Royal Boucherie – Bar Fabrication

Old City, Philadelphia

Works Progress was commissioned to design, fabricate, and install both the downstairs and upstairs bars at Royal Boucherie, a French-inspired American brasserie in Old City, Philadelphia. The client’s vision was clear: create two bars that felt like they had existed in the building for over a century, each reflecting the historic charm of the space while offering their own unique character.

Drawing from this concept, we crafted both bars using solid cherry, detailed with a combination of new and vintage carvings, and finished with traditional oil-based varnish to enhance the warmth and depth of the wood. While both bars share a cohesive design language, the downstairs bar was built to ground the main dining space with a sense of permanence and history, while the upstairs parlour bar received additional flourishes and detailing, giving it a slightly more ornate presence suited to the intimate upstairs lounge.

These two custom-built bars not only serve the functional needs of the restaurant but also help define the character of each space, making guests feel as though they've stepped into a timeless neighborhood fixture.

Downstairs Bar

Located in the main dining room, the downstairs bar at Royal Boucherie was designed to feel like a fixture that had stood in place for generations. Built from solid cherry and detailed with a blend of new and vintage carvings, it anchors the space with warmth and authenticity. The traditional oil-based varnish enhances the character of the wood, helping the bar blend seamlessly with the restaurant’s exposed brick, antique lighting, and historic architectural details—creating the feeling of an Old City institution that’s always been there.