Haywire

This three-story, 25,000 square-foot restaurant anchors the Entertainment District of Legacy West mixed-use development. Gensler created a space that is representative of West Texas through the materiality, food and art.

The client, Front Burner Restaurants, was passionate about bringing the heady openness, artistry and grit of the land to every floor of the casual restaurant. A three-person team spent four days camping, and photographing the raw beauty of West Texas—their nomadic photo journey weaves a textural narrative throughout each of the three levels.

The first level is an elegant Whisky Bar that serves as a grand entry foyer and waiting area. Interior finishes include indigenous materials such as Texas limestone, reclaimed wood, and locally sourced leather in the lounging areas. Bartenders chip away at a large, backlit block of ice sitting atop a custom leatherized granite bar for the selection of 350 southern and European whiskeys. The striking fireplace vertically connects to the second level foyer, a jewel box Wine Room, and Private Dining Room inspired by the Chinati Foundation near Marfa, Texas.

To enter the main dining room, the path was planned for patrons to walk through the dynamic, sizzling open kitchen and full-service bakery. Showcasing fresh produce, meats, honeys and cheeses from local farms, guests can see, smell and hear their food being prepared, creating rich, authentic sensory experiences. All craft beers are brewed in the adjacent Legacy Food Hall.

On the third level, the colorful, eclectic patio has large murals and photography from Prada Marfa and the El Cosmico campsite pulling patrons into the wild outdoors of West Texas. A vintage 1960s Airstream trailer, restored and outfitted with native Marfa textiles, overlooks the Box Garden, a communal entertainment area for guests of the restaurant and mixed-use development.

Design: Gensler
Photography: Garrett Rowland