This past weekend we were lucky enough to be able to get a sneak peak at what is sure to be Philadelphia’s hottest new bar for Summer 2018. Join Harper’s Garden in celebrating thier Grand Opening this Wednesday, May 16th! Located right at the corner of South 18th Street and Ludlow (Between Chestnut Street and Market Street), this urban oasis is brought together by FCM Hospitality, the team behind Morgan’s Pier, Parks on Tap, and Concourse. With an outdoor veranda outfitted with all types of beautiful greenery and ivy, their menu focuses on simple, seasonal dishes to share and also offers full service seating inside with a lounge overlooking the space for private parties.
Harper’s Garden is sure to be the perfect date night for cool summer nights when you want the romance of dining inside a garden of twinkling lights. They also make a point of connecting the indoor space by keeping the large glass doors and windows that open directly out onto the veranda, and a private event space upstairs will hold up to 75 guests.
You won’t confuse Harper’s Garden with a beer garden when you see the drink menu heavily loaded with wines by the glass and craft cocktails. Jesse Cornell, formerly of Sbraga, Vesper, and Skygarten, has crafted the fresh cocktail menu alongside options from 30 beer taps. Some of our favorite libations include the Electric Relaxation mixed with Ketel One Vodka, St-Germain, cucumber, and lemon or the 18th Street Heat with Jalapeno infused Espolon, lemonade, and Aperol. And if you’re wondering… Yes they have Rosé so you can “Rosé all day” with the Cantine Povero, from Piedmont, Italy or enjoy the Sabine, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, France which is dry, and floral with notes of red berries.
Enjoy your beverage with a variety of small plates including the classic Cheeseboard or Chef’s Selection of Oysters. We loved the sweetness of the Candied Beets with cardamom-honey yogurt, and almond crisp and the salty bite of the Herbed Rosti Fries with spring onion dipping sauce. Executive Chef Ben Moore, formerly of Wister BYOB in Old City, brings his creative culinary skills to the kitchen which will be producing a variety throughout the season of fresh New American cuisine. Dinner will be served 5:00 – 10:00 pm and soon the Lunch program will roll out with service offered weekdays 12:00 – 3:00 pm.
For our main course we enjoyed the Pan Seared Red Snapper with pea shoots and corn fritters as well as the Halibut with grilled fennel and celery leaves. Harper’s Garden also offers a variety of flatbreads and sandwiches on the menu if you’re looking for something more causal. Reservations are available via OpenTable and we certainly recommend you make them fast!
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