Philadelphia is a city steeped in history. Often referred to as the birthplace of the nation, Philadelphia is a favorite destination for families and others who want to brush up on American history and visit some of the sites that we critical to the founding of our republic.
Today, Philadelphia’s tourist business is booming bur rather than visit for the insightful look into America’s past, visitors are flocking to Philadelphia for another reason: Beer. Once overflowing with suds, Philadelphia lost most of its breweries following prohibition but today, the craft beer revolution has brought with it a renewed interest in brewing and a large crop of breweries and brewpubs to the area. The city is often praised for its abundance of breweries and has been mentioned in such notable publications as Wine Enthusiast’s “Five Best Beer Cities”, GQ Magazine’s “The 5 Best Beer Cities in America”, and Frommer’s “World’s best Cities for Beer.”
Philadelphia now boasts approximately 40 regional breweries and tasting rooms as well as a 10- day Philly Beer Week, the largest in the United States. Tourists can get their online fill of Philadelphia beer and discover what’s in store at each brewery and dozens of beer bars through “Breweries, Brewpubs and Craft Beer Trail of Greater Philadelphia.” This happens to be a section of visitphilly.com, a comprehensive guide to all things Philadelphia and a great place to consult when you plan your trip.
Exactly how much beer is there to sample in the Philadelphia area? Here’s a breakdown of the many outstanding breweries located in and around the City of Brotherly Love:
Philadelphia:
2nd Story Brewing Company – This rustic, chic two-story brewpub in Historic Philadelphia features classic American ales, lagers, and bar food. It even has a full bar, perfect for those who want to slip in a drink of a different sort between glasses of IPA. 117 Chestnut Street, (267) 314-5770, 2ndstorybrewing.com
Bar Hygge/Brewery Techne– Tom Baker and Peggy Zwerver, founders of Philadelphia’s Earth Bread + Brewery, opened this new brewpub in Philly’s Spring Garden section. This is a great place to visit for those who seek beer a little different from the norm, like an historical Adambier or a Belgian-influenced milk stout. 1720 Fairmount Ave, (215) 765-2274, barhygge.com
Crime and Punishment Brewing Company – Inspired by Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment features a Russian theme, Russian décor, and Russian food. It is the first 21st-century brewery to return to the Brewerytown neighborhood and its beer selection focuses on American and international styles. 2711 W. Girard Avenue, (215) 235-BREW (2739), crimeandpunishmentbrewery.com
Do Good Brewing – Another good place to visit if you want to try beer a little out of the ordinary, Do Good Brewing produces some interesting suds such as a balsamic saison, a Limoncello IPA, and United Ale, a cream ale with blood orange and coriander. In keeping with its name, part of the profit is donated to charity. 3245 Amber Street, (267) 752-3548, dogoodbrewing.com
Dock Street Brewery and Restaurant – Visit this brewery and you’ll be treated to traditional unfiltered ales and lagers plus some more unusual and memorable options such as the Walker, a beer that drew much attention when it was first brewed due to its use of smoked goat brains. Dock Street is also a full service restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas, vegan and vegetarian specialties, etc.
701 S. 50th Street, (215) 726-2337, dockstreetbeer.com
Earth Bread + Brewery – Opened by an enthusiastic husband and wife team, Earth Bread + Brewery is exactly the type of brewery you would expect based on the name: one committed to reducing its carbon footprint. Earth Bread + Brewery is also committed to its customers, delivering delicious wood-fired flatbreads and a memorable selection of beers and even wines on draft. 7136 Germantown Avenue, (215) 242-6666, earthbreadbrewery.com
Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant – Another excellent choice when you want both craft beer and delicious food, Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant serves beers from 10 taps, one of which happens to be a hand pump. Food options include oven- fired pizzas and sushi and the beers range from the fruity Schuylkill Punch, a berry ale made with real cherries and red and black raspberries, to sour beers and barrel-aged options. 4120 Main Street, (215) 482-8220, manayunkbrewery.com
Philadelphia Brewing Company – An easy brewery name to remember, Philadelphia Brewing Company generally plays it safe, tapping and pouring beers like the popular pale lager Kenzinger, Walt Wit, Newbold India Pale Ale and Pennsylvania Pale Ale. 2440 Frankford Avenue, (215) 427-BREW (2739), philadelphiabrewing.com
Saint Benjamin Brewing Company – Did you know that Benjamin Franklin was a saint? Okay, he hasn’t been officially canonized, but he is definitely larger than life in American history and this brewery thought so highly of Ben that they elevated him to honorary saint status. The brewery, which operates out of an historic carriage house, is known for its experimental beers such as an India cream ale and a coffee kolsch. 1710 N. 5th Street,stbenjaminbrewing.com
