Philly has no shortage of cocktails bar, but Known Associates brings something refreshingly different to Washington Square. Tucked into the charming corner of 9th and Spruce Streets, the intimate cocktail destination is the brainchild of Chef Christopher Kearse—whose restaurant Forsythia recently earned recognition from the Michelin Guide—and the acclaimed PS & Daughters design team.
Inspired by European café culture and designed for lingering conversations, Known Associates delivers a thoughtful dining experience where inventive cocktails and elevated bar food share the spotlight.
Why Known Associates it worth visiting ✨
The first thing you’ll notice is the atmosphere. Rich textures, layered décor, and striking artwork create a sophisticated yet fanciful ambiance. While conversation naturally fills the room, it never completely competes with the carefully curated music, striking a balance that makes it easy to settle in for hours.
“I’ve always loved the idea of an experience that’s fun, interactive, and a little whimsical,” said 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.”
Sip your way through creative cocktails 🍹
The beverage program, created by Beverage Director Chris Harrop, puts creative spins on classic cocktails while introducing guests to original creations that are both playful and refined.
One standout is the Bittered in Bond, a bottled cocktail made with mezcal amaro, Cappelletti, Bonal, Licor 43, and a touch salt. It’s spirit-forward with layers of smoke, bitterness, and subtle sweetness that unfold with each sip.
The menu also features inventive options like the tropical-inspired Goldeneye Estate or the refreshing Between Harvest. And then there’s the sustainability-focused cocktails like the zero-waste TNT, which creatively repurposes tomato water and dehydrated tomato garnish.
Don’t skip the food at Known Associates 🍔
Rather than treating food as an afterthought, Known Associates gives its culinary program the same level of attention as its cocktail menu.
Start with the Pommes Frites, served alongside an airy Comté cheese foam that’s so rich and velvety you’ll be temped to eat it with a spoon. The elevated seasoning adds layers of savory flavor that almost resemble sour cream and onion, making each crispy fry impossible to put down.
The Burger Au Poivre is equally impressive. A reimagined Forsythia favorite, it features caramelized onions, melted Comté cheese, and finished with a rich peppercorn sauce. It’s indulgent without feeling heavy and easily one of the menu’s standout dishes.
To end the night, guests can choose from decadent desserts such as the Meyer Lemon Posset with Campari, Strawberry, and Champagne or the mouth-watering Tripple Chocolate Mousse.
When to visit 👨🏼🍳
Known Associates is located at 941 Spruce Street and is open daily from 3 p.m. until midnight. Whether you’re planning a date night, meeting friends, or simply looking for your next favorite cocktail bar, this Washington Square spot is worth a visit. Reservations aren’t required, but once this secret gets out—you’ll probably need one.
