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Lonesome Rose

Art Direction / Build / Concept / Curate / Design

Lonesome Rose is an all-day bar and restaurant focusing on the rich cultural histories of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. While a border may divide the two countries, the histories of these areas have long been intertwined, informing and influencing each other across generations. 

Opening early, and staying up (very) late, Lonesome Rose offers accessible, creative takes on the best these border regions have to offer in both food and drink. 

This approachability and openness are echoed in the design. Land and Sea Dept. explored the relationship between the two regions, creating a wide, bright landscape indoors. Dusty pinks, terra cotta, and a deep, midnight blue accent the rooms, which are largely appointed in natural neutrals, bringing to mind the earth tones of the regions themselves.

The light-filled dining room features built-in banquets (with ample storage beneath), tables, handmade chairs, and wood paneling, all made from white ash – a tree native to Southern Texas – and all custom built by LSD companion company Mode Carpentry. 

In the adjacent bar space, a poured concrete bar runs the length of the room and sits atop a red brick base, while a Mode Carpentry custom-built back bar hides storage behind arched mirrors. 

Lonesome Rose features custom art by Land and Sea Dept. partner Cody Hudson as well as two pieces by Sara Malpass via NIAD.

Lonesome Rose’s design scheme includes a handwritten custom font alongside a hand-drawn logo. Staff wears aprons made in collaboration with Stock MFG.

Lonesome Rose was formerly home to Ronny’s, a neighborhood punk club. While the structure and its inner-workings required a complete overhaul, a few elements remain; namely, the hodge-podge flooring in the main dining room (a mixture of marble and granite tiles) and the cinderblock walls.