Interior of a modern bar with a marble countertop, bar stools, shelves with various liquor bottles, and pendant lights. An archway mirror reflects part of the room, and there is sleek wooden paneling on the bar front.

Justa Pasta Phases 2 & 3

  • One year after Owen Gabbert, LLC completed the initial renovation of Justa Pasta, owner Roland Carfango reengaged the team to help formalize the outdoor dining area and add a cover. Little did anyone realize that a global pandemic would hit six months later making the covered structure less of a luxury and more of a necessity.

    After resolving several open permits with the city, half the off-street parking for the building was converted into heated, covered, outdoor seating - doubling the seating capacity of the restaurant. The structure is covered with a waterproof canvas that transmits natural light, allowing for the space to stay dry while remaining bright and airy, and the large post and beam construction keeps the framing minimal while maintaining an outdoor feel.

    Subsequently, in conjunction with Design Department Architecture + Interiors, the team collaborated with the client to rethink how the building, restaurant, and its future guests could better connect its interior and exterior spaces. To maximize the interior space, the team opted to transform one of the dining spaces into a new bar. To create a more seamless connection to the exterior, the dining room window wall was removed and replaced with a glass overhead door. When open, this large entryway allows guests to mingle at the new bar while waiting for a table or opt for a bar seat for a quick cocktail. This alteration now provides guests two entryway points into the restaurant and also provides better circulation for employees.

  • Architect: Design Department Architecture + Interiors
    Photographer: Tom Schaller

Modern bar interior with marble counter and black chairs, illuminated by hanging spherical lights, featuring an array of liquor bottles on a shelf against a white wall.
Modern bar interior with a variety of liquor bottles on shelves, black bar stools, and round ceiling lights.
Exterior view of a small bar with wooden stools, bottles on shelves, and a wooden awning.
Modern bar interior with marble countertop, barstools, and a back shelf displaying a variety of liquor bottles. Pendant lights hang from the ceiling, and mirrors adorn the wall. A large plant adds greenery to the minimalist decor.
Bar stools lined up along a wooden bar counter with vertical slats and hooks underneath in a cafe setting.
Black chair in front of a wooden bar with bottles on the counter
Open-air bar with high stools, a well-stocked counter, modern decor, and a visible indoor seating area partially with a curtain.
Outdoor patio of a bar or restaurant with metal tables and chairs, a wooden roof, string lights, and a view of the inside bar with high stools.
Outdoor dining area with wooden overhead pergola, black tables and chairs, planters with greenery, and open entrance to a café or restaurant.
Open door view of a modern bar with a wooden counter and black chairs, featuring an array of liquor bottles and hanging globe lights.
Outdoor seating area of a cafe or restaurant with wooden pergola, string lights, tables, and potted plants.
Outdoor seating area of a restaurant with wooden pergola and string lights, featuring black metal tables and chairs, surrounded by potted plants.
Outdoor dining area with black metal tables and chairs under a wooden pergola with string lights.