The grand opening of NoChe, a posh full service bar, occurred on Thursday, Dec. 15, in the same space as the original: upstairs at 1901 Chestnut St.

Featuring a long list of tailor-made cocktails and immersive drink experiences along with a limited menu of upscale bites, all it takes to get into the art deco-themed lounge is a reservation, which can be made by visiting nochephilly.com. 

Bringing along the best of the original venue, the new NoChe provides a rare place for adults to have a social get together that isn’t primarily rooted in having a meal. 

“NoChe fills the gap of Philly cocktail bars that feel really intimate and exclusive, yet are still warm and inviting,” says Avram Hornik, owner of FCM Hospitality. “It is a special moment to add to your night. Stop by for a stand-alone drink and snacks with friends before – or after – dinner on the Square.” 

Hidden away on the second floor of 19th and Chestnut in the eternally popular Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, NoChe is designed for socialization-not-pretension in its variety of nooks and seating areas. In true FCM fashion, an array of vintage finds and art can be spotted throughout NoChe, adding to the overall personality of the space. The relaxed energy from the eight-seat bar is accented by a French and Italian disco-inspired soundtrack. 

The signature NoChe Cocktail Boards add to the diverse selection of cocktails, that include time-honored classics, reimagined concoctions, champagne cocktails and more. The boards invite guests to play a role in building the finished drink. A menu of partially completed concepts make finishing the recipe more interactive and let everyone be a part of the cool effects in the process. 

FCM Hospitality Beverage Director Matthew Deutsch ensures the surprising combinations found in each drink add to the allure of NoChe. Cocktail boards are the destined fan-favorite. NoChe’s cocktail board, which are partially completed table side, will allow guests to be a part of the process allowing an inside glimpse into the cool effects that go along with them. 

No matter which cocktail experience guests sample, all drinks at NoChe are guaranteed to be frosty - stemware will be chilled with liquid nitrogen, maintaining the intended temperature to the last drop. The liquid nitrogen will also be a tool to muddle herbs for a fresher, brighter flavor - and create puffs of smoke while drinks are being made. A small, curated list of wine and beer is also available.

The board theme continues in the lounge’s food selection which has a special menu section dedicated to various boards - charcuterie, cheese, crudites and more. Other light bites to complement the cocktails include caviars, tea sandwiches and small plates served by a knowledgeable staff. 

“The past few years have seen a quieter time in Center City, and there are still several vacancies that line Chestnut Street. We envision small businesses filling those vacancies soon and breathing new life into the neighborhood,” Hornik added. “We are excited to be back and meet our soon-to-be neighbors.”