Germantown has an exciting new brewery that’s serving up Albanian-inspired cuisine and craft beer. In this vast venue, there’s four beers being created in-house with a brewery that’s built in the basement of the restaurant (which includes the Mt Airy Ale, Three Brothers IPA, Toska Hazy IPA, and The Brew- Master Bren Lager).

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. 

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.

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.  

Pronounced “Hoo-guh,” Bar Hygge lives up to its name with a cozy setting, alongside a lineup of excellent beers and a focused kitchen (confusingly, not Danish). Expect curiosities on tap such as a “sourdough” beer with rye, a lemon meringue IPA, and a banana-walnut stout.

Spring Garden has a lot of options to drink beer, but this spot has established its own reputation for providing a “crispy pilsner, a velvety stout, and a piney IPA.” Even better, their business practices are progressive as a Certified B Corp and a member of Crafted for All — they collaborate with various community ventures and seek to promote equity beyond their taproom.

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.

Following the closing of the iconic Dock Street Brewery after 30 years on 50th Street, residents and beer lovers alike wondered if anything would restore vibrancy to the area. The arrival of Carbon Copy has shaken up the beer scene in West Philly and around with their 18 taps and impressive pizza.

As the OG brewery in Philadelphia, Dock Street manages to churn out some of the best brews in the city while also serving some fine appetizers. Over the years, they have expanded since closing its original West Philly location to open locations in South Philly and Fishtown.