Tom Draws Buildings
2020–2021
A not-for-profit global illustration project established in 2020, in order to help struggling local business during the darkest moments of the pandemic. The concept was simple: support your local business (through donations, ordering takeout, buying gift vouchers, etc.), and Tom will draw it for you. All illustrations were posted on Instagram, giving the businesses exposure, and connecting them with the donors. JPG versions were also emailed to the donors for home-printing and framing.
The project was a huge hit. Submissions came from cities across the globe, including Sydney, Melbourne, London, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and more. Over the course of the year, Tom drew 70 local businesses, totalling $6,500 worth of donations.
Scroll below to see the full list, and read why the donors love their respective locals so darn much.
What started as a not-for-profit project has snowballed into a love affair for illustrating buildings. Head to @tomdrawsbuildings to see the latest work. Interested in purchasing a print? Head to tomdrawsbuildings.com
Illustrations: Tom Hislop
11th Street Bar (New York): "My uncles and their band play at 11th Street monthly. It’s a place where you can walk in any day of the week and there is live music. It’s a simple Irish pub but it’s the people and comfortable atmosphere that there that make you want to keep returning back."—Bridget Beatty
169 Bar (New York): "It’s always been open and chill and there for me. It’s also where my partner first made a move on me three years ago which led to our relationship."—Helen Boram
Action Burger (Brooklyn): "Action Burger they really take the phrase ugly delicious to the next level. The burgers are massive and mean-looking in the best way possible. And they (used to) have gaming consoles so you could play Halo while you wait."—Tom Hislop
The Albion Hotel (Albury, Australia): "The atmosphere, staff and food! They also have Lexington Hill cocktails on tap which are heavenly"—Georgia Ransley
An Choi (New York): "Best spring rolls and Banh Mi in town, remind us Vietnamese food's taste from France!"—Julien Simon
Astoria Seafood (Queens): "I miss the crowds outside the door, a sure sign that you were in for a good night. I miss the loud waiters and cooks, shouting at each other in Greek. I miss the smell of fresh seafood, and the excitement of waiting for your handpicked plates of food to arrive. I miss the late nights, where people would start dancing in the aisles and throwing plates to bursts of 'Opa!'"—Nhi Hoang
Bang Bang Pie (Chicago): "the friendly amazing staff! and obviously the pie and biscuits. such a staple in my neighborhood"—Alanna Jennings
Bannockburn Hotel (Bannockburn, New Zealand): "The people, they're amazing hospitality and the venue. It's a gorgeous historic old pub that delivers over and above on expectations to guests consistently. We love them"—Julia Stephenson
Bar Moga (New York): "I miss being whisked away from reality from Bar Moga's ambiance. The food is incredibly comforting and the drinks are just top-notch."—Daniel Yu
Beechworth Bakery (Beechworth, Australia): "It has always been the community’s meeting place where groups and people have been catching up over coffee and a Beesting (or other), some every week for 30 years! And while all the cafes in town are now basically back to normal, the bakery is refraining from offering seating just yet so everyone can still come in and get their bread. Admirable, but tough for them!"—Brian Rock
Beer Karma (Brooklyn): "The people, the beer, the community. We all stay close and buy takeout but we miss being inside our favorite local. It’s not just craft beer. It’s a community."—Daniel Martinez
Beyoglu (New York): "Beyond the food, it was the great kind of neighborhood spot where it always felt buzzing with life but you could always get a table. This was my go-to dinner meet up spot with my cousin, and we're both heartbroken that we never got to have one final farewell dinner there."—Allison Hellman
Billsons (Beechworth, Australia): "The friendly staff,the great coffee, the smell of whatever is brewing in the distillery, the vibe of the speakeasy."—Marg Finlay
Bonafini (Brooklyn): "Bonafini welcomed me to my neighborhood with fantastic food and a warm, friendly environment. I’ve met old friends, signed leases, and spent much-needed alone time here. I still dream of their lasagna and am so glad they recently opened back up for take-out. I’m proud to be their neighbor."—Kelsi Trinidad
