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You might know Philadelphia as home to the best Philly cheesesteaks, but guess what? They are also great at brewing beers! The craft beer scene in the city started when its first brewery was established in the 19th century, and as a matter of fact, Philadelphia is among the earliest to serve beers in the United States.
Today, Philadelphia has over 90 breweries and brewpubs serving premium beers across the city. This is an excellent place for beer connoisseurs and enthusiasts to shower their tastebuds with bursting flavors and distinct beer styles. Here are 14 of the best breweries you can find in downtown Philadelphia and its surrounding neighborhoods.
1. Yards Brewing Company
Started as a small beer producer in 1994, Yards Brewing is now one of Philadelphia’s biggest and most visited award-winning breweries. It produces fresh brews available on tap for the locals and delivers canned and bottled beers to its fans outside the city. Moreover, it offers beer tours to beer enthusiasts to learn more about Yards Brewing and see how its premium beers are brewed.
Yards Brewing’s spacious taproom is a bright and cheery facility designed to accommodate everyone, even an entire family. The taproom has extensive cuisine with items such as Miso-glazed Salmon and Ribeye Roast Beef, which are ideal for Yards fans who want something to pair with its magical brews. And finally, a selection of distinct beers from its signatures to seasonal and limited beer releases.
- Crowd Favorite: Philadelphia Pale Ale. A crisp and aromatic dry-hopped American pale ale with 4.6% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Brawler
- Hop-py note: Kid-friendly. Vegetarian food options. Indoor and outdoor seating.
- Fun Fact: Yards Brewing has online games you can play on its website, where you can win a beer if you are lucky.
Hours: Open Sun – Wed 11:30am – 10pm , Thur – Sat 11:30am – 11pm.
Address: 500 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Contact: (215) 525-0175 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
2. Tired Hands Brewing
You may find good beer anywhere, but if you want this iconic brewery, Tired Hands, you’ll need to travel outside the city limits. Tired Hands is an award-winning brewery in Ardmore with three locations, including a small taproom in Philadelphia, called St. Oner.
Because of its fame among beer connoisseurs worldwide, a constant stream of tourists stops by Tired Hands to fill their growlers with its beers before returning to their beer cellars. Why? Some of the finest farmhouse ales in the world are brewed here.
- Crowd Favorite: Alien Church. A heavy and dry-hopped hazy IPA with 7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: HopHands
- Hop-py note: Vegetarian food options. Offers takeout and cans to-go.
- Fun Fact: Tired hands won Top Brewery in Pennsylvania for six consecutive years, from 2013 to 2018.
Hours: Open Thur – Sat 4pm – 9pm, Sun – Wed Closed.
Address: 16 Ardmore Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003
Contact: (610) 896-7621 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. Evil Genius Beer Company
Favored by the locals, Evil Genius has a hip and outgoing atmosphere thanks to its indoor area with brick walls, a lovely beer garden, and fun events to enjoy while you drink. The brewery’s tasting room, called the lab, often switches up the seasonal beers on tap, and the extensive gourmet food selection is just as impressive. Moreover, it has a merchandise store where you can purchase gift cards, EG tops, pint glasses, and more.
- Crowd Favorite: Purple Monkey Dishwasher 6.7% ABV. A tasty porter with natural chocolate and peanut butter.
- Highly Recommended: Stacy’s Mom
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Monthly events. Offers takeout and delivery. Ships out-of-state.
- Fun Fact: Evil Genius labels its beers with fun and chaotic names.
Hours: Open Mon & Tues 4pm – 9pm, Wed & Thur 4pm – 10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 12am, Sun 12pm – 8pm.
Address: 1727 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Contact: (215) 425-6820 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
4. Love City Brewing
Love City Brewing, located in an old railway factory, opened its doors to the Philadelphia community in 2018 and has since been an instant favorite for those who appreciate quality beer. The variety and quality of Love City’s brews are unparalleled as they feature unique beers all year round.
Additionally, the cocktails at Love City are just as well-known as the rest of its brews, so don’t skip them out when you visit. Moreover, you may play bingo and other games to kill time while drinking, and when you get hungry, you can chow down on unlimited appetizers from the bar or whatever is available from the food trucks outside.
- Crowd Favorite: Eraserhood. A vibrant and triple dry-hopped hazy IPA with 7.2% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Unity IPA
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly patio. Indoor and outdoor seating. Street parking.
- Fun Fact: Love City has a merch shop featuring different apparel, and they offer to ship anywhere in the USA.
Hours: Open Mon & Tues 4pm – 9pm, Wed & Thur 4pm – 10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 12am, Sun 12pm – 8pm.
Address: 1023 Hamilton St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Contact: (215) 398-1900 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
5. Philadelphia Brewing Company
Proudly holding up to its name, Philadelphia Brewing is the city’s oldest and biggest beer production facility. It is housed in a 38,000-square-foot old building that was built back in 1885, giving the present brewery a vintage look. The building didn’t change much even after being renovated, and today, it is one of the greatest pride of the Kensington neighborhood.
