Photo courtesy of James Zeleniak
1. Yards Brewing Co.
What started as a garage-sized operation out of Manayunk in 1994 is now what we know as Yards in Northern Liberties. Stop by the taproom for signature ales like the citrusy Philthy and crisp Brawler. And if you’re looking for something a bit more seasonal? Ask for founder Tom Kehoe’s Oktoberfest brew, Unter Dog, made with Munich and Vienna malts. yardsbrewing.com
2. Victory Brewing Company
Three locations in Pennsylvania and two best friends are the ingredients behind popular brews like Golden Monkey at Victory Brewing Company. Pop into their original location in the Downingtown flagship, previously home to Pepperidge Farm, or head to the more intimate Kennett Square seven-barrel brewhouse for a firsthand look at the open fermenter. victorybeer.com
3. The Larimer
If you’ve ever attended a Union Soccer game, it’s likely that you’ve sipped artistic blends from The Larimer. Currently available for curbside pickup and delivery, the brewery is popular for its Bird Gang IPA: The double dry-hopped India pale ale even features an illustration of a Philadelphia Eagles tailgate scene on the bottle, and can be purchased as a four-pack. thelarimer.com
Photo courtesy of Yards Brewing Co.
4. 2SP Brewing Company
A 2019 Great American Beer Festival winner, 2SP brewery is located in Aston, Penn., and provides a variety of brews in its tasting rooms. Current must-try sips include the Delco Lager, Baby Bob American stout, Supple vanilla porter and Top Rope IPA—just don’t forget to check out the rotating food trucks outside for light bites and mouthwatering eats to complement your preferred pour. 2spbrewing.com
5. Philadelphia Brewing Co.
Keep an eye out for their midNovember release, Winter Wünder, for a taste of plums, dates, cinnamon, allspice, clove and ginger at this Fishtown hot spot. Learn more about what’s behind the brew at one of their tours (keep updated on their website for openings post-COVID), or enjoy a drink during their happy hours in the Peacock Room & Beer Garden. philadelphiabrewing.com
6. Levante
Coffee lovers—run, don’t walk, to Levante for their Rise to Roar Coffee Project, which collaborates with local craft coffee roasters to produce enticing blends. In partnership with West Chester’s Golden Valley Farms Coffee Roasters and renowned Gran Caffe L’Aquila, the brewery churns out invigorating Nitro DayMaker Cold Brew Blend and velvety coffee-infused nitro imperial stouts. levantebrewing.com
Photo courtesy of Yards Brewing Co.
7. The Sterling Pig
Between helming popular Media restaurants Picasso Restaurant and Bar and La Belle Epoque Café, owner Loïc Barnieu spends time at his two locations of The Sterling Pig, his small-batch brewery in partnership with Brian McConnell. With two locations—one in Media and one in West Chester—the Shoat Pilsner, Oinkah NEIPA and Orange Street Wheat are among the drafts on tap, along with build-your-own nachos and smoked honey sriracha wings. sterlingpig.com
8. Workhorse Brewing
A weekly brunch menu featuring beer cocktails like Center City Shandies, Micheladas and Beermosas keep locals returning to the Center City hot spot on 24th and Walnut. The menu full of bites from Spread Bagelry also doesn’t hurt. workhorsebrewing.com
Photography by: James Zeleniak; Yards Brewing Co.