Bravest (New York): "Bravest is the heart of this section of Murray Hill. It’s a family owned bar and restaurant that was opened by a FDNY firefighter over 40 years ago and still has direct ties to the department today. First responders from all over the world know Bravest and its famous Wicked Wings, handmade burgers, and affordable prices. It’s a place where everybody knows your name and right now we are all missing our Bravest family more than ever. Check our their Instagram at @bravestnyc and @wickedwandy (the owner) and view some of the comments for a sense of how much Bravest is missed right now. They are thankfully staying afloat with takeout and delivery, but are not sure how long they can survive (long term) on that. Thank you for considering them!"—Ashley Petrylak
Broken Land (Brooklyn): "This bar is so special to me; I met the love of my life there, and I've lived near it for almost 5 years. I've had so many laughs and cries there, made many new friends there, and if I get the chance, I always introduce old friends to this spot, too. I miss walking through the door and lighting up when I see the friend I planned to meet, I miss sitting in the window that's now used for pick-up orders... and I would say I miss the piña colada because it's the best one in the whole damn city, but let's be real, as soon as they started serving those in to-go containers this year, I was first in line."—Maple Shipp
Cafe Tola (Chicago): "I miss lingering a bit while ordering/waiting for my coffee and empanadas to chat with the baristas. Everyone who works there is so kind and really takes an interest in their customers' days and lives. It's not an easy job, but they always do it with an amazing attitude."—Emma Webster
Caffé Dante (Brooklyn): "Caffé Dante is New York city; perfectly capturing the energy and the hustle and bustle nature that people fall in love with. There is nowhere better to share a Negroni and a bowl of pasta on a summer Friday... I had to support the place that first made me feel like an (almost) actual New Yorker."—Finian Sedgwick
Calico (Sydney, Australia): "I am the wife of one of the owners, we have four children in total and we closed our business after just 12 days of operating due to COVID-19. We have reopened our doors but are finding it very quiet and taking time to get back up and running. I’d love to show my support and encouragement to my husband to keep going. He will love it. I’ve recently paid their insurance to cover all employers (icare) as we are paying out of our own pockets. You are sharing an amazing gift. May you receive your pay it forwards ten fold ..."—Kirrily can Hoeck
Captain Dan’s Good Time Tavern (Brooklyn): "I live above this bar, and it is the heart and soul of my block. People from all walks of life gather here. Not only does Phee make the most satisfying veggie burger you’ll ever wrap your lips around, the decor is 100. Named for the owners’ late Corgi, the bar is covered in velvet paintings of Dan hanging with tropical pals (standing on a flamingo, sitting with a parrot). I’ve unfortunately been displaced from New York since the pandemic started, and I miss the warmth and comfort of walking downstairs on any given night to find a friendly face."—Heather Schroering
Choplet Ceramics Studio (Brooklyn): "I miss my Tuesday night ceramics class (shoutout to our teacher Jaleh Fazel, the absolute queen). The owner and all the teachers at Choplet are fantastic artists and excellent human beings. They've even managed to make me into a semi-decent ceramicist. Much love to everyone at the studio, can't wait to see you all in person soon!"—Kayla Fuchs
Ciao Thyme (Sydney, Australia): "Dining in, surrounding by gorgeous coffee smells and seriously delicious food was the highlight of my day!"—Zoe Robertson
Club Lucky (Chicago): "Club lucky is where my then boyfriend and I started our lives in Bucktown. It was our first date in our new neighborhood, where he proposed, where we dined often and where we had our last meal before moving to the burbs. We miss the ambiance, the people and the jukebox that sets the tone of this magnificent Italian restaurant. We finally decided to get in our car, and pick-up and picnic as we celebrated our new plans for our wedding! We consider ourselves part of 'Club Lucky'"—Amber Neale
