The best bars don’t just perfect what’s in the glass—they rethink what’s on the plate, and that’s exactly what Philadelphians will find at Known Associates.
The fresh space opened earlier this summer in the former home of Varga Bar at 10th and Spruce streets. The concept marks the latest collab from Chef Christopher Kearse and PS & Daughters, the team behind Forsythia, which earned Michelin Guide recognition earlier this year. Together, they’ve created an intimate, neighborhood cocktail bar where thoughtful design, hospitality, and storytelling are as central to the experience as the food and drinks.
“I’ve always loved the idea of an experience that’s fun, interactive, and a little whimsical,” notes Kearse. “It was part of my original vision for Forsythia, and I’ve kept that idea tucked away for years. I’m excited to finally bring that vision to life at Known Associates.”
Taking cues from the all-day cafés and neighborhood bars of Europe, Known Associates gives its food program equal footing with its cocktails, challenging the traditional American cocktail bar model where the kitchen often plays a supporting role. So, your drinks certainly set the stage for flavor and experience here, but the food is meant to be equally as memorable.
On the menu, locals can order up bites like Pomme Frites with comté cheese foam, Seasonal Crudite with potato puffs and caramelized sour cream and onion dip (a must-try), a Char Siu Duck Leg sandwich on a pretzel milk bun with fish sauce and pickles, or their Burger Au Poivre with caramelized onions, comté cheese and peppercorn sauce. The bite selection also features dishes like Bacalao beignets, a stuffed mushroom, a chicken club and sweet treats like Meyer lemon posset and triple chocolate mousse.
The food menu isn’t large or stuffed with different ingredients—it’s intentional, skillful and playful with every recipe, just like the design of the space.
The 1,500-square-foot venue seats just 40 guests and features rich textures, eclectic details, and a layered, maximalist aesthetic throughout its bearings. The result is a neighborhood spot with plenty of personality—one that feels a little different every time you walk through the door.
The cocktail program, led by beverage director Chris Harrop, balances inventive originals with thoughtful takes on the classics, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and meticulous technique. Standouts include the Goldeneye Estate, a tropical-leaning twist on the Vesper with gin, vodka, plum wine, and mango-infused Lillet, and the Bittered in Bond, a smoky, spirit-forward boulevardier variation built with house-made mezcal amaro and layered aperitifs.
For something brighter, Between Harvests reimagines the Martinez with Old Tom gin, maraschino liqueur, rhubarb liqueur, and fresh cucumber, while the TNT showcases the bar’s sustainability-minded approach. Made with tomato water and garnished with a crisp dehydrated tomato chip created from the same tomatoes used in the drink, it’s a clever zero-waste cocktail creation.
The menu also leaves plenty of room for playful originals. The Ode to Morning pairs tequila with espresso liqueur, Maurin Quina, and Bustelo coffee concentrate for a rich, caffeinated kick, while the Shiso High blends shiso-infused rum with strawberry, citrus, and tonic for a bright, herbaceous refresher. Other standouts include the sparkling Juan Meloncamp, made with tequila, melon aperitif, and sparkling wine; the warming Old Associate, a whiskey and Calvados cocktail accented with allspice dram; and the indulgent Zombie Slushie, a frozen tropical mix of rum, absinthe, pineapple, passion fruit, mango, and citrus that delivers a boozy vacation in a glass.
In conclusion, in a city filled with great cocktail bars and standout restaurants, Known Associates manages to blur the line between the two. It’s a place where the drinks are worth talking about, the food demands equal attention, and every visit offers another reason to come back.
Known Associates is located at 941 Spruce Street and will be open daily from 3 p.m. to midnight. For more information, visit knownphilly.com.
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Keywords
Known Associates,
Philadelphia restaurants,
Center City,
Philadelphia bars,
Christopher Kearse,
Forsythia,
cocktails,
food and drink,
restaurant review,
dining