Today, Philadelphia Brewing serves a rotating selection of its flagship brews, seasonal beers, and hard seltzer. The place also hosts private events such as weddings and celebrations. Moreover, be greeted by several food vendors outside the building and enjoy a variety of snacks to take with you while you enjoy sipping a glass of Philadelphia’s fantastic brews.
- Crowd Favorite: Kenzinger. A crisp and light-bodied German pilsner with 4.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Walt Wit
- Hop-py note: Pet-friendly. Live music. Disco. Indoor and outdoor seating.
- Fun Fact: Philadelphia Brewing Company is actively participating in charity events; they usually raise thousands of dollars for a single event to donate to local charities.
Hours: Open Sun – Tues 11am – 11pm, Wed – Sat 11am – 12am.
Address: 2440 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Contact: (215)427-2739 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
6. Source Urban Brewing
With over 30 taps and recent can releases available for immediate consumption, Source Brewing’s newest site in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, Source Urban, opened on Frankford Avenue. It features a full kitchen serving brewpub fare from small bites to an entire board of charcuterie, perfect for its tasty brews. Moreover, the Source Urban taproom also boasts a versatile hip experiential space available for private event booking, so you can host your wedding or birthday party here.
- Crowd Favorite: Source of Hoppiness. An aromatic and citrusy dry-hopped hazy IPA with 6.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Never Forget
- Hop-py note: Street parking. Offers takeout and reservation.
- Fun Fact: The Source Brewing team flew to Brazil for their first-ever collaboration with a foreign brewery.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 5pm – 9pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 11pm, Sun 12pm – 8pm, Mon & Tues Closed.
Address: 1101 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Contact: (267)519-3237 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
7. Attic Brewing Company
Germantown is one of the city’s most intriguing neighborhoods in Philadelphia, and Attic Brewing was the first brewery to open in this community. They fit in well with the neighborhood, committed to small-batch craft beers and giving back to the community.
Attic Brewing’s taproom features an old yet marvelous back bar and an antique theme all over its building. Here you can enjoy 14 taps of its fantastic beer and cider and a rotating selection of lagers and ales. Moreover, while the taproom does not serve food, you can freely bring your own or grab a barbecue from its neighbor Deke’s BBQ and tasty snacks from the food trucks on the street.
- Crowd Favorite: Unbounded Hazy IPA. A juicy and citrusy three-hopped hazy IPA with 6.6% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Bloodhound Brown Ale
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Live music. Comedy performances.
- Fun Fact: Attic Brewing collaborated with the Brave Noise movement and created the Brave Noise pale ale, where a portion of its sales is used to support the Coalition for Restaurant Safety & Health (CRSH).
Hours: Open Mon – Thur 4pm – 11pm, Fri 3pm – 12am, Sat 1pm – 12am, Sun 1pm – 9pm.
Address: 137 Berkley St, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Contact: (267) 748-2495 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
8. Urban Village Brewing Company
Urban Village is a locally-driven brewery in Philadelphia serving fresh beer and delicious dishes from its in-house kitchen. This brewery is in the Northern Liberties neighborhood and is owned by two experienced home brewers, Dave and Tom.
Urban Village’s taproom features a spacious indoor and charming outdoor area surrounded by lovely plants. Here you can pick from a selection of delicious pizza baked in a brick oven and try a variety of draft beers, and don’t forget to take advantage of the happy hour specials. Urban Village also offers cocktails, whiskey, and some wine for non-beer customers.
- Crowd Favorite: Super Villain. A super juicy hazy IPA with 6.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Urban Village Brewing Company
- Hop-py note: Kid-friendly. Offers takeout and delivery. Free Wi-Fi.
- Fun Fact: Urban Village accepts reservations and private event bookings at its taproom.
Hours: Open Sun – Thur 12pm – 11pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 12am.
Address: 1001 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Contact: (267)687-1961 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
9. Crime & Punishment Brewing Company
Nestled in the heart of the Brewerytown neighborhood, Crimes and Punishment Brewing serves its crafts to the locals. It is a one-of-a-kind microbrewery serving beers brewed using traditional methods with a mix of modern and foreign techniques.
Crime and Punishment’s taproom is a bit narrow yet cozy and relaxing to chill at. It features around seven different styles of beer on tap and offers growler refills. Additionally, when entering the taproom, you can see shirts and sweatshirts hanging on the wall; these are some merchandise for sale that you can purchase.
- Crowd Favorite: Space Race. A juicy and hoppy American IPA with 7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Ghost Station
- Hop-py note: Street parking. Offers takeout.
Hours: Open Tues – Fri 3pm – 9:30pm, Sat 2pm – 9:30pm, Sun 1pm – 7pm, Mon Closed.
Address: 2711 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Contact: (215) 235-2739 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
10. Second District Brewing
With its lofty ceilings and warehouse-like atmosphere, Second District has an ordinary brewery’s appearance but is extraordinary regarding its beers and extensive food menu. Second District has an experienced and skilled head brewer that handles all of the brewery’s production so you can enjoy out-of-the-box handcrafted beers. Additionally, in contrast to the majority of other breweries in the city, this establishment offers a full menu of vegan and vegetarian alternatives, including Remember Maoz and vegan smash burgers.
