Philadelphia, it played in a pivotal role in the formation of the United States and today it’s playing a pivotal role in the rebirth of craft brewing. As the industry continues to hurtle forward Philadelphia is a place that continues to push the envelope while still doing well to honor its past and extensive history. In no particular order below are some of the the city of brotherly love’s finest breweries that you have to get to this year, no matter where you are from!
• St. Benjamin •
1710 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA
Named after one of the nation’s founding father this brewery takes its history seriously as they currently reside in the historic Theo Finkenauer Brewery building which dates back to the 19th century. History can also be found in the brewery’s flagship brews which include classic styles of like their cream ale, Inca and Foul Weather Jack, an English mild ale. Having these in addition to their Belgian blonde ale, Wit or Witout means that drinkers can get to know the more enduring styles of craft beer with lover ABVs, allowing them to enjoy them all.
• Philadelphia Brewing •
2440 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Brewing continues the theme of history, one that most Philadelphia based breweries are keenly aware of the nearly 350 year old city. Originally built in 1885 for the Weisbrod & Hess Oriental Brewing Company the current structure boasts the claim as the largest and oldest operating brewery facility in the city. The brewery emphasizes these deep roots by priding themselves on serving the local community, from events, to their distribution methods and finally to many of their best brews being nods to the local area, such as Newbold IPA and Fleur De Lehigh.
• Second District •
1939 S Bancroft St, Philadelphia, PA
From the oldest, to the newest, Second District may have only opened in February of 2017, but that doesn’t mean they’re short on brewing knowledge or pedigree. Founded by John Longacre of American Sardine Bar and Curt Decker of the now defunct(although their beers live on through Philadelphia Brewing) Nodding Head Brewing. The pair have breathed life into a rustic, beautiful building in the Newbold neighborhood of Philadelphia. Despite their youth, the brewery and head brewer Ben Potts are not afraid to take brewing chances, with a Vietnamese Coffee Stout and a tea infused IPA on tap for opening night.
• Crime & Punishment •
2711 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Working in a job you didn’t go to school for, pondering just how to use your liberal arts degree, it’s a feeling many know all to well these days. Things were no different for Mike Wambolt, that was until he traded in his masters degree in theology for one in brewology. Crime and Punishment have successfully blended a love for Russian literature and culture to create a brewpub where you grab a hearty bowl of borscht while you wait for your cheese & beer plate to arrive. Plus they’ve currently got a sugar cookie and vanilla IPA on tap, how can you not love that?
• Yards •
901 N Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Brew Unto Others, it’s a simple tweak on the Golden Rule, “do unto others as you’d have them do unto you,” but it fully encapsulates what Yards stands for. Emphasis on community and charity in their Yard Good Fight campaign has allowed the brewery to both raise awareness about the issues of our time as well as actively fight them through donations. All of this is made easier when the beer they’re producing is some of cleanest, most straightforward ales around. Their English mild, Brawler and Love Stout have become classics for residents across the commonwealth.
• Manayunk •
4120 Main St, Philadelphia, PA
Running adjacent to the Schuykill River, so adjacent in fact that the brewery has had to survive several hurricanes that brought the river a little too close for comfort. This hazard is far more often a benefit, with their large outdoor has played host to numerous events, weddings and allows for easy access to a kayak tour. The brewery has also recently taken on a rigorous canning schedule to produce several entries into their Dreamin’ series in addition to their Hip-Hop IPA trio. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the legendary Crunch Porter, bringing a peanut butter cup flavored beverage that adults can enjoy.
