Ba Lao

Project Overview

The Ba Lao Bar design embraces grit, color, and cultural energy to create a layered and immersive hospitality experience. Set against an exposed stone wall and industrial ceiling infrastructure, the interior balances raw architectural elements with vibrant graphic expression and warm, intimate lighting.

A key feature of the space is the custom illustrated teal wallcovering, commissioned by the owners and designed by Derek Anderson Jr. of Black Moon Tattoo. The artwork introduces a bold visual identity rooted in contemporary tattoo culture while echoing the expressive spirit of Lao cuisine. Rather than acting as mere decoration, the mural establishes tone — playful, confident, and unapologetically graphic.

The material palette intentionally juxtaposes refined and rough textures: exposed masonry, open steel shelving, white tile, warm wood bar tops, and layered neon glow. The “Sabaidee” sign becomes both focal point and cultural greeting, reinforcing hospitality through light. Sticker-covered tabletops and bodega-style product displays further contribute to the space’s lived-in authenticity.

The result is a bar environment that feels curated yet unpolished — a space that supports bold flavors and shared experience while maintaining an intimate, neighborhood-scale presence. The design celebrates imperfection, cultural collaboration, and the power of atmosphere in shaping memorable hospitality.

Full Bar Elevation with Teal Mural – Ba Lao Bar

A full view of the Ba Lao bar reveals the interplay of color, texture, and light that defines the space. The commissioned teal wallcovering introduces graphic energy, while the exposed stone backdrop and blue neon “Sabaidee” sign ground the composition in warmth and authenticity. Red pendant fixtures cast a soft glow over the wood bar top and patterned tile base, creating layered contrast and reinforcing the bar’s intimate, cinematic atmosphere.

Bar Interior with Neon “Sabaidee” – Ba Lao Bar

The bar at Ba Lao glows under warm red pendant lighting, set against exposed stone and visible ductwork. The blue neon “Sabaidee” sign anchors the composition, casting cool light across the masonry backdrop and liquor display. A wood bar top and patterned tile base introduce warmth and texture, while the layered lighting creates a cinematic contrast that reinforces the space’s intimate, gritty character.

Layered Interior View Toward Entry – Ba Lao Bar

A layered perspective through Ba Lao Bar reveals exposed stone walls, warm timber framing, and structured black steel shelving set against deep red and teal accents. Sticker-covered tabletops and informal high-top seating reinforce the space’s gritty, neighborhood character, while cool evening light filters through the entry doors, adding depth and contrast. The composition highlights the intentional balance between raw materials and graphic energy within the intimate hospitality setting.

Evening Atmosphere in the Stone Dining Room – Ba Lao Bar

An intimate evening view of Ba Lao Bar’s stone-walled dining area, where soft overhead lighting and cool blue light from the window create depth and contrast. Exposed masonry and visible ductwork frame the compact room, while high-top tables with sticker-finished surfaces introduce texture and personality. The layered materials and low light levels reinforce the bar’s cinematic, neighborhood-scale atmosphere — raw, warm, and quietly immersive.

Retail Display Detail – Black Steel Shelving at Ba Lao Bar

Close-up of the custom black steel shelving system displaying curated packaged goods within Ba Lao Bar. The grid structure introduces rhythm and order, while the vibrant product packaging adds color and energy against the layered backdrop of exposed stone and white subway tile. The retail component reinforces the bodega-inspired atmosphere and contributes to the space’s lived-in, neighborhood character.

Layered Interior Seating & Retail Display – Ba Lao Bar

Interior view of Ba Lao Bar highlighting the juxtaposition of exposed stone walls, warm wood framing, and black steel shelving. Sticker-covered tabletops and bodega-style product displays contribute to the space’s raw, neighborhood character, while white tile and structured millwork provide visual balance and clarity within the layered hospitality environment.

Custom Illustrated Teal Wallcovering – Ba Lao Bar

Detail of the commissioned teal wallcovering at Ba Lao Bar, featuring hand-illustrated graphics by Derek Anderson Jr. of Black Moon Tattoo. The bold, tattoo-inspired imagery introduces a playful yet gritty visual identity that complements the layered, expressive atmosphere of the bar interior.