefully determined to maximize the space, while allowing for late-nite and take-out eating.

Material selections bring the essence of the seashore to downtown Cincinnati. The finishes take on a weathered appearance, as though exposed to salty sea air. The original brick wall was sandblasted to expose layers of paint and history. Custom wood tables and booths look as though they’ve spent years bleaching in the sun. Working with local carpenters, we were able to achieve this finish using a process called backbanding, where the wood was first white-washed then sent through a band saw backward.

The bar top is composed of sheets of zinc riveted with brass studs, inspired by rivet details found on marine vessels. Fascinated by how materials patina, we were particularly interested in the way the zinc would blacken over time. Iron rusts to red; copper turns to green; but zinc oxidizes black. We experimented with a mockup by exposing it to salt water, Coca-Cola, and the outdoor environment. The result was a compelling collage of stains and streaks; a dramatic depth of character. By design, each drop of water (or wine) adds to its beauty and patina. The overall effect is a space that already looks transformed by time, and continues to do so with age.