The Barrel Club

• Location(s): Oak Lawn, Illinois

John Zawaski approached Aria Group to bring his Bourbon-centric concept – The Barrel Club – to fruition. Our team looked to distilleries and their natural materials for design inspiration. From the beginning, we looked to create a unique space, both interior and exterior. The building’s exterior cladding is cedar board and batten siding with vertical fins to accentuate a more modern approach to a traditional cladding technique. Illuminating a deconstructed barrel motif in the entry tower, creates a beacon at night to the passerby. In warmer months, guests can choose to sit outside in one of the two large patios, complete with a fire pit and Pub Shed. The Pub Shed offers an intimate and private bar with local craft brews on tap for sampling.

The Barrel Club carries private label spirits and an extensive bourbon selection, which were essential to highlight. The bar showcases the spirits with a glowing black metal and copper back bar and liquor display structure. These elements create a warm glow while patrons sip bourbon and watch sports at the bar. Merging function and aesthetics, the main liquor display stores the spirits and also doubles as a separation between the bar and the main dining. Once in the dining room, the barrel motif continues with large arched beams and custom pendants made of metal barrel bands. A sizeable graphic mural artistically explains the American Whisky heritage.  Patrons sit at spot-lit wood tables, while accents of copper and green continue the warmth throughout. The result of the design is a community gathering space for all to enjoy.