Philadelphia has one of the most vibrant and innovative bar scenes, fueled by the passion of hospitality professionals with a true appreciation for the art of a great drink. Philly’s most successful watering holes understand how much care goes into crafting the perfect balance of atmosphere and libation in creating a place where everybody knows your name. Next of Kin owners Kyle Darrow and John Grubb have proven themselves to be incredibly adept with this particular skill set; Next of Kin’s unique cocktail list has made it a Fishtown favorite. The duo are readying for their next project; an as-of-yet unnamed bar moving into Washington Square West.
Darrow and Grubb will be moving their new endeavor into the space at 1137 Spruce Street occupied by Tria until this summer. The pair generously carved out some time to fill What Now Philadelphia in on their plans for the new project. They explain that the location’s availability had a significant role in their decision to branch out. “We had always kind of had our eyes open, always been prepared.” states Darrow. “When the opportunity came and was presented to us, we jumped on it, it just worked out pretty well.”
Darrow and Grubb are looking forward to joining the Washington Square West community-a community that they believe will perfectly match their energy and style. Darrow says: “It’s a great location in a beautiful neighborhood. It just kind of fits what we do pretty well. Next of Kin, it’s a neighborhood bar, and we want that neighborhood feel of community and familial atmosphere and Washington Square West fits that mold.”
The Tria space is small, a fact which Darrow and Grubb consider an advantage. Grubb explains: “It’s better to be really good at a specific thing than try to do a little of everything. We focus on what we do well. That translates better in that smaller, more intimate atmosphere where you can curate connections and befriend the neighborhood. It’s exciting to take our brand to a new neighborhood and make new connections and make new friends.”
And just what, precisely, can those new friends look forward to? Darrow and Grubb want to create an experience similar to Next of Kin that is also entirely its own entity. Darrows explains they are: “Keeping things the same in terms of being cocktail focused; we’re not going to do a very large food program. We’re doing approachable cocktails and not taking ourselves or cocktails too seriously.”
Grubb adds that customer demand and reaction will help inform what that bar becomes. While it will start off with “fun, well-done classics and fun alternatives”, the pair are ready and enthusiastic to adapt to its visitors. Grubb continues: “This space will be more of what the neighborhood wants. Having that kind of smaller footprint allows us to adapt or evolve as things progress. As we have time to get into the place and settle into it, and build out our staff, we’ll fine tune the nuance of our cocktail program and evolve as we go.”
The new concept will follow in Next of Kin’s footsteps, in that it will be a cocktail bar, however Darrow and Grubb hope to dispel any of the exclusivity that may be associated with such an establishment. Darrow describes their vision for the project’s ambiance as: “Something inviting and welcoming, the vibe being warmth with good energy. We don’t want to be a sterile cocktail bar, or make people feel uncomfortable if they’re not as knowledgeable in the cocktail world.”
Future regulars may be able to stop in for a cocktail with the cool weather; Darrow and Grubb are shooting for an autumn opening.
While the bar may not yet have a name, it is already well on its way to becoming a Washington Square West staple. Darrow and Grubb are committed to crafting an experience that’s more than just cocktails; Darrow states: “We want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome. That’s the main kind of feeling.”
