The (new)
New Chinatown

Moody corner at a restaurant with roman clay walls and hip hop posters

Project: Hop Alley

Location: Denver, Colorado

Size: 1000 SF

Status: Completed 2023

Type: Hospitality

Client: Chef Tommy Lee

Services: Architecture, Custom Fabrication

Lively and vivacious, private and romantic - dark roman clay and moody lighting combine with the rhythms of hip-hop at this Denver enigma.

Hop Alley

Nestled in the bustling streets of Denver, Hop Alley has always exuded mystery and allure. We were hired by chef, Tommy Lee, to design the expansion of this cult favorite restaurant. Both contemporary and enigmatic in design, dark roman clay walls give a timeless elegance to the space while soft ambient lighting accentuates intricate textures throughout. The juxtaposition of liveliness and privacy is achieved through community type seating combined with secluded corners and intimate lighting.

Chef's counter with dark tiles and copper pineapples and expensive whiskey displayed on oak shelves

Dark roman clay walls, and a contemporary chandelier frame a framed hip hop poster.

The space was designed to include both lively communal space and private alcoves catering to vibrant social gatherings and intimate conversation.

Corner booth seat with a copper pineapple and champagne on the table

Interior of a dark and moody restaurant in Denver, Colorado.

Booth at Hop Alley with a custom chandelier overhead.

Custom lighting over a booth at Hop Alley in Denver, Colorado.

Custom white oak rectangular chandelier casts shadows on a dark roman clay wall.

Soft, ambient lighting - custom fabricated by our sister shop, Raw Creative - casts gentle shadows, accentuating the intricate textures of the surroundings