Beetlecat

In collaboration with Elizabeth Ingram Studio

Photography by Andrew Thomas Lee

BeetleCat is the sister restaurant to The Optimist, both named after a type of sail boat, serving seafood, oysters, wine and craft cocktails. This project is located at a new development in the heart of Inman Park, Atlanta. Originally intended for 2 levels for 2 separate concepts, NO Architecture combined the two levels into a single concept with exterior patios on both levels. The main kitchen and dining spaces reside on the upper level, while the smaller, cozy cocktail lounge – The Den – occupies the lower level.

Working with Ford Fry’s in-house designer, Elizabeth Ingram, we created a tall billowing space for the dining anchored with a substantial Oyster bar. The two levels are connected with an oversized stair allowing servers and guests ample room to circulate between the 2 floors. The bar downstairs is defined by a low wood ceiling and glowing bar. Both levels are entered through large custom doors which evoke the windows of tugboats and fishing trawlers. The windows at the bar were inspired by windows in a VW van.