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The official marker of summer is back. And, yes, we mean drinking outside. Coinciding with the flowers blooming, outdoor patio bars and restaurants are sprouting up once again, welcoming us to soak up the sun with a sipper in hand. One of our favorite outdoor bars is returning for the season, transforming a corner of Union Square into an all-out beer hall.
On Thursday, May 1, Torch & Crown Brewing Company is taking over Union Square Park for its summertime pop-up: Torch & Crown Beer Garden. For its third season in a row, the brewery will bring its lineup of locally-made beers and bites to the square starting May 1 until early November. Commandeering the historic Union Square Pavilion and the square surrounding it, the indoor-outdoor space welcomes all (even dogs!) to enjoy the festivities no matter the weather. The seasonal venue is the brewery's only offshoot outside of its operation in SoHo.
Naturally, there is beer to be had here, many of the crushable varieties, including the Tenement Pilsner and the Southbound Mexican Lager. There are also two IPAs on tap as well as the mango and pineapple fruity sour ale, Xpert Ambassador Sour.
To nosh on, the garden has drummed up a line-up of seasonal eats, quite literally, as the venue incorporates goods from the neighboring Union Square Market. Perfect example is the Market Special, a 12-inch, thin-crust pizza with all the spring veggies, including asparagus, maitake mushrooms and garlic chives. Fan favorites from years past have returned like the Sigmund's Hand-Rolled Bavarian Pretzel and the cheddar cheese The Lou Burger served with fries.
If you can’t attend the brewery opening on May 1, try to make it to the official opening party on May 7. In partnership with City Winery, the kick-off party will include live tunes from Matthew Lee & The Standbys. The fun continues at the garden all summer long with jazz music on Sundays with Geoff Burke, Monday night trivia with NYC Trivia League and live music on Fridays courtesy of Shawn Parsons and Matthew Lee & The Standbys.
So next time you are passing through the city, take a few steps off the Union Square subway stop to discover your next summertime hang.
