The Greek street food restaurant, DOX, is located in the heart of Chicago’s Wicker Park. The owners’ desire was to move away from the clichés surrounding Greek food and to introduce the local urban population to an authentic sense of the Mediterranean country.
The initial design inspiration for DOX – δοξα (doxa) in Greek, “glory” — was the “unfolding” of the layout of the traditional kiosks – περιπτερα (periptera) — which are found in town squares and on street corners throughout Greece. This was a challenge because Wicker Park is a protected urban area. No changes were allowed to be made to the exterior façade other than to enlarge the street side window. Inside, the restaurant’s program had to be adapted to the existing layout.
Upon arrival patrons enter a buffer zone that separates the open kitchen from the public spaces. DOX caters for take-out as well as eat-in diners. Timber-clad, bleacher-style seating provides take-out customers with a stylish and comfortable place to wait for their orders whilst those who stay can take advantage of a variety of seating within the dining area. Amphitheatrically placed, the chairs and tables reduce in height from the interior towards the front windows. Not only is every diner able to enjoy the ever-changing theatre of the street, but passersby can enjoy an enticing view of the entire restaurant in just a glance.
