Courtesy Hattie’s
Hattie’s Restaurant has finished construction of its renovated patio and re-opened it on May 3.
Owners Jason and Beth Alexander decided it was time for the back patio to get a face-lift.
“The swamp, as some lovingly call the patio, was in much need of some TLC,” said Beth. The bar was built years ago by former owner Colin MacLean by using banquet tables as a bar top. “It was a great idea and it has served us well, but it was time for a change”
With construction going on around them—including renovations at the neighboring Caffe Lena and construction of apartments at the corner of Phila and Henry streets—the Alexanders decided that the time was right to upgrade their back yard.
They hired long-time customer Matt Geleta to build the bar, past Hattie’s employee Sue Waldron of Sue Waldron Designs to work on the design and Patrick Coffey of IQ contracting as the contractor.
“I just wanted a chance to be a part of history. I’ve spent many nights at Hattie’s looking at the bar and knew I could make a beautiful, functional bar,” said Geleta. Choosing Waldron was easy. “Sue worked at Hattie’s for a number of years before leaving to open her own business, Sue Waldron Designs. I had the unique opportunity of working with someone who knows the restaurant business and is an amazing designer.”
Design elements in the renovation included antique tin ceiling panels used in unique places, liquor decanters, wrought iron and an antique chandelier. But the biggest change is the tap beer system. “We had one beer on tap before. Now we have eight,” said Jasper Alexander. “We now have the ability to offer a more unique selection of beers to our customers.”
Hattie’s patio bar opens daily at 4 p.m. It opens at 9 a.m. for Saturday and Sunday brunch.
The restaurant has achieved national recognition with features in The New York Times, Gourmet Magazine, Food and Wine and other prominent publications. In 2006, Hattie’s was featured on the Food Networks’ “Throwdown!” television series with Bobby Flay.