Chef Michael Schwartz Opens Pop-Up Beer Garden In South Beach

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MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) - It's the ultimate backyard barbeque—grown-up style. They call it Buck's Beer Garden, a twice monthly pop-up, held in the backyard of the Raleigh Hotel South Beach in the area called the Oasis. James Beard award-winning chef Michael Schwartz came up with the idea for this poolside playground.

"The vibe is sandals in the sand and chill. Its music, giant Jenga, and ping pong. People chilling out having a good time after work, or after the beach and before going out," Schwartz said.

The night begins with beer. When CBS4's Lisa Petrillo visited, Funky Buddha was the featured brewery.

"So every event will feature a local brewery. They set up in the cabanas and pour whatever it is they are working, and of course we feature Michael Genuine's Home Brew as well. We also have a full bar for people who don't like beer. Some don't," Schwartz explained.

Petrillo does.

"I like that Funky Buddha," she said.

But let's not forget the food. Buck's Beer Garden is all about grilling. The menu is plentiful the spotlight on a traditional Schwenker Grill serving up classic German foods.

Click here to WATCH CBS4 Lisa Petrillo's report

"There's a great burger, great sausages, kielbasa with sauerkraut, great mustard, fish sandwiches, chicken sandwiches and homemade pretzels," said Chef Schwartz.

Petrillo asked Schwartz about price.

All food items are under $10, and the beers run for $5.

"No. these are very reasonable prices. This is for the people. It's a beer garden for the people," he said.

We begin our taste with Michael's signature sliders. Petrillo topped hers with pickled vegetables. The meat, she said, was seasoned just right and cooked to perfection.

"And the little pickled veggies on top, with a soft bun makes it a melt in your mouth burger," Petrillo said.

There's the kielbasa with sauerkraut, a homemade pretzel with mustard and a grouper sandwich with homemade coleslaw.

"The fish is flaky and delicious. The homemade coleslaw with aioli sauce and the squishy fresh bun is divine," she said.

Dessert is made on a bonfire—it's a basket full of s'mores.

Set in a tropical paradise, Bucks Beer Garden is a picture-perfect playground for grownups.

The Beer Garden is on the first and third Thursday of the month. Valet runs $5.

For more info, click here.