PHILADELPHIA, PA – Philadelphia's history is deeply intertwined with beer. From the days when the Founding Fathers toasted independence in its city taverns to its modern-day status as a world-class craft beer destination, Philly has always been a great beer city. Today, a vibrant and diverse scene of independent breweries is crafting everything from classic German-style lagers and hazy IPAs to traditional English ales and funky sours. This guide will take you on a tour of the essential breweries and beer bars that define Philadelphia's thriving craft brewing culture.
The Pioneers & Philly Icons:
-
Yards Brewing Company (Northern Liberties): A true Philadelphia institution, Yards is one of the city's oldest and largest craft breweries. They are famous for their English-inspired ales and their historical "Ales of the Revolution" series, based on the recipes of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington. Their massive, modern taproom and beer garden is a must-visit for any beer lover.
-
Victory Brewing Company (Multiple Locations): While its flagship is in Downingtown (Chester County), Victory is a cornerstone of the Philadelphia beer scene, with a beautiful taproom on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. They are pioneers of the American craft movement, renowned for their German-style lagers and iconic IPAs like the Golden Monkey Belgian Tripel and HopDevil IPA.
-
Dock Street Brewery (Multiple Locations): As Philadelphia's first microbrewery (founded in 1985), Dock Street holds a special place in the city's beer history. With locations in West Philly and a new spot on Washington Avenue, they continue to produce a fantastic and diverse lineup of beers, from classic Bohemian Pilsners to creative IPAs, alongside excellent wood-fired pizza.
The Modern Masters & Neighborhood Hubs:
-
Human Robot Brewery (Kensington & other locations): For lovers of classic, crisp lagers, Human Robot is a paradise. They specialize in meticulously crafted German and Czech-style pilsners and lagers, served from traditional side-pull taps. Their main brewery in Kensington has a fun, retro vibe, and their "Jenkin-Town" location has a popular beer garden.
-
Tired Hands Brewing Company (Ardmore, PA - Worth the Trip): No discussion of the Philly beer scene is complete without mentioning the highly influential Tired Hands. Located just outside the city on the Main Line, their "Brewcafé" and "General Store" locations are pilgrimage sites for hazy IPA lovers. They are famous for their unique, oat-heavy IPAs and creative, Saison-style farmhouse ales.
-
Love City Brewing (Callowhill): With a welcoming and inclusive mission, Love City has become a beloved neighborhood hub. They brew a variety of clean, well-balanced, and easy-drinking beers, from their flagship Love City Lager to fantastic IPAs and seasonal creations. Their spacious, dog-friendly taproom is a perfect spot to gather with friends.
-
Other Half Brewing (Fishtown): This nationally acclaimed, Brooklyn-based brewery has a massive taproom and beer garden in Fishtown. Other Half is a must-visit for fans of big, bold, and juicy hazy IPAs, as they are considered masters of the style.
The Belgian Beer Destination:
-
Monk's Cafe (Rittenhouse Square): While not a brewery, Monk's Cafe is arguably the most important beer bar in Philadelphia and one of the best in the world. It is a legendary Belgian beer emporium, offering an encyclopedic menu of rare and classic Belgian and Trappist ales. For anyone looking to understand the roots of many modern craft beer styles, a visit to Monk's is an essential educational and delicious experience.
From the historic ales of Yards and the pioneering spirit of Dock Street to the modern lager perfection at Human Robot and the hazy creations of Tired Hands and Other Half, Philadelphia's craft brewing scene is world-class. The city's breweries and beer bars offer a delicious journey through diverse styles and flavors, all while showcasing a deep commitment to quality and community.
