Wilmington beer garden gets temporary OK
The game of wondering if Wilmington's new Constitution Yards Beer Garden will be open is over – for now.
The expansive Riverfront beer garden passed another round of health inspections, and its temporary liquor license was extended through July 7, when a public hearing will be held, says Megan McGlinchey, acting director of the Riverfront Development Corp. of Delaware, the nonprofit behind the beer garden.
The 20,000-square-foot restaurant at Justison Landing Park opened Friday, earning positive reviews. By Saturday night, the crowd grew in size, and the line for beer was deep, resulting in plenty of grumbling.
The beer garden's July hearing was called by the Office of Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Control, which will determine whether the instantly popular spot will receive a biennial gathering license, which would be renewed every two years.
Nearby neighbors have complained that Constitution Yards would spawn too many problems in its current location, including noise, traffic, parking, public drunkenness and excessive lighting. The residents will have a chance to speak at the hearing.
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The waterfront hangout serves craft beer, wine, spirits, frozen cocktails and its food menu is dominated by barbecue. The all-ages, dog-friendly beer garden also offers backyard games like cornhole, bocce and whiffle ball.
Constitution Yards' hours are Monday-Thursday (4-9 p.m.), Friday (2 p.m.-midnight), Saturday (noon-midnight) and Sunday (noon-9 p.m.).
Contact Ryan Cormier at rcormier@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier), Twitter (@ryancormier) and Instagram (@ryancormier).