Connie and Ted’s (Los Angeles): "Connie and Ted’s has been a true culinary anchor in West Hollywood for over half a decade. The team are the true epitome of hospitality and care, and the New England-inspired seafood menu is 💯! Plus, every time I go there with friends or family, I feel like I am in a Nancy Meyers film — folks laughing, babies smiling, chef and staff happily buzzing by you. So much joy. So much happiness. We need to SAVE independent small businesses & restaurants like C&T. Please!"—Meghan Patke
Della (Brooklyn): "Every time my fiancé and I step out from Della's doors after a meal, it is with full bellies and full hearts. The food is always spectacular--somehow simultaneously luxurious and totally unpretentious, like the best home-cooked meal you've ever had--but what really makes the place special is the small, closely knit crew that runs it. I miss everything. I miss Ish's delicious cooking and the way we'd always make sure to greet each other whenever we came in. I miss Jeremiah's exuberance and Patty's kind spirit, always eager to talk about ideas, big and small. I miss catching up with Taylor and hearing about his latest music festival. I miss Shazaming every obscure-but-totally-perfect-for-the-mood song that played over the speakers. I miss looking across the table at my fiancé smiling at me in the dim flicker of the candle between us, finally relaxing from a long day in the ambient hum of clattering silverware and conversation. Some restaurants are just places to get food; Della is much, much more than that."—Sabina Miklowitz
Di An Di (Brooklyn): "The food, the stories behind the dishes and the memories of family meals there with my mum, dad and sister. Also the team treated my dad like a hero for wearing his yellow flag, three red stripe cap with pride."—Phuc Nguyen
Dromedary Urban Tiki Bar (Brooklyn): "Dromedary manages to make you feel like you're at a tiki bar somewhere tropical instead of in the middle of Brooklyn but still stays incredibly connected to the community. I miss the drinks, atmosphere, and most of all the bartenders who are some of the best (and friendliest) in the city."—Caleb Thompson
Elsa Bar (Brooklyn): i miss the strong sense of place - the thoughtfully designed built-in architectural elements & perfectly executed atmosphere (& flower arrangements!), hand in hand with the always-perfectly-crafted cocktails that elsa has to offer. honestly, this is probably true of the interiors of any home.studios-designed venue (including elsa's sister bar, ramona, in greenpoint) but this one's my local and i swing by every year for my birthday & am happy to support them this weekend to continue the tradition."—Janie-Spenser Ngo
Elske (Chicago): "I’ve never been to a restaurant that felt so much like being with family. Anna and David Posey not only make some of the most comforting, hearth-cooked food, but the space they’ve created sends you on a little trip to Denmark every time. It doesn’t hurt that the staff is so friendly and genuinely wants you to have the best time there. I miss Elske more than anything!!"—Maddie Shovers
Epocha (Melbourne, Australia): "Epocha fed me when I needed nourishment, gave me bubble water, coffee and love when hung over and hugs when I was sad. Jeez they even gave me a job for a bit when I needed one. They’re the best and they’ve been hit hard."—Sheridan Wright
Familiars Vegan Coffee Shop (Brooklyn): "I miss the people who work there. Waking up on a Sunday to grab a drip coffee and a bagel and being greeted by nothing but smiles really makes my day."—Lisa Carr
Gramercy Tavern (New York): "It’s where I got engaged and a place my wife and I frequent as often as financially possible."—Sean Russell
The Green Mill (Chicago): "The Green Mill is a Chicago classic, but I mostly miss a Saturday afternoon spent with Paper Machete."—Erin Delahanty
Halsey & Lewis (Brooklyn): "Body, mind, spirit and records <3 one stop shop for feelin gooood. Their knowledge of music is the most beautiful thing, you can call them up or stop by and say 2 words and they'll know what record to pick for you or someone you love."—Mary Atkin
The High Cross (London, UK): "The people - the local vibe, the fricking great beer and the excellent munch. A cool one to draw - it’s an old public toilet!"—Emma Dickson
Human Head Records (Brooklyn): "The records, the people. Having a place to escape the cruel, cruel world. Happiness is only a $2 record away."—Andrew Frisicano
