Project Description:
Set to open in November 2023, Baja Tap brings its acclaimed Mexican fare and coastal California vibes to its second location. Marking their third collaboration, Wave Group tapped Washington, D.C.-based architecture and design firm //3877 to breathe new life into 7,650 square feet of prime harbor real estate.

Baja Tap’s Baltimore outpost cleverly incorporates the brand’s signature style through fun patterns and bold colors, effectively balancing the brand palette—gold, orange, and blue—through a refined lens for the new clientele. The restaurant can comfortably accommodate 260 guests indoors and another 150 in its exceptional outdoor patio. What sets it apart is the expansive bar, private dining room, and operable first-floor storefront, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior and allowing the establishment to spill into the lively harbor.

Upon entering the space, guests travel through an eye-catching vestibule outfitted with a gold, tropical-print wallcovering. Funky black and white tile adorning the floor tastefully contrasts the opulence of the walls, setting the tone for the Baja Tap experience while immediately immersing diners in the environment. Once inside, the same wallcovering provides a background for the host stand, enticing guests further into the space. The same energy carries through to the expansive bar adorned with handmade Mexican-inspired tiles, a nod to the menu’s extensive offerings from the Baja region of Mexico, providing a playful contrast to the restaurant's clean, modern furnishings.

Color takes center stage throughout the space, adding to the vibrancy of the guests within it. The //3877 team worked closely with LA-based photographer Mo Qabbani for the artwork. All of the photos featured in Baja Tap were specifically taken for the new location –– Qaibbani traveled to Baja, California to capture the shots used for large, awe-inspiring statement pieces. The photographer’s work is also featured in Baja Tap’s sister location, establishing a connection between the two restaurants on the design side. 

//3877 faced the challenge of creating a restaurant that aligns with existing brand standards while catering to a larger space and a new demographic. One of the project's must-haves was flexible seating arrangements to adapt to different events, crowd size, and careful placement of the bar for efficient service –– through the use of QR codes, Baja Tap provides an ultra-casual setting for groups to choose their own seating and mingle amongst themselves. By studying the flow of patrons and servers at the original location, the team incorporated changes that support a fluid service model, maximizing both function and aesthetics. 

The integration of live music and DJ booth also required clever design solutions, ensuring that the sound does not overwhelm conversations nor be drowned out by the surrounding buzz. To address such acoustical concerns, the //3877 team utilized Sonaspray finish, maintaining the bright and open feel of the space while minimizing the inherent echo of a bar setting. Additionally, the team opted for concrete-looking LVT flooring rather than concrete itself to control the reverb of sound.

The new venue keeps the party going post-sundown. Multiple sports TVs, a larger-than-life menu of margaritas and tacos, and a lively music scene make it a nightlife hub. The remodeled space masterfully combines signature brand elements with strategic architectural designs, offering a memorable waterfront dining experience. With the perfect balance of playful design and refined atmosphere, this location is poised to become a staple in the Baltimore dining and nightlife scene.