Smythe & Dove Steak

Project Notes

When Marcus Palmer, a seasoned restaurateur, embarked on the venture of creating a new dining establishment in Andover, he harbored ambitious visions. Recognizing the need for it to stand out as one of the premier dining destinations in the region, he seized the opportunity to fulfill his longstanding dream of bringing a barn-style steakhouse to life. With a history of collaboration on successful projects such as Great Road Kitchen in Littleton and Vine Brook Tavern in Lexington, Marcus turned to his enduring friendship with Sleeping Dog's Founder, Chris, to make this modern American steakhouse a reality.

The choice of Sleeping Dog as the construction team was a natural one, given the deep connections both Marcus and Chris shared with the town of Andover. Transforming the erstwhile vacant Andover Bookstore, the barn-style restaurant became a welcome addition to the downtown area.

Despite the imposing exterior, the interior design was meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of coziness for diners. This was particularly evident in the design of the Dakota Bar, where elements such as a lower ceiling height, warmer colors and textures, and thoughtful lighting converged to create an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant not only stands as a grand presence on the street level but also succeeds in providing a warm and welcoming ambiance inside, ensuring that Marcus's dream of a top-tier dining destination in Andover becomes a palpable reality.

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