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The Shocking Truth About Audrey Claire Philadelphia: 4 Things You Didn't Know About The Iconic BYOB's Dramatic Transformation

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If you are searching for the beloved Audrey Claire restaurant in Philadelphia, you must know the full story. The pioneering BYOB that defined Rittenhouse Square dining for over two decades is no longer serving its famous Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, but the saga of its iconic corner location is far from over. As of December 22, 2025, the space has undergone a dramatic series of transformations, making its current status one of the most talked-about changes in the Center City food scene. The restaurant, a landmark at 20th and Spruce Streets, was more than just a place to eat; it was a cultural touchstone that helped launch the modern Philadelphia BYOB phenomenon. Its legacy, however, has been overshadowed by a whirlwind of closures, rebrandings, and new ventures that have taken place in just the last few years.

The Legacy of Audrey Claire Taichman: A Philadelphia Restaurateur Profile

The story of the restaurant is inseparable from the profile of its founder, Audrey Claire Taichman, a name synonymous with the Rittenhouse dining boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Taichman established herself as a leading restaurateur with a knack for creating intimate, successful, and enduring concepts.

  • Full Name: Audrey Claire Taichman
  • Primary Ventures: Audrey Claire (restaurant), Twenty Manning Grill (restaurant), COOK (culinary studio)
  • Audrey Claire Opening: June 1996
  • Twenty Manning Opening: Circa 2000
  • COOK Opening: September 2011 (co-founded)
  • Signature Style: Creating intimate, stylish, and highly successful neighborhood spots with a West Village, New York City feel.
  • Impact: Credited with establishing the model for the modern, high-quality BYOB in Philadelphia.
  • Sale Date: Taichman sold both Audrey Claire and Twenty Manning Grill in 2018.

Taichman's influence extended beyond just her two restaurants. Her culinary studio, COOK, became a fixture for food enthusiasts, hosting classes and events, further cementing her role as a key figure in the Philadelphia culinary landscape.

The Shocking Closure and the New Name: From Audrey Claire to Charley Dove

For over two decades, Audrey Claire was a staple, known for its bright green facade, large windows, and simple, delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Dishes were fresh and seasonal, with regulars often raving about the grilled flatbreads, including a popular pear flatbread topped with robust gorgonzola.

However, the original chapter of this story ended in 2018. In a major move, Audrey Claire Taichman sold her two Rittenhouse properties—Audrey Claire and Twenty Manning Grill—to restaurateur Rob Wasserman, who is also the owner of the nearby popular restaurant, Rouge.

The transition was not immediate, but the change was decisive:

  • The Sale: The sale of both restaurants marked Taichman's exit from the Rittenhouse restaurant scene, though she remains active with COOK.
  • The Rebranding: In 2021, the former Audrey Claire space was officially reopened with a new name: Charley Dove.
  • The Concept: Charley Dove attempted to fill the "big shoes" of its predecessor, retaining a familiar Mediterranean menu while introducing a fresh identity. It aimed to be an indispensable replacement for one of the city's most beloved restaurants.

This rebrand was a major event in Center City dining, signaling the end of an era for the pioneering BYOB that had inspired countless others across the city. The original Audrey Claire BYOB model had officially retired.

The Final Transformation: What is at 20th and Spruce Today?

The latest and most definitive news is that the location's recent history is also complete. The journey from Audrey Claire to Charley Dove was relatively short-lived. This is the crucial, fresh information that many long-time patrons of the original restaurant may not realize:

Charley Dove is also closed.

The restaurant, which had only opened in 2021, was converted into a private-event space in 2023. This temporary use as an event venue was quickly followed by a final closure, leaving the corner vacant for a new concept.

The New Rittenhouse Shop: Biederman's

The absolute most current update on the 20th and Spruce street corner is the announcement of its next tenant. The space that once housed the legendary Audrey Claire is set to become a new location for Biederman's.

  • New Tenant: Biederman's Philly (a new shop concept).
  • Location: The former Charley Dove/Audrey Claire space.
  • Status: The new shop is currently in the planning or opening phase, making this the most up-to-date information on the property.

This news confirms that the corner's long history as a full-service, sit-down restaurant has ended, at least for now, replacing the intimate Mediterranean cuisine and BYOB atmosphere with a completely new retail concept.

The Impact on Audrey Claire Taichman's Other Ventures

The sale of Audrey Claire was part of a larger divestment by Taichman from her original Rittenhouse restaurants. Her other major spot, Twenty Manning Grill, also followed a similar path of closure and transformation under the new ownership of Rob Wasserman.

  • Twenty Manning Grill's Fate: Like Audrey Claire, the Grill was eventually closed.
  • The Replacement: The Twenty Manning space is being replaced by a new restaurant called Little Water, from the acclaimed owners of River Twice.
  • Taichman's Focus: With both original restaurants now fully transitioned, Audrey Claire Taichman's main culinary focus remains the highly successful COOK culinary studio, which continues to host classes and events, proving her enduring influence on the Philadelphia food scene.

The closure of both Audrey Claire and Twenty Manning Grill, and their subsequent re-imaginings as Charley Dove/Biederman's and Little Water, respectively, marks the true end of an era. While the physical restaurants are gone, the legacy of Audrey Claire as a pioneer of the Philadelphia BYOB movement and a cornerstone of Rittenhouse Square dining remains a crucial part of the city's rich culinary history.

The Shocking Truth About Audrey Claire Philadelphia: 4 Things You Didn't Know About the Iconic BYOB's Dramatic Transformation
audrey claire restaurant philadelphia
audrey claire restaurant philadelphia

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