The popularity of Instagram appears to have more restaurants adopting an “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” attitude toward guests taking pictures of their meals. Even David Chang famously flip-flopped on his six-year-long photo ban at Momofuku Ko, allowing snaps for the first time last year.
Some operators are more than embracing the social media platform, designing their restaurants with Instagram in mind by investing in unmistakable graphic tiles, murals and glowing signs, even life-size fiberglass mascots to draw diners’ cameras. Dirty Bones, a four-unit cocktail bar in London, is more obvious, providing Instagram kits—including a portable LED light, multidevice charger, and selfie stick—to help customers take their best shot.
Still others are finding simpler ways to co-opt the free publicity, with subtle touches that sneak their branding into customers’ social media pics. Here's how.
Pacific Cocktail Haven; San Francisco
