Independence Beer Garden

 

Located at the Corner of 6th and Market Streets, the Rohm and Haas (now Dow Chemical) building has overlooked Independence Mall since 1964.  Built to serve as the new headquarters for Philadelphia chemical manufacturing company Rohm and Haas, the building was part of an urban renewal effort in the area surrounding Independence Hall leading up to the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration in Philadelphia.  Designed by Pietro Belluschi, then dean of the MIT school of Architecture and Planning, the building was widely celebrated for its restrained design that managed to blend in with the nearby historic 18th century buildings.  One of the main materials used in the façade of the building is Plexiglas, the principal product of Rohm and Hass. The interior even has complex chandeliers made of the Plexiglas material.  The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007 and is recognized as an excellent example of the International style.

 

While praised within architectural circles, the building is perhaps less popular with the millions of tourists that have walked past it over the years on their way to the Liberty Bell and the other historic attractions nearby.  The building is surrounded at street level with an unwelcoming tall stone wall and in an area buzzing with things for tourists to see and do, the Rohm and Haas building seems comparatively serious and businesslike.  Or at least that used to be the case; with opening of the brand new Independence Beer Garden, the Rohm and Haas building is suddenly the place to be.

 

 

Just recently opened on July 15th, 2014, the Independence Beer Garden gives tourists a unique place to grab a bite to eat and something cold drink with Independence Hall and all of great history of Old City Philadelphia as the backdrop.  Restaurateur Michael Schulson created the menu along with Chef Travis Masar, a contestant on Top Chef.  The menu includes an eclectic offering of everything from fried clam strips to Do-it-yourself s’mores.  The massive outdoor eatery has seating for over 300, ensuring enough room for all of the hungry history buffs nearby.

 

The Independence Beer Garden has plenty of beautiful views to take in of the nearby historic sites, and the space itself is a lush garden filled with trees and reclaimed timbers and even repurposed shipping containers.  Table-top Jenga boards, ping pong tables, shuffle board, and other outdoor games are among the fun activities to enjoy. The star of the Independence Beer Garden though is of course beer itself.  Over 40 taps of regional and domestic craft beers are available to choose from! Among the local Philadelphia brews to enjoy are offerings from Yards Brewing Company, Dock Street Brewing Co., and Flying Fish Brewery. 

 

 

If beer isn’t your drink of choice, don’t worry, specialty cocktails, pitchers of margaritas, wines, champagne, and spirits will all be on hand as well.

 

An outdoor beer garden sounds like a great idea on beautiful day.  In the midst of a thunderstorm or heatwave however, most would probably prefer to be inside.  Luckily the Independence Beer Garden has contingences in place for just such an occasion. Repurposed shipping containers are used as indoor seating areas, providing shelter from the rain, and even air conditioning for those hot summer days!

 

One of the best aspects of the Independence Beer Garden is how conveniently located it is to the historic sites at Independence National Historic Park.  Guests of The Constitutional Walking Tour and The Constitutional Bus Tour can easily get to the beer garden by walking just one block south on 6th Street from the National Constitution Center where our tours begin and end.  

 

The Independence Beer Garden is also easily reached by public transportation as it is just one block away from the 5th Street Station on the Market Frankford Subway Line and just a few blocks away from Market East Station. There are also many parking garages located nearby for those who wish to drive, including a garage that is right on the premises. 

 

Sun - 11am-2am (kitchen closes at 10pm)

Mon - 11am-2am (kitchen closes at 10pm)

Tues - 11am-2am (kitchen closes at 11pm)

Wed - 11am-2am (kitchen closes at 11pm)

Thurs - 11am-2am (kitchen closes at 11pm)

Fri - 11am-2am (kitchen closes at 12am)

Sat - 11am-2am (kitchen closes at 12am)

(Note: these hours are subject to change, and you may want to contact the Independence Beer Garden to confirm)

 

100 S. Independence Mall West (6th Street)

Philadelphia, PA 19106

215.922.7100