Located at the Riverhouse11 luxury apartment complex in Weehawken, N.J., Porter at Port Imperial offers an elevated New York gastropub neighborhood experience. The restaurant does so from a key commuter location and bustling neighborhood, just steps from the NY Waterway Port Imperial Ferry Terminal and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail on the edge of the Hudson River.
Offering shareable small plates, coal-fired entrees, wood-fired pizzas, and large-format selections, the 3,800-square-foot Porter divides into three distinct experiences for guests: the bar, the dining room with an open kitchen and a bakery-cafe for coffee, pastries, ice cream, and other grab-and-go offerings.
The CallisonRTKL design draws from the neighborhood’s history as an industrial shipping port, as epitomized by the handcrafted logo inspired by a ship’s porthole. Blending natural, unfinished materials and nautical-inspired lighting elements with more elevated, contemporary design gives the space a modern and timeless aura. Warm wood textures, biophilic elements, and strategic pops of color reflect the neighborhood’s energy, growth and diversity. Modern colors, layered textures, and elegant seating further emphasize this sophisticated ambiance.
Porter’s design allows it to offer a different experience in each section of the restaurant. To define each of these unique zones, the design team used an ombre color scheme. The bar is the darkest and most moody space, and the open kitchen uses a medium-range color story. This bridges the gap to the bakery, the lightest and brightest space in the restaurant. The design uses similar finishes throughout, in various shades, providing cohesion while still keeping each zone’s visual identity distinct, helping customers navigate the different services on offer.
Images courtesy of Porter
