GAETANOS
Gaetano’s Italian Restaurant is a prohibition-era Denver staple with deep ties to the local Italian mob, once home to a bootleg moonshine operation and illegal gambling rings. When Shike Design was approached for the remodel, preserving this rich history was central to the design. Gaetano’s remains defined by its loyal regulars, who have carried its legacy forward.
The original bar was retained almost entirely, with only subtle modern refinements. Black-and-white images of the men and women at the heart of Gaetano’s past were integrated throughout the restaurant at a dramatic scale. Tufted booths, wrought iron accents, and restored amber light columns paired with updated cove lighting helped recreate the clandestine, prohibition-era atmosphere.
As a Denver restaurant designer, Shike Design honored Gaetano’s storied past while carefully updating the space for today’s diners.