Joe Coffee (New York): "It's not in my neighborhood, but it was my favorite hangout spot on the weekend. The vibe, coffee and service made it a great place to relax, catch up with friends and read."—Jim Ngokwey
Kettle of Fish (New York): "My partner and I always love going to Kettle, a well-known Green Bay Packers bar, every time there's a game. I miss the friendly faces, the brats and the endless amount of Miller High Life I would drink at this West Village watering hole. I hope to do that again soon. It's an NYC staple and a treasure."—Jennifer Picht
Kilgour St Grocer (Geelong, Australia): "While I can still visit them for take out, I miss sitting in the window of their very special space and watching the world go by. I miss watching my sons who are very young feel comfortable and familiar with all the staff and I miss taking a moment out of the chaos to be still in that space while my kids draw on the chalk board. The way that Adam and the team have adapted to the changes to their business is amazing, but what makes them special is the way they adapted to better support their community."—Kathryn Tollerud
La Flaca (New York): "The owner Bobby created a community down there before other shops were open on Grand. He’s got crusty regulars, teachers and public employees, hipsters and everyone in between. Their frozen margaritas are being missed tremendously right now."—Andrew Holt
Lichen (Brooklyn): "Lichen is a boutique second hand furniture store and also sells coffee. Always brightens up my day walking in even if its just for a look and a chat- sad the store isn't open anymore but happy they are doing the best they can by selling on their IG. They make the community happier and have elements to raise your home aesthetics, affordably!"—Kristie Lee
Locanda Vini e Olii (Brooklyn): "I miss everything about this place. It’s an old pharmacy and inside it’s cozy, wood lined and always bustling with cool locals (Norah Jones has been a seat mate at the bar). Their killer negroni menu and comforting pasta dishes always hit the mark. Outdoor seating to watch the dog parade is always fun. Such warm, thoughtful service."—Alexandra Corriveau
Long Island Bar (Brooklyn): "The incredible burger and one of New York’s most incredible cocktails, The Delores Del Río. Most of all? The atmosphere and two drinks at the bar with a cheeky burger after work. 10/10"—Finian Sedgwick
Lucky 7s Tavern (New Jersey): "The people. A can of a particular beer is supposed to taste the same everywhere—but it doesn't. At my favorite spot, surrounded by my favorite people, who are on both sides if the bar, a can of beer tastes like nothing else on earth, anywhere in the world. It's hard enough that I can't be in my happy place, to worry about the people who fed me beers to be unable to feed themselves has me wanting to fist-fight this invisible enemy. I can't wait to cheers with them soon, until then I'd like them to have one (and a sandwich) on me."—Rocky Rakovic
Lucys Vietnamese Kitchen (Brooklyn): "Having a warm place to hang in the hood, seeing familiar faces walking around, and just a good place to hover over a warm bowl of pho."—Hoa Le
Lula Cafe (Chicago): "Drinking wine on the patio in the summer, sitting at the bar for French toast, brunch, and coffee on the weekends"—Vincent Ventura
Maggie Mae’s (Queens): "Maggie Mae’s is Sunnyside’s local gem. I celebrated both of my husband’s 40th birthdays here (yes, I have two husbands :)), celebrated becoming a mother here (Thanks to their jalapeño margaritas that helped knock me up!), found out I was going to have a second one (while drinking a jalepeno margarita), have shared so many fun times, milestones and memories at Maggie Mae’s! Love and miss them so much!"—Jessica Cicio
Maman Greenpoint (Brooklyn): "They just reopened for take out. I'm miss having an early Saturday breakfast with my kids. They are well known for their chocolate chip cookies but I'm French and I miss their croissants. Also the staff, and especially the waiter, is very nice, always taking care of my son warm "kids hot chocolate". It's a family friendly place in the neighborhood, first place where we had a coffee when we moved here a few years ago. We used to go to their Soho location..."—Quitterie Pagniez
