Six years after originally submitting a zoning permit that included an outdoor dining area at his Fishtown-based establishment, Elwood chef and owner Adam Diltz recently completed and opened the restaurant’s patio.
The space, which took roughly six months to construct, is able to seat up to 18 patrons in the restaurant’s back area and garden at 1007 Frankford Ave. It also features trellis and flagstones made from locally harvested cedar, native and climate-appropriate plants and a water feature, all of which were installed by Doug Boice from Clay & Plenty.
“This is still a work in progress for at least another five years before we get the plants to do what we want, but we are so thrilled to have the patio open to our guests,” Diltz said in a press release. “It was a long time coming, and these things take time.”
Elwood, a BYOB serving family-style entrees made from recipes inspired by Diltz’s country upbringing, first began serving customers back in 2019. Outdoor seating was eliminated from the original permit as a proviso to allow for restaurant use of the building. That proviso, along with the restaurant’s location, prevented it from offering outdoor dining on both Frankford and in the backyard area when COVID first hit, which many businesses turned to during that time.
“By the time COVID was in its second year, it was clear that we needed a permanent long-term option for outdoor dining in order to stay in business,” Diltz said. “Thankfully, our second submission went a lot smoother.”
Thanks to the support of neighbors in Fishtown, the restaurant finally gained possession of an outdoor dining permit in September 2021, with construction taking place throughout the fall and winter. Diltz and his wife Jenny Ko, who also serves as co-owner, expressed appreciation for both the neighborhood support as well as the help provided by Boice. They said they look forward to utilizing the space to take full advantage of the warm weather.
“It was tough work, but Doug was a good sport and a cheerful collaborator who helped make this dream a reality for both Jenny and myself,” Diltz said.
