Philly is no stranger to a good cocktail spot—but none are quite like the Rittenhouse locale, Andra Hem.
Unassuming from the outside, yet wildly innovative once inside, the Swedish-focused bar quietly opened in 2022, and soon after, landed on Esquire’s annual list of the best bars in the U.S. in 2023.
But Andra Hem didn’t start services with the intent to create fanfare—the venue doesn’t even have an Instagram page—instead, its four-story black building and door are only highlighted by a lone globe light, which shines just bright enough from the street to highlight a small sign next to the entrance.
You might think: In a world full of social media followers and glitzy influencer events to gain buzz, how did this low-key locale secure notoriety in such a short time? Simple. Their cocktails are some of the most unique you can find, and good…really, really good.
The two-story bar resides in a building owned by well-known art collector Paige West, and you see quite clearly when you walk in that there was a vision intended, and one well executed. West teamed up with designer Ghislaine Viñas for the interior concept, much of which has Scandinavian influences along with sleek and chic fixtures.
The name Andra Hem is translated to mean “Second Home” in Swedish, and the interior resembles a comfortability in that way. Downstairs, patrons will find portraits from the 1800s lining the walls juxta positioned with eclectic and funky wallpaper, lighting and bright gold accents.
The upstairs (which the establishment says is perfect for intimate gatherings of 15-25 guests) is bright and swanky with velvet stools and leather couches continuing the plush environment the space possesses. Even in the bathroom, guests can find a whimsical mural by artist Mark Mulroney (who also added his touch to some of the historical portraits) that adds to the vision palette while here.
The space is really just the start, the menu is what will keep patrons coming back. With an assortment of cocktails ($11-$20) sorted into either their Original, Classic or Legacy section, mocktails, plus, a variety of wine, every imbiber will find something interesting to sip on.
To start, the absolute standouts on the menu have to be the Gucci Breakfast and the Stay Grassy, Philadelphia.
The former, created by Kevin Lopez, features yogurt-washed gin, banana liquer, amaro, strawberry and citrus. Quite frankly, you feel like you’re drinking a delicious adult Go-Gurt in liquid form with this pick, and it’s sneaky just how much of a punch it packs after a few sips. The latter, created by Patrick Jennings, is mixed with rum, creme de menthe, creme de cacao and lime. It’s a mint-laden sipper, and you almost expect it to be creamy in a way. Instead, you get a clear elixir garnished only with a mint leaf and large ice cube, and the refreshing uniqueness of it is unlike anything else out there currently.
Dark spirit lovers will also have their pick of the litter with the Peter Forsberg (there’s one for you, hockey fans) and the Boomerang. The sippers include simple ingredients like lemon, carrot, ginger and honey (Forsberg), or an interesting combo of dry vermouth and Swedish Punsch to provide a classic cocktail with the addition of Swedish tea flavors (Boomerang.)
The menu also holds a spicy tropical rum drink with bird’s eye chili and sumac (Spice World), their take on an Old Fashioned dubbed the Lambhatten (mixed with lamb-washed bourbon, vermouth and bitters), and other unique combos like the Golden Eye (turmeric spiced vodka, herbal liqueur, coconut milk, lime, amaro and nutmeg) and the Easy on the Chai’s (rum, mezcal, chai vermouth and mole bitters.)
The bar also provides simpler (yet still flavorful) options like the Vesper (vodka, gin, vermouth) or the Jack Rose (apple brandy, citrus and grenadine.) Sober sippers will also be able to imbibe on three different spirit-free libations (like the Touch Nothing But the Lamp, made with jasmine tea, fruit, citrus and soda). And finally, wine lovers will have their choice between, white, red, sparkling and rose options.
Andra Hem also serves up a small bar snack menu, with some interesting bites that pair well with the cocktails. As of now, Philadelphians can indulge in warm olives, seasonal pickles, spiced popcorn, candied nuts, warm bread with butter and honey, a tinned fish platter with accouterments, potato chips with caviar, or, a pâté and pickle plate with its own set of fixings.
Whatever you’re looking for when you wander into Andra Hem, what you’ll find is carefully crafted details mixed in with a love for Swedish elements, all of which, fit nice and neatly into the Philadelphia bar scene. Once you take your first sip of one their offerings however, you’ll realize just why this low-key locale sticks out among the rest.
To find out more information on Andra Hem (218 S. 16th St.,) visit andrahem.com
