Bar Dough didn't take long to rise in the former home of a convenience store next to Highland Tap & Burger. After a complete gutting and rebuild, the space opened over the weekend with chef-partner Max MacKissock's menu of stuzzichini (appetizers), housemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas baked in an imported Acunto oven, and other dishes ranging from traditional Italian to nostalgic, East Coast favorites. Photographer Danielle Lirette fired off photos of Bar Dough's first lunch service, capturing the food, drinks and bustling kitchen in the images below.

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The imported Mario Acunto oven with layers of gleaming tile serves as the backdrop in the long, narrow space.

Danielle Lirette

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Bar Dough's crew preps a pizza for waiting customers.

Danielle Lirette

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The Commendatore pizza goes into the imported Mario Acunto oven.

Danielle Lirette

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The oven is fired by oak.

Danielle Lirette

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Bucatini all'amatriciana; the pasta is made by hand.

Danielle Lirette

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Tonno tonnato with albacore, lemon, celery and crispy rice.

Danielle Lirette

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Fettunta with chicken liver, orange, chicken skin and fried sage.

Danielle Lirette

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A salad of brasssicas: broccoli with pecorino, pumpkin seeds, apple and brown-butter vinaigrette.

Danielle Lirette

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Prosciutto being sliced.

Danielle Lirette

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Danielle Lirette

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Bar Dough's patio opens onto West 32nd Avenue and will soon have a pergola to provide additional shade for sunnier days.

Danielle Lirette

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The decor is spare, but with bursts of color and texture.

Danielle Lirette

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A burgundy banquette runs the length of the wall opposite the bar.

Danielle Lirette

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The bar program comprises 50 Italian wines, beers that bring out the best in the food, classic cocktails and spritzes made with house syrups.

Danielle Lirette

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Housemade syrups for Italians sodas and spritzes.

Danielle Lirette

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Italian aperitifs are served in retro stemware.

Danielle Lirette

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A pair of spritzes with Italian bitters and fresh ingredients.

Danielle Lirette

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The bar is classically topped with marble.

Danielle Lirette

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Seating is intended to foster a lively, social air.

Danielle Lirette

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Owner Juan Padro says that staff training and customer service are two of his main goals.

Danielle Lirette

• First Look