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Cool, Refreshing Drinks and Tasty Bites at The Watering Hole in the Philadelphia Zoo

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Story by Jill Beckel, photos by Cassie Hepler

The Watering Hole Beer Garden & Oasis is your new summer spot to be! Explore Philly visited The Watering Hole on a hot summer day at the Philadelphia Zoo, which is now open to the public. Sponsored by Victory Brewing Company, it’s a great place for guests to relax, grab a refreshing specialty beer, glass of wine and a bite to eat while also enjoying the great outdoors in this open-air hangout.

As the Philadelphia region’s leading family destination, the zoo welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors last year. One of the region’s foremost conservation organizations, it is home to nearly 1,300 animals, many which are rare and endangered. The Watering Hole is located at the southern-most tip of the zoo and features conversation-style seating, brightly-colored fabric umbrellas, lush landscaping, environmentally-friendly LED lighting and terra-cotta mosaic décor. “We are excited to offer our guests an amazing new setting to enjoy with the family while visiting the zoo,” says Philadelphia Zoo’s Chief Marketing Officer, Amy Shearer. “We have consistently heard from our visitors and members that having supplementary beverage choices to enjoy with lunch or during their visit are a welcomed addition, so we listened by providing more drink options at The Watering Hole as well as at other popular lunch destinations at the zoo.”

Walking around the zoo all day can build up an appetite. Guests can choose from The Watering Hole’s tasty snacks such as grilled flatbreads, house made chips, Philly pretzel bites, grilled bratwurst and more! A robust menu offers a variety of ten craft and domestic beers including Victory Summer Love Ale, Victory Prima Pils, Victory Headwaters Ale as well as New Belgium Flat Tire, River Horse Summer, New Belgium Snapshot, Stella, Goose Island IPA and Tröegs Sunshine Pils. For guests who prefer wine, Woodbridge Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Cabernet are great options. Beverages are served in clear, eco-friendly cups with prices ranging from $6.00 to $8.00 (inclusive of taxes). Water and soft drinks are also be available. Check out the full food and beverage menu here.

We had a blast enjoying the warm summer night, sampling a few beers and tasting their many menu options. The flatbread was especially delicious and the chips and pretzel bites went perfectly with our beer. We also really enjoying meeting some surprise visitors – two beautiful parrots, a lizard and a snake! The relaxing environment was the perfect summer spot to refresh and get some shade from the sun. Visitors are encouraged to use social media by sharing photos at The Watering Hole using #WateringHole. The Watering Hole’s custom Instagram sign made it fun and easy to do so.

The Watering Hole is open Friday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and holidays. Guests have to purchase a zoo ticket in order to visit The Watering Hole. It’s also available for special events such as parties, corporate events and more. Imagine having your next meeting at the zoo!  Be sure to visit the zoo soon to see some amazing animals and get your refreshing brew at The Watering Hole.

For more information or to purchase Philadelphia Zoo tickets, visit www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org. Facebook: PhiladelphiaZoo; Instagram: @philadelphiazoo; Twitter: @phillyzoo.

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The entrance to the beautiful Watering Hole Beer Garden & Oasis.
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A snake came to say “Hi!”
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The terra-cotta mosaic décor wall was a beautiful touch.
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Adorable and delicious – mini ice cream cookie sandwiches.
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Lots of people stopped by The Watering Hole after work for this special media party.
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Hi Mr. Parrot! He was squawking to announce his arrival.
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A beautiful parrot showing off his wings.
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Snack time! He turned his back to chomp on a walnut.
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He was enjoying the attention.
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The colorful tables looked welcoming and smelled great with fresh lilac centerpieces.
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This little bird was eating peoples’ scraps.
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A lizard meeting some Watering Hole guests.
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We loved learning more about the lizard and what he likes to eat.
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An impressive beer and wine selection.
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A parrot making his rounds around The Watering Hole.
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He is so colorful and beautiful. We really enjoyed our up close and personal view of this majestic bird.
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Food time! Could this turkey, cheese and bacon flatbread look any tastier?
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Grilled bratwurst with spicy mustard.
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Juicy pulled pork sliders.
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The Watering Hole menu.
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A waterfall to go with the theme.
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Lots of open space and seating for catching up with friends and relaxing.
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All the shady tables kept it nice and cool.
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A mini bar area made it easy to grab your favorite drink or try something new.
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An interesting rhino sculpture.
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We joined in on the photo fun with this Instagram prop.
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Victory Brewery’s Summer Love beer was light and refreshing.
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Victory Brewing Company served their cold beer on draft all night.
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Some monkeys we saw on our way out.