Top 15 beer bars in Kensington
Beer bars in Kensington, Philadelphia offer a wide variety of craft beers and unique atmospheres. These establishments have become popular destinations for beer enthusiasts. Here are the top 5 beer bars in Kensington: Frankford Hall, Martha, Kraftwork, Starboard Side Tavern, and Les & Doreen's Happy Tap. Each location provides a distinct experience for beer lovers to enjoy.
- 1. Frankford Hall
- 2. Kraftwork
- 3. Fishtown Tavern
- 4. Kensington Pub
- 5. The Monkey Club in Kensington
- 6. Atlantis: The Lost Bar
- 7. Les & Doreen's Happy Tap
- 8. Fishtown Social
- 9. Starboard Side Tavern
- 10. St. Oner's in Kensington
- 11. Steak N Beer
- 12. Jack's Famous Bar
- 13. Ye Old Blarney Stone Tavern
- 14. Sacred Vice Brewing - Amber Street Taproom
- 15. Kenny's Place
1. Frankford Hall
Authentic German beer hall experience in the heart of Philadelphia

Frankford Hall is a spacious beer garden located in the Fishtown area, known for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The establishment attracts a varied crowd of all ages, making it an inclusive and vibrant spot to enjoy drinks and food. The venue is open year-round, providing the perfect setting for day drinking outside, regardless of whether you're bundled up in winter gear or sporting summer attire.
This expansive beer garden offers an extensive selection of beers and tasty snacks. With a versatile and inviting ambiance, Frankford Hall is an excellent place to unwind with friends, enjoy a casual meal, or even host a large gathering. The establishment's commitment to providing a welcoming and enjoyable experience has earned it a reputation as a must-visit spot in Fishtown.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- Vegan Options
2. Kraftwork
Local brews, unique food pairings, artisan decor

Kraftwork is a popular destination for beer enthusiasts, offering a wide selection of craft beers from around the world. The extensive beer menu is a highlight for many guests, making it a great spot to discover new favorites or enjoy classic varieties.
In addition to the impressive beer selection, Kraftwork is also known for its tasty food offerings. The beer can chicken sandwich is a standout menu item, combining unique flavors and ingredients for a satisfying meal. Whether you're a beer lover or just looking for a great sandwich, Kraftwork is definitely worth a visit.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
3. Fishtown Tavern
Spacious outdoor seating, raw bar, and extensive beer selection

The prices at this establishment are reasonable, making it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. Beer lovers, in particular, will be impressed by the extensive selection available. This venue offers a wide variety of brews, ensuring that there is something for every taste preference.
In addition to its impressive beer selection, this location is a standout spot for sports fans. It is the best place to watch an Eagles playoff game. The energy and excitement of the crowd are palpable, making it an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a die-hard Eagles fan or just looking for a fun and lively atmosphere, this is the place to be during playoff season. Of course, the beer selection is also top-notch, providing the perfect complement to an afternoon or evening of football.
TOPICS
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Holiday Celebrations
4. Kensington Pub
Rotating craft beer selection, extensive whiskey menu, quiz nights, sports screenings

Kensington has a quality pub that is an excellent spot to watch sports events or fights. It features a fantastic outside area, ideal for large groups and children. The bar food is highly recommended, and the drink menu offers a good selection.
The pub's owner is exceptionally friendly and cool, making it a welcoming and positive environment. The staff, including the bartenders, are top-notch, contributing to the fantastic atmosphere. Moreover, the food is delicious, making it the best place to visit in the area. The pub has a comfortable and homely feel, adding to its overall charm.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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5. The Monkey Club in Kensington
Offers a unique fusion of pub and Asian cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere

The Monkey Club in Philadelphia is a neighborhood bar with a welcoming atmosphere and affordable prices. The bar offers a variety of local beers and a selection of vegetarian-friendly food options, such as veggie wings. The Monkey Club has a community dive bar vibe, with friendly staff and a relaxed environment. It is a cash-only establishment, but they do have an ATM on site for customer convenience.
Upstairs at the Monkey Club, patrons can find entertainment in the form of pool, foosball, and hockey tables. The owner, Dennis, is known for being kind and approachable, making the bar a great place to socialize and enjoy a night out. Overall, the Monkey Club provides a fun and enjoyable experience, with delicious drinks and food, entertaining activities, and a welcoming and friendly environment.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Kosher Options
- Mid-Range
- Waterfront
6. Atlantis: The Lost Bar
Immersive underwater atmosphere and creative cocktails

