obrARCHITECTURE was contracted to design Burger Bench, Historic Downtown Escondido’s newest burger joint in the former Escondido Times-Advocate Newspaper building, built in 1924. A family-owned restaurant dedicated to offering fresh and local ingredients in a friendly environment, the project mixes new and old, proving that architecture can be timeless and relevant. The scope of the project entails a new bar, restaurant seating, outdoor seating, sidewalk cafe and commercial kitchen. The existing storefront windows were removed and the window line brought back into the space allowing more outdoor seating. Operable glass doors allow the space to feel open allowing the energy to flow out onto the sidewalk. Finishes are rustic with the original brick and ceiling joists exposed with galvanized aluminum bartops. The design turned the former retail space in to a warm inviting space for the surrounding neighborhood; utilizing inexpensive materials to craft a space rich with texture and color. The dual height main bar features a lower tasting bar in front of the taps, giving customers a relaxed setting to sample the many beers available. obrARCHITECTURE designed all the tables and interior design along with the architecture for the project.
