When Petruce et al. opened back in March of last year, the power of the team behind the beverage program overshadowed the relatively unknown culinary talent of brother-chef-owners Jonathan and Justin Petruce. With former a.kitchen sommelier Tim Kweeder heading up the wine and beer program and the legendary George Costa behind the bar, the drinks situation at Petruce was serious from day one.

When Costa moved on a few months back, Kevin Hess took over the program and is gradually converting that cocktail menu to one that shares a similar voice to the kitchen.

"I've been trying to focus on talking to the brothers," Hess explains. "Seeing what can we do that would be cool behind the bar."

Hess and Petruce's bar staff opted to begin the transition with the happy hour menu. They've opted for a rotating menu of classics, like an Aviation and a Blood and Sand, along with one cocktail off the menu, priced in the very friendly $6 to $8 range. Along with a dollar off draft beers like Jolly Pumpkin's Maracaibo Especial Sour Brown and $6 pours of wine, cider and sherry, Kweeder has also rolled out a top shelf take on the beloved Citywide, London Balling barleywine and a shot of Angel's Envy bourbon.

The kitchen is putting out some great small plates to go with the drink specials including the Petruce brothers' bacon cheeseburger-inspired beef tartare with mushrooms, iceberg and pickles.

When it comes to revamping the cocktail menu, Hess is taking a team-based approach. "I don't want this to be my menu, I want it to be our menu, it's our place."

Some of Costa's menu will stay on including the Man Man-Hattan, a smoky blend of rye, scotch and bitter Carpano Antica and Averna, as well as the Poncho's Redemption, a tequila and mescal-based take on a margarita that incorporates ginger into the mix.

Just like the kitchen, Hess is looking forward to working with spring ingredients to make for a new selection of cocktails. He's got a rhubarb syrup in the work, plus plans for a few fun tiki drinks as well as a brandy and rum punch.

Petruce et al.; 1121 Walnut St., 267-255-8232

Photos by Caroline Russock