EMPELLÓN Taqueria
New York, New York
In Progress
Design Team
Max Worrell, Jejon Yeung, Beatriz de Uña Bóveda, Yunchao Le
Collaborators
Lighting Designer : Tirschwell & Co.
Located at the ground level of a historic Upper West Side building, our design for Empellón Taqueria creates an new oasis within the city and a neighborhood destination. Inspired by Chef Alex Stupak’s dedication to the unexpected and his concepts to counter preconceived notions of particular cuisines, this contemporary restaurant combines elements and natural materials found throughout Mexican and American architecture to create a richly textured space that is both familiar yet unexpected.
The restaurant is lower than the sidewalk entry, so we designed an entry vestibule comprised of glassblock and terrazzo to serve as a transition from the exterior. From this elevated perch, diners descend into the space via a stair or dramatic ramp that provides a moment of discovery. The layout of the room is organized around a series of linear brick planters and banquette seating that echo the existing axial structure and a long communal bar that divides the space into smaller, more intimate moments. At the back of the room, a glassblock wall provides a dramatically lit surface that changes throughout the day. Further downstairs, an additional dining room can serve as overflow or be used for private functions.
A richly textured space where Mexican and American aesthetics combine through an emphasis on natural materials and an overall sense of light and airiness.
The original shell of the barrel vaulted ceiling has been coated in plaster to highlight and contrast with the warmth of the patterned brick floors and maroon colored steel columns. The earthen tones of the steel and brick are combined with a gray and white terrazzo and glass block to create a durable and timeless material palette. This palette is offset by oak millwork and furniture pieces and an abundance of plants throughout. Downstairs, the material palette is inverted and darker to create a more intimate and dramatic dining experience.