The Philadelphia Brewing Company (PBC) brews all of their beers and ciders at their own facility, ensuring freshness. The bar offers six tap selections, all of which feature PBC brews. During my visit, I opted for the Shackamaximum Imperial Stout, which I found to be quite delicious.
PBC's beers are the only options on tap at the bar. Among their offerings, I chose the Shackamaximum Imperial Stout, finding it to be my preferred choice over their other beers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
7. Les & Doreen's Happy Tap
A true neighborhood gem with a loyal following and a welcoming atmosphere

Les and Doreen's is a bar that attracts a true Fishtown crowd, known for its simple offerings of beer and fried food. On Saturday nights, the bar comes alive with karaoke that is not to be missed. One of the highlights of Les and Doreen's is their chicken cheese steaks, which are a favorite among patrons. The bar is also known for its cheap beer and the authentic Fishtown feel and neighborhood charm that it offers.
Unlike some of the newer bars and restaurants in Fishtown, Les and Doreen's does not try to cater to the trend of craft beer and gourmet urban dining. Instead, it is a straight-up corner bar that is perfect in its simplicity. There is no pretension at Les and Doreen's, just good food, cheap beer, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back for more. The bar's charm lies in its authenticity, providing a glimpse into the Fishtown of old while still being a beloved spot in the present day.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
8. Fishtown Social
Spacious interior with multiple bars, outdoor seating and games

The group of three stopped at a newly discovered bar before dinner, all of them marveling at the place's charm and beauty. The spacious interior and inviting atmosphere made it hard to believe that they hadn't visited before. The bar area offered specialty drinks, while a charming menu of cheese and charcuterie provided excellent options for a light meal.
Ideal for a first date, this spot offered a cozy ambiance and friendly service, with a selection of wine sure to please any palate. However, parking could be a challenge, so it was recommended to arrive early to secure a spot on the street.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
9. Starboard Side Tavern
Offers daily specials and happy hour

The bar provides a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a casual visit. The drinks are affordably priced and generously poured, with the bartender adding to the enjoyable experience by being friendly and laid-back.
In addition to its great drink selection, the bar also offers delicious food. Its sandwiches are a popular choice among patrons, and its chicken is especially tasty. The beer is also worth trying, making this bar a great spot for anyone looking for a place to enjoy good food and drinks.
TOPICS
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
- Vegetarian Options
10. St. Oner's in Kensington
Emphasis on locally sourced and high-quality ingredients

St. Oners is a popular location for beer enthusiasts, featuring a wide variety of beers on tap. Among the offerings are numerous selections from Tired Hands, which can also be purchased in four-packs of cans for take-home consumption. In addition to their extensive beer list, St. Oners also serves up well-crafted cocktails.
The beer selection at St. Oners is always changing, with a particular emphasis on IPAs. While they do offer wine and cocktails, the main focus of the establishment is most definitely beer. With their diverse range of offerings and commitment to showcasing quality brews, St. Oners has established itself as a go-to spot for beer lovers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
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11. Steak N Beer
Offering wide selection of craft beers, Philly cheesesteaks, and sports viewing

The local watering hole is a decent place to spend time, with staff who are friendly and welcoming, but who also maintain a firm hand to ensure a trouble-free environment. This establishment is located in one of the roughest parts of Philadelphia, which only adds to its character and charm. In addition to being a bar, it also functions as a convenience store and liquor store, making it a one-stop-shop for basic essentials and more.
The bar boasts a range of amenities, including a restroom for customers and a music jukebox. For those feeling lucky, there are lottery tickets and machines available on site. Whether you're looking to stop in for a quick drink or stay awhile, this cozy spot has you covered. With its convenient location and range of offerings, it's no wonder this bar is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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12. Jack's Famous Bar
Famous for its delicious cheesesteaks and lively atmosphere

Jack's Famous Bar is a well-known dive bar that offers a comfortable and cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for those who love beer. The bar is famous for its affordable drinks, with a mug of lager priced at an unbeatable $1.75.
Step into Jack's Famous Bar, and you'll be greeted with a classic dive bar experience. The prices are budget-friendly, and you can enjoy a mug of lager without breaking the bank. This bar is an ideal spot for beer lovers looking for a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
13. Ye Old Blarney Stone Tavern

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
14. Sacred Vice Brewing - Amber Street Taproom

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
15. Kenny's Place

TOPICS
- Cheap Eats
- Gluten-Free
- Downtown Spots