Project Description:
King Street Oyster Bar brings its signature fresh seafood and community atmosphere to a new location in the recently-completed City Ridge development of Washington, DC. With locations across Virginia and Maryland, King Street Oyster Bar partnered with //3877 to tackle the interior design and architecture, leveraging the firm’s firsthand knowledge of the brand alongside its local expertise to create a unique sense of place.

The City Ridge location marks //3877’s third project partnership with the brand and is King Street Oyster’s second full fit-out in a new space –– providing a blank slate opportunity for a highly-customized design. This location serves as an anchor for the highly-anticipated development, complimenting the complex’s residential presence and creating a lively gathering space. An integral part of City Ridge’s retail offerings, the restaurant will stand out with expansive outdoor seating that can host large events in a communal atmosphere. 

Working closely with the King Street Oyster team, //3877 cleverly incorporates elements inspired by a light and airy coastal California-inspired atmosphere –– materializing through natural wood, soft whites, and operable storefront walls that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor. Upon entering the space, guests are greeted by a moss-covered greenery wall outfitted with custom King Street signage. 

The display purposefully divides the bar and dining room into distinctive areas. To the left, the expansive bar anchors the west exterior wall accented by adjacent high-top seating. A moodier focal point of the restaurant, the bar adorns a textured, slightly metallic face and strongly-veined marble countertop, creating moments of intrigue from every seat. On the right side of the entrance, patrons find both the main dining area and the exclusive private dining room. Plush custom banquette seating is backdropped by a mix of light oak and mid-tone walnut wood, while dark and green-toned blues provide striking accents to the otherwise bright and light interior. In the private dining room, guests can find a custom oyster shell display built of shells that were shucked from other King Street locations, establishing a playful connection between the restaurants.

The far end of the space is home to the oyster shucking station – showcasing King Street’s 12 varieties of bi-coastal oysters. These oysters are served within a maximum of 24 hours after being harvested from the East Coast and 48 hours from the West Coast, ensuring their freshness for every dish. This showcase rounds out the coastal feel of the restaurant, tying the design directly to King Street’s expansive menu offerings. Outside, a covered, all-weather patio is equipped with fans as well as heaters to tackle weather throughout the seasons. The bustling patio creates curiosity for the passersby, inviting them to mingle among neighbors and visitors alike. King Street Oyster Bar’s newest location establishes a gathering place for City Ridge, inviting the community to eat, meet, and mingle in a high-end space.