Spring brings out new looks and menus at Philadelphia-area restaurants

Waking up from the winter doldrums, spring is a good time to check out new offerings at area restaurants.Craftsman Row Saloon, 112 S. Eighth St.

, Philadelphia, has been transformed with a floral look inspired by a hidden garden.It is filled with lush greens, vibrant colors, pastel blooms, watering cans, gardening tools, farmer’s market worthy baskets, botanical canvases and journals, floral inspired foods, themed cocktails, an over-the-top garden-inspired milkshake and chicken and bacon bouquets.This year’s theme features nods to popular outdoor hobbies in the region, like painting, gardening, hiking, harvesting and shopping at local farmers markets.



“The Mardi Gras decorations have been entirely replaced by thousands of flowers, boxwood, and some trees and vines compliment the feel and transport you to a blooming garden,” said co-owner George Tsiouris. “The floor-to-ceiling transformation continues both inside the dining room and outside. The nice weather, the early spring buds across the city and the amazing spectacle of this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show motivated us to go bigger, bolder and more beautiful.

We were really inspired and there’s many new elements both big and small to discover. Cocktails will boast all the garden feels and come with edible flowers and the best tastes of the season.”The menu at Craftsman Row is inspired by the blooming gardens this spring.

(Courtesy of Cody Aldrich)Some of those tastes include:The Blooming Burge: two smashed patties, American cheese, pickles, tomato, spicy remoulade, spring mix, blooming onion and Martin’s potato roll.The Chicken Finger Bouquet: house-breaded, bacon rose, fries, honey-mustard, parsley, has all the best from last year with a delicious bacon rose.Lady Bug Caprese: mozzarella, tomato, basil, evoo, balsamic glaze.

Craftsman Row is famous for milkshakes and the Orange Creamsicle won’t disappoint. It features local vanilla ice cream, orange swirl, house made sugar cookie and candied oranges.“We wanted to give a backdrop that provides the ideal atmosphere and overall vibe for this connection with nature’s ability to ground us.

We provided all the elements to unwind and escape to the magical world of being in a Blooming Garden.” said co-owner Vasiliki Tsiouris.Craftsman Row Saloon is open Wednesday and Thursday 4-10 p.

m., Friday 4-11 p.m.

, Saturday Noon-11 p.m. and Sunday Noon-10 p.

m.Check www.craftsmanrowsaloon.

com for more information and reservations.Iron Hill Brewery offering brunchIron Hill Brewery, with several locations in the region, has added weekend brunch to the menu. It features a variety of breakfast, brunch, and shareable items.

“We were thrilled with the success of last year’s lunch and dinner menu relaunch, which earned us the honor of Best Menu Revamp in the 2025 MenuMasters awards by Nation’s Restaurant News,” said Iron Hill’s Corporate Executive Chef Brendan Mullan. “Building on that momentum, we were excited to introduce a new lineup of exciting dishes and twists on familiar favorites. As part of the recipe development team, I’m proud of the entire menu, but standout items for me include the decadent Red Velvet Pancakes, crave-able Butterscotch Croissant French Toast Sticks, iconic Bacon Egg and Cheese Egg Rolls, and our unbelievable Benedict Trio.

”The red velvet pancakes bring brunch to a new level at Iron Hill Brewery. (Courtesy of Jonathan Hudson, Food Shelter PR)Some sure-to-be favorite shareables for the table include:Hot Donut Holes: Chocolate sauce, strawberry sauce and powdered sugar dusting.Bacon, Egg & Cheese Egg Rolls: Everything spiced with scallions and cherry pepper relish.

Butterscotch Croissant French Toast Sticks: Cornflake crust, maple syrup, and bourbon vanilla cream.The main brunch menu puts a little bit of a spin on some favorites like:Rise and Shine Pizza: Sausage gravy, bacon, cheese, scallion, sunny side egg, potato and maple drizzle.Red Velvet Pancakes: Cream cheese icing and maple syrup.

Brunch Burger: Single patty, rosemary truffle aioli, bacon, American cheese, fried egg, brioche bun and brunch potatoes.Avocado Toast: Sourdough with pesto aioli, smashed avocado, charred cherry tomatoes, baby arugula, everything spice and balsamic glaze with a side of fresh fruit.For more information on the menu and Iron Hill, check out https://ironhillbrewery.

com.Easter BrunchEaster brunch at Cuba Libre in Old City Philadelphia will take diners to the streets of Cuba. (Courtesy of Cuba Libre)Easter weekend is just around the corner, so instead of cooking, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar in Old City, 10 S.

Second St., Philadelphia, will be serving up a vibrant selection of Easter brunch specials that will transport guests’ taste buds straight to Havana.Guests can start their feast with Pinchos Morunos — succulent Moorish lamb kebabs with piquillo pepper yogurt sauce and mojito salsa — followed by the main course, Mero Salteado — tortilla-crusted grouper with black beans, avocado, grilled corn salad, aji verde sauce, and lime crema.

To end things on a sweet note, indulge in the Pastel de Coco — a coconut and white chocolate mousse cake with chocolate ice cream.The full brunch menu and dinner menu will also be available on Easter, alongside refreshing cocktails. During brunch, guests can sip on a specialty mojito made with fresh-pressed sugarcane or upgrade to Mimosa Bottle Service and mix their own bubbly creations.

For more information and reservations, check out www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/en/philadelphia.

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