Best Beer Bars & Brewpubs in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a city that knows its beer. With a brewing history that stretches back to colonial times and a modern craft scene that’s among the most innovative on the East Coast, Philly offers something for every beer lover. Whether you're into hop-forward IPAs, smooth stouts, farmhouse ales, or German lagers, you’ll find a watering hole that pours exactly what you’re craving. From buzzing beer gardens to neighborhood brewpubs, here are the top spots in Philadelphia to raise a glass.
Monk’s Café – Center City
Monk’s is more than just a bar—it’s a temple to Belgian beer. Known internationally, this Center City institution features an unparalleled collection of lambics, Trappist ales, and barrel-aged rarities. The ambiance is warm and rustic, with dark wood and candlelight creating a perfect setting to sip something special. Their food menu includes hearty European fare and the city’s most famous mussels.
Address: 264 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Yards Brewing Co. – Northern Liberties
Yards Brewing has long been at the forefront of Philadelphia’s craft scene. With its spacious brewery and welcoming taproom, it’s perfect for groups, casual dates, and beer geeks alike. Favorites like Brawler, Love Stout, and the iconic Philadelphia Pale Ale flow alongside seasonal releases. The brewery also offers tours, events, and a full menu of sandwiches, snacks, and mains.
Address: 500 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Tired Hands St. Oner’s – Fishtown
An offshoot of the beloved Tired Hands Brewing Company, this Fishtown spot brings the brand’s experimental spirit into the heart of Philly. You’ll find cloudy New England-style IPAs, funky mixed fermentations, and inventive small plates. The bar is sleek and modern with an artsy, indie edge that reflects the vibe of the neighborhood.
Address: 2218 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Crime & Punishment Brewing Co. – Brewerytown
Named after the Dostoevsky novel, this brewpub combines creative brewing with Eastern European flair. Try their Kvass-style ale, or dig into a dark porter while sampling homemade pierogi and borscht. The place is cozy, eclectic, and totally unique, making it a cultural and culinary gem in Brewerytown.
Address: 2711 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Standard Tap – Northern Liberties
One of the city’s first gastropubs, Standard Tap offers a constantly changing draft list that focuses on Pennsylvania’s best breweries. The two-story bar has an old-school charm and a rooftop deck that’s ideal in warmer months. The food here is just as impressive as the beer—don’t miss the meatloaf sandwich or the seasonal specials.
Address: 901 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Love City Brewing – Callowhill
This modern brewery is built in a former rail facility, and its industrial charm is balanced with warm service and easy-drinking beer. Love City’s mission is community-driven, with frequent charity collaborations and food truck events. Beers like the Unity IPA and Love City Lager are crowd favorites, perfect for both beer nerds and casual drinkers.
Address: 1023 Hamilton St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Brewery ARS – South Philly
Tucked into a small garage space, Brewery ARS is an indie brewer’s dream come true. This small-batch brewery produces big flavors—look for wild saisons, fruited sours, and potent IPAs. There’s a homegrown, grassroots feel to the whole place, and locals love the cozy, neighborhood vibe.
Address: 1927-29 W Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Frankford Hall – Fishtown
This German-style beer garden is perfect for warm nights, big groups, and beer-and-brat cravings. Communal picnic tables, fire pits, and string lights create a lively outdoor vibe, while the beer list includes German lagers, wheat beers, and massive steins of pilsner. Pretzels and schnitzel are served up with traditional flair.
Address: 1210 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Dock Street Brewery – West Philly
One of Philly’s original craft breweries, Dock Street blends creative beer styles with a socially conscious mission. The West Philly location has a hip, artistic vibe, and is known for wood-fired pizzas, community events, and brews like their creamy Golden IPA or the Bohemian Pilsner. A true institution in the city’s brewing story.
Address: 701 S 50th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Crash Pads for Your Philly Pour Tour
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, an IHG Hotel
Old City’s tap list is ridiculous—Second Story Brewing, Independence Beer Garden, and way too many Belgian drafts at Khyber Pass Pub are all within a three-block stumble. The Monaco’s lobby is equal parts Gilded Age and rock-concert poster, and the free nightly wine hour quietly nods to your hop-hunting habit. Bonus: the rooftop Stratus Lounge serves craft cans with skyline views, so you can keep the tasting flight going without leaving the building.
W Philadelphia
Smack on the Avenue of the Arts, the W lets you zigzag between Victory Brewing’s taproom on the Parkway and Love City Brewing in Callowhill, then cannonball into the hotel’s Wet Deck pool to recover. Inside, the Living Room bar pours local collaborations—ask for anything with a funky yeast strain and the bartender will geek out with you. Rooms sport floor-to-ceiling windows, which is helpful for judging how bad last night’s haze IPA fog really is.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia-Airport
If your flight lands just in time for last call, this all-suite spot near PHL is a life saver: grab the free shuttle, drop your bags, and Lyft five minutes to Yards’ taproom for a Philly pale ale straight from the source. The hotel’s cooked-to-order breakfast (yes, with legit eggs) and evening reception mean you’ll hit your macros—and your macros will thank you after the airport-priced IPAs you dodged. Extra living room and a fridge keep your overnight haul of crowlers cold till takeoff.
About Author
Keirsten left her career in engineering to travel the world. She is a 28 years old girl with some tremendous girl power; she has been traveling for five years now and has been producing awesome content based on her experience.