Rupee Bar wins James Beard design award

Ballard’s Rupee Bar is once again in the spotlight, having won a James Beard award for restaurant design.

In a year that’s been devastating for the restaurant industry, the design award is one of just a few handed out by the James Beard Foundation. Local firm Heliotrope Architects designed the space, and co-owners Rachel Johnson, Joe Sundberg, and Patrick Thalasinos did quite a bit of the renovation themselves.

This is the second time the small Sri Lankan-inspired restaurant was lauded nationally: GQ named Rupee as one of the best new restaurants in the country back in May.

Chef Liz Kenyon told the Seattle Times that they’re not quite sure how to celebrate given the current dire state of the restaurant industry, but says it’s nice to have the recognition.

Rupee remains open for to-go, delivery, and limited outdoor and indoor seating—check their Instagram for updated hours.

Photo: Rupee Bar on Facebook