An ambitious new bar and restaurant is coming to Dupont Circle courtesy of Social Restaurant Group. Bonfire is planning for a mid-April opening at 1132 19th St. NW.
The fire theme is already pervasive throughout the former Famous Luigi's space, with two floors spanning 5,000 square feet. The design by Swatchroom incorporates varied materials and textures like wood, copper, and brick into a dark and neutral color scheme with pops yellow, red, blue, and green. For seating, expect a mix of high-tops, stools, and banquette seating within the two bar spaces.
The upstairs floor will have a rose gold bar and seating for 38. Large light fixtures made of oil drums (meant to evoke backyard bonfires) are covered in colorful fabrics. There's also wall art made from actual matchsticks. A similar bar downstairs, surrounded by light fixtures in the shape of old fire hydrants and fire hoses adorning the wall, will seat 16 guests.
The Bonfire logo is already visible inside the 26-seat dining room, and it will also feature a glassed-in wall filled with fire. Folding glass doors will eventually open onto the sidewalk. The bar hopes to gain even more outdoor space with a rooftop bar pending permits.
Expect the fire theme to carry over into the menu, too. Think charred hanger steak by chef R.L. Boyd and four different types of s'mores by pastry chef Ellen Diekemper. Cocktails will highlight aged spirits and incorporate different varieties of woods and smoke.