- Crowd Favorite: Bancroft Beer. A light and refreshing American pale ale with 4.2% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Huy – Vietnamese Coffee Stout
- Hop-py note: Gift cards. Indoor and outdoor seating.
- Fun Fact: Second District’s Brew Farm, its other location in Milanville, features several campsites where you can camp while enjoying its beers.
Hours: Open Mon, Wed & Thur 12pm – 11pm, Fri – Sun 12pm – 12am, Tues Closed.
Address: 1939 S Bancroft St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Contact: (215) 575-5900 | Instagram | Website
11. Dock Street Brewing Company
Dock Street Brewery, the city’s first microbrewery, produces some of the finest beers in Philadelphia and makes some of the city’s most delicious pizzas. Its first location was located in West Philadelphia and is a hotspot for many locals and tourists: however, it closed down permanently but Dock Brewing kept its South location, opened in 2019, running.
Dock Street features a vintage indoor sitting and a seasonal outdoor area in its South taproom. The place offers 12 year-round and seasonal beers and hand-pumped cask beers on its bar. Moreover, you can book the taproom for private events such as weddings, parties, and meetings.
- Crowd Favorite: Rye IPA. A heavy hopped and dry American IPA with 6.8% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Bohemian Pilsner
- Hop-py note: Offers delivery and takeout. Gift cards. Sells merchandise.
- Fun Fact: Dock Street is set to open its new location in Fishtown by late 2022.
Hours: Open Tues – Fri 3pm – 9:30pm, Sat 2pm – 9:30pm, Sun 1pm – 7pm, Mon Closed.
Address: 2118 Washington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Contact: (215) 337-3103 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
12. Human Robot
If you love lager and ales, make your way to this exciting microbrewery in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Human Robot is famous among locals and city visitors wanting to try traditional yet creative brews. It has grown from a simple beer production site to a well-known microbrewery with a second location in Jenkintown.
Human Robot’s taproom features 12 beers on tap, several ciders, and two wines for non-beer fanatics. To go with your chosen beer, you can order some sandwiches from its neighbor, Poe’s Sandwich Joint.
- Crowd Favorite: Hallertau Pils. A clean, classic German Pilsner with 5.2% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Dreams of Orgonon
- Hop-py note: Live music. Lively and outgoing staff. Occasional events.
- Fun Fact: Human Robot’s building is the former location of St. Benjamin Brewing, a local favorite in Philadelphia that closed in May 2019.
Hours: Open Mon – Wed 12pm – 11pm, Thur & Fri 12pm – 12am, Sat 11am – 12am, Sun 11am – 10pm.
Address: 1710 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Contact: (215) 978-4000 | Website
13. Manayunk Brewing Company
Manayunk Brewing is one of the earliest breweries to serve beer to the locals of Philadelphia. It is housed in an old cotton mill from the 1800s that became a textile manufacturing before becoming a brewery in the late 20th century. Today, Manayunk Brewing crafts a large volume of beers delivered throughout the whole region and boasts one of the city’s biggest outdoor areas of its kind.
Manayunk Brewing is ideally located on the banks of the Schuylkill River; thus, the brewery also offers kayak tours. Moreover, you should enjoy the laid-back ambiance indoors on chilly days while they brew a variety of small-batch of distinct beers on tap. And, you should try its delicious and fresh food menu with its beers featuring sushi and pizza baked in a stone oven.
- Crowd Favorite: Crunch. A luxurious, rich, and smooth American porter with 6% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Monk From the ‘Yunk
- Hop-py note: Street and private lot parking. Free Wi-Fi. Vegetarian food options.
- Fun Fact: Manayunk Brewing also serves as a wedding and private events venue and has been picked as one of the best weddings by The Know for three consecutive years.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 12pm – 12am, Fri & Sat 12pm – 1am, Sun 12pm – 9pm, Mon & Tues Closed.
Address: 4120 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Contact: (215) 482-8220 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
14. Punch Buggy Brewing Company
Punch Buggy is a nano-brewery in the Northern Liberties neighborhood serving fresh craft beers to the locals and tourists in the city. Its taproom is open daily every week and features ten drafts of beers and a small selection of food items to go with your beer. You can also get non-beer beverages such as wines and margaritas.
Moreover, you can try and visit Punch Buggy’s south location on Washington Avenue, where you can enjoy a pint of delicious beer while throwing some axes organized by its axe-throwing service partner, Bury The Hatchet.
- Crowd Favorite: Beetle Juice IPA. A juicy and refreshing hazy IPA 6.3% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Zip Zip Hazy IPA
- Hop-py note: Indoor and outdoor seating. Live music. Occasional events.
- Fun Fact: Punch Buggy has a cute green company van that resembles their brand logo.
Hours: Open Mon & Tues 5pm – 10pm, Wed – Fri 4pm – 10pm, Sat 12pm – 10pm, Sun 12pm – 6pm.
Address: 1445 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | Website