PHILADELPHIA, PA - In Philadelphia, we don’t just love our beer — we love our dogs. And thankfully, this city has plenty of breweries that agree the best drinking buddies have four legs and wagging tails. From off-leash beer gardens to food trucks slinging cheesesteaks with beer cheese, here are the top spots where you and your pup can grab a pint, a snack, and maybe a few new friends.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - In Philadelphia, we don’t just love our beer — we love our dogs. And thankfully, this city has plenty of breweries that agree the best drinking buddies have four legs and wagging tails. From off-leash beer gardens to food trucks slinging cheesesteaks with beer cheese, here are the top spots where you and your pup can grab a pint, a snack, and maybe a few new friends.1. Craft Hall – 901 N Delaware Ave.
Best for: Off-leash fun and family chaos (the good kind)
Craft Hall earned the top spot thanks to Bark and Beer, a fenced, off-leash play zone where dogs can run wild while their humans sip craft brews. Think dog park meets brewery patio — minus the flying french fries (no food allowed in the dog area).
When you’re ready to eat, leash up and head to the Pouch Porch, where the full food menu is fair game. Inside (sorry, no dogs) Craft Hall is part brewery, part playground, part adult rec room: there’s an indoor kids’ area, arcade, bar seating, and plenty of comfy chairs for a post-IPA nap.
They’ve got parking, solid beer variety, and hearty bar food. I ordered onion rings with ranch tartar sauce — a bold move that somehow worked. My beer was good, not life-changing. My grand dogs? Absolutely living their best lives.
Video review: https://youtu.be/3FxohEvO04Y?si=t-4-atiKAgVUkbTn
2. Attic Brewing Company – 137 Berkley St.
Best for: Big beer garden energy (and beer cheese dreams)
If Attic Brewing had a motto, it’d be: “Come for the beer, stay for the beer cheese.” The sprawling beer garden makes it one of the most social, dog-happy spots in Philly. Dogs are welcome everywhere, and everyone seems to have one.
The secret weapon here is Bad Nina’s food truck — and specifically, her beer cheese. Ask for it on whatever you order. I went with the cheesesteak + beer cheese combo and briefly considered proposing to it.
Add in a diverse beer list, chill atmosphere, and — hallelujah — actual parking, and you’ve got a place where both beer nerds and their pups will want to linger.
Video review: https://youtu.be/nRkB6E1cDtM?si=xvARzZdw6vjmfBEb
3. Other Half Brewing – 1002 Canal St.
Best for: Neighborhood BBQ vibes
Walking into Other Half feels like showing up at your neighbor’s backyard barbecue — if your neighbor happens to brew fantastic beer. The patio is big. The yard is even bigger. Leashes are required, but the energy is free-range.
It’s a friendly, family-and-dog-filled scene where everyone watches each other’s kids and pets like one big community. You order food through a QR code and servers bring it right to your seat (why isn’t every brewery doing this?).
The cheesesteak empanada was unexpectedly delightful, and the beer? Loved it. I even made a couple of new human friends — which, as any dog parent knows, is the real magic of a good brewery day.
Video review: https://youtu.be/MRb8YNa706M?si=Zp0ewNjlneBz6zPF
4. Wissahickon Brewing Co. – 3705 W School House Lane (East Falls)
Best for: Great food trucks and cozy, dog-loving vibes
Wissahickon Brewing is a bring-your-favorite-cheesesteak paradise that happens to love dogs. Their rotating food truck schedule is stacked, but outside food is always welcome — confirmed by the bartender, and who are we to argue?
With its roomy outdoor tent, cozy indoor space full of Philly memorabilia, and plenty of room for both groups and couples, this place checks every box. Their beer selection is strong and consistent — I’ve never had a bad pint here. Bonus: every dog looks like they belong in a commercial.
Video review: https://youtu.be/jYq_b3zsR10?si=4l0xYRvZHao5lQqN
5. Philadelphia Brewing Company – 2440 Frankford Ave.
Best for: History buffs and patio pups
On paper, Philly Brewing should be my dream spot: parking, 1800s architecture, open daily at 11 a.m., and outside food encouraged. Over the years, I’ve brought countless cheesesteaks — and friends — here.
Dogs are allowed everywhere except the bar (because paws + barstools = chaos). My grand-dogs, Elbert and Sally, had a blast on the patio, charming strangers while I grabbed another round.
They’ve recently added food trucks and ciders, which was a smart move. If the beer had a bit more punch, this place would be higher up. Still, it’s a classic Philly hangout that’s earned its spot.
Video review: https://youtu.be/DaytXn70YYg?si=y80zelB1_aHv7uyF
6. Jaxx Steaks Taproom – 242 Wharton St.
Best for: Beer explorers and neighborhood charm
“I like big beer cases and I cannot lie.” Jaxx doesn’t brew its own beer — instead, it’s a global craft beer bazaar curated by Victoria, the resident beer whisperer. Tell her what you like, and she’ll pull three cans from her massive collection that you’ll definitely love.
Dogs stick to the large beer garden or sidewalk tables, soaking up the South Philly vibes. Inside, there’s a pub-style dining room and a separate bar area where locals swap neighborhood news.
With a full menu, friendly crowd, and more beer variety than most breweries in town, Jaxx proves you don’t have to brew to be brilliant — especially when your dog’s wagging nearby.
Video review: https://youtu.be/RscnJf6v5Z8?si=Sy724JT-uKzBSWgu
The Bottom Line:
Philly’s brewery scene is as dog-friendly as it is beer-obsessed. Whether your pup’s the social butterfly type or prefers to nap under the table, there’s a spot here for both of you. Just remember: tip your bartender, leash your dog when asked, and always share the water bowl — never the beer.
I hope you enjoyed my list:
Hi, I’m Jim Pappas from The Cheesesteak Life. Usually, you’ll find me chasing down the next great Philadelphia cheesesteak. Since most cheesesteak spots are take-out only, I quickly learned that cheesesteaks and breweries go together like chocolate and peanut butter.
Fast forward a bit, and I’m on granddog duty with Elbert and Sally. So, what’s a guy to do with two energetic granddogs? You guessed it — dog-friendly breweries!
Dogs 🐾, cheesesteaks 🧀🥩, and beer 🍺 — three of my favorite things all in one adventure.
I’ve made it my mission to visit every brewery in Philadelphia (okay, maybe not every location for the multi-spot ones). And because I can’t resist a good spreadsheet, I’m tracking it all. Complete with a 30-point scoring system. 10 points each: Vibe, Beer, and Overall — you can check it out for yourself at TheCheesesteakLife.com.
