Soak up some sun and suds at Philly's eclectic beer gardens

The can-cracking crowds at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's new beer garden at Ninth and Wharton have some of South Philly's favorite sons watching over them. We may never know how the famous "Sound of Philadelphia" crooners on the mural feel about pale ales and pomegranate margaritas being poured right under their noses, but it's clear this pop-up's creators appreciate the music heritage.

That much is evident from the menu alone, featuring "Al Martino's dry-rub pork ribs," a grilled chicken sandwich named after Frankie Avalon, and a bacon/peanut butter/banana dessert called the "Chubby Checker." The thematic eats, along with craft beer and cocktails, come off a bar with a corrugated metal roof, surrounded by string lights, colorful plantings, and a dividing drink rail built from old bicycle wheels.

Commingling old and new, this PHS installation, one of two the nonprofit has introduced in 2015, is emblematic of Philly's burgeoning beer garden scene, responsible for drawing out thousands in the warmer months. Emboldened by the uncharacteristic leniency of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, bars, restaurants, and organizations are transforming underused physical spaces into experiences friendly to al fresco revelers - as long as the weather cooperates.

Of course, there is a healthy amount of controversy surrounding the beer garden subcategory. Critics find fault with the PLCB's magnanimous reading of the off-premises catering permit rules, an interpretation that allows many of these pop-ups to exist. Some residents, too, have raised concerns about the presence of beer gardens in their neighborhoods. Though the greater future of the beer garden as a Philadelphia drinking option remains in flux, fans are packing them.

Here are 10 local places to land a quality pint en plein air right now.

PHS Pop-Up Garden, East Passyunk: Directly across from Pat's, this Horticultural Society gem injects some much-needed foliage into glowing neon "Cheesesteak Vegas." This pop-up has proved a hit with South Philly's dogs-and-babies set; the Italian-inspired menu is overseen by the team behind the nearby Cantina Los Caballitos, Royal Tavern, and Triangle Tavern. (Ninth and Wharton Streets, phsonline.org)

PHS Pop-Up Garden, South Street: The second PHS pop-up this season - proceeds benefit PHS programming, including the local growers' initiative City Harvest - this garden offers a wider variety of seating options and greenery. Order a local brew, like the crisp PHS Cider produced at York County's Wyndridge Farm, to go with food from Dietz & Watson and the neighboring Jamaican Jerk Hut. (1438 South St., phsonline.org)

Point Breeze Pop-Up: John Longacre, owner of South Philadelphia Tap Room and American Sardine Bar, introduced a beer-dispensing 18-wheeler, a Volkswagen bus bar, a rotating food truck roster, and other quirky amenities to jazz up this vacant lot just off 22d and Tasker. Among the more controversial beer garden options - some community members expressed concern to Longacre at a June 4 community meeting - the Point Breeze pop-up is open Thursday to Sunday. (1622 Point Breeze Ave., pointbreezepopup.com)

Memphis Taproom: Open since 2010, the charming outdoor section of Brendan Hartranft and Leigh Maida's bar is an established open-air drinking pick for the river wards. They've switched things up food-wise this year, offering a new "Ode to Summer Vacation" menu with options like fried chicken and a New England clam roll. It's open Thursday to Sunday, with Quizzo at 6 p.m. Thursdays. (2331 E. Cumberland St., memphistaproom.com)

Silk City Diner Bar & Lounge: Another veteran of the beer garden game, Silk City's kitschy outdoor section is entering its sixth year. Decorated with owner Mark Bee's eclectic sensibilities, the garden is enclosed by a wrought-iron octopus gate and a trippy wall. The booze offerings are slightly less abstract: six draft beers, frozen cocktails like the Painkiller (spiced rum, coconut puree, nutmeg). DJs every Sunday. (435 Spring Garden St., silkcityphilly.com)

Drury Beer Garden: This secluded Center City beer garden behind Opa restaurant pours eight beers on tap and plenty more in bottles, plus wine and specialty cocktails. Popular on chef Bobby Saritsoglou's outdoor menu, a casual complement to his elegant Greek cooking inside: the "Double Down," a dual-patty burger topped with house-cured bacon, sharp cheddar, and beer sauce. (1311 Sansom St., opaphiladelphia.com)

La Peg: With its fire pits, converted shipping-container bar, and unobstructed views of the Ben Franklin Bridge, the large beer garden at La Peg is aesthetically unrivaled. But Peter Woolsey brings it in the food department, too, with a full selection of outdoor grilled fare. The beer garden operates every night La Peg is open, with film screenings on Wednesdays and late-night performances on Fridays. (140 N. Columbus Blvd., lapegbrasserie.com)

Fergie's Pub: Irreverent publican Fergus Carey has dubbed the wee lot on the eastern side of his long-running bar "Fergie's Beach." Though there's no sand or bikinis, there are quaint picnic tables, lush plants, a cornhole court, and taut draft beer selection to get your mind in vacation mode. Eats include cheesesteak spring rolls, fried pickles, and shrimp kebabs. This is due to close in mid-July, as a building will be erected on the lot. (1214 Sansom St., fergies.com)

Independence Beer Garden: One of Philly's highest-profile beer gardens, this large-capacity Michael Schulson-helmed operation in Old City has introduced a brand-new menu for 2015 - highlights include mahi-mahi tacos, St. Louis-style barbecue ribs, and a salad of spit-roasted beets with asparagus and ricotta. Yards Brewing has also created a new beer exclusive to IBG, a refreshing summer wheat with flavors of citrus, clove, and banana. (100 S. Independence Mall West, phlbeergarden.com)

Spruce Street Harbor Park: One of the most stunning outdoor spaces in all of Philadelphia, this riverfront operation has an activity for every speed, whether you're a floating-garden freak, a roller-skating fiend, a shuffleboard shark, or a sedentary hammock lounger. The food - bao buns from Jose Garces' Chifa, fried chicken sandwiches from Federal Donuts, ice cream-filled waffle bowls from the Franklin Fountain - is as eclectic and ambitious as the environs. (121 N. Columbus Blvd., delawareriverwaterfront.com)