An unpretentious, family-owned shop with plenty of reasons to visit: live music, bar games, beer yoga (yes, really), and regular food trucks. Wissahickon offers flights of eight beers and tours in a lively setting. This is a destination brewery on the rise, offering solid beers like the popular Kelpius Kave. Plus, the space is pet friendly. 

It isn’t necessary to leave the city limits for good beer, but in the case of this cult label, it’s mandatory. Having made an international name for itself among aficionados, there is a steady stream of pilgrims picking up growlers to take back to their beer caves. Why? The Belgian and French-style farmhouse ales here are some of the very best.

Philadelphia Brewing offers one of the best local beer experiences, with a flight of five beers for $10and free tours on Saturdays. There’s a deck, occasional live music, and a friendly staff. Open since 2007, this is an essential Kensington mainstay.

Exposed brick? Check. Skylights? Check. Evil Genius boasts a hip, industrial-chic space in Fishtown serving tasty and inventive beers with names like #icanteven and Gwyneth Paltrow’s Head Was In a Box. Intrigued? Fortunately for enthusiasts, the limited-production beers here earn the right to be called whatever they want.

Named for the Dostoevsky novel, this relaxed brewery serves up Russian-esque fare like dumplings and a beet Reuben with Russian dressing. The beers on offer include fascinating rarities (at least in the U.S.) like Polish Grodziskie, made with smoked wheat. There are also more mainstream options, like their softly citrus-tinged pale ale.  

Excellent brick oven pizza and outdoor fire pits make for a good game-day option at Urban Village. Sample multiple drafts in a setting with neighborhood brewpub vibes, and don’t sleep on the happy hour.

Chicago-based Goose Island likes to say its beers are “brewed for food,” so it’s good that the Philadelphia brewery outpost offers elevated pub grub including mussels and dry-aged hanger steak. Beer giant Anheuser-Busch InBev bought the company in 2011, rendering it a poster child for either the staggering growth or sellout of the craft beer movement. Ultimately, inability to keep up with demand made for the decision to sell — and sampling a Sofie with charcuterie or a Matilda with pork, it’s easy to understand what the fuss is about.

The massive Yards Brewing taproom is a sun-drenched and cheerful space designed for the whole family. An ambitious menu features foie gras poutine and even ramen: perfect for Yards enthusiasts who want to see where the magic elixir is made.  

Situated just down the street from Roy Pitz, the new Love City brewery features “approachable” beers (pilsners and lagers) in a 9,000-square-foot former industrial space. It’s an especially good spot for those weary of too-weird beers who want to imbibe in a charmingly arty and low-fi spot.

Local chain Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant just opened its 15th location in the greater Philadelphia area and this one is right downtown. The newest Iron Hill is part of the East Market development and includes an onsite brewery that can produce 900 barrels a day, seats for 275 thirsty (and hungry) patrons, and outdoor tables. The food menu is massive, with a section of gluten-free fare and several kid-sized options.

Located in the heart of Old City, 2nd Story features a light-drenched room and a comfortable wood interior. It’s made for groups in the heart of Philadelphia looking for a place for snacks and true-to-their-style beers like tripels, stouts, and lagers.    

This hip, convivial bar and brewery serves inventive beers and mighty delicious nosh in a rustic-chic warehouse space. Noteworthy vegetarian and vegan bar food (think: vegan pork rinds) pair with eight taps in regular rotation.

Relaxed, hole-in-the-wall vibes and short hours (open only four days a week) may keep the mainstream away, but that makes it all the better for true beer aficionados who know that twin brothers Sean and Andy Arsenault make some of the best beer within the city limits. Catch food trucks on site on select weeknights and weekends.