El Take It Easy is a farm to table Mexican restaurant and bar in North Park. As part of North Park's latest surge in night life and food life, El Take It Easy has settled in as one of the coolest spots in the neighborhood. The concept for the design was inspired by concrete ruins of old buildings and cantinas throughout Mexico. The highlight of the space is a 100% recycled wall made up of recycled polycarbonate panels and 2x8 wood ceiling joists that were removed from the ceiling of the existing building. The wall is internally lit using rope light LED fixtures. When removing the existing ceiling finish and joists, the existing barrel roof and steel trusses were discovered to be in great condition so it became important to highlight the ceiling space and celebrate the existing structure. The bartop is a cast-in-place concrete top with the hardware from existing framing reused and cast into the bartop. Since it's opening in 2010, the space and design has organically transformed with the needs of its clientele and Owner, creating neighborhoods within the space. A partial height wall now divides the open space, creating a more intimate bar area and hinged openings in the entry wall were added to provide indoor/outdoor seating, connecting the neighborhood to the interior. Whether the event is a dance party, "Bacon Bingo", or jazz night, it was important that the space be flexible and transformable, much like the food and cocktails change with the seasons, bringing fresh local food and design to the local patron.

Project Information

Project Address: 

3926 30th Street San Diego, CA 92104

Project Owner/ Developer: 

Jay Porter

Owner Contact Name/ Email: 

jay@thelinkery.com

Project Architect/ Designer: 

OBR Architecture

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