Yards Brewing Company – One of greater Philadelphia’s better known breweries, Yards Brewing is popular not just for its beer, but for owner Tom Kehoe’s sustainability and community efforts. The brewery’s Penn’s Landing tasting room is wind powered and Yards English-inspired ales are beverages of legend. Things have been going quite well for this Philadelphia operation and in late 2017, Yards Brewing will unveil a new, 85,000-square-foot, 100,000-barrel-capacity brewery at 5th and Spring Garden Streets. 901 N. Delaware Avenue, (215) 634-2600, yardsbrewing.com
Bucks County:
Broken Goblet Brewing Company – An interesting place to visit for great beer, Broken Goblet is also a great place for entertainment, boasting a soundstage, professional audio/video capabilities and a parking lot large enough to host more than 1,000 guests. With a set up like this, guests are often treated to live concerts, beer festivals, comedians, and more. To top it off, Broken Goblet serves up some memorable hot dogs, such as the Uncle Paul Dog, made with peanut butter, jelly, marshmallow fluff and bacon. 1500 Grundys Lane, Bristol, (609) 868-6385, brokengoblet.com
Bucks County Brewery – This is another brewery dedicated to going green. Owner Andrew Knechel runs his operation with the natural environment in mind and in due time, he plans to generate more of his brewery’s energy needs using solar power, wind power, and biodiesel. Knechel encourages employees to bike to and from work and he encourages guests to feast on delicious beers such as Mulley’s Tavern Red, Barley nectar Vanilla Porter, and Crab-a-Loupe while enjoying music and food from one of the rotating selection of food trucks. 31 Appletree Lane, Pipersville, (609) 439-2468, buckscountybrewery.com
Doylestown Brewing Company – Known for its multiple locations, Doylestown Brewing owner Joe Modestine has created a beer, whiskey and food campus in downtown Doylestown. Visitors will enjoy a brewpub, upstairs whiskey bar, brewery, and tasting room, thereby covering the gamut of palate- pleasing pleasure. Marketplace Brewery, 22 S. Main Street; Hops Bar & Grill, The Still, Ale House, 52 E. State Street, Doylestown, (267) 454-7240, doylestownbrewingcompany.com
Free Will Brewing Company – Do humans truly have free will or is the universe deterministic in nature? The answer may never be known, but visitors to Free Will Brewing will certainly know one thing: Their search for some of the best sour beer in the Philadelphia area has been satisfied. Free Will is quickly establishing itself as a sour beer leader, with a newly expanded facility that includes a large area devoted solely to the production and storage of sour ales. The brewery serves other amazing beers as well, such as Mango Wheat, Kragle IPA, and Safeword- a mango habanero double IPA and its loyal fan base is growing by leaps and bounds. 410 E. Walnut Street, Perkasie, (267) 354-0813, freewillbrewing.com
Mad Princes Brewing – As is often the case, Mad Princes Brewing traces its foundation to homebrewing. Brothers Kurt and Jim Ludwig started brewing their own beer at home and the labor of love grew year by year, culminating in the opening of Mad Princes Brewing. This brewery specializes in farmhouse ales and its small tasting room, featuring seven taps pouring the brewery’s beers made on a half-barrel system along with a communal wooden table the brothers made themselves, gives Mad Princes Brewing a cozy feel. 2537 Bogarts Tavern Road, Buckingham, (267) 697-9235
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company – A notable brewing success story, Neshaminy Creek Brewing is Buck County’s original brewery and it continues to expand, bringing its award winning beers to an ever- growing audience. Head brewer and co-owner Jeremy Myers plans to expand even more very soon, building an offsite taproom in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood. 909 Ray Avenue, Croydon, (215) 458-7081, neshaminycreekbrewing.com
Tower Hill Brewery– Many brewers brag about the academic credentials of their hard working brewers, but how many can claim to be operated by a graduate from the Culinary Institute of America? Tower Hill Brewery can make that claim, as its owner Stan Kreft has a degree from what is considered by many as the most prestigious culinary school in the United States. Kreft obviously knows a thing or two about food and he strives to source ingredients from local farms for his shareable plates while brewing six house beers, plus guest wines and ciders to match. 237 W. Butler Avenue, Chalfont, (215) 527-1192, towerhillbrewery.com
Triumph Brewing Company – A brewpub chain with several locations, Triumph Brewing has one eastern Pennsylvania location and it’s known best for its Belgian, German and English styles (including ciders) poured from six taps and a hand pump. The brewpub keeps guests entertained with live bands on weekends and open-mic nights on Sundays. 400 Union Square, New Hope, (215) 862-8300; triumphbrewing.com
