Fonte Bar, Rainier Square
Fonte Coffee Roaster's flagship location in Seattle's Rainier Square building boasts a welcoming atmosphere and versatile offerings, including morning coffee, evening cocktails, and meals throughout the day, with a design characterized by sleek lines, robust wood finishes, and an open-concept bar centered around a striking quartz coffee counter.
Right in the heart of downtown Seattle, the new flagship location for Fonte Coffee Roaster, now resides in the lobby of the iconic 58-story Rainier Square building, serving as a key part of the second-floor lobby's "grand living room." Designed as a welcoming hub, Fonte Bar caters to the wide-ranging needs of the building's occupants and surrounding community. From morning coffee to evening cocktails, including their signature espresso martini, and meals throughout the day, the Fonte Bar has been designed to cater to a wide array of culinary and beverage needs.
Visitors are welcomed by a striking yet warmly inviting interior. The vibe is characterized by sleek lines, robust wood finishes, and atmospheric lighting, creating a space that appeals to both the eye and the senses. The open-concept bar invites patrons to immerse themselves in the barista experience. A key feature of the design is an impressive coffee counter crafted from quartz with a marble-like finish. This counter, designed to greet visitors from any direction, serves as a central focal point within the space.
One unique challenge was the lack of walls within the space. The design embraces a 'theater-in-the-round' approach, showcasing the lively dynamics of the coffee shop, cocktail bar, and restaurant. It required a spacious and well-planned layout for the back-of-house to support diverse staff needs.
The design not only frames the space but also the journey of those who use it. A custom-glazed cooler, filled with cured meats and cheeses, greets customers at the entry stairs, leading to the coffee bar queue with bright materials and an open layout. The espresso stations are marked by a decorative pendant cloud. The bustling coffee bar is distinguished from the relaxed dining and cocktail space by softer, warmer materials. The bar top, crafted from a locally sourced live-edge solid wood slab is accentuated by curved wood fins. These fins, mirroring Rainier Tower’s curvature visible from the courtyard, offer an architectural nod to Seattle’s unique skyline.
