How NYC Makes Cramped Spaces Work – Even for Restaurants

On my recent trip to New York City, I couldn’t help but notice how relaxed I felt in every restaurant and cafe I visited. Manhattan is not known for its spaciousness, but somehow each spot I ate at felt roomy despite sitting nearly shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow diners.

Every square foot matters when it comes to the guest experience, especially when you’re operating in a smaller space.

One of the easiest ways to utilize available space is with strategic decorating: Anything from the color palette and wall art to furniture selection and placement can transform a tiny area into an intimate atmosphere with plenty of soothing ambience.

Common design guidelines suggest keeping objects to a minimum in smaller apartments. Architectural Digest advises keeping a clear floor and sticking to a limited color palette, either by selecting light tones with pops of color or going bold and embracing a “jewel box” vibe. Wall sconces and hanging ceiling lights, as well as mirrors galore, are also recommended when dealing with limited living arrangements.

A lot of these well-known small-space decorating tips for homes can translate easily to a restaurant, cafe, or bar, but some adjustments are in order when considering food and beverage components – not to mention a crowd of people that need entertaining.

Tiny restaurant spaces can feel grand as long as you cook up the right vibe.

So how do restaurants apply these basic design principles to ensure comfort while accommodating as many guests as possible? As my fave city spots prove, turning confinement into character is doable with the right approach…

Counters and colors are a perfect catchall

It’s easy to create extra spots for guests with extra counter space, which is demonstrated at Le Café, a tiny Park Avenue coffee shop that makes excellent use of their challenging floor plan.

When I first walked in, I was struck by the bright marigold walls and wooden wall panels. I did not think about how narrow it was inside – instead I felt the warmth of the decor and focused on their brightly colored menu that drew my eyes up high above the registers.

Slim counters lined the walls, providing ample opportunity for guests like myself to either stand and sip their lattes or pull up a stool. There was even a little nook no wider than 4 feet that allowed for a single patron (or a very cozy couple) to perch and enjoy their grub. Between the colors and the counters, it was enough to offer any guest a moment to gather themselves before jumping into their busy New York City morning.

Fabric and lighting sets the mood

I’ve been dining at Motel Morris – located in the quaint neighborhood of Chelsea – for years, and every time I visit, they do not disappoint. Even though guests often find themselves close to others, there’s more than enough beauty to draw the eye and keep guests focused on their own private experience.

One long velvety couch lines the interior, with a beautiful bar in the center and more joined booths facing the opposite side. Every inch of available seating is custom made for the space, designed to perfectly fill the room. The actual size of this romantic restaurant is extremely restricted – I’m sure if all of the decor was removed and fluorescent lights shone bright, the smallness of it would make it feel impossible to host a guest for dinner, let alone 50 of them.

But Motel Morris does host many guests, and does so perfectly with a mod 1950s Americana theme, lush fabrics in jewel tones, and soft lighting against natural wood that creates a sense of privacy for each party enjoying their time there.

Distraction abounds with quirky art

The hidden speakeasy Please Don’t Tell is the tiniest bar I’ve ever seen. From low ceilings to a narrow bar area (when leaning back on my stool I could feel the wall behind me), this secret bar should win an award for making smart use of their property.

Most guests are more accepting when it comes to speakeasies. After all, the allure lies in its secluded and concealed nature, so they expect a certain feeling of restriction. But PDT is on another even smaller level. The reason they are one of the most in-demand speakeasies in the city is because they make every detail fun and distracting, including how you get in. Guests have to step down into a subterranean hot dog heaven called Crif Dogs, dial a special number in a telephone booth, then are granted access through a hidden door to the other side.

Once I entered PDT, I was faced with an eccentric taxidermy collection of woodland creatures. In fact, a certain spot at the bar requires that guest to sit inside the claws of a bear! Although I was bumping arms with the guest next to me, we were so busy checking out the funky decor that we didn’t care. If anything, the crowded space lent to the exclusivity of nabbing a rare seat.

My new friend and I struck up a conversation about how cool the place was – and how lucky we were to be there.