Caribeña chicken from Whapping food cart. Photo by Amy Schneider

There’s a new beer garden in town, and it’s called — well, it’s called beergarden. 

“We wanted to keep it as simple as possible,” says co-owner Patric Campbell, “and it ties in to Gray’s Garden Center next door. The period makes it more of a statement.”

Located on 6th Avenue along the edge of the Whiteaker neighborhood, beergarden. had its soft opening on June 5, and its 42 taps are primed to pour Northwest beers, wines and non-alcoholic beverages. 

Campbell, also the co-owner of The Tap & Growler on 5th Avenue, says the layout of beergarden. is largely an exercise in repurposing — much of its interior came from the now-defunct Marie Callender’s restaurant near Valley River Center.

Copper fixtures, wooden tables and chairs as well as a fireplace create a warm, glowing atmosphere while paying homage to a restaurant of times gone by.

But there’s more to beergarden. than just the building. The back doors lead to a spacious patio populated with picnic tables and tables made from shipping pallets. Campbell has partnered with Gray’s Garden Center to fill the outdoor patio with flowers, shrubs and other greenery. 

Don’t think it’s all about the beer, because this beer garden is not devoid of food — four local food carts and trucks are on site, ready to serve up meals to the taphouse crowd. 

The lineup includes Mondo Forcella with its gourmet Italian food, Whapping with Costa Rican and Caribbean cuisine, The Zingaro’s tasty fare and the Hawaiian Lani Moku Grill.

“When a concept like this came around, it was very attractive to me,” says Fred Badillaobando, owner of Whapping food cart. And, he says, “from hour number one, business has been great.”

Customers can hang indoors and enjoy a cold drink, gather at the tables outside, order beer from the sliding glass window and head over to the food carts when hunger strikes. The open layout and casual feel lend an air of festivity.

“That’s really where we fell in love with this place,” Campbell says in reference to the patio. 

Surprisingly, it’s hard to hear the noise and bustle of cars on 6th Avenue on the other side of the building. Campbell says he hopes to add to the positive ambience by building a stage for bands to play.

Although open, beergarden. does not yet have a grand opening date set. In the meantime, check out beergarden.’s Facebook page or drop by at 777 W. 6th Ave.

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