Search

A Ramen Bar That Mixes Modern Design with Japanese Street Culture

02.17.16 | By
A Ramen Bar That Mixes Modern Design with Japanese Street Culture

Much like ramen shops in Japan, which are far from fancy (as they’re places to get good food quickly), the Orenchi Beyond ramen bar takes inspiration from those traditional food spots and adds a bit of street culture to the mix. Craig Steely Architecture took a look at Japanese ramen shops that take special care in the food served and brought aspects of the experience to the San Francisco Mission District location.

Orenchi-Ramen-Bar-Craig-Steely-2

The original street façade was removed and pushed 12 feet into the space to create an engawa, or interstitial room, that adds space between the sidewalk and interior. To complete the space, a 4000 lb Yuba River basalt rock was brought in to rest in the center.

Orenchi-Ramen-Bar-Craig-Steely-3

Using Sakura wood, the new, geometric façade establishes a dynamic visual to welcome patrons. An interior bar is incorporated into the storefront letting patrons walk right up to order.

Orenchi-Ramen-Bar-Craig-Steely-4

Orenchi-Ramen-Bar-Craig-Steely-5

Orenchi-Ramen-Bar-Craig-Steely-6

Orenchi-Ramen-Bar-Craig-Steely-7

The tables were painted in Japanese tattooing style and the seats are stools inspired by traditional sake barrels.

Orenchi-Ramen-Bar-Craig-Steely-8

Orenchi-Ramen-Bar-Craig-Steely-9

Orenchi-Ramen-Bar-Craig-Steely-10

Inside, the space is arranged around an open kitchen where you can see pots of ramen going throughout the day and night behind the glass.

Orenchi-Ramen-Bar-Craig-Steely-11

Orenchi-Ramen-Bar-Craig-Steely-12

Orenchi-Ramen-Bar-Craig-Steely-13

Photos by Bruce Damonte.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.