Wilson Hardware Set For Late Summer Opening

The successor to the former RiRa Irish Pub in Clarendon is aiming to be open in “late summer.”

Wilson Hardware at 2915 Wilson Blvd has been under construction for almost a year, but appears to be nearing completion. Signs are up and facing the street, and a back outdoor patio is taking shape.

When it is finished, customers can expect a 7,000-square-foot bar and lounge with three distinct bar areas, including one on the roof.

Inside, a large papier-mâché mural covers the bar’s exposed brick wall, designed by D.C. firm SWATCHROOM. And upstairs on the rooftop, the bar features a graphic tile motif in black and white and plants overhead, along with high tables and two large flat-screen televisions.

Wilson Hardware will serve contemporary American food and a menu of signature cocktails. It is named for the Virginia Hardware store, which occupied the space from the early 1960s until 2005.

“Clarendon has definitely been overdue for a place like Wilson Hardware, so we’re thrilled to be in the neighborhood,” said co-owner Jad Bouchebel in a statement. “We know how important the history of this landmark is and look forward to welcoming new faces to our restaurant.”

More from a press release, after the jump.

Arlington, Virginia’s trendy Clarendon neighborhood will get a chic new culinary destination when Wilson Hardware opens in late summer.

The 7,000-square foot bar and lounge, designed by prolific D.C. design, art and fabrication firm SWATCHROOM, features a large-scale papier-mâché mural covering the bar’s massive exposed brick wall. The stunning artwork serves as an elegant backdrop for the cavernous space, which is dotted with warm lighting, fabric-and-leather banquettes and glass-encased candles.

Wilson Hardware houses three distinct bar areas, with an 27-foot long quartz-top rail on the main level, a textured leaf-print wall in the patio lounge and a sleek tiled bar on the rooftop.

Surrounded by banquettes covered in tobacco-colored leather and black-and-white tweed, the main bar includes a 16-person seating area just beneath the signature mural, which is sprinkled with oversized flowers and polka dots and is anchored by a mystery woman reminiscent of Old Hollywood film stars. The inviting space is lit overhead by an array of custom metal chandeliers that lead the eye up to the mezzanine level where a background of muted, liquid metal mirrors and an enchanting candle wall give off a soft glow, offering a cocoon of glamorous privacy.

The patio lounge is all lightness and whimsy, with cross-hatched, textured walls and warm wooden light fixtures. Outside on the patio, banquette seating is available in a tucked-away location off the beaten path of Wilson Boulevard. On the rooftop, the 17-foot long bar features a graphic tile motif in black and white and a stunning marbleized quartz countertop. High tables and two large flat-screen televisions make the space ideal for spending plenty of long summer hours basking in the sun, while, overhead, greenery hangs from the trellis-like covering, adding to the rooftop’s vibe of serenity.

Wilson Hardware, which will serve contemporary American fare alongside an exciting menu of signature cocktails, is named as an homage to Virginia Hardware, the hardware shop that occupied the storefront location on Wilson from the early 1960s until 2005.

“Clarendon has definitely been overdue for a place like Wilson Hardware, so we’re thrilled to be in the neighborhood,” says co-owner Jad Bouchebel. “We know how important the history of this landmark is and look forward to welcoming new faces to our restaurant.”