Monte Carlo Italian Deli & Pinocchio Restaurant (Los Angeles): "You can order slabs of eggplant parm to-go from the steam table, but not being able to Tetris-arrange it onto a light pink cafeteria tray with piles of gratis garlic bread and bowls of marinated mushrooms and then balance-walk it to a dark booth and a red-checkered tablecloth erases much of the charm that’s been sitting on a Burbank corner since the ‘60s. At christmas, lights and wreaths join the already kitschy dining room, and I’m just hoping we’ll get it back by then."—Stephanie Breijo
Old place (California): "I had my first lunch there with my now life partner we miss everything about old place - we mostly miss the food but also the amazing booths! It’s on a beautiful little hidden street! Best skillet casserole."—Jenna Weinstein
Paper Daisy (New York): "Seeing the cute Beverage Director behind the bar he loves so much :( "—Alette Winfield
Pasta Palazzo (Chicago): "It’s very quiet and cozy in there and I love catching up with friends there."—Andie Linker
Reza’s (Chicago): "This drawing is actually a birthday gift for a dear friend—every year for his birthday and other celebrations he’d throw a party with catering from Reza’s so we thought we’d send him a drawing of his favorite spot as a special gift!"—Erin Delahanty
The Rose Fitzroy (Melbourne, Australia): "Missing our Monday night trivia, but REALLY missing tucking into a parma in front of the footy with a fresh pint #straya"—Patrick Hislop
Sage (Brooklyn): "The back patio! (Which is now open :) ) I’ve lived near Sage since they opened and I am happy to see them thriving the past 7 years, pre and post pandemic."—Valerie Rubinaccio
Stanbuli (Sydney, Australia): "It's one of the most beautiful Middle Eastern restaurants in the city without requiring a single souvenir or cultural artefact. It's modern, high end and goddamn delicious."—Emily Lloyd-Tait
The Strand (New York): "What I miss most about the Strand is the ability to just browse among books for hours while peeking at what other folks have picked up along their journeys!"—Anna Ben Yehuda Rahmanan
SunnySight Optik (Queens): "They’re local loving spirit for the community and helping the neighborhood with all their Eyecare needs."—Jessica Tran
Tan Tin Hung Supermarket (New York): "This place is a home away from home away from home. Since moving here from Toronto I often find myself longing for the creature comforts of my parents' cooking. Tan Tin Hung had everything I need to recreate my mom's spring rolls or my dad's mi xao don. The kind banter from the checkout ladies was my weekly chance to speak Vietnamese. Tan Tin Hung is Toronto by way of Vietnam cuisine."—Diana Khong
The Local (Geelong, Australia): "Big brekkies, long slow cups of filter coffee and the wood oven cranking!"—Zoe Knowles
The Prince of Merewether (Newcastle, Australia): "Think it would be a great place to draw! Xx"—Meg Crawford
The Rookery (Brooklyn): "The awesome staff that makes you feel like family 🙏🙏 Their pub grub + Frosé in spring/summer is all amazing. Wishing them a speedy reopen..."—Kristina Gudelis
The West (Brooklyn): ""I miss the versatility of the West - meeting friends for coffee, playing cards over beers or grabbing a breakfast burrito on the way to work."—Aashna Shah
Trinity Pub (New York): "Just simply hanging out with all of the regulars and bartenders, it’s like a big family! Always the place to go after a long day."—Alexis Bailoni
True Craft (London, UK): "The nice atmosphere, good people and amazing pizza!"—Britt Freeman
Win Son (Brooklyn): "“THE. FRIED. FREAKING. EGGPLANT. Win Son is by far my favorite restaurant in NYC, and I always considered myself lucky that I live down the street from it. Every single item on the menu is incredible (trust me), the vibes are casual and fun, cocktails and drink list pair with the food perfectly, AND Winson Bakery is on the same corner…what’s not to love? And the best part: they’re open for delivery, and the food is just as 🔥🔥🔥 as ever. Grab a tote or a t-shirt while you’re at it ;)”—Tom Hislop
Hop Woo BBQ & Seafood Restaurant (Los Angeles): "This is actually my parents Chinese restaurant in the heart of Los Angeles Chinatown. I miss seeing all the people that bring the restaurant and Chinatown to life. Tourists, locals, families, friends, neighbors. They’ve been a part of the community for 26+ years and it would suck to see them have to close up shop and call it a day on their “American Dream”. I miss the steam and smoke trail of the sizzling platter dishes coming out of the kitchen and making their way on to guests’ tables."—Mary Liang