It’s Becoming a Beer Garden City


Garden Variety Beer Garden

Garden Variety Beer Garden

It doesn’t take much to realize that Philly loves its beer gardens. From Fishtown to the Art Museum, beer gardens are popping up everywhere. And Joe Sixpack took notice; today he wrote an article on the phenomena. “Beer gardens are suddenly so popular, the city’s tourism marketing agency is promoting a series of visits on Friday afternoons this summer.”

Mr. Sixpack listed off the locations participating in the beer garden series – one of which is the  PHS Pop-Up Garden, now located at 15th and South. That anticipated return is set for July 8th. Expect hammocks, palm trees, glittering lights, live music and more. The garden will offer tropical cocktails, beer and a rotating array of food trucks plus dishes served by the Jamaican Jerk Hut.

Yesterday was the debut of the Spruce Street Harbor Park and it is magical. What has been done to an-all-too-under-utilized stretch of riverfront is remarkable, but it really comes alive after nightfall. Check it out.

Another beer garden that escaped Joe Sixpack’s watchful eye is the weekend-only beer garden at Garden Variety. Located in Northern Liberties at 2nd and Poplar, the beer garden opens tomorrow, Saturday, June 28th. Membership is a requirement (similar to last year’s PHS Pop-Up) but that’s available at the door and free.

Once signed up, members will have the pleasure of enjoying local beers from Philadelphia Brewing Company and tasty snacks from food trucks. The trucks will change throughout the summer, but this week’s line-up is Mom Mom’s Polish Food Cart, Calle Del Sabor and Lil Pop Shop Popsicles.

And even though you only have two days to get down there this weekend, starting next weekend, the garden will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m.

For more information, check out the Garden Variety Facebook or visit the official website.

The only bit of a bummer on the beer garden front is that the Independence Beer Garden will miss opening before July 4th. Expect Michael Schulson’s 6th and Market spot under the Dow Chemical building to open on Wednesday, July 9th Thursday July 10th.