Buck & Honey’s Monona

The Yahara River links two of the Madison area’s most popular lakes, making it a well-traveled waterway. With a slew of boat docks and an adjacent public park, the two-story anchor suite at “The Current” was the perfect location for Buck & Honey’s second location. The main level is laid out to capitalize on views of the river and adjacent Grand Crossing Park with the other wall featuring an expansive curved bar. Natural wood finishes and fixtures blend the building with the outdoors to emphasize the waterfront dining experience.

A highlight of the design was partnering with the owner to create what’s been dubbed the ‘Infinity Forest wall’. The idea was brought to life by creating a mirrored room and strategically using a two-way mirror. The mirror illusion makes it feel like it’s a window into a never-ending forest when in fact the space is only about three feet deep.

The lower level of the restaurant offers a daylight-filled space with window walls that can retract allowing the restaurant to spill out on the patio space; blurring the indoor/outdoor separation. The corner of the event space has another bar complete with a walk-up order window so park visitors and boaters can walk up to place their food order to-go or to enjoy on the restaurant’s expansive patio.