Bar Hygge

Living down the street from Bar Hygge is a plus, but even if I didn't, I would still be an avid proponent of it. Located on the quieter side of Fairmount Avenue nestled between the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Broad street, it sits perfect walking distance from Center City. From the first moment walking in, you get the sense that this is a family owned and operated business. From the soft fabrics used in decorating the couches, to the main wall in the dining room, that is made of real disassembled oak barrels, to the side dining room that has all sorts of mismatched and charming decorations mainly window pains. It is a place that it is hard not to feel at home in. The lighting is soft and inviting and the beer is ever changing of course, because they not only know food, they are a brewery as well. The food is centered in fresh ingredients and on pushing the boundaries in European centered flavors with a strong American influence. For a healthy amount of sharing options, the build your own board (with meats, cheeses, specialty dishes or veggies) is a great family style starting place because there is always something on for everyone.

The inventive changing butter that comes with the fresh bread is very intriguing because it, like the beer selection, only is around for a short while. Easy as butter is to overlook, makes it much more rewarding when you don't. Truffles, chives, cracked pepper, or whatever the chef decides it needs that day is ever changing and always adventurously delicious. The menu always has a few more American style staples that are absolutely must try, like the chicken nuggets, fries, the toasted brussels dish and the mac and cheese bites with siracha ketchup. Simple they may be but always rotating in our orders because when something is that well done, it is important to keep doing it.

As you dine you can often see the owners stopping into check to make sure they support their staff and see their customers enjoying their food and getting feedback. The feeling they promote is like going to a close family friends home in the outskirts of town for a meal that will leave you satiated and warm. On many days you can walk by the brewery to see the master brewer hauling in the ingredients for the next brew. There is usually something for everyone on the beer list from Lagers, wheat beers, saisons, IPA's, Pilsners and sometimes a cider or fruit centered brew. Even though not every beer is a hit, they are eager to hear feedback about what beers are a hit and which ones my have not garnered so much favor. A restaurant that pays this much attention to the experience, it’s no wonder they have such a loyal clientele. It is very apparent that they are in the business of being a true growing operation that strives to change with the times and tastes.

Especially during the times of Covid they have done everything to help stay safe and stay serving, with hand sanitizer everywhere, always being masked up and sanitizing. It is no wonder that the community they serve has made sure they survive these uncertain times. It is palatable they are in the business because it is Hygge (a Danish word for exactly what they are all about) creating a warm friendly feeling that permeates through all they serve. That is why if you're coming through Philly I strongly suggest that Bar Hygge is a stop on your list. It is everything delicious and comforting in all the ways that make it so memorable. It is somewhere I know that no matter where I live in the City of brotherly love (and sports fan hate) I will be going back to again and again to feel Hygge.