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From monochromatic brick walls brightened by eclectic art and colorful tiles, to reclaimed wood-filled spaces adorned with neon lights and graphic designs, restaurants today are mixing up their decor in all kinds of ways. Check out our list of the spots doing it best (or even better, stop in for a tasty bite) to grab ideas for your own home. Here are 12 restaurants from across the country that are really inspiring us to shake things up.

By Reserve

Contra (New York City) Contra keeps things fresh in its minimalist, streamlined space with a chic combination of pale blue seating, exposed brick and an unexpected neon ceiling light.

Mei Mei (Boston) At Mei Mei, bright yellow chairs pop against wood tables while illustrated black and white chalkboard walls, creating a laid-back, upbeat vibe.

Spoke (Boston) Spoke’s casual neighborhood setting feels fun and lively with its graphic walls and ceilings, mirrors and chalkboard menus, plus different types of light fixtures.

Ani (Chicago) Ani combines rustic exposed brick with simple wood furniture, bright green trim and beautiful plants in a light-flooded dining room — the perfect space to take in the creative Japanese fare.

The Cotton Duck (Chicago) The Cotton Duck, a New American restaurant and art gallery, features onsite exhibitions that rotate every three months. The relaxed, earthy vibe is made complete with stone garden-style floors, exposed-brick walls and industrial lighting.

Doi Moi (Washington D.C.) Doi Moi’s light, airy vibe stays vibrant with colorful tiled walls and Southeast Asian figurines set off by whitewashed brick, simple tables and chairs, and abstract metal light fixtures.

Lord Stanley (San Francisco) At Michelin-starred Lord Stanley, modern white and slate accents mingle with birch wood tables and rustic jars of candles in the sleek yet welcoming setting.

Carlitos Gardel (Los Angeles) This Melrose Avenue Argentinean eatery features rich red curtains and chairs, collages of vintage photographs and a mix of industrial-style and twinkle lights.

Picca (Los Angeles) Picca’s two-story space is adorned with black and white graphics, wood tables and chairs, mirrored walls and an open kitchen at the center of it all.

The Hungry Cat (Los Angeles) The Hungry Cat’s dining room — with its striped cloth banquettes, simple wood tables and bins of oyster shells — is a chic gathering of textures and materials.

Abe Fisher (Philadelphia) Reminiscent of classic Jewish delis, Abe Fisher’s intimate space has a retro feel, with a black and white checkerboard floor, a sleek black bar and dark green banquettes.

Sbraga (Philadelphia) Sbraga’s dining room stays rustic yet modern, balancing wood-paneled pillars and nature-inspired accents with recessed lighting and a marble-topped bar.

Reserve was created to help diners find great restaurants, make a reservation and effortlessly pay the bill at the end of the meal. The Reserve team works with hundreds of the best restaurants in major cities across the country and makes it easy for locals and travelers alike to enjoy a casual bite or an amazing meal. 

Through the Reserve app, you can discover cool restaurants, book a table, chat with Reserve’s digital concierge to get restaurant recommendations and see different options if exactly what you want isn’t available. Paying or splitting the check is easy – after the meal the check can be billed to your card on file, including the preferred tip.