Torch & Crown Beer Garden returns to Union Square Park

Manhattan, NY According to Torch & Crown Brewing Co. and Union Square Partnership (USP), Torch & Crown Beer Garden has returned for the 2024 season. Last year, the seasonal beer garden debuted in the popular Union Square Park Pavilion, marking the brewery’s first offshoot outside of its SoHo brewery and restaurant. Known as “Manhattan’s Brewery,” Torch & Crown is once again bringing locally brewed beers, along with a slate of events and programming, to the open-air NYC Parks’ concession venue in Union Square Park. Torch & Crown Beer Garden opened to the public on May 1^st.

Centrally located on the north side of Union Square Park, just steps from the 14^th St.-Union Sq. subway station, Torch & Crown Beer Garden features indoor and outdoor dining, a bar and communal seating, as well as TVs for live sports and outdoor lawn games. Pets are also welcome.

“We created Torch & Crown to provide a unique and energetic gathering place for the New York City community,” said John Dantzler, co-founder and CEO of Torch & Crown. “We want our Union Square Beer Garden to function as the city’s backyard, and in our second year of operating the space we will bring new event experiences and a revamped food menu.”

As one of New York City’s most dynamic live-work-play neighborhoods, Union Square continues to welcome new experiential openings across dining, nightlife, retail, arts & culture, and entertainment. From the very first Union Square Greenmarket in 1976 to acclaimed restaurants that call this neighborhood home, food and beverage has always been at the heart of Union Square, anchoring the district’s commercial revitalization for decades.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Torch & Crown Beer Garden for its second year in Union Square Park,” said Julie Stein, executive director at Union Square Partnership. “We are proud to work with the Torch & Crown team ahead of a fun-filled 2024 season. Torch & Crown Beer Garden exemplifies the unique, authentic, and immersive New York City experiences that residents, workers, and visitors can find in Union Square, and we look forward to supporting their team in delivering a community-centric approach to hospitality that adds to the overall vibrancy of our neighborhood.”

Torch & Crown Beer Garden will host a weekly slate of programming and events such as morning yoga, live music, and jazz brunch, happy hours, weekend cookouts, and more, some of which will be in partnership with local businesses. Torch & Crown looks forward to celebrating PRIDE this June, followed by an Oktoberfest-inspired Torchfest coming in late September.

The beer garden will feature new and favorite draft beers, as well as a revamped food menu at the helm of executive chef Michael Citarella, who has overseen culinary operations at Torch & Crown since 2022. The full menu includes beer garden staples and seasonal Greenmarket offerings, with highlights including homemade pizza, fried chicken sandwiches, and burgers. Brewed in New York City, Torch & Crown offers a range of beers from New England-Style India Pale Ales, like their flagship Almost Famous, to crisp lagers such as Tenement. Cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages are also available, and beer delivery.

“We are excited to welcome back Torch & Crown to Union Square Park for their second season,” said NYC Parks Borough commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Last year, Torch & Crown helped to enhance the vibrancy of Union Square Pavilion and Union Square Park by providing delicious food, beverages, and a great lineup of events.  We are looking forward to partnering with them on their second season of a successful activation in this premier greenspace.”

Torch & Crown Beer Garden officially opened its doors on May 1, 2024 and will be open through October 31, 2024. Hours of operation are Mondays – Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Thursday - Saturdays 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Inquiries for private events can be made on Torch & Crown’s website or by emailing [email protected].