PIJJA PALACE
SILVERLAKE, CA / 2022
PIJJA PALACE
Silverlake, CA / 2022
Both the reverence for casual community gathering and elevated regional cuisine are what distinguish Pijja Palace’s eclectic menu and warm character on this quintessential corner off Sunset Blvd. The proper mourning interlude for what used to be Silverlake’s Happy Foot/Sad Foot clinic has come to a close, and in its iconic place lands an untraditional take on bar bites and pizza with Indian-homestyle spices and enthusiastic nods. Doing away with dimly lit barstool-level tables and neon lighting, and instead introducing a modern homestyle feel, Pijja’s welcome gambit falls nothing short of downright darling. Bright and clean during the day, the light seamlessly shifts the mood into evening with a warm glow over round tables on which to break bread—er, slice Indian-style pizza. White oak paneling offers a thoughtfulness lost on other sports bars. Inspired by potluck-style family events to watch games, this cozy neighborhood rendition (and it’s Napa-trained chef, Avish Naran) knows it’s all-embracing audience in the Silverlake suburbs, and caters to not only an inclusive palette with its flavorful and unique take on American bar food, but a design-minded eye. Powder coated metals, glazed square tiles, clean grids and stripes pull off the soft mention of a stadium’s industrial design, all coming to a homey, serene, and informal point. Large, flat TV’s line the room for easy game-watching, but many are expected to convene for the menu (and extensive bar) itself.
Design - Casandra Smith
Copy - Nicole Lesmeister
Photos & Video - Connor Wyse