Earlier this summer 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 began by calling the grounds of the Fairmount Horticulture Center Arboretum home for the season, and soon after opened up a second location outside the famous Fairmount Water Works at 640 Waterworks Drive.
The first location has since closed, but Philadelphians will still have plenty of chances to enjoy the popular seasonal staple for the fall with a new location opening up in FDR Park.
The 50,000 square foot beer garden will set up shop across from the public golf course, at 1500 Pattison, and will provide everything guests know and love about Parks on Tap, plus a variety of activities that are unique to FDR Park.
“Parks on Tap has proven to be a hit with local residents looking to get outside and enjoy our parks but keep their social distance and practice safety first,” said FCM Hospitality Owner Avram Hornik in a statment. “During the global pandemic, outdoor socially distanced options like Parks on Tap are more important than ever as city residents look to spend summer in the city, while they find new and different ways to enjoy stay-cation options. We are so thankful to everyone that made our first-ever summer-long residency at Fairmount Horticulture Center Arboretum a big success! We are excited to now open a new fall residency at FDR Park and serve a new audience in the city. Parks on Tap at FDR Park will continue to operate at the same time as Parks on Tap at Water Works. We are proud to give Philadelphia residents two outdoor options this coming September and October.”
According to a release, Parks on Tap will shine the spotlight on the South Philadelphia park and encourage people to explore all of the natural beauty that it has to offer. FDR Park offers an abundance of recreational sites, including 20 tennis courts, a rugby field, golf course and eight ball fields. Guests can also access the unique American Swedish Historical Museum and the internationally renowned FDR Park Skate Park. This new location is also home to one of the best places to bird watch since it offers a home to nearly 205 species.
Hornik added,”The FCM Hospitality team that operates Parks on Tap is excited to add exposure to another stunning Philadelphia park, while maintaining their proven success of providing a safe experience for staff and patrons.”
The food and drink menu will offer visitors a ton of delicious choices, most of which are locally sourced items, including bread and pastries from Lost Bread Co. Philadelphians can enjoy 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-alcoholic 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 Taps’ second location at the Water Works at 640 Waterworks Drive will also be open for the fall season.
Parks on Tap’s second location is 21+ but children and families are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has ID. Parks on Tap at FDR Park is now open with hours being Monday to Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. Visit @parksontap on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates.
