Jrk! and Mangrove are two distinct concepts integrated under one roof, bringing elevated Caribbean culture to Downtown Miami.
Mangrove positions itself as a bar, restaurant, and lounge on a mission to “redefine the casual fine dining experience.” “We’ve curated a space where every dish, every note, and every moment transports you to the heart of Jamaica,” says co-founder, executive chef, and Kingston native, Wayne Sharpe.
The clients provided a precise vision for the space and tasked the studio with crafting a versatile and flexible environment capable of seamlessly transitioning between a main dining area and a late-night lounge for cocktails, dancing, and reggae music. To achieve the ideal ambiance, the studio opted for a richly textured, dimly lit interior with a dark and moody aesthetic. “Aged, patinated materials surrounded by raw and exposed concrete walls are prominently featured throughout the space, evoking a sense of nostalgia and character. The use of rough, unfinished textures and a collection of vintage decor items lends an air of lived-in authenticity to the space,” says Fiction Works co-founder Andreas De Camps.
The result is an intimate, dimly lit space featuring a mix of eclectic mid-century modern elements reminiscent of the 60s and 70s.
Upon entry, guests access the space through the downtown Jrk! area, via an old elevator scissor gate, above which greenery spills, and past a vintage-aged mirror custom painting on the wall reflecting the client’s goal of creating a community-driven space. The new downtown venue is bright and inviting, bathed in natural light, where diners can enjoy customizable bowl creations, Jamaican breakfast patties, freshly brewed coffee, and an assortment of pastries served through the "patty window," each reflecting traditional Jamaican culinary practices. This location is perfectly tailored for downtown Miami workers and guests, offering a fast-casual dining experience ideal for those grabbing a bowl to go or choosing to unwind in the lounge. Whether in a rush or taking time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, JRK! serves as a convenient and appealing option for both quick take-away lunches and a more leisurely lunch or dinner setting.
The main dining area features a long green leather and dark walnut banquette along the wall, with a carefully curated gallery of Jamaican-inspired artwork by Nick Mahshie displayed above. On the opposite wall, an Amani Lewis painting serves as a focal point, echoing the oranges, yellows, and greens scattered throughout the space. Bespoke glass chandeliers, caned Cesca chairs, and a playful pattern of green cement floor tiles line the center of the main dining area. Lush greenery extends across the space and continues along the bar area, elevating the atmosphere while bringing a natural element indoors. The bar boasts an aged zinc countertop, fronted with dark bamboo panels, and is accompanied by red vinyl and cast metal bar stools, with a back bar tiled in green dominoes. Wooden beams with vintage Peill and Putzler orange opaline glass pendant lights provide a soft amber glow, warmly illuminating the bar.
Key design elements, including channeled leather banquettes in the lounge, vintage Lou Hodge oak tables, and a yellow-tiled DJ booth backed with breeze blocks and lined with vinyl records, anchor the space and contribute to its distinct identity.
Overall, the interior design approach for Mangrove aims to create a unique space that provides the backdrop for an unforgettable culinary experience while subtly nodding to the vibrancy and cultural richness of Jamaica.
Team:
Interior design: FictionWorks x Studio Andreas De Camps / Liminal Studios
Renderings: Liminal Studios
Contractor: SOMOS AD
Greenery: Floratorium
Artwork: Nick Mahshie
AOR: Alejandro Maulini
Team: Jrk !
Photo credits: Pablo Enriquez
Material Used:
1. Facade cladding: Tile, Fireclay
2. Flooring: Cement Tile, DDS Tile / IdealWorks – Microcement floors
3. Interior lighting: Bespoke Chandeliers, Bespoke Rattan Lamps, 1st Dibs, South Loop Loft, Early Electrics, Rejuvenation, NEOZ Lighting
4. Interior furniture: Vintage furniture, 1st Dibs
5. Interiors
Bartop: Aged Zinc, La Bastille
Interior wall: Breeze Blocks, Tesselle
