Project Description:
A beloved community hub for breakfast, brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner and every small bite and beverage in between, Junction Bakery & Bistro is a favorite in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia. Once the location’s continued popularity called for an expansion, Junction Bakery & Bistro engaged longtime architecture and design partner //3877 to broaden the establishment’s physical footprint and F&B capabilities. Having worked together for over seven years, the duo sought to enhance the dining experience while preserving the atmosphere that locals have cherished since the brand’s opening in 2016. 

Junction Bakery & Bistro offers house-made bread and pastries along with a classic American lunch and dinner cuisine. To accommodate the day-to-night service at this location, the renovation involved the creation of additional seating by consolidating the kitchen footprint which previously occupied a large portion of the back-of-house area. By thoughtfully rearranging equipment and replacing bulkier items with new ones, the design team freed up valuable square footage to create additional seating and transform the back area into a more intimate, sit-down dining experience with an expansive bar. The reconfiguration of the kitchen also allowed for the creation of a chef’s counter, offering patrons an up-close view of the culinary magic happening in the kitchen. This layout fosters a more intimate dining experience while maintaining sightlines throughout the space, ensuring that the front and back areas feel connected.

The front zone, from the original property, features views of the original cook line and continues to serve as the main entrance to preserve the café atmosphere. Upon entering through double glass doors, guests are greeted by a vibrant red counter and an irresistible pastry window filled with confections that look almost too good to eat. The front room of the café retains its original train station-inspired aesthetic with a welcoming, old-school diner feel. Behind the counter, a chalkboard menu adds a touch of traditional bakery warmth along with red and blue patterned floor tiles. White tin ceilings and custom lighting fixtures contribute to the airy, daytime ambiance, making it the perfect spot to savor a seasonal latte or settle in to work remotely. 

A major part of the renovation, the back-of-house shifts to a more masculine, tailored ambiance, offering a striking contrast to the light-filled café space in the front of the building. The design team created a cohesive yet distinct environment, with metal strapping framing the storefront window and tying the two areas together. The back section exudes an after-dark ambiance, with cool-toned metallic-paneled walls, a patterned ceiling with industrial motifs, and floor tiles that echo the look of bike chains, encapsulating and grounding the space. The design team emphasized the bar atmosphere by incorporating bar-height seating throughout the dining room, including raised banquettes tufted to mimic the sleek upholstery of a motorcycle seat. The bistro’s new bar is outfitted with gray mirrored glass, perforated metal, and a leather trim that mirrors the banquettes’ upholstery. While a few strategically placed TVs offer entertainment, the true centerpiece is a custom Harley Davidson beer tap behind the bartop. Pops of red tile subtly tie back to the front room, creating a cohesive yet dynamic design narrative.

In addition to the interior renovations, Junction Bakery & Bistro has expanded its footprint with a newly built patio. Previously used for onsite parking, this exterior space has been transformed into an inviting outdoor dining area that is now level with the interior, creating a seamless transition between the two. The patio features wood Ipe decking, low wooden barriers, steel framing, and an acrylic roof, offering a warm contrast to the cooler tones of the back interior. Sconces on the posts and string lights add a cozy, inviting atmosphere, making the patio an ideal spot for al fresco dining.

Despite the extensive scope of the renovation, the owner was committed to keeping the bakery open throughout the construction process. Overcoming the challenges that come with maintaining an operational restaurant during construction while also navigating zoning permits for the new patio, the //3877 team delivered a design that is both functional and visually stunning. The refreshed Junction Bakery & Bistro will serve the Del Ray community in an expanded space that honors its roots while embracing a new chapter. Whether savoring a morning pastry in the bustling front café or unwinding with a drink in the sophisticated back bar, patrons are sure to be captivated by the revitalized establishment.