Best of 18 beer bars in Philadelphia
Beer bars in Philadelphia offer a diverse range of locally brewed and imported beers, attracting beer enthusiasts from around the world. With a rich beer culture, Philadelphia is home to numerous beer bars, including the renowned Yards Brewing Company, Monk's Cafe, Standard Tap, Brü Craft & Wurst, and Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant. Each location provides a unique atmosphere and selection of beers, making Philadelphia a top destination for beer lovers.
- 1. Yards Brewing Company
- 2. Monk's Cafe
- 3. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
- 4. Independence Beer Garden
- 5. City Tap House Logan Square
- 6. Brü Craft & Wurst
- 7. Standard Tap
- 8. South Philadelphia Tap Room
- 9. Victory Brewing Company Philadelphia
- 10. Prohibition Taproom
- 11. Strangelove's
- 12. Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen
- 13. Kraftwork
- 14. Varga Bar
- 15. Bar Hygge
- 16. Fountain Porter
- 17. Tap Room On 19th
- 18. 2nd Street Brew House
1. Yards Brewing Company
Historic building, house-brewed beer, and pet-friendly outdoor seating
Yards Brewing Company is a standout beer bar in Philadelphia, offering a welcoming atmosphere and an impressive selection of beers. Their knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist, making the experience all the more enjoyable.
This popular establishment provides top-quality beer and exceptional service. They are known for their excellent seasonal brews, which are highly recommended. The staff's friendliness and expertise add to the overall great beer bar experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Social Gatherings
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2. Monk's Cafe
Extensive beer selection, Philly's original dive bar
The establishment offers a variety of delicious food options, including buffalo frog legs, a cheese platter, and spicy mussels. The menu caters to a range of tastes and preferences, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. In addition to the excellent food, the bar boasts a great selection of beer, with a focus on local brews.
As a local bar and tavern, the establishment prides itself on providing a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for all visitors. The combination of a great beer list and really good food makes it an ideal spot for a night out with friends or a casual meal. Whether you're a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor exploring the area, this bar and tavern is definitely worth checking out.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
3. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
In-house brewed beers and scratch-made menu items using local ingredients
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is a popular destination known for its great beer, food, staff, and atmosphere. The restaurant offers handcrafted beers, creative cuisine, and friendly service in a casual and upscale atmosphere.
At Iron Hill, customers can expect a wide selection of delicious beers, freshly brewed on-site. The menu features innovative yet approachable dishes, made with locally sourced ingredients. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Free Events
- Downtown Spots
4. Independence Beer Garden
Offers stunning views of Independence National Historical Park
The atmosphere is particularly attractive at night, with illuminated trees creating a pleasant ambiance. The long tables, similar to picnic benches, can be moved and have benches for seating. The outdoor space offers a diverse selection of food and beverages, enhancing the overall experience. Ordering is made convenient by scanning a QR code at the table, and the food and drinks are delivered promptly.
In this inviting outdoor setting, tables resembling picnic benches allow for flexible seating arrangements. A wide variety of food and beverages are available, making it a great dining option. To order, simply scan a QR code at the table, ensuring a seamless and efficient process. The rapid delivery of food and drinks enhances the overall satisfaction of the dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
5. City Tap House Logan Square
Wide selection of local, regional, and international beers
City Tap House offers a wide selection of beer at reasonable prices, with even better deals during Happy Hour. The establishment's beer menu is particularly noteworthy, with an extensive and intriguing list of options on tap. The beer itself is of good quality, making it a great spot for beer enthusiasts. While the service is adequate, it is the beer selection and pricing that truly stand out.
City Tap House's beer list and draft list are impressive, featuring a variety of options to suit different tastes. The BEER MENU is especially worth mentioning, as it offers an extensive and fascinating selection. The beer is competitively priced, adding to the overall value of the experience. Whether you're a beer connoisseur or just looking for a good drink, City Tap House is definitely worth checking out.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Corporate Events
- Mid-Range
6. Brü Craft & Wurst
Authentic German cuisine, extensive beer selection, fun atmosphere
This establishment offers delicious pretzels and a fantastic smash burger, accompanied by a wide selection of beer to suit any taste. The portions are generous, ensuring that I always leave feeling full and satisfied. The service is consistently good, and I have never experienced overcrowding.
