The energy surrounding the opening of Q Restaurant is palpable. The historic and beloved Veritable Quandary closed in September to make way for the construction of a new courthouse, and Q Restaurant will open just six-and-a-half weeks later — this Monday, November 21. So how much of the old Veritable Quandary design and feel has Q Restaurant retained? See for yourself in the photo gallery above.
The first thing to note are the many different types of wood designer Andee Hess (Ava Gene's, House Spirits) used: olive ash burl, rosewood, cherrywood, walnut. The bar and dining areas are still separate entities, like at VQ, but the bar is brighter, thanks to large windows — two of which will open onto the sidewalk in warm weather. Even brand new, the space has a lived-in feel, thanks to textured wallpaper, craftsman trim on the walls, and the rosewood-coffered ceiling.
In the dining room, the main feature is the open kitchen, complete with a seven-seat chef's counter. Executive chef Annie Cuggino tells Eater she's especially excited for the extra room in the kitchen itself.
The dining room is divided by a long upholstered banquette, and diners may find themselves getting lost between bites in the swirling grain of the olive ash burl table tops. Along with the many VQ-inspired design elements, Veritable Quandary alums make up nearly all of Q Restaurant's staff. Sounds as though a very close-knit team will be running the show.
In total, Q Restaurant seats around 100, with seven seats at the chef's counter. In the summer, tables accommodating 20 will line the sidewalks outside. Starting November 21, Q Restaurant will serve lunch Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner nightly, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and brunch Saturday and Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bar will operate daily from 3 p.m. to midnight.
- Q Restaurant [Official]
- All Previous Q Restaurant Coverage [EPDX]
