Summertime in the City of Brotherly Love is back in full swing, and although things in 2020 do look a bit different than they have in the past, there are a few favorites opening back up just in time to enjoy the sunshine season.
Last weekend marked the opening for the popular roving beer garden from FCM Hospitality that operates for the benefit of Philly parks, Parks on Tap. Although the venue typically travels as part of its offerings, this year to help keep everyone safe and healthy, Parks on Tap will call the grounds of the Fairmount Horticulture Center Arboretum home for the season, and soon after a few more locations will open up around the city for the duration summer 2020.
The first location will feature everything Philadelphians know and love about the seasonal staple including fresh food, beers on tap, wine and non-alcoholic beverages all in an outdoor setting that helps set the scene. Being outdoors also offers a way for visitors to keep a safe distance, ensuring that everyone has fun and stays healthy in the process. Other safety measures will also be implemented as well including additional cleaning measures, ability for contact tracing, and other measures as prescribed by the City of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania.
According to the release, the set-up for the beer garden outside the Horticulture Center will be self-contained within roped boundaries, providing its own power, bathrooms, food and drink trucks, seating, shade and lights — all without use or dependency of existing park facilities. This means more money can be raised and make a direct impact on park improvements and future programming. Having the backdrop of pieces of art, statues, fountains and sculptures in the greenhouse setting of the Horticulture Center is certainly icing on the cake as well.
Food-wise, visitors have a lot to look forward to. Parks on Tap will be serving up a variety of snacks including soft pretzels (with mustard and/or pimento cheese), deviled eggs, white bean hummus, sour cream and onion dip and more along with an assortment of sandwiches. Sandwich choices range from a pulled pork option, to a brisket cheesesteak, to a jerk chicken salad pick and a few more mouth-watering choices in between. Philadelphians can also purchase an array of sides to complement their meal (think cornbread with BBQ butter, seasonal fruit salad, coleslaw and more).
Drink-wise however is really where the variety kicks in for this outdoor oasis. Parks on Tap will be serving up an abundance of drafts including the Mainstay Independent Poplar Pils, 2SP ‘Up & Out’ IPA, Sly Fox ‘SRT’ Pale Ale, Dogfish Head Seasonal, Evil Genius #adulting Guava IPA and more with prices ranging from $5 to $7. The beer garden will also be serving up can options including Golden Road Melon Cart, 21st Amendment El Sully, Flying Dog Numero Uno Cerveza, Sixpoint Crisp and more with prices ranging from $5 to $6. On the non-alchoholic side, guests can sip on cucumber-mint water, water, lemonade and iced tea as well.
Seating-wise, Parks on Tap will not be taking reservations. If you arrive and the venue is filled, you and your party will be entered onto a waiting list and texted when your table is available. Masks must be worn, and Parks on Tap will be extensively following state regulations to safely operate and will be adjusting (if necessary) to the city guidelines once they are released. Philadelphians and their furry friends are also welcome, the seasonal pop-up is dog-friendly as well.
Parks on Tap at the Fairmount Horticulture Center will be open Monday to Friday, from 4 to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. A free membership is required and food and drink are pay-as-you-go. Also note that hours and days of operation may change due to weather and special events. For more information on the Parks on Tap safety plan, directions and other questions, visit www.parksontap.com and Philadelphians can visit @parksontap on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates as well.