Vault Brewing Company – So- named for its location inside a former bank, Vault Brewing’s allure is its ability to incorporate the characteristics of a bank into its brewing operations. The original, 125-year-old, 8,000-pound vault door is still present and it opens into the beer-conditioning cellar. Eventually, Vault Brewing will move into a larger facility to accommodate its rapid growth, which is great news for its adoring fans who will enjoy more elbow room to mix and mingle. 10 S. Main Street, Yardley, (267) 573-4291, vaultbrewing.com
Chester County:
Boxcar Brewing Company – This brewing company traces its roots to a garage where some tasty suds were first brewed in 2009. Today, Boxcar Brewing is a full- fledged brewing operation that sports a Prohibition-themed brewpub. It’s located in a former music venue, hosting bands and featuring family entertainment. 142 E. Market Street, West Chester, (484) 947-2503, boxcarbrewingcompany.com
Levante Brewing Company – Yet another brewery that traces its beginnings to homebrewing, Levante Brewing takes its name from from a region in Italy and its founders brew beer in the explorative tradition of the Old World. Guests can sample any of nine house beers while sampling food from the food trucks parked outside. 208 Carter Drive, Suite 2, West Chester, levantebrewing.com
Kennett Brewing Company – A newer member of the Philly craft beer scene, Kennett Brewing co-owners Jossy and Mark Osborne brew about two dozen traditional and esoteric beers at this brewpub, an establishment known for its music and family- friendly vibe. 109 S. Broad Street, Kennett Square, (610) 444-0440, kennettbrewingcompany.com
Stable 12 Brewing Company – This brewery’s name was inspired by the horse farm where CEO Rick Wolf grew up. Today, it is located in downtown Phoenixville where guests can enjoy great food and a rotation of the brewery’s dozen English, Belgian, German and American beers. 368 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, stable12.com
Stickman Brews – Stickman’s has a personality all its own. The artsy and industrial taproom focuses on experimental farmhouse-style beers with names as interesting as the beers themselves. Enjoy a glass of Poor Clock Management wild red ale before sipping on a pint of Chain Smoking Soccer Mom smoked wheat in the company of soon- to- be friends at this Chester County establishment. 326 N. Lewis Road, Royersford, (484) 938-5900, stickmanbrews.com
Victory Brewing Company – Possibly the best known brewery in the Philadelphia area, Victory Brewing is loved and praised by most anyone who has sampled its diverse lineup of craft beer. Founded by childhood friends Ron Barchet and Bill Covaleski, Victory Brewing dates all the way back to 1996, making it one of the oldest craft breweries in the state. Victory distributes its beer to 37 states and 10 countries plus it owns and manages three operations in Chester County: a brewery and restaurant at the original Downingtown site; a second brewhouse in Parkesburg with an on-site restaurant and self-guided tours; and a 300-seat brewpub known as Victory at Magnolia in Kennett Square. Victory has contributed greatly to the craft beer industry and a visit to this iconic brewing operation belongs on every beer lovers bucket list. 1100 Pattison Avenue, (267) 443-6418, 420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown, (610) 873-0881; 3127 Lower Valley Road, Parkesburg, (484) 718-5080; 650 W. Cypress Street, Kennett Square, (484) 730-1870, victorybeer.com
Delaware County:
2SP Brewing – This is one of the Philadelphia area’s newest breweries. Owned by local brewer Bob Barrar, a man who has brewed commercially and won countless international awards while brewing for others, 2SP Brewing is Barrar’s first foray into his own operation. 2SP Brewing was named the 2016 Best New Brewery by Philly Beer Scene magazine and has received notable recognition from several other publications for its brewing excellence. 120 Concord Road, Aston, (484) 483-7860, 2spbrewing.com
Sterling Pig Brewery– Acclaimed restaurateur Loïc Barnieu started Sterling Pig Brewery with the help of accomplished brewer Brian McConnell. The duo has concocted some highly memorable beers and foods, many of which are even better when paired together. 609 W. State Street, Media, (484) 444-2526, sterlingpigbrewery.com
Montgomery County:
Appalachian Brewing Company– Another chain operation with headquarters in Harrisburg, Appalachian Brewing brews beer, root beer, white birch beer and ginger beer, all perfectly compatible with the large selection of gourmet pub fare. Collegeville Station, 50 W. 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, Collegeville, (484) 973-6064, abcbrew.com
