The New Tequila Bar “Añejo” Is Now Open at The Piazza in Northern Liberties!

The New Tequila Bar “Añejo” Is Now Open at The Piazza in Northern Liberties!

Añejo Restaurant Group has come together with Glu Hospitality to bring Añejo to Philadelphia. The acclaimed Mexican restaurant and tequila bar will make its official grand opening debut this Friday, July 31, 2020 at 4:00pm in Northern Liberties at the Piazza, 1001 N. 2nd Street. This new location represents the restaurant’s first expansion out of the New York City marketplace, where they also have locations in Hell’s Kitchen and TriBeCa. The opening comes after the restaurant was days away from opening in March and which then experienced delays due to stay at home orders and the delay of indoor dining.

Now, with an expansive, shaded, and beautiful outdoor parklette and sidewalk cafe ready to enjoy, Añejo will bring Philly its innovative Mexican cuisine, top quality service, and hospitality experience, plus expertise in cocktails and agave spirits. For launch, look for 50+ outdoor seats to start with an additional 35 seats coming in middle August. Outdoor dining is contactless using QR codes at each table. Cocktails to go and take-out food is also available. Delivery will start next week on Grub Hub, Door Dash, Uber Eats, and Caviar. Reservations are available now by calling  267-534-5746, or by visiting their website and Open Table starting Friday morning.

In the kitchen, Chef Camacho, along with Chef De Cuisine Willie Hernandez will fire up modern and unique dishes using authentic Mexican ingredients in both traditional and non-traditional manners.

For launch, look for a special menu designed to best pair with al fresco dining – with top dishes of note to include Duck Enchiladas (slow-roasted pulled duck, chocolate mole corn tortillas, avocado serrano cream), Pork Belly Tostada (guacamole, tamarind soda glazed pork belly. tomatillo pico de gallo, cilantro crema, built on nixtamalized corn chips), Tuna Ceviche (Sushi grade ahi tuna, Mexican chili oil, sour orange canela broth, avocado crema, totopos), Octopus Tostada (Taro root puree, octopus in chipotle, pickled red onions, built on taro root chips) and tacos including Chicken Al Pastor, Blistered Shishito Pepper, Crispy Cauliflower, Lamb Barbacoa, Pork Carnita, Crispy Fish, Shrimp, and others. As the menu expands, look for future dishes to include other stand-out dishes that include the critically acclaimed and must-try Cheeseburger Fundido, plus Tuna Tlayuda, Ceviche Mixto, Tequila Flan, and more. Vegan selections are available.

At the bar, Anejo’s goal is to provide an expansive selection of agave spirits, featuring familiar favorites as well as some lesser known, rare, and premium offerings for aficionados and novices alike.  In addition to a library of tequilas, they also are known for mezcal, raicilla, bacanora, and sotol selections. On top of using high quality 100% agave spirits, the beverage program also uses fresh-squeezed juices, real agave nectar, and seasonal produce. The bar features 10 draft lines that will feature their most popular cocktails, such as the Jalapeno Margarita and Mexican Firing Squad. Down the road, look for Anejo to debut their wine program and add to the spirits menu.

For an exterior vibe for the summer into fall, Añejo wanted to create a shaded, comfortable, approachable and spacious outdoor seating area that still had some design flair and represented their brand. Look for dark wood tables and trellis, filled with blooming plants, black shaded umbrellas and other decor/ greenery – along with a host stand and dark wood bar surrounding by lush greenery.

Inside, Añejo aims to be sexy and trendy but in an approachable way. “We want to create an energetic vibe in a warm room full of sexy people who know where they are and are happy to be there.  Their smiles and confidence in that space are as important as any other design element of Anejo Philly,” said Executive Chef and Partner Ricardo Camacho.

Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm. For reservations, look for Añejo Philly on Open Table going live this Friday online, or call 267-534-5746.