Trying craft beers is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do in Philadelphia, especially for locals with the ability to hit them all. The independent and craft brewing scene is thriving in Philadelphia, with breweries, beer pubs, and beer gardens popping up in every hood.
Whether you are a fan of sours, looking to try a Philly collab like the French Toast Bites Stout, or an IPA enthusiast wanting to taste them all, you’ll have plenty of options to wet your pallet within the City of Brotherly Love.
Listed below are some of Philadelphia’s best breweries, tested by the writers of Philly Urbanist to ensure quality. All of these breweries also feature food options, so don’t fill up on the IPAs too quickly. Without further ado here are seven breweries that are definitely worth sipping around Philly:
Human-Robot Brewery
Human-Robot Brewery is a small, independently-owned brewery located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, just north of Northern Liberties. Opening in 2020, Human-Robot Brewery is a newcomer to the brewery scene in Philadelphia.
For those as curious as I was, the “Human Robot” name is derived from their two styles of brews: “Human” refers to the classics, while the “Robot” refers to the experimental techniques that produce their funky IPAs, thick stouts, and delectable sours. The unique and flavor-packed combinations of ingredients in their rotating options have something for everyone.
We highly recommend a trip to their headquarters – the North Philly brewery also shares a building with Poe’s Sandwich Joint so come hungry.
Mainstay Independent Brewing
If you’re looking for truly exceptional craft beer in the Fishtown and Northern Liberties neighborhoods, look no further than Mainstay Independent Brewery. Whether you’re a sipper or a savorer, newbie or true beer connoisseur, Mainstay has perfected its lineup of craft beer offerings staying true to the tradition of craft brewing through its meticulous experimentation and devotion to the science and art of making beer.
To truly experience the Mainstay magic, head over to their lively brewpub, Craft Hall. This hidden gem of a spot is not just your average bar; it’s a beer lover’s paradise complete with a dog-friendly beer garden, a kid’s playground, and a live music stage. Plus, the kitchen serves up a delectable variety of finger foods and provisions to satisfy your cravings.
While Mainstay’s collection of beers may not be as extensive or adventurous as some others in the area, we can guarantee that each sip will be a smooth, balanced delight. From German-style pilsners to refreshing hefe weitzens, crisp lagers to robust stouts and porters, their consciously constructed beer menu covers all the bases.
But wait, there’s more! Mainstay Independent Brewery loves to keep things exciting by dropping new limited-release beers throughout the year – like their homage to the beloved Philadelphia Christmas Village.
Mainstay Independent Brewery and the Craft Hall are must-visit destinations for any beer aficionado. When tradition, experimentation, one of Philadelphia’s best-known beer makers, Brian O’Reilly, and a whole lot of passion collide, you’re in for an experience like no other with a can of Mainstay.
Urban Village Brewing
Urban Village Brewing is a brewery and brewpub nestled in a Piazza storefront at the northernmost part of Northern Liberties’ popular 2nd Street. Philly restauranteur Dave Goldman is one of the founders – you may know his other hit restaurants such as Landmark Americana.
If you’re in town, I highly recommend a trip to No Lib for lunch or happy hour. Every micro-batch of Urban Village craft beer is brewed on sight in a barrel-to-table style brewpub – served up alongside a menu of diverse pizzas and other bar foods. If you like hops, I always recommend the Super Villian IPA, a mainstay of their menu and offerings. The label also offers an ode to the late and great rapper MF Doom.
The selection of beers is always changing and is best sampled in person. You’ll find a rotating selection of hoppy IPAs, sweet sours, and some dark stouts for the aficionado. You should also know the Urban Village brand is true to its name – often partnering with local organizations to produce unique beers to spread awareness of meaningful causes.
The North Philly brewpub also hosts events such as live music, quizzo, and comedy shows – otherwise, don’t forget to ask for the board game selection, as they offer dozens of games to play while waiting
Dock Street Brewing
Dock Street Brewing is a brewery in South Philadelphia that was founded in 1985, making it one of the oldest craft breweries in the city. Dock Street Brewing has a wide variety of beers on tap, ranging from light lagers to dark stouts. The brewery also offers a rotating selection of seasonal and limited-edition beers.
Their beer menu features a variety of styles, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and sour beers. In addition to its signature brews, Dock Street Brewing also offers seasonal and limited-edition beers. For example, their Barracuda, is a light, fruity ale brewed with raspberry and hibiscus that is perfect for drinking outside in warm weather months. Be sure the check their website for full descriptions of what’s on tap and being canned at any given time. whether you’re looking for a new go-to beer or something to enjoy on a special occasion, Dock Street Brewing has something for everyone.
In addition to brewing beer, Dock Street Brewing also has a full-service restaurant. The menu features a variety of pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The brewery also hosts special events, such as live music and beer tastings.
Brewery ARS
In the vibrant neighborhoods of West Passyunk and Fishtown, there’s a micro craft brewery that has been making waves in the local beer scene – Brewery ARS. Founded in 2016 by brothers Sean Arsenault and Andy Arsenault, Brewery ARS offers a wide range of beer varieties, making it a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
At the helm of Brewery ARS is brewmaster Sean Arsenault, whose passion and expertise in brewing have led to the creation of exceptional brews. When asked about his top recommendation, Sean points to the Saison Dupont, a delightful saison-style beer that exemplifies the brewery’s commitment to quality and flavor.
One glance at Brewery ARS’s impressive Beer Advocate list reveals a staggering selection of over 75 beers brewed in recent years. From classic styles to innovative concoctions, they have something to suit every beer lover’s taste. What sets Brewery ARS apart is its unique approach to brewing, akin to the fashion industry’s concept of limited drops. You can expect surprises and limited-edition releases that will leave you craving more.
