Parks on Tap, Philadelphia’s pop-up beer garden, is coming to West Philly’s Clark Park next week. The popular program, a partnership between the Department of Parks and Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy, features beers on tap, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and fresh food. It pops up at different parks throughout the city all summer long.

The traveling beer garden is currently located at Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown and will be at Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore) from Wednesday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 11. The hours of operation are the following:

Wed-Fri: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

Sat & Sun: Noon – 10 p.m.

Special events include a Happy Hour with the Friends of Clark Park on the opening day (Wed, Sept. 7), from 4-6 p.m. 25 percent of the proceeds will directly support Clark Park.

For more information about Parks on Tap, click here.

One of University City’s most popular restaurants, Distrito, has closed its doors while chef Jose Garces, who owns the establishment, is “re-evaluating the business,” according to reports.

The upscale-casual Mexican restaurant, which opened in 2008 at 40th and Chestnut, was struggling financially due to the lack of customers during the summer months and closed abruptly on July 9th, according to a report by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

There is hope though that Garces will reopen the restaurant in late August when students return to campus after the summer break. By that time he hopes to have a “solid business plan going forward.” Garces did not give a definitive answer and said he would make the decision based on the economic situation (rising food costs, etc.) at that time.

The Distrito staff who lost their jobs as a result of the closure will be offered jobs at other restaurants owned by the famous chef, according to the report.

The popular local restaurant promotion, University City Dining Days, is returning this week. Beginning Thursday, July 21 and through the end of the month, West Philly residents and guests are invited to enjoy the diverse West Philly restaurant scene with a little less stress on their wallet.

This year’s deals begin at $20 for a three-course lunch or dinner at some participating locations, including such popular restaurants and eateries as Dahlak, Loco Pez, El Taco, New Deck Tavern, Jezabel’s and more. You can also explore more expensive options – for $30 or $40 – from such great establishments as Renata’s Kitchen, Booker’s, Aksum, City Tap House, Dim Sum House, White Dog Cafe and more. Continue Reading

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll (archived photo).

The popular neighborhood event, Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, will return Thursday, June 16 after a two-year hiatus.

This year, the event, organized by University City District (UCD), will feature $1, $3, and $5 deals from local businesses along Baltimore Avenue from 40th to 52nd. Over 25 local storefronts will participate, with additional community vendors, performers, and musicians providing entertainment and fun along the way.

Deals range from bites of tasty food and beverages offered by popular local businesses (Renata’s Kitchen, Dahlak Paradise, Mariposa Food Co-op, and more) to preview theatre tickets and merchandise offerings. Greensgrow West (5123 Baltimore Ave.) will be offering plants and planters ranging from $1-$5, as well as merchandise and children’s books. Continue Reading

Fresh, locally grown strawberries at Overbrook Farmers Market (Facebook photo).

The Food Trust, the non-profit organization providing access to healthy and delicious food for local communities, is holding several farmers markets in various West Philadelphia neighborhoods. Some of the markets, like Clark Park Farmers Market, operate year-round, while others are open for the spring-summer season.

Here is the updated list of the markets:

Saturdays:

Clark Park Saturday Farmers Market (open all year)
43rd Street and Baltimore Avenue
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
More info

Overbrook Farmers Market
Lancaster and City Avenues
Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
More info Continue Reading

University City District has announced the return of its popular summer events, most of which were not held during the past two years due to the pandemic.

From the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll to Movies in Clark Park, here’s what’s happening in the district this summer. Also, check out events and activities at The Porch at 30th Street Station and Trolley Portal Gardens (40th and Woodland).

The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll will return on Thursday, June 16 and Thursday, Sept. 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. During this unique event, neighborhood businesses and community vendors will present $1, $3, and $5 bargains – everything from bites from signature restaurants to pet supplies to theater tickets and much more. Plus enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and more fun! Read more about the 25+ participating vendors for the June 16th Dollar Stroll here. Details for the September Dollar Stroll will be available later this summer. Continue Reading