Bit Bar Beer Garden On Tap

SALEM, MA – The jailhouse arcade bar Salem knows and loves has two new features this spring, not to mention its new air conditioning system: Brunch, and a soon-to-open beer garden.

Bit Bar's patio will be transformed into a beer garden in June, with a rotating residency of brewers on tap outdoors. Rob Hall, co-owner of Bit Bar, said people don't usually think of the bar as a place to go for outdoor food and drinks because it's known for its old school arcade games.

"We really want to cultivate the patio into being its own space," Hall said. The patio will be known as the Beer Garden at Bit Bar.

The four outdoor taps will have beer from Allagash Brewing Company in the month of June, Night Shift Brewing of Everett in July, and will be split between Gentile Brewing Company and Old Planters Brewing Co. of Beverly in August.

The full bar and food menu will be available in the garden as well, and Bit Bar will add beer garden fare for the garden. The beer garden will also have lawn game like cornhole and bocce.

Bit Bar started serving brunch regularly last month, expanding its monthly cereal bar to include all Saturdays and Sundays. The bar also added a brunch menu with items like the homestyle fried chicken sandwich, french toast PB&J, and breakfast poutine, in addition to traditional breakfast items.

"It’s fun and funky comfort food," said Hall.

On top of the beer garden and brunch, Hall said Bit Bar is also working on adding new pinball machines.

Images via Chris Anderson