Philly Surf Club is a tropical cocktail bar located below Philadelphia’s historic Divine Loraine building. Rooted in a sense of familiarity and fun, the space offers an approachable setting where guests can drop in, get settled, and stay awhile. The focus is on quality technique-driven cocktails without pretense and elevated takes on street food, creating a place that feels just as suited for a casual night out as it does for gathering with friends.
Nico Diaz, Managing Partner & Beverage Director, is a Philadelphia bartender and beverage creative known for his work at the speakeasy-style The Ranstead Room and The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.. Diaz has become a leading figure in Philadelphia’s modern cocktail scene, recognized for blending classic technique with fresh, ingredient-driven approaches and a strong sense of hospitality.
At the Ranstead Room, Diaz helped usher in a new era of the acclaimed bar’s cocktail program, building on its Milk & Honey roots while incorporating contemporary techniques, tropical influences, and collaborative menu development. He has also led the “Home & Away” guest bartender series since 2021, bringing together bartenders and brands from across North America for pop-ups and industry events.
Natalie Maronski, Culinary Director, was born in Monterey, CA to a Vietnamese immigrant mother and an Army officer father. As a child, she moved every few years to diverse locales such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Hawaii and Virginia. After graduating high school in Virginia, Natalie moved to Philadelphia to attend Drexel University’s culinary program, while she also minored in business. Although she spent time working in NYC during and after college, her heart is clearly owned by Philly. She worked for nearly ten years with nationally acclaimed chef Jose Garces, where she rose through the ranks and helped open multiple restaurants spanning a variety of cuisines including: Peruvian, Chinese, Spanish, Basque and fine dining New American.
