Love City Brewing Taking Over Former Fat Lady Location In Manayunk

MANAYUNK, PHILADELPHIA — One of Philadelphia's most beloved breweries is expanding, and it's bringing its message of inclusivity to a space that prided itself on welcoming all.

Love City Brewing will open its second location at 4323 Main St. in Manayunk, the former home of Fat Lady Brewing, in the near future.

Co-owners/operators Melissa and Kevin Walter are thrilled to bring not only their slate of brews to the neighborhood to fill the void left by Fat Lady's closure, but also their philosophy of inclusion, and of course, love.

>>>RELATED: Fat Lady Brewing's Closure Is Bittersweet For Owner Jane Lipton<<<

"When we saw Fat Lady come up for lease, I thought we matched perfectly," Melissa Walter said told Patch Thursday.

The duo had been looking to grow its footprint in the city for about two years. They saw some spaces that could work, but held out for a property that befitted their ethos.

With Fat Lady's history of being LGBTQ+ friendly (and it being a brewery itself) coupled with the bustling atmosphere of Main Street, the Walter's knew Manayunk would become home to their second location.

"Manayunk checked all the boxes," she said. "There's already an existing energy where people go out and do things. Main Street has had that for a long time. There are always people walking around."

All beer production will be kept at the original Love City location, 1023 Hamilton St., but Walter said fans of its slate of brews — such as Unity IPA, Love City Lager, Eraserhood IPA and more — will be able to enjoy them all in the Northwestern Philly enclave.

Patrons will also find a similar menu of non-beer drinks: Wine, cocktails, ciders, and spirits will be available at the new spot, as well.

At the two-story location, Walter plans to use the first floor as the main bar area, with a capacity of about 75 people and seven-day-a-week operations. Guests will find TVs in the bar area, making it perfect for taking in the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, Sixers, and Union games, as well as Philadelphia-area college sports events. Additionally, the first floor will feature a retail and merch area where guests can shop beer, t-shirts, hats, and more.

The second floor will be used for special events, which could be hosted by Love City or by a private person or group that rented the space.

While there is no outdoor space for food trucks, Walter said the new location does have a counter that could be used for food, though nothing has been finalized for a potential vendor.

Visitors will also find the same vintage flair they see at the flagship Love City location, with mid-century and antique influences nodding to the building’s storied past, modern touches, and communal seating. From a design perspective, industrial-chic foundations are anchored by exposed brick, wrought-iron and original beams accented by a plethora of draping ivy and tumbling greenery; with bold, high-color art by True Hand Society.

"We want to make some changes to put our stamp on it," she said of the decor. "We want to make sure people know they're walking into Love City."

The Walters are hoping for a spring opening of their new location. No exact date has been set, as they just got the keys to the space last week. Any possible red-tape hang-ups, Walter said, will ideally be minimal given the space's previous use and there being no needed structural changes to the building.

"We plan to continue some of the successful events that Fat Lady curated in that space," she said. "This new location allows us to continue our mission in a way that feels true to who we are: taking care of our team, serving outstanding beer and beverages of all kinds, and creating a welcoming third space where people feel they belong — whether they’re longtime regulars or walking in for the first time."

Hours of operation will be 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to midnight Fridays; noon to midnight Saturdays; and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.

Children are welcome with their parents at both Love City locations, but pets are not allowed inside.