Piazza At Schmidt’s Rundown


Tomorrow is the grand opening of the Piazza at Schmidt’s, the center piece of Bart Blatstein’s development in Northern Liberties.

Foobooz breaks down what there is to see at the ambitious new complex.

The Piazza

In today’s Inquirer, Architecture critic Inga Saffron calls the place “pretty wonderful.” Modeled after the Piazza Navona in Rome it’s most awkward feature may be its name, an amalgamation of Italian and German. Anyway, We do appreciate the shout out to Philadelphia’s German and brewing heritages and if you want to see a further homage to the Schmidt’s name, peek in the offices of Tower Investments on 2nd Street to see the large stainless steel letters that once hung over the huge brewery.

More than 8-years and $100 million went into making the Piazza. The site combines apartments, offices, shops and of course restaurants on a single acre.

The piazza contains a 16ft x 26 ft Daktronics HD LED projection screen where Phillies games and classic movies will be shown. Below the screen is a  40 by 20 ft stage that will host concerts and other events.

Ringing the piazza are offices, shops and restaurants. We’ll focus on what’s going on in those restaurants after the jump.

Photo via PhillySkyline

Photo via PhillySkyline

Darlings

The Darlings name is popular from the cheesecake serving Darling’s Cafes at 20th and Pine and 21st and Spring. This endeavor will be a full fledged diner with seating for 132. The spot will take up the entire ground floor of “The Egg,” the circular cornerstone building of the Piazza. It will be open 7am to 10pm on weekdays and till 4am on weekends. And of course there will be cheesecake.

Swift Half

The Swift Half is the second bar from Good Dog owners David Garry and Heather Gleason. They promise the bar will not be Good Dog II but that it will serve upscale comfort food with a focus on grilling and seafood. The chef, Jeff Kozlowski has experience at Osteria and with Jose Garces. Among the opening taps will be Flying Fish Belgian Mild, Sly Fox Dax maibok and Iron Hill Double Wit. The name Swift Half refers to that half pint you say you’re going to have that always turns into a bender.

PYT

Paper Street promoter Tommy Up is going to be opening a lounge a few weeks after the grand opening. Expect an 80s feel with pinball games and a photo booth.

Vino Restaurant Lounge

Located on the northern end of the piazza, Vino will be a wine bar and lounge. Expect small plates and brick oven pizzas.

All the restaurants open out to outdoor seating on the Piazza.

For more information on the Piazza at Schmidt’s, check out these links.

Changing: Skyline: A nonconformist’s development coup [Philadelphia Inquirer]
The Classic Schmidt’s sign is back on view
[Philadelphia Daily News]
Trunk Show
[City Paper]
Piazza at Schmidts: Restaurant Roundup
[Phoodie.info]
Darling’s
[Thrillist]
Swiftly approaching [Beer Lass]
On time and on point [Philly Skyline]
What’s brewing in Northern Liberties [The Insider]
Tommy Up gets into the lounge business [The Insider]
Piazza at Schmidt’s [Official Site]