Philadelphia’s SkyGarten launched at the start of June and was met with stellar success. Later, OktoberFest and an über-popular Hot Chocolate Bar kept this 51st floor destination buzzing right up to one of the city’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations. Now there’s a new reason to visit SkyGarten this winter: SkyLodge, a ski-lodge resort inspired pop-up, launched last week.
“We wanted to give everyone a fun new reason to visit us with SkyLodge,” said co-owner Mickey Rowley, who, along with business partner Doug Hager of Brauhaus Schmitz, tricked out the celestial bar space with a taxidermy, mounted antlers, yards of buffalo plaid, vintage skis, toboggans and other decorative items reminiscent of a classic ski lodge. Staff will be clad in Pennsylvania-based Woolrich Inc. red and black buffalo plaid, too.
Additionally, visitors can expect a roaring “fireplace” projected on SkyLodge’s massive wall-sized screen, a menu from chef Mark Brinton of ski-lodge favorites, bar manager Jesse Cornell’s now-famous spiked hot chocolate bar, a shot ski and a full array of winter beverages.
The SkyLodge menu includes items like bourbon wings served with celery, carrots and blue cheese; bacon and brie burger with caramelized onions, arugula and cider aioli on a snowflake roll; chicken & waffles with pineapple chutney; SkyLodge beef stew with wild mushrooms, potatoes and carrots; and Pocono poutine topped with provolone, roast beef and bacon gravy.
Beverages take a more wintery turn as Hefeweizens and Pilsners give way to Doppelbocks and Dunkels. Hot cocktails include spiked hot chocolate, hot cider and mulled wine. A fun ski shot allows four revelers to shoot a shot at once for $20.
SkyLodge is open Wednesday–Friday from 5–10 p.m. and Saturday from 5–11 p.m. through January. Hours may be extended through the remainder of the winter.
Find SkyGarten at 1717 Arch St. in Philadelphia; phone: (215) 557-7887.
- Photos: SkyGarten
