Bar Chimera has received plenty of press, and for good reason. Eater New York named it one of the city’s best new bars, Surface described it as “a lair worth getting lost in,” and Observer called it “a well-oiled machine.”
But the attention is not only about the food and drinks. The space itself has also been recognized by Galeria and Architectural Digest. Let’s take a closer look at the making of Bar Chimera and the design of its bar.
Custom Cast Pewter for a High-End Hospitality Space
La Bastille specializes in custom metal countertops, bar tops, and architectural surfaces for restaurants, bars, hotels, and luxury interiors. For Bar Chimera, pewter was the ideal material choice because of its rich visual character, elegant finish, and ability to develop a beautiful patina over time.
While many people search for zinc countertops when looking for classic European-inspired bar surfaces, pewter has a long history in French bistros and brasseries. In fact, many traditional bars referred to as “le zinc” were actually pewter. That heritage made pewter a natural fit for Bar Chimera’s sophisticated hospitality setting.
The Martini Bar
The martini bar was designed as a polished, elevated focal point within the space. La Bastille’s custom pewter bar top supports that vision with a luminous metal surface that feels both classic and contemporary.
The pewter brings depth, reflection, and subtle texture to the bar, complementing the surrounding materials without competing with them. As guests gather for cocktails, the bar top becomes part of the ritual: a refined surface for service, conversation, and presentation.
The Wine Bar
For the wine bar, La Bastille fabricated a second custom cast pewter countertop that works seamlessly within a softer, more elegant palette. The pewter surface adds contrast, craftsmanship, and durability while allowing the surrounding finishes to shine.
Because pewter is a living metal, it gains character with use. In a hospitality environment, that aging process is part of its beauty. Over time, the bar top develops a natural patina that reflects the life of the space.
Why Pewter Countertops Work So Well for Restaurants and Bars
For restaurant owners, designers, and contractors, custom metal bar tops offer both beauty and performance. Pewter countertops and zinc countertops are especially popular in hospitality spaces because they bring warmth, character, and craftsmanship to areas that see constant use.
Unlike standard commercial surfaces, a custom cast metal bar top feels intentional. It can be designed to fit the exact dimensions, style, and service needs of the space. Whether the project calls for a polished pewter countertop, a classic zinc bar top, or another custom metal surface, La Bastille creates pieces that are built to serve as both functional work surfaces and major design features.
Custom Foot Rails
At Bar Chimera, the custom pewter bar tops help define the guest experience. They sit at the center of the action, grounding the martini and wine bars with handcrafted metal surfaces that feel elegant, durable, and timeless.
For La Bastille, this project reflects what custom fabrication can bring to a hospitality space: a bar top that is more than a surface. It is a gathering place, a design statement, and one of the most memorable parts of the room.
Planning a Custom Bar Top?
La Bastille fabricates custom zinc countertops, pewter countertops, bar tops, range hoods, and architectural metalwork for restaurants, bars, hotels, designers, and contractors across North America.
If you are planning a restaurant, bar, hotel, or hospitality project, our team can help you create a custom metal bar top that fits your design vision, service needs, and project specifications. Request an estimate for your custom zinc or pewter bar top today.
