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.

Upstairs Bar

Carrying the same design language upstairs, the bar at Royal Boucherie offers a more refined and intimate take on the concept. Built alongside the downstairs bar, this piece introduces additional flourishes and detailing to complement the atmosphere of the upstairs lounge. Featuring the same solid cherry construction, vintage-inspired carvings, and traditional varnish finish, the upstairs bar feels connected to the larger restaurant while standing out as a centerpiece in the elegant space—perfectly suited for private gatherings or a quiet cocktail overlooking Old City.