Uptown Beer Garden has recently reopened in the city, but Philadelphians who are heading to the once-popular Center City SIPS spot will have to look in all-new location to indulge in everything this spirited oasis has to offer.
With a refreshed menu, drink list, and atmosphere, Uptown now calls Penn Center home. Typically, that part of Philly is filled with offices and traffic, but with the Lawn at Loveluck recently opened and now Uptown, that specific area of the city has undergone some vibrant changes.
Uptown is under the Craft Concepts family with owner Teddy Sourias behind many other popular venues and “Instagramable” locations (something the brand is known for) such as Bru, Fin Mccool’s Trademan’s, Tinsel, and the newly reopened/refreshed Blume Burger just to name a few.
“Uptown Beer Garden is back and it is bigger and better than ever,” said Sourias in a statement. “We have found a permanent year-round home just a few blocks East across from Love Park. My team worked for months to build this beautiful new bar and outdoor restaurant from nothing but the sidewalk beneath our feet. It is bigger, bolder and more beautiful than ever – and we are so proud to open our doors in time for summer. We have secured a long-term lease that will allow us to invest more into the property, stay open year-round in some capacity, and bring the whole Uptown experience to an all new level… The opening at our new home is just the start of new and exciting things to come from Craft Concepts Group as we look forward to our city reopening and better days ahead.”
Before, Uptown felt a bit congested in crowd size, (especially on those summer Wednesday nights), but now the new location can house approximately 350 people, with some private space available. Eventually, the space is going to be accustomed to housing much more, up in the hundreds, for private events.
It’s lush—which is an odd description when referencing a venue in Center City—but with the fountains, added greenery and the layout, there are some real oasis vibes going on here (there’s even a koi pond to add more to the atmosphere), even without a park layout or more natural elements to add to the space. Foodies and beer lovers will enjoy the elaborate layout with seven different seating and event situations, featuring two open-air bars, traditional table seating, high tops, swings, benches, private cabanas, ample shade, lush greenery, newly planted trees, blooming flowers, rustic designs, slab top tables and a water fountain and koi pond made from recycled beer taps.
The menu has also undergone a bit of a transformation with both food and drinks for reopening, including an exclusive line-up of taps and an Uptown food truck, serving up a variety of bites ranging from some Philly classics such as cheesesteaks, pretzels, and wings, and a little bit fancier such as butterscotch cake, crab gravy poutine, japanese eggplant, roast pork, a whole grain bowl and cannoli dip. On the cocktail side, Philadelphians can expect to find an assortment of cocktails that range in liquors and added flavors—but they all have a twist on summertime classics. Some even come in the frozen form, popsicles, or, in pouches, which are as fun to drink out of as they sound.
Uptown is now open Monday to Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m., Friday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday, 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday, 2 to 10 p.m. For more about Uptown, follow @uptownbeergarden on social media or call 215-397-3308. Services to start include outdoor seating, dine-in, take-out, and bar service. Reservations are not required and Uptown Beer Garden is walk-up only.
