[Photo: Missy Frederick/Eater.com]
Fainting Goat Tavern is almost here. Eater got the chance to tour the space, still under construction, about a week ago, and work has been progressing steadily since. The chill bar and restaurant from owner Greg Algie is aiming to open to the public in about a week, according to designer Lauren Winter of Edit Lab at Street Sense.
The space itself has a lot of character. It stretches over three levels: the main floor will have a large bar, high tops and some casual seating. There's stained glass behind the bar, as well as eclectic antique chandeliers decorating the space. Going up the stairs (which are accented with wrought iron railings), there is a bar area to one side, with traditional dining on the other side (diners and bar-goers can peek through columns to see what's going on in the other room of the restaurant). Downstairs houses the kitchen, as well as a small events space with an antique bar that Algie hopes to use for whiskey tastings.
Fainting Goat is is being decorated with neutral colors and green accents. "Nothing is too 'in-your-face' or aggressive," explained Winter. The space makes use of the building's natural light. There is room for about 130 seats throughout the restaurant, which is more than 3,000 square feet in size. Algie plans to install two televisions for those interested in catching the game but they "won't be prominent," he says. The place is trying to appeal to a diverse crowd, so that people might come for date night one evening, and return for drinks with friends later in the week.
About that name — when they were younger, Algie's friends used to tease him about clamming up around the ladies. When he'd try to talk to them at bars, they'd claim he'd stiffen up and, well, act like a fainting goat. They'll pay homage to the name with a stuffed goat figure and metal artwork in the shape of the goat. Chef James Barton of Oval Room and Le Bernadin is handling the menu.
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