The place has a great atmosphere with a long bar and good service. They have an extensive beer selection, which includes several Pilsners, a personal favorite of mine.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
7. Standard Tap
Located near the popular sports stadiums, offers a lively atmosphere and a great selection of local food and drinks.
Standard Tap in Northern Liberties is a well-known establishment, known for its extensive selection of rotating beers and a spacious rooftop. The bar is a popular choice for various occasions, ranging from after-work happy hours to office parties. The atmosphere is enhanced by the multi-level layout, with the upstairs bar being a particular favorite among patrons. The quality of the food and drink served is consistently high, making it a reliable choice for those looking for a great night out.
Located in a trendy area of Philadelphia, Standard Tap is a standout spot with a cool and inviting ambiance. The upstairs bar is a hub of activity, with a lively atmosphere and an impressive array of beers on tap. The food served at the establishment is also worth mentioning, as it is consistently delicious and well-prepared. Overall, Standard Tap is a top-notch choice for anyone looking to enjoy great drinks, delicious food, and a fun night out in Philadelphia.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
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8. South Philadelphia Tap Room
Offers extensive craft beer selection and unique gourmet dishes
The bar offers a wide variety of drinks that cater to a diverse group of customers. The drink selection is superior to that of other bars in the area, with an array of options including beer, specialty drinks, and snacks.
There are 14 beers on tap, providing an interesting selection for customers to choose from. Additionally, the bar offers bottles and cans, which include a couple of Russian River brews and other hard-to-find options.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
9. Victory Brewing Company Philadelphia
Extensive beer selection, tours of the on-site brewery, and a large outdoor seating area
The noisy brew pub is situated at 17th and the Parkway, providing a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. The bar tenders were highly competent, offering excellent alternatives when the initial beers selected were no longer available.
CHASE, a knowledgeable server, worked at this cozy bar. They demonstrated a vast understanding of beer options and food, aiding patrons with allergies. It is recommended to visit this pub for a pleasant evening.
TOPICS
- Happy Hours
- Vegetarian Options
- American Cuisine
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10. Prohibition Taproom
Unique, historic location with rotating beer selection
Prohibition Taproom is a bar that focuses on providing a unique experience by pairing craft beer with high-quality American cuisine. They offer 13 beers on tap, with a special emphasis on an English style IPA called Hoppy Lil’ Hudson, which is produced exclusively for the bar by a partner microbrewery. The drinks at Prohibition Taproom are highly regarded for their quality, variety, and affordability.
The bartenders at Prohibition Taproom are known for being friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the overall positive atmosphere of the bar. They are committed to providing excellent service and helping customers find the perfect beer to suit their tastes. Overall, Prohibition Taproom is a great destination for beer lovers and foodies alike, offering a one-of-a-kind experience in a welcoming and inviting environment.
TOPICS
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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11. Strangelove's
Known for unique and delicious food options
Strangelove's is a bar that offers a remarkable selection of beer, making it a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. The knowledgeable staff at Strangelove's are highly trained and can provide excellent recommendations to help customers choose the perfect beer to suit their tastes. In addition to their impressive fixed beer list, Strangelove's also features rotating taps, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting to try.
The atmosphere at Strangelove's is perfectly suited to a casual night out. It is a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious beer or two with friends. The staff's expertise and the constantly changing tap selection ensure that there is always something new to discover, making each visit to Strangelove's a unique and enjoyable experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Lunch
- Downtown Spots
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12. Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen
Offers brewery tours, trivia nights, and rotating craft beers on tap
This beer bar offers an impressive selection of both local and international beers, making it a great destination for beer enthusiasts. The staff is known for being super friendly and eager to assist in choosing the ideal beer for each customer.
The bar has a very cool and modern atmosphere, having just recently opened. The beer selection is outstanding, and the bartenders are knowledgeable about the offerings, able to make recommendations while still maintaining a friendly demeanor.
TOPICS
- Affordable Nightlife
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
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13. Kraftwork
Handmade soft pretzels, extensive craft beer selection
The beer selection at the establishment has received high praise from guests, with a wide variety of options to choose from. The beer and burgers are among the most popular choices for visitors.
