As the craft beer movement continues to grow, Philly has established itself as one of the best cities in the USA for microbreweries.
Beer tourism is alive and well here and you won’t struggle to find thriving local breweries to visit and enjoy. Here are just a few of the best places in the city to visit if you love craft beer. Cheers!
(By the way, If you stay in centrally located Philadelphia vacation rentals, you’ll be able to conveniently walk (or stumble) back to your downtown accommodation after checking out all of these bars and breweries!)
Tired Hands Brewing Company
The creative minds at Tired Hands are known for their “strange and beautiful” beers, such as the Strawberry Milkshake IPA, Green Meridian Rice Lager (brewed with Jasmine rice, lime and lemongrass) and a rich, fruity dry-hopped single origin Coffee IPA called Pavilion of Dreams.
Head to the Biergarten in Fishtown on Frankford Avenue and sit in the sunshine while you taste all the different flavors they have to offer. You’re even allowed to bring outside food, so you can pair your beer with your favorite Fishtown street cart snacks.
The Belgian Cafe
When it comes to beer, the Belgians know what they are doing. You’ll find delicious pints of traditional Belgian beers here, as well as locally brewed Philly suds. Try the “Mother of Dragons” – a rich blend of smoked porter and Belgian kriek with fiery tart cherry flavours, named for Daenerys Targaryen.
If you build up an appetite after sampling a few of the brews, you can treat yourself to some of the tasty menu items such as pan seared lamb burgers or fresh Belgian-style mussels with fries and mayonnaise.
Dock Street Brewing Company
Embrace Philly’s long history of beer with a visit to the very first brewery – established in 1985 (a solid 20 years before any of the other spots in the city.) Located in Cedar Park in West Philadelphia, the brewery is located in a beautiful and historic old firehouse.
You can come in for a tour and a tasting, or just sit back and sip a pint with a delicious wood-fired pizza.
2nd Story Brewing Company
This great brewery is located right downtown – on Chestnut Street only a few blocks away from Independence Hall. It’s name is due to the fact that the brewery itself is located on the second story – with the pub and restaurant on the bottom floor.
Also, as the owners say, everyone has a “first story” they tell people when they meet. But, it’s the deeper and more intimate “second story” you tell someone when you get to know them, which really describes who you are.
Strangelove’s Beer Bar
Located right in the heart of Center City, this friendly beer bar has a great collection of ales, including the Port City Porter, the Goose Island Oldman Grumpy and the Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout.
Plus, you can pair them with the delicious pub grub, including great vegan options such as Vegan Chorizo Tostadas, Smoked Tempeh Banh Mi and a Lentil and Beet Burger.