Amber Steakhouse
Identity
UX/UI Design
Web Development
Technologies used:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React.js
Founded in 2010, Amber is a high-end steakhouse boasting gourmet seafood & fine wines in an old-fashioned, elegant venue. I was commissioned to design their identity and branding in 2010. I made a classic yet distinguishing design to seperate it from the surrounding competition in the area. Since then, they have become a staple restaurant in the north Brooklyn Area. In 2021 I was tasked to develop a new website for them.
Overview
I originally created Ambers branding back in 2010. When I was tasked to create a new website for them I was asked to do two very specific things.
1. To guide users to make reservations on OpenTable, their software for managing reservations.
2. To organize their humongous menu and make it accessible.
In the past ten years since I have worked with them Amber had grown into having one of the biggest whiskey selections in New York City, as well as a huge wine menu. I had to organize this menu.
Process
I decided not to use a CMS for their website because I wanted to create a custom User Interface with my own components. Especially since I wanted to create a custom menu. I decided to code everything using the React.js framework.
The website is quite straight forward with all the basic information available right on the home page. It would be divided into these components:
Navbar (with Call to Action)
Hero (Call to Action Button in Responsive)
Hours
Location and Contact
Social Media
Footer
Mobile Navbar
Homepage
The website is straightforward with the most basic information easily accessible.
The call to action for their reservations is prominent to the right hand corner. In the mobile view it is right on the hero image. Users can immediately make a reservation without looking too long.
In the past there would have been an extensive gallery of their food but with Amber’s very heavy “food porn” instagram presence there was no need for that. I’ve included several photos as little gallery’s just so people can get a quick feel for what the food looks like.
Menu
The content of the menu is very robust. There was a lot of information to organize and sift through. I designed the menu to look like the menu that they have in the actual restaurant. That is why the menu is in a serif typeface. I wanted to keep the steak house’s conservative look for the most important part of their business. Instead of flipping through pages as you would in a restaurant, you have a sticky side bar in the desktop view that brings you to your designated section.
