Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Root Has Been Reborn as R&D, Fishtown's Newest Cocktail Bar


A classic Floradora (gin, raspberry, lemon, ginger, & club soda)

Root Restaurant & Wine Bar, formerly Fishtown's premier spot for hard-to-find wines, has found a new life in its same space as R&D, a dark, sultry cocktail bar.

When Root closed up shop in August for a "break," it seemed like a simple case of owners Greg Root and Nick Kennedy needing some time off, but it was recently revealed that the restaurant would make a full switch to a speakeasy-style cocktail bar, which will be headed up by Aaron Deary (who also created the cocktail menu at Suraya). The name, which typically refers to "research and development," handily doubles as a reference to Root and Deary's last names.


A new take on a Rattlesnake, La Serpiente (reposado tequila, sherry, tamarind amaro, lemon, & egg white)

The cocktail menu, which will rotate every three months, pairs up traditional classics like milk punches and daiquiris with innovative twists on those essential cocktails, complete with stunning illustrations of drinks and glassware — for example, paired with a classic Bijou (gin, green chartreuse, house vermouth blend, orange bitters) is an original whiskey cocktail called the Savage Beauty (Irish whiskey, Old Tom gin, dry vermouth, alpine liqueur, pine & peat), allowing guests to try the new and old cocktails back to back if they so please.


A classic Bijou (gin, green chartreuse, house vermouth blend, & orange bitters)

The food menu has been pared down from Root's previous offerings, but you can still snack on selections from Chef Mike Joyce like pickle plates, a selection of meats and cheeses, togarashi-spiced popcorn, and, likely as a nod to their sister restaurant Suraya, spreads like labne and hummus as you sip your cocktail. They'll also still offer rotating wines by the glass and a few rotating beers, and keeping Root's history in mind, the wines and beers they find are sure to be unique varietals.

"Although we are taking every precaution to produce the best drinks we can, R&D is first and foremost a neighborhood bar for the people of Fishtown and Philly — a place to relax, to converse, and connect. As always with our sister establishments (Suraya, Cafe la Maude), hospitality is key; it’s what I grew up with in Ireland in my Grandmother's bar, and it’s something I’m very proud of and expect of my team," says Deary. "I’d also like to add that without my team none of this can be done. I have a very dedicated and talented group of individuals who have worked tirelessly (along with having other jobs) to make R&D what it is."

R&D will be open Wednesdays through Mondays from 6 PM - 1 AM and closed on Tuesdays, with Mondays dedicated to exclusively industry guests (if you work in the industry, bring a pay stub, card, or any proof of employment and enjoy 20% off). Philadelphia's next great cocktail bar is here, so stop by the former Root space and explore Root and Deary's brand new concept.

Photos via Drink Philly

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Pamper Yourself at These Spas with Bars in Philadelphia

Pamper Yourself at These Spas with Bars in Philadelphia

Whether you're going solo or heading out with friends, we've got just the place for your to relax and enjoy a good drink...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Apr 5, 2023
The Best Mocktails, Zero Proof, & Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Philadelphia

The Best Mocktails, Zero Proof, & Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Philadelphia

Not drinking alcohol tonight? These bars and restaurants have you covered with inventive, thoughtful, and down...read more ›

by Michelle Cassidy Jan 11, 2023
Inflation Hits PA Wine & Spirits with 4% Price Increase Across 3,500 Products

Inflation Hits PA Wine & Spirits with 4% Price Increase Across 3,500 Products

The PLCB, announced that a 4% price increase would go into effect on 3,554 of its most popular wine and spirit...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Jan 9, 2023
SPONSORED
The Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

The Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

Here it is - the definitive list of Philadelphia's best cocktail bars....read more ›

by Drink Philly Dec 13, 2017
The Philly Distiller Who Got Laid Off and Moved to Hawaii to Make Gin

The Philly Distiller Who Got Laid Off and Moved to Hawaii to Make Gin

In this segment we speak to Olivia Babiec, the former Philadelphia Distiller who moved to Hawaii to make gin...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Jan 5, 2023
Bars & Restaurants that Host Private Events in Philadelphia

Bars & Restaurants that Host Private Events in Philadelphia

Holidays, birthdays, weddings, or any private event - Philadelphia has you covered...read more ›

by Drink Philly Dec 5, 2022
Where to Celebrate Philly Cider Week 2022, October 23-30

Where to Celebrate Philly Cider Week 2022, October 23-30

The fourth annual Philadelphia Cider Week is being celebrated from Sunday, October 23 through Sunday, October 30...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Oct 21, 2022
Enjoy Fall Weather & PA Ciders in a Historic Setting at CiderFest, October 15 & 16

Enjoy Fall Weather & PA Ciders in a Historic Setting at CiderFest, October 15 & 16

Fall is here and what better way to celebrate than at CiderFest at the historic Woodford Mansion in Fairmount ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Oct 13, 2022
WitchCraft: Halloween Themed Beer Fest in the Middle of the NJ Woods Returns October 14 & 15

WitchCraft: Halloween Themed Beer Fest in the Middle of the NJ Woods Returns October 14 & 15

The team behind the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival have conjured up a spellbinding event - WitchCraft - a...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Oct 12, 2022
LMNO: An Inside Look at Their 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Cocktail Menu

LMNO: An Inside Look at Their 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Cocktail Menu

Fishtown has a new Baja Mexican destination for tequila and mezcal fans...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 14, 2022
SPONSORED
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close