Perched above Eleven Madison Park, Clemente Bar is a space shaped by memory, artistry, and a clear sense of connection. When their team approached us, the vision was clear: something intimate, purposeful, and built with the guest in mind.
From a tight footprint, we designed a custom counter-height station that supports calm, intuitive movement; a quiet foundation for the experience they wanted to deliver.
In this short film, Sebastian Tollius and Richie Millwater reflect on the process–from childhood memories and old art books to layout decisions and drink creation.
Clemente Bar opened in late 2024 and was recently included in North America’s 50 Best Bars.
(Photography by Justin Sisson)
Our design honors the spirit of Clemente: thoughtful, sensory, and deeply personal
The Bar Station
Every detail was considered: from symmetrical dual workstations that allow bartenders to work interchangeably without disruption, to a recessed, lidded garnish rack that supports both functionality and ritual in service. A foot-pedal-activated faucet enables hands-free water access, minimizing movement and distraction during peak hours. The integrated ticket rail features a subtle LED strip for visibility without compromising ambiance, and a centralized printer is positioned out of guest view to streamline order flow. A custom tool well was precision-designed to fit mixing glasses and shakers within easy reach, while maintaining a clean, uncluttered surface.
Together, these features form the backbone of a “kitchen for the bar” — a quiet, purposeful workspace that supports fluid service, spatial awareness, and clear lines of communication. More than functional, the station becomes part of the performance: a discreet but essential platform for storytelling in motion.
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