Philadelphia has long been known as a brewery destination that pushed out some of the originators of the craft beer scene. Yards Brewing, Dock Street Brewing, Evil Genius, and not too far away Victory Brewing. You can also throw in Iron Hill Brewing, even though they originated in Delaware. Their many locations helped shape the early Philly region beer scene.
All those early breweries attracted beer travelers like us to this wonderful city with so many breweries! Ten plus years ago, any city with over 15 breweries was an oddity and quite the magnetic force pulling us in. Being only a couple hours away we made Philly our go to brewery destination. Fast forward to present day and the amount of breweries is astounding. Not just Philadelphia, the the entire southeast region of Pennsylvania has so much beer to offer.
However, one area of Philly has become a standout. The northeast section of Philly, which includes rejuvenated neighborhoods like Fishtown and Kensington, has become the spot to be for breweries. No matter where you go you will find a brewery to help quench that Saturday afternoon thirst. But what makes this area of Philly standout?
Neighborhood Charm
Unlike the original, large scale breweries like Yards and Victory, the northeast Philly breweries are quaint neighborhood taprooms specifically designed for locals who live nearby. Not that out of towners are not welcome! These breweries popped up here for a reason. The ancient city of Philadelphia can be quite difficult to navigate on these small Colonial style streets. So even driving a few blocks is difficult and finding parking can be nearly impossible. Because of this, many locals go without a vehicle. Naturally, residents of this area need a brewery close by and there you have it! Countless breweries all within walking distance.
The majority of these breweries offer a modestly sized taproom rather than oversized beer halls. These small taprooms harness the power of local culture and art and is evident throughout each place. All this makes each brewery so different and unique and begs you to take the time and enjoy each one.
The Styles and Where to Find Them
Philadelphia (and the rest of the country for that matter) has seen a resurgence of the lager and there's no better place to suck down a crisp lager than Human Robot. These guys had a major hand in resurrecting the lager ever since they opened. The quality is matched by no other in the city...although many come close!
Looking for some rustic wild ales? Head on over to Fermetery Form where you will find carefully crafted farmhouse sours and wild ales. Nothing like it anywhere else. Beware though! Fermentery Form opens only for a few hours each week. Not only that but their back alley location with virtually zero signage makes them difficult to find! Work for your beer though, you won't be disappointed.
New on the scene is Other Half Brewing from Brooklyn. This location, unlike the majority of northeast Philly breweries, features a large taproom with and even grander biergarten. Looking for juicy, hazy ipas? This is where you need to be.
Northeast Philly offers so many more unique neighborhood breweries that all require your undivided attention. Ones like Punch Buggy, Humble Parlor, Brewery ARS were some of our favorites, but none were a let down and I'm sure they won't be a let down for you.
Final Recommendations
If you are from out of town and staying in a hotel my number one recommendation is to take a ride share or public transit to your first stop and walk from there. Northeast Philly doesn't have many hotels so staying downtown may be your best bet. Plan out where you want to go and figure out what your last stop will be.
Try beer each place is known for. Going to Human Robot? Get a Munich Dunkel! Going to Other Half? Get the triple hazy ipa! Take a slow ride home and stop at some of the great breweries in the suburbs! No perfect plan exists. Just go to as many as you can or visit only a few, take your time, and relax. When it comes to beer, Philly never disappoints