The short rib special is a standout menu item, known for its exceptional flavor and tenderness. It is so delicious that one guest is considering returning for a second helping before the special changes. Other popular menu items include buffalo Brussels sprouts, fried pickles, and waffle fries. The bartender has also received positive attention for their friendly and helpful service.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
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14. Varga Bar
Unique, authentic Hungarian dishes in a vibrant setting
Varga Bar is a popular spot for a drink, known for its upscale atmosphere and abundant vegetarian-friendly options. One standout dish is the seitan cheesesteak, which is widely regarded as one of the best vegetarian cheesesteak options available. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, offering a big list of beer and cider to choose from. The fries at Varga Bar are also a highlight, often being praised as the best in town.
Although Varga Bar is still a solid choice for a night out, some regulars feel that it has lost some of its former luster. In the past, the bar was considered not just good, but great. While the beer selection remains excellent, with a frequently changing cask ale on tap, and the food is still enjoyable, it doesn't quite live up to its previous reputation. Nonetheless, Varga Bar remains a reliable option for those seeking a fancy night out with good drinks and tasty vegetarian dishes.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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15. Bar Hygge
Hygge-inspired atmosphere, locally-sourced ingredients, Danish-inspired decor, artisanal cocktails, craft beer, happy hour specials
This place exceeded my expectations with its excellent offerings. The H.O.P. beer was a standout for me and might just become my new favorite. Although I also tried the meme beer, I found the H.O.P. to be more to my liking and will likely order it again. The establishment features Brewery Techne, which offers six rotating house drafts. In addition to their own drafts, they have a full bar with specialty cocktails, four draft wines, and four guest draft beers.
The atmosphere was great, and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable about their offerings. They were able to answer all of my questions and gave thoughtful recommendations. With such a variety of drinks to choose from, it's clear that they take their craft seriously and are dedicated to providing a high-quality experience for their customers. Overall, I was very impressed with my visit and will definitely be returning.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Vegan Options
16. Fountain Porter
Extensive craft beer selection and cozy atmosphere
Fountain Porter is a neighborhood bar with a fantastic selection of draft beers, wines, and bar snacks. The bar's draft list is extensive and well-curated, featuring a variety of options such as Rodenbach Sour, Maine Peeper Ale, and Alagash Hugh Malone. In addition to their impressive beer selection, Fountain Porter also offers affordable wines and delicious bar snacks.
The bar's bar snacks are a highlight, including options such as charcuterie, cheese, and pickles. The okra pickles are a must-try. While Fountain Porter is not a restaurant, it's the perfect place to grab a drink and enjoy some tasty snacks. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, making it an ideal spot to catch up with friends or go on a casual date. Prices are reasonable, making it an excellent value for the quality of food and drink offered.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
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17. Tap Room On 19th
Extensive beer selection, pet-friendly patio, game nights
The bar tenders at this establishment are top-notch, providing great service to their patrons. The selection of beer on tap and in bottles is impressive, with a wide variety of styles and breweries to choose from. Whether you're a fan of light lagers or hoppy IPAs, there's something for everyone.
The food served at the bar is also worth mentioning. It's delicious and well-prepared, making it the perfect complement to the excellent beer selection. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable. Overall, the combination of great service, delicious food, and excellent beer makes this bar a standout. My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience and plan to return in the future.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
18. 2nd Street Brew House
Cozy outdoor patio, trivia nights, beer pairing events
The 2nd Street Brewhouse offers a wide variety of beers and has plenty of TVs for customers to watch their favorite local sports games. The atmosphere is cozy and dark, resembling a typical neighborhood hangout spot. The clientele consists mostly of locals and working-class individuals, making for a friendly and welcoming environment.
The service at 2nd Street Brewhouse is warm and inviting, adding to the overall positive and unpretentious vibe of the establishment. Dim lighting creates a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, further enhancing the appeal of the brewhouse as a local favorite. Whether looking to catch a game or simply enjoy a drink with friends, 2nd Street Brewhouse is the perfect spot for those seeking a classic Philly experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
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