THE KITCHEN AT ATOMIC

Located adjacent to Atomic Liquors, the oldest freestanding bar in Las Vegas, Atomic Kitchen & Bar is an adaptive reuse project utilizing an abandoned 3-bay masonry automotive garage constructed in 1946. The project includes a 75-seat dining room, a 15-seat bar that opens to an outdoor patio, and a new commercial kitchen.  Atomic Liquors, named for a time when customers watched atomic blasts from the roof, was originally built in 1945 and was called Virginia’s Café. The design for the new 3,819 sq.-ft. Atomic Kitchen & Bar is respectful to the history and era of these mid-century structures.  Three roll-up glass garage doors connect the new restaurant & bar to Atomic Liquors outdoor patio. Existing 70-year-old roof joists were reclaimed and reused in the suspended bar canopy and accent walls. The design balances honest materials including concrete, steel, brick, and wood with era specific wall covering, architectural lighting, furniture, and artwork.  The result: a beautifully appointed and comfortable dining experience appropriate for its urban context.  Atomic Kitchen is featured in the October 2016 issue of Architecture Las Vegas published by the Las Vegas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.