It’s not everyday that a 1973 Volkswagen bus is crane lifted to the second floor of a building in downtown Phoenixville. But that’s exactly what happened during the recent construction of Analog Bar Room at Bistro on Bridge.
Co-owners and brothers Zack and Seth Hoffman found the borough of Phoenixville welcoming back in 2009 when they created the popular Bistro on Bridge. This past January, the duo decided a change was in order, so they remodeled the first floor bistro and gutted the former Club 212 on the second floor. The 30-something entrepreneurs “envisioned a place where families could enjoy a throwback-vibe rooftop beer garden all year long,” says Zack.
Collaborating with Michael Gruber Design Group—of Pizzeria Vetri and Valanni fame—they transformed 1,700 square feet of space into an open floor plan with a midcentury feel, utilizing larger-than-life vintage wall murals by street artist DISTORT.
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Courtesy of Bistro on Bridge. |
Two 16-foot garage doors open to the outdoor beer garden, which is replete with picnic table seating, oversize Jenga, Connect Four and that VW “beer bus” that serves as a summer bar. A section of the ceiling has been removed to provide skyward vistas, while surrounding windows give a birds eye view of bustling Bridge Street below.
The redo also includes a comfy lounge with sofas, a fireplace, blonde wooden tables and a couple of LP album bookcases for ambience. Plus, there’s a revolving selection of classic arcade games including Pac Man, Area 51 and Frogger. Live music plays Thursday through Sunday.
Visitors can sip from a versatile list of canned beers including local favorite Sly Fox SRT Ale, Cigar City Jai Alai and Wicked Weed Coolcumber. Or imbibe on signature 70’s-themed cocktails (Grasshopper, Singapore Sling and Tom Collins) and frozen drinks made with a blend of house-infused syrups and spirits.
A new bar menu will launch by the end of August and will focus on shareables like truffle bacon popcorn and locally sourced cheese and charcuterie boards, adds Seth.
212 Bridge St., Phoenixville.
