Philadelphia's craft beer scene is booming, offering a diverse range of brews and brewery experiences. From established giants to innovative newcomers, the city boasts a wealth of options for beer enthusiasts. This guide highlights 19 of the best breweries in Philadelphia, categorized for easier navigation. This list isn't exhaustive, but it's a fantastic starting point for your Philadelphia craft beer adventure. Remember to drink responsibly and plan your transportation accordingly.
Exploring Philadelphia's Diverse Brewery Landscape
Philadelphia's brewing heritage is rich, dating back centuries. Today, that legacy is reimagined through innovative brewing techniques and a passion for quality ingredients. The city's breweries cater to various tastes, from traditional styles to experimental concoctions. Whether you prefer IPAs, stouts, lagers, or sours, you're sure to find something to your liking. The best part? Many breweries offer tours, tastings, and food pairings, enriching the overall experience.
Top Breweries by Style & Vibe
This section categorizes the breweries to help you find your perfect match based on preference. Remember to check each brewery's website for hours of operation, tour availability, and any special events.
For the IPA Enthusiast
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Evil Genius Beer Company: Known for their creative and often quirky brews, Evil Genius consistently delivers high-quality IPAs with unique flavor profiles. They are masters of the hazy IPA, pushing boundaries and experimenting with interesting hop combinations. Their taproom is lively and energetic, perfect for a fun night out.
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Tired Hands Brewing Company: Tired Hands is a Philadelphia institution, celebrated for its innovative and complex IPAs. Their focus on experimental brewing techniques and unique hop varieties makes them a must-visit for serious IPA lovers. Expect long lines, especially on weekends, a testament to their popularity.
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Philadelphia Brewing Company: A long-standing brewery, Philadelphia Brewing Company offers a range of IPAs alongside more traditional styles. They provide a solid, reliable option for those seeking consistently good IPAs without the extreme experimentation of some other breweries.
For the Stout & Porter Lover
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Yards Brewing Company: Yards is a Philadelphia staple, offering a wide variety of beers, including rich and robust stouts and porters. Their classic Philly flavors and approachable styles make them a great choice for both seasoned beer drinkers and newcomers.
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Saint Benjamin Brewing Company: Saint Benjamin Brewing Company specializes in well-crafted, traditional-style beers, and their stouts are particularly noteworthy. Their focus on quality and consistency makes them a reliable choice for those looking for classic styles done exceptionally well.
For the Lager Fan
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Dock Street Brewery: Dock Street is a pioneer in the Philadelphia craft beer scene, known for their extensive range of beers, including well-made lagers. Their commitment to traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients results in refreshing and flavorful lagers.
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Triple Bottom Brewing: This brewery emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, producing a range of beers including well-balanced lagers. They offer a welcoming atmosphere and are a great choice for those looking to support an ethical and environmentally conscious brewery.
For the Sour Beer Aficionado
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Manayunk Brewery: This brewery is known for its more classic approach to brewing and has a range of well-executed sour beers. The brewery setting is relaxed and easygoing.
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Round Guys Brewery: Round Guys isn't exclusively known for sours but produces consistently great examples of the style alongside their other brews. Their casual atmosphere and rotating selection make for a great experience.
Breweries with Unique Experiences
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Brauhaus Schmitz: This German-style beer hall offers an authentic experience with a wide selection of German beers and traditional food. It's less about the brewing process itself and more about the immersive environment.
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Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant: Multiple locations across the region, Iron Hill is a solid choice for a reliable brewpub experience, combining great beers with a delicious food menu.
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Lancaster Brewing Company (Philadelphia Location): Known for its wide variety of beers and comfortable setting, Lancaster Brewing Company provides a classic brewpub atmosphere.
Newer & Up-and-Coming Breweries
This category features breweries that are relatively new to the scene but have quickly gained popularity:
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Two Libations Brewing Company: A newer brewery with a focus on creative and experimental brews.
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Human Robot Brewery: Human Robot is a newer brewery with a unique brand and exciting, new beers to sample.
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Forest & Main Brewing Company: Another newer brewery to look out for, this brewery is quickly gaining popularity due to the high quality of its beers and fun atmosphere.
Planning Your Brewery Tour: Tips & Considerations
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Transportation: Designated drivers are crucial, or consider ride-sharing services or public transportation. Many breweries are not easily accessible by public transit, so plan accordingly.
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Reservations: For tours or tastings, making reservations is often recommended, especially on weekends.
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Food Pairings: Many breweries offer food, either on-site or through partnerships with local restaurants. Check their websites or call ahead to confirm.
Conclusion: Raise a Glass to Philly's Craft Beer Scene!
Philadelphia's craft beer scene is vibrant and diverse, offering something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or a curious newcomer, exploring these breweries is a must-do for any visitor to the City of Brotherly Love. This guide provides a starting point; the true adventure lies in discovering your own personal favorites! Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the incredible selection of beers Philadelphia has to offer!
