Char Bar

Char Bar Smoked Meats & Amusements is a unique hospitality concept, blending industrial design elements with a nostalgic, retro twist to create a modern-day urban playground. Dubbed the “Crown Jewel” of Parkville by the Mayor, this space invites carnivores, herbivores, and locavores alike to gather, play, and indulge in great food and drinks. The design concept brings together barbecue, games, and drinks within an environment that feels both vintage and industrial. The bones of the space evoke an old firehouse, with industrial CMU blocks, steel accents, glass block windows, and concrete floors forming the foundation of the aesthetic.

The venue’s retro charm is woven throughout the design, particularly in the lighting and décor. Custom decorative lighting sourced from an old Czech factory adds an authentic industrial flair, while neon lights lining the walls of the dining area inject a sense of warmth and nostalgia. These glowing retro elements stand in contrast to the rough industrial materials, creating a playful balance between the old and the new. A large patio and lawn extend the experience outdoors, with yard games like cornhole and Jenga providing entertainment under the open sky.

Inside, Char Bar’s playful spirit is further showcased with creative, thematic details. A vintage-inspired merchandise kiosk greets guests at the entry, featuring retro neon signage and a classic black-and-white letter board, evoking the look of a bygone retail stand. Throughout the space, carefully sourced vintage fire extinguishers nod to the “char” in Char Bar, while charred wood accents on the back and face of the bar reinforce the barbecue theme. One of the standout design features is the 5’ vintage roulette wheel, proudly displayed behind the host counter, adding a whimsical and playful touch to the entryway.

The design cleverly integrates retro playfulness, especially in functional areas. A hopscotch path painted on the floor leads guests to the restroom, while the shared sink area look onto the interior pickleball courts through vintage wire glass. Custom booths feature channeling inspired by vintage cars, complemented by custom sconces above. Checkerboard patterns have been thoughtfully integrated into tabletops, inviting guests to play games while waiting for their food, adding an interactive element to the dining experience.

Adding to the nostalgic atmosphere are details like the tufted leather armrest at the host counter and leather accents on the bar stools, which soften the otherwise industrial metal wall paneling. Custom flags, designed in collaboration with a local flag maker, line the hallway to the restrooms, each one proudly displaying one of Char Bar’s iconic logos. Even the restroom signage adds a playful twist, with custom men’s and women’s signs made from vintage pickleball paddles.

At the heart of Char Bar is a dramatic 30’ fireplace, designed as the central hearth of the restaurant. Sandwiched between the dining area and the expansive green lawn, it serves as both a gathering point and a visual anchor for the space. Whether enjoying a meal or engaging in games, Char Bar Smoked Meats & Amusements offers an immersive experience that brings together industrial ruggedness, retro charm, and a sense of playful nostalgia, creating a truly one-of-a-kind dining destination.

Design: Clockwork Architecture + Design
Photography: Angier Photography