Oak Steakhouse

Nashville, TN

Oak Steakhouse, located adjacent to the Westin hotel in downtown Nashville, is a dramatic two-level space with soaring 35-foot ceilings. The Johnson Studio's design concept is an inverted oak tree with its "roots" turned upward to cradle the upper mezzanine dining room with abstract "dropping acorn" pendant lights. With only one species of oak used throughout, as well as 100-year-old reclaimed wood, the space gives a rustic nod to Nashville's western heritage. The design commits fully to the arboreal theme with 'bark'-inspired shapes and furnishings. A gleaming marble raw bar is dotted with 25' custom pendant lights and pewter accents. An open expo kitchen with a 2-foot custom butcher block table puts the chef on display and adds activity to the room. Various seating groups include u-booths, loose tables, bespoke settees and a banquette along the window to provide different options for guests. The slick oak bar features operable back bar baskets that move top-shelf liquor up and down as needed. Mechanical cranks, steel baskets and racking all created by a local Nashville metal artisan add authenticity and grit to the otherwise refined restaurant. Together the design elements create a restaurant that is striking yet comfortable.