Escape the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia at The Garden Restaurant in the Barnes Museum! Helmed by Executive Chef Michael O’Meara, this artsy fartsy space has a seasonal, full menu celebrating local farms with fresh ingredients located inside Barnes Museum in the Art Museum area of Philadelphia… where the Rocky steps are. The space has a light-filled indoor dining room with art flanking the walls, an open kitchen and boasts views of a private walled garden with al fresco dining, weather permitting of course. With light and hearty options, house made desserts and a curated list of local beers and wines served by the glass, you can get buzzed or caffeinated and then float your way through the new Renoir and Matisse exhibit and even more art to explore.
Lucky me, I was able to experience some of the hottest, most record setting days in Philly in July. So this was a wonderful air-conditioned escape from the humidity and hot, sweaty climate on the East Coast. I forgot about taking three showers a day in the summers – once a “real” full shower then two to rinse off sweat and stank. Maybe that’s where Gritty got his name… however, I digress. Before Septa, the city’s public transit system that always has an issue, shut down the easy from West Philly trolley for the second half of the month, I was able to easily hop on and off at the 18th Street station for a short walk in the shade of tall buildings toward the Art Museum. You can’t miss it, just head toward everything out of the city and the beautiful blue fountains below. But don’t catch a buzz and swim in them whatever you do! This isn’t Italy ya’ll and you’ll see homeless hanging nearby.
We’ve been a fan of the Barnes for years and if you go to the homepage and search keyword “Barnes”, you will see plenty of love from Explore over the years. The concept is to have an art – and organic food – oasis in the middle of the city and we never explored the restaurant so it was certainly time. Tucked back around a corner off the main drag, it is oddly quiet and peaceful so kudos to the design team. Once we walked into the cool, dark AC it was on like Donkey Kong and we were hungry and ready to devour some food art.
You know you’re close when you see the majestic water fountains leading the way near the Barnes Museum in Logan Circle.If you’re looking backwards, this is what you want to see behind you near the Barnes Museum. To the left, cropped out homeless.My favorite quote by Shakespeare had to be captured at the Barnes Museum. Ironically, Clark Park was featuring free plays in the park the last week I was in town.The reflection pond at the Barnes Museum. While walking out of the museum at the end of the day, a mother chased her child into it and I helped her out by holding him still by his “fat arm” she said. It’s definitely chlorinated and he was having a blast misbehaving!The entrance before someone ran outside at Barnes Museum.People from around the world come visit the Barnes Museum. We were walking to the right first this time.And while you wait, some art to admire at Barnes Museum.Photos don’t do these glass shards hanging justice at Barnes Museum.My guest wanted me to see this and now I see why at the Barnes Museum. At least they recognize an American land grab.Off to The Garden Restaurant we went at the Barnes Museum.We can see why it’s called The Garden Restaurant now! Our seats with the best view of the lush green landscaping.Walking into the The Garden Restaurant.Arrive at 11 a.m. if you want quiet time at The Garden Restaurant.An open kitchen is always fun to watch at The Garden Restaurant.Art lining the back wall at The Garden Restaurant and a group of women for scale.You can eat outside at The Garden Restaurant however the weather must be just so for these views.I’m a sucker for potato chips and homemade, even better upon arrival at The Garden Restaurant.Chef Michael O’Meara comes to greet us in the beginning of the meal, always a pleasant encounter at The Garden Restaurant.The amuse bouche of chunky tuna was so delightful, we wanted 5 more at The Garden Restaurant.The most tasty Budding Love rose chai tea and Dry Spell mocktail made for a great beginning at The Garden Restaurant. There is an impressive wine and cocktail list as well if you’re looking to get a little tipsy but it was early, hot and much work to be done that day for me!Any sort of seared Tuna & Couleurs are always on my mind at The Garden Restaurant.The star of the show right here at The Garden Restaurant, the Grilled Jailed Island Salmon was perfection down to the fresh, crisp corn.A seated tuna niçoise salad always makes you feel like you’re eating healthy and getting your greens at The Garden Restaurant.If you’re looking for a light drink and a snack, the Grilled Peach Tartine is a perfect pairing at The Garden Restaurant.We were unsure about this Melon Cazpacho Verde but it ended up being so refreshing on a hot day at The Garden Restaurant.When in a European environment, emerge yourself in a espresso and late with oat milk at The Garden Restaurant.One of the best desserts I’ve had in 2024 hands down at The Garden Restaurant. The Lost Dessert with sponge cake and fresh fruit was heavenly in each bite. And it’s a work of art as well!And for those who love their caffeine, coffee gelato which I took some and put in my espresso for an extra creamy flavor at The Garden Restaurant. At this point with all the caffeine in our systems, we had the human zoomies and were anxious to go look at some art.On our way out of The Garden Restaurant, I noticed this nook or art.We were then lead downstairs to the book store and to secure our belongings in a locker. No food or drink allowed in the Barnes Museum proper!But first found this indoor/outdoor space to play with photography at The Barnes Museum.A wall of encased ancient artifacts lines the wall at The Barnes Museum. I was feeling much like this bulbous fella.And finally to the Matisse and Renoir exhibit at The Barnes Museum! Each season this space rotates with fresh to the eyes artwork. This employee and many others wear masks as thousands of international visitors come through daily and Covid was surging again.Renoir is known for his dreamy, otherworldly style at The Barnes Museum.It was pretty packed for early in the day at The Barnes Museum, many having the same escape the heat plan.I would like a painting like this of myself someday before I’m an old broad at The Barnes Museum with my cat.Once you start seeing the style, you will instantly recognize it at The Barnes Museum.Mother and Child sculpture at The Barnes Museum by Renoir. I’m glad breastfeeding is becoming normal… finally.Probably my favorite painting from Renoir at The Barnes Museum. I waited patiently to grab a good pic as this guide explains the origin.Having large format artwork by Renoir is my dream someday!One final piece from Renoir of this curvy gal at The Barnes Museum.And a stark contrast with Matisse style at The Barnes Museum.Not a fan at first but this Matisse warmed up to me at The Barnes Museum.Imagine how scandaleous this was in its time to be painted nude at The Barnes Museum.I just enjoyed the colors of this Matisse piece at The Barnes Museum.And again the colors just pop here with Matisse at The Barnes Museum.Also, there is always a whole other very old European section at The Barnes Museum in a different wing.It’s a huge circle of artwork in each era at The Barnes Museum.I resonated with this woman at The Barnes Museum.An art education room is available as well at The Barnes Museum.Water nymphs at The Barnes Museum.A man with a skull at The Barnes Museum.Considered vulgar in that era and still is to most at The Barnes Museum. All I can think of is when this lady last had a bath…Leaving the Barnes Museum was hard but there was more the explore!Back to Septa I went but not before capturing this green space near The Barnes Museum. I feel like that person laying in the grass!
To learn more about this modern oasis with vintage art vibes, visit Explorewithcassie.com and search keyword “Barnes”. Oh la la!