Conshohocken Brewing Company – This local production brewery is a popular stopping point for bikers on the Schuylkill River Trail. After some exhilarating exercise, bikers frequently stop here for beer and chili, a pulled pork sandwich, or house-made garlic hummus. The operations are expanding very soon, with the construction of a full brewpub with a small brewing system in Bridgeport just minutes away. Production brewery and taproom, 739 E. Elm Street, Suite B, Conshohocken; Brewpub, 3 DeKalb Street, Bridgeport; (610) 897- 8962, conshohockenbrewing.com
Crooked Eye Brewery– Quite small in size but big in heart, Crooked Eye Brewery is a nano-brewery owned by a trio of relatives. The brewery now features a seven barrel brewing system and upgraded tasting room and can be counted on for live music and comedy every evening. 13 E. Montgomery Avenue, Hatboro, (267) 246-5046, crookedeyebrewery.com
Forest & Main Brewing Company – This brewery is housed in a 19th century mansion and it marries elements of British and Belgian beer into one establishment. Forest & Main Brewing is also a full service restaurant that serves a full lunch and dinner menu for your dining and drinking pleasure. 61 N. Main Street, Ambler, (215) 542-1776, forestandmain.com
The Naked Brewing Company – Here we have another small brewery that was started by homebrewers. Friends Jim and Brian combined skills to form Naked Brewing Company, a business that thrives on year round beers, seasonal beers, sour beers, and loads of friendly hospitality. 51 Buck Road, Huntingdon Valley, (267) 575-0166, nakedbrewingcompany.com
Prism Brewing Company– Owned by brewer Rob DeMaria, a man who once contract brewed but now owns his own large operation, Prism Brewing features a nice size taproom and serves gourmet hot dogs, pizzas, and cookies to go with an array of vibrant suds. 810-B2 Dickerson Road, B2-Rear, North Wales, (267) 613-8572, prismbeer.com
The Proper Brewing Company– Located in downtown Quakertown, The Proper is a family- oriented place that emphasizes food made with locally sourced ingredients and adult beverages that range from wine to ciders to Belgian, English, and hoppy beers brewed in house. 117 W. Broad Street, Quakertown, (267) 490-5168, theproperbrewing.com
Round Guys Brewing Company – Starting off as a homebrewer, biologist Scott Rudich achieved his goal of opening up a brewery shortly afterward. Round Guys Brewing is the end result of determination, featuring a taproom where guests can sip on barrel aged and funky brews while munching on snacks, shareable plates and brunch. 324 W. Main Street, Lansdale, Montgomery County, (610) 715-1512 roundguysbrewery.com
Tired Hands Brewing Company – Tired Hands is a brewpub of sorts, featuring a simple menu of locally sourced foods created to match with the company’s own beer. Tired Hands consists of two sections: Fermentaria, a full production brewery and Brew Café, a brewpub. This establishment has won many awards and placed second in RateBeer’s ranking of the best new breweries on earth for its amazing Brew Café. 16 Ardmore Avenue, Ardmore, (610) 896-7621; Fermentaria, 35 Cricket Terrace, Ardmore, (484) 413-2983, tiredhands.com
Multiple Locations:
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant – This is part of a chain of brewpubs that has grown to 11 locations. The chain opened its most recent location in Ardmore with another soon to break ground in Huntingdon Valley, Montgomery County. Iron Hill’s acclaimed beers have been honored numerous times, winning multiple awards at some of the nation’s top beer festivals. 8400 Germantown Avenue, (215) 948-5600; 130 E. Bridge Street, Phoenixville, (610) 983-9333; 3 W. Gay Street, West Chester, (610) 738-9600; 60 Greenfield Avenue, Ardmore, (610) 228-2280; 30 E. State Street, Media, (610) 627-9000; 1460 Bethlehem Pike, North Wales, (267) 708-2000, ironhillbrewery.com
McKenzie Brew House – Those who live in Philadelphia’s western suburbs are likely very familiar with McKenzie Brew House. The mini- chain has three locations and its beers have been decorated with almost a dozen medals from the Great American Beer Festival. 324 Swedesford Road, Berwyn, (610) 407-4300;
451 Wilmington-West Chester Pike, Glen Mills, (610) 361-9800; 240 Lancaster Avenue, Malvern, (610) 296-2222, mckenziebrewhouse.com
Sly Fox Brewing Company – Sly Fox is another veteran of the craft beer scene. Originally opened in 1995, Sly Fox Brewing Company has grown and relocated multiple times and at present, the brewery operates a brewhouse/restaurant in Phoenixville and a brewery and tasting room in Pottstown. Sly Fox has numerous awards under its belt, with medals won at the Great American Beer Festival plus recognition for brewing the best new beer at the 2014 Philadelphia Inquirer Brew-vitational. Brewhouse & Eatery, 520 Kimberton Road (Route 113), Phoenixville, (610) 935-4540; Brewery & Tasting Room, Pottstown Airport Business Center, 331 Circle of Progress Drive, Pottstown, (484) 524-8210, slyfoxbeer.com
We here at Liberty Brew Tourspride ourselves on running local brewery tours to many of the breweries listed here. If you want to see them in style, hop on one of our awesome all inclusive brewery tours.
http://www.libertybrewtours.com