THE RIO GRANDE LODO
Shike Design was approached with the opportunity to design two restaurant locations simultaneously, including one of our largest projects to date for one of Colorado’s longest-running Mexican restaurant groups.
The Denver location moved across LODO into the former Sullivan’s Steakhouse, reflecting the neighborhood’s shift toward modern design. Inspired by travels in Mexico City and Marfa, Texas, as well as the Rio Grande River Valley, the design incorporates limestone walls, terracotta tones, dimensional Porcelanosa tile, Alaskan cedar, and reclaimed shoring beams.
Cultural influences carry throughout the space: Spanish-patterned cut metal screens wrap structural beams, twisted juniper trees accent the custom bar shelving, and a Caesarstone bar top reflects the sandy hues of the Rio Grande. More than 250 feet of custom banquette seating in geometric fabrics provide modern accents, while Oaxaca pottery and Alebrije sculptures soften the atmosphere.
As a leading Denver restaurant designer, Shike Design blended modern minimalism with authentic cultural detail to create a vibrant, welcoming dining experience in the heart of downtown Denver.
