The Jeepney
Inspired by the colorfully decorated WWII jeeps in the Philippines, called "jeepneys," Jeepney celebrates all the kitsch and flamboyance of the Philippines dining experience. Further investigating Filipino culture, Dutch East was also inspired by the sari-sari store - the vernacular architecture of these family run, privately-owned convenience stores lent itself well to the vibe of this East Village restaurant.
An assortment of galvanized sheet metal, chrome, aluminum trim, automotive lights and a bright yellow powder-coated bar top were used to create the Jeepney feel atmosphere. Through a collaboration with the artist Castro pin-stripe decals were applied to the interior, reminiscent of some of the Jeepneys’ decorations.
“Dinner at Jeepney... felt more like parachuting into Manila myself. I didn’t know all the vocabulary and didn’t always know what I was putting in my mouth, but I knew I had left home.”
