The SkyLodge is Back for Another Season With Spiked Hot Chocolate and More!
The SkyLodge is Back for Another Season With Spiked Hot Chocolate and More!
SkyGarten, Philadelphia’s tallest beer garden, will transform into SkyLodge, a ski-lodge resort inspired pop-up, for another winter season chock-full of mounted taxidermy, shotskis, a bigger and better hot chocolate candy bar, ski-lodge favorite bites from Chef Mark Brinton, and more – kicking off Wednesday, November 1.
Co-owner Mickey Rowley, along with business partner Doug Hager of Brauhaus Schmitz, tricked out the celestial bar space with taxidermy, mounted antlers, yards of buffalo plaid, vintage skis, toboggans and other decorative items reminiscent of a classic ski lodge. Guests can also expect staff clad in Pennsylvania-based Woolrich Inc. red and black buffalo plaid, a shotski allowing four revelers to shoot a shot at once for $20, a roaring “fireplace” projected in loop on a massive wall-sized screen, and a cozy lounge corner with rocking chairs, bean bag chairs and a bear skin rug.
“After such a successful run with SkyLodge last winter, we are stoked to bring it back along with our famous spiked hot chocolate bar,” said Rowley. “Guests can expect more surprises this year, like a talking deer head and GM Jeff Schroth in a full Pennsylvania Tuxedo. If you don’t know what it is, look it up!”
Ski lodge-inspired bites from Chef Mark Brinton include: Poutine Fries ($12), Mac & Cheese Balls ($8), Bourbon Buffalo Wings ($8/$14), BBQ Pork Sandwich ($9), Veggie Burger ($10), Bacon and Brie Burger ($12), Wurst Platter ($13), and Bavarian Bratwurst ($9), among the mix.
Beverages will take a more wintery turn as Hefeweizens and Pilsners give way to Dunkels and more full-bodied brews. Hot cocktails include hot cider, spiked hot coffee – think Irish Coffee – and, of course, the now-famous spiked hot chocolate bar.
Lead Bartender Jesse Cornell’s über-popular spiked hot chocolate bar will return with even more accoutrements, including Dr. McGillicuddy’s Mentholmint, different flavored Baileys Irish Cream liqueurs, Buffalo Trace Cream, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, peppermint schnapps, and more. Guests can top their spiked hot chocolate with an array of candy, including chocolates, marshmallows, sprinkles, candy canes, whipped cream, syrups, and more goodies. Hot chocolates run $10 with booze or $5 without.
SkyLodge will launch this Wednesday, November 1 with a kickoff party, including the release of Pennsylvania Tuxedo, a session spruce-infused pale ale brewed by Dogfish Head in collaboration with Pennsylvania-based family-run outdoor clothing company Woolrich. Pennsylvania Tuxedo pays homage to the flannel-suited hunters and gatherers who dwell in the backcountry of North-Central PA, with notes of grassy citrus complemented by the resinous conifer notes of fresh green spruce tips. Drafts of Pennsylvania Tuxedo will be available for $7.
Love City, local DJ, will provide the tunes from 6-10 pm, only playing songs from Philly-based artists, think Jerry Blavat, The Roots, Will Smith, Boyz II Men, G. Love and Special Sauce, Hall & Oates, Patti LaBelle, Lil Uzi vert, and more.
Throughout the season, a $5 cover includes complimentary hand warmers for guests wishing to take in the sweeping views of Philly from the east side balcony.
SkyLodge will be open Wednesday–Friday, 5-10 pm, and Saturdays, 5-11 pm.
SkyGarten at Sky Philadelphia {formerly Top of the Tower} is located at 1717 Arch Street, in the heart of Philadelphia’s business district and steps from Barnes Foundation and other attractions. www.skygartenphilly.com
Follow SkyGarten on Instagram and Twitter @skygartenphilly #SkyLodgePhilly
