A view of the floral oasis at the PHS Pop Up Garden on South Street PHOTO COURTESY OF HILADELPHIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
From established restaurants to annual pop-ups, these open-air summer standbys are pouring all the latest brews.
1. PHS Pop Up Garden
The South Street garden is a warm-weather hangout in the PHS pollinator garden decorated with a blend of tropical and Mediterranean stylings. It serves craft beers and summery drinks such as the Allagash White or the Half Acre Daisy Cutter pale ale. Guests should also expect food from the seasonal menus of Cantina Los Caballitos and Khyber Pass Pub. 1438 South St., 215.988.8800, phsonline.org
2. Uptown Beer
One of the city’s premier beer gardens, Uptown Bar’s pop-up experience in the heart of Center City serves up casual plates, signature beers and signature cocktails that change every year. 1735 Market St., 215.397.3308, uptownbeer.com
3. Independence Beer Garden
Located across from the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Beer Garden is a 20,000-square-foot space serving all-American beer and cuisine. The area is decorated with reclaimed timber, distressed metals, Tivoli lights and a host of games. Popular drafts, like Evil Genius and Victory Cloud Walker, should satisfy even the most dedicated ale connoisseurs. 100 S. Independence Mall West, 215.922.7100, phlbeergarden.com
A selection of refreshing craft beers at Frankford Hall PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANKFORD HALL
4. Germantown Garden
Germantown Garden is the vision of chef Hee “Chino” Chang, and stands out with its comfortfood menu and various cocktail pitchers sold from a Chinatown speakeasy. The Northern Liberties beer garden’s craft selection includes options like the Bells Two Hearted Ale or the Ommegang Hennepin. Large garden pitchers are available for big parties that make up a serving for four people. 1029 Germantown Ave., 267.214.0086, germantowngarden.com
5. The Garden at Cherry Street Pier
This River Philly Stroll attraction sweeps across 20,000 square feet, and is surrounded by gorgeous botanicals and views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. With the striking setting and the everflowing libations, the Garden at Cherry Street Pier is for the couple in need for a night of romance, or the single in search for a night of relaxation. Our suggestion? The Love City Lime Lager and the Downeast cider are to die for. 121 N. Columbus Blvd., 215.923.0818, cherrystreetpier.com
6. Frankford Hall
Stephen Starr’s German beer garden culminates in the perfect balance of traditional and modern. With its exposed brick walls, massive garage doors, decorative trees strung with twinkling lights and spacious bar area, the industrialized aesthetic is the ideal setting for authentic German beers and craft specialties. Pair your pint with Frankford Hall’s mix of German and American bites for a refreshingly raucous occasion. 1210 Frankford Ave., 215.634.3338, frankfordhall.com
7. Bok Bar
This seasonal rooftop bar is located atop South Philadelphia’s BOK building, and is known for using its platform to curate events with some of the city’s cultural leaders, musicians, chefs and entrepreneurs. Now in its sixth season, the upcoming summer 2021 session spans 30 weeks, with events such as Drink and Draw hosted by Wendy Wagner, the eclectic music stylings of DJ Quite Frankly and a drag brunch. Delve into its extensive collection of craft beer with selections like a Slyfox Helles lager and a Goose Island Matilda. 800 Mifflin St., 215.918.8688, bok-bar.com
8. Parks on Tap
Philadelphia’s nomadic beer garden is held at two outdoor locations—the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center in West Fairmount Park and the Fairmount Water Works. Sign in online beforehand to delve into your favorite craft beers and enjoy park perks like the display gardens or the Japanese maple collection at Horticulture Center. Multiple locations, 215.685.0096, parksontap.com
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