Bohemian bar opens in Garden Theater
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This pale Czech-style lager was crisp. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios
There's new life for a North Side landmark, and it is serving up suds.
Why it matters: The Garden Theater site finally has retail tenants again after a nearly two-decade-long redevelopment project.
- The Bohemian in the historic theater space opened last week, and we enjoyed a few drinks.
What they're saying: "It's a trip," said co-owner Peter Kurzweg, who lives in the North Side and has been waiting patiently to bring part of the Garden Theater back to life.
- Bohemian is run by the Homestead-based Golden Age Beer Co. team.
Flashback: The Garden Theater opened in 1915, had a long run of showing family-friendly movies, then a shorter run showing adult films, and closed in 2007.
- Most of its space has since been converted into apartments, but its lobby space was preserved and repurposed.
Bottoms up: Czech-style beer ($6) is the specialty, and the three I sampled (pale, gold, and Pils) were crisp, hoppy and thirst-quenching.
- Cocktails made from Pennsylvania-made spirits are also on offer.
- I tried the Golden Cadillac ($13) made with vodka, cream, white cacao and saffron. It was a little chocolaty and a little fruity.
The vibe: Think classy '70s theme with burnt orange plush furniture, gold accents and retro signage, all inside a refurbished 111-year-old theater.
Dig in: You can grab some food from Mayfly Market across the hall and bring it back to the bar.
If you go: 22 W. North Ave. in the North Side.
- Wednesday-Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday noon-10pm, Sunday noon-6pm.
- Hours might shift as they get their footing, per ownership.