What began as a humble endeavor in a garage, quite literally a defunct auto body shop in West Passyunk, has now expanded to two locations, catering to both Fishtown and South Philly residents. Whether you’re in the mood to unwind with friends over board games or enjoy a relaxed evening with your favorite card deck, Brewery ARS provides the perfect setting. You can savor a refreshing pint at either location or opt for a convenient 4-pack to take home. For those seeking a larger quantity, their growlers are ready to be filled with your beer of choice.
Brewery ARS has truly made a name for itself in Philadelphia’s small business landscape. With their dedication to crafting exceptional beers, an extensive and ever-evolving beer lineup, and inviting taproom experiences, this microbrewery has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
Crime and Punishment
Crime and Punishment Brewing Co is a brewery in Brewerytown, Philadelphia that serves up everything from stouts to sours to Russian literature and a micro-library of other philosophy books. The brewery focuses on craft beer and offers a variety of styles for beer-lovers to enjoy – many named after novels and authors enjoyed by the co-founders.
While I have not tried too many of their beers, I recommend the crowd favorite Space Race, made with oats and floral hops, it’s sure to be a unique experience. For the foodies, the Kielbasa Sandwich is a delightful pairing with any of their brewed options.
The brewery also offers growlers and crowlers for sale, so that customers can take their favorite beers home with them. In addition to beer, the taproom also serves food and often hosts live music and other events. Whether you’re a fan of craft beer or just looking for a new place to explore, Crime and Punishment Brewing Co is worth a visit.
Cartesian Brewing
Courtesy Brewing is one of Philadelphia’s newer craft breweries to join the growing microbrewery scene. Located in East Passyunk just south of Pat’s and Genos, you find an all-black building accented by a Cartesian Brewing sign. Inside, you’ll find a reverse BYOB, as in, the tap room is bring-your-own-food – but you’ll find some finger foods for sale as well as stumbling on a food truck or pop-up – keep an eye on their social media for updates.
Cartesian Brewing is a microbrewery that delivers on everything – you cant go wrong with their IPAs or something a bit funkier – not to mention, they pair perfectly with a wiz-wit cheesesteak if you have the stomach.
Punch Buggy Brewing
Punch Buggy Brewing is a hyper-local craft brewery with locations in both North and South Philadelphia – Kensington/Fishtown (look for the blue VW beetle… on their roof) and 17th and Washington. The Northeast Philly natives behind Punch Buggy Brewing, Patrick Coyne and John Riley, opened their 1300 sqft Kensington taproom doors in August of 2019. The young brewery still maintains its DIY brand. Functioning more like a hyperlocal “nano” brewery, the draught list is constantly rotating
Punch Buggy Brewing seems to never be short of creative beer recipes, frequently offering new beers with flavors that range from classic lagers and IPAs to Milkshake Stouts and Farmhouse Ale Saison. If you’re looking for things to do in Philadelphia, their latest taproom is located in an Ax throwing range in South Philly, “Bury the Hatchet.” Get out some anger while sipping delightful flavors of Punch Buggy Brewing.
They have a taproom that serves up their staple brews as well as the latest concoction. The brewpub also serves finger foods like burgers and fries. Be sure to follow them for an updated schedule of pop-ups and other events they host. Join their “ Can Club” to have access to their newest creations from the jump.
Twisted Ginger Brewing Co
If you’re a fan of craft beer and pizza (…who isn’t?), then you’ll want to check out Twisted Gingers Brewing Co in Manayunk, PA. This microbrewery is dedicated to facilitating good vibes through small-batch, drum-to-tap-to-table, and artisanal pizza.
The brewery is located in a Hundred-year-old tavern (1918), which has been renovated to create a unique and inviting space. Whether you’re looking for a traditional IPA or something a little more unique, Twisted Gingers has something for everyone with light beers, a sour, and a Saison.
Along with the unique beer, Twisted Gingers Brewing serves up an array of unique pizzas, made to order with their signature beer-infused “brewhouse dough.”
Wissahickon Brewing Company
From the Schmidt’s to the DiBrunos to the Olivieri’s of Pats Steaks, no city has local family-owned businesses quite like Philadelphia – with Wissahickon Brewing Company playing their role in the next generation of Philly food and beverage entrepreneurs as one of Philly’s premiere craft beer purveyors.
Their award-winning production brewery, tasting room, and beer garden in East Falls is a true labor of love, brought to life by the Gill family in 2017.
Wissahickon welcomes beer lovers of all kinds. From refreshing IPAs and smooth lagers to crisp pilsners and robust porters, their selection of craft beers covers all the bases. And don’t worry, they’ve got you covered on the food front too! Local food trucks grace the brewery grounds every day, ensuring you never go hungry while enjoying their finely crafted brews.
But that’s not all—Wissahickon Brewing Company has made itself into a community hub, with events and activities almost every weekend. On any given night, you can try your hand at trivia, catch watch parties of Philly’s professional sports games (don’t forget your jersey), and enjoy special programming that keeps the good times rolling.
Their spacious, dog-friendly beer garden boasts plenty of seating, inside and out. Whether you’re basking in the sunshine or enjoying a starry night, their outdoor area is the perfect spot to relax and savor your favorite brews.
With accolades like winning the 2019 Best Brewpub Award from Philly Magazine, Wissahickon Brewing Company has solidified its place as a top-notch destination for craft beer enthusiasts. But they don’t stop there—they believe in collaboration and supporting their local community. Keep an eye out for exciting partnerships with other small businesses like Pennys Pickles, making every sip of their beer a true Philadelphia experience.
We raise a glass to the Gill family’s dream-turned-reality and savor the fruits of their passion. Cheers to great beer, great company, and unforgettable memories!
