The Bar That Didn’t Make the List

PHS Pop-Up Garden | Photo by Karl Shouler

When we compiled the list of Philly’s Best Bars there was one bar that we couldn’t count. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s pop-up beer garden received enough votes to place on the list and to come in rather high. Not bad at all for a pop-up garden that only was open for five months. But we couldn’t include a closed bar on a list highlighting the best Philadelphia has to offer. However, the PHS’s Pop-up Beer Garden was the hit of the summer (and fall) and deserves a special mention.

It was the go-to spot for al fresco drinking all summer. A wonderful place to meet friends or find new ones. The Kimmel Center and a setting sun presented a wonderful vista. Locals hears swelled with pride. Visitors were sold on Philadelphia after one look around. It was at once an urban respite and an energy filled lot of what can be. It forced the question, how can this location right on Broad Street, across from the Kimmel Center be allowed to have remained empty for so long? It’s a question that resonates today on South Broad and now across the city. For what the PHS’s garden really did, was open our eyes to what can be.

Here’s what what panelist had to say:

“I know this place is a pop-up and is closing this week but it was such a great addition for the city, I’m giving it a spot on my list. PHS would literally be brain-dead if they did not bring it back next year in the same location AND open up two-three satellite locations in other neighborhoods.”

PHS Pop Up Gardens [Pennsylvania Horticultural Society]