rosa blanca
Scope of work
Interior design
Location
Allentown, PA
Vintage Cuban charm, reimagined for today
Rosa Blanca is a Cuban rum bar and café concept by Chef José Garces, located in the heart of Downtown West, Allentown. Designed as a love letter to Havana’s Golden Age, this all-day space transitions effortlessly from café to cocktail lounge, inviting guests on a richly textured journey of glamour and grit.
Saguez & Dash drew inspiration from 1950s Art Deco fused with African and Spanish influences to create an eclectic, lived-in aesthetic. From the hand-painted To-Go window to the layered interiors filled with vintage pendants, brass pineapples, antique cigar boxes, and lush greenery, Rosa Blanca offers an immersive hospitality experience. A glowing back bar and patinaed walls set the stage for connection and escape.
With indoor and outdoor seating, colorful mural work, and thoughtfully curated details, the space reflects the layered soul of Havana — vibrant, nostalgic, and unforgettable
Velvet chairs in rich teal, chartreuse tabletops, and terracotta floor tiles in geometric patterns add rhythm and color, echoing the vibrant streets of Cuba. From morning cortados to evening rum cocktails, this is where the Rosa Blanca experience begins — designed to balance efficiency, character, and effortless hospitality.
Bathed in natural light, the café counter anchors the space with warmth and intention. A travertine stone bar welcomes guests with understated elegance, while the backdrop — hand-textured walls, a vintage menu mirror, and softly glowing pendants — channels the charm of mid-century Havana with a modern sensibility.
This corner of Rosa Blanca tells a story of layered nostalgia and lived-in charm. Framed by distressed walls and a curated mix of artwork, collectibles, and tropical greenery, it evokes the soul of a Havana café from another era. The golden banquette, checkered tiles, and caned seating recall mid-century warmth, while playful details like vintage figurines and hand-painted ceramics add personality and patina.