Martha Set to Wow Kensington

Martha is coming to York Street in Kensington | Photo via Facebook

Martha is opening in Kensington, just off of Frankford Avenue at 2113 East York Street. The bar is fronted by Philadelphia restaurant/bar alum Jon Medlinsky (Chifa, Khyber Pass Pub, the Yachtsman) and backed by Marathon Grill co-owner Cary Borish and Mike Parsell. The eye-opening space takes over an old cube of a building with soaring ceilings, an intimate mezzanine, a warming fireplace and long bar.

24 taps, 52 local spirits.

Behind the bar are 24 taps that offer more than just beer. Medlinsky has also curated a list that includes wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks like kombucha. Medlinsky got help from bartender Phoebe Esmon in creating the draft cocktails that include local spirits. Martha elevates area booze like nowhere else in Philadelphia. We counted 52 bottles of regional spirits during a media event on Saturday evening.

There’s no exhaust hood at Martha but that won’t affect the menu of hoagies, fresh vegetables, pickles, cheese and charcuterie.

Medlinksy is aiming to create a “chill neighborhood bar” and he’s gone above and beyond that. The high ceilings invite you in, the roaring fire makes you want to stay, and the impressive food from chef Tim Kirkland will have you thinking of seconds.

Martha is celebrating its grand opening on Thursday, December 17th, but expect a soft opening to happen as much as a week earlier. In the spring the courtyard will offer outdoor lounging and a bocce court.

Digital Menu board high above the bar at Martha.

In the meantime, check out Martha’s very artsy Instagram feed.

Martha [Foobooz]