Bar Sotto

A New Era With Bar Sotto

In a city as steeped in history as Chicago, few restaurants can claim the kind of legacy The Village holds. For nearly a century, the Capitanini family has shaped Italian-American dining in the heart of downtown, evolving across generations while remaining a cornerstone of the culinary scene. As the family embarked on a new chapter with Bar Sotto and Sotto, they turned to Dunne Kozlowski to bring their vision to life, which honored the past while making space for the future.

With expertise spanning architecture, interior design, procurement, and construction administration, Dunne Kozlowski approached this project as more than just a redesign. It was an opportunity to tell a story, layer by layer, through thoughtful materiality, curated artistry, and a deep respect for the space’s evolving identity.

A Balancing Act

Preserving the Past, Embracing the Present

Rather than erasing history, the design team leaned into it. The goal was to create an environment that felt like it had always been there—lived-in, layered, and rich with stories—while ensuring it resonated with today’s patron. Exposing original brick and steel elements allowed the space’s historical bones to shine. At the same time, modern touches introduced a sense of refinement and intentionality.

Stepping into the entrance of the reimagined Bar Sotto, guests are transported into a timeless Italian plaza, where intimate lighting and warm textures evoke the charm of an old-world neighborhood. The bar area of Bar Sotto takes inspiration from classic dive bars, offering a relaxed, familiar, and effortlessly cool atmosphere.

Crafting a Narrative Through Design

Every design choice was an opportunity to reinforce the story of the Capitanini family and their longstanding influence on Chicago’s dining scene. Drawing inspiration from the famed Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel in New York, Dunne Kozlowski wove in bespoke artistic details that subtly nod to family heritage to integrate into the Bar Sotto experience. Instead of a direct replication, they created a version that felt distinctly personal to Jonathan and Giovanna Capitanini, celebrating their own chapter in the ongoing legacy of The Village.

From a carefully curated mural depicting familial history to aged finishes that seamlessly blend new and old, every element was chosen with intention. Walls tell a story through what’s displayed on them and through the layers of paint, plaster, and exposed textures that reveal glimpses of what came before. It’s an approach that resists trend-chasing and embraces authenticity, ensuring that Bar Sotto and Sotto will feel as relevant decades from now as they do today.

An Authentic Collaboration

Executing a project of this depth required more than just great design—it demanded the right partnerships. Dunne Kozlowski leveraged their extensive vendor network to bring the vision to life, collaborating with muralists, millworkers, and artisans who understood the importance of craftsmanship in storytelling.

The Power of a Trusted Vendor Network

Custom furniture and millwork were crafted to echo the character of a traditional Italian establishment. At the same time, carefully selected wall coverings were installed with layered and textured techniques to evoke a sense of history. Even the installation of existing stained glass elements was approached with the utmost care, ensuring that nothing felt out of place in the newly refreshed space.

This meticulous attention to detail extended to every aspect of Bar Sotto, down to the finishing touches of signage, lighting, and material selections. Rather than opting for off-the-shelf solutions, each component was tailored to fit seamlessly within the broader narrative.

More Than a Beautiful Space: A Lasting Experience

Aesthetics doesn’t just measure the success of this project—it’s about how the space makes people feel. Bar Sotto and Sotto aren’t just places to grab a drink; they are immersive experiences that invite guests to sink in, stay a while, and return time and again. Whether it’s a post-work cocktail in a setting that feels like an extension of home or a late-night gathering surrounded by layers of history, the design ensures that every visit is memorable.

For business owners looking to craft spaces that go beyond Pinterest trends and cookie-cutter aesthetics, Dunne Kozlowski’s approach serves as an example of creating something truly one-of-a-kind. Their ability to weave storytelling into design, coupled with a full-service execution model, ensures that projects don’t just look good—they resonate.

As Bar Sotto and Sotto open their doors to a new generation of Chicago diners, they do so with a sense of history intact, a fresh perspective in place, and an atmosphere that will continue to stand the test of time. And that, ultimately, is the mark of great design—where the past, present, and future exist in harmony, waiting for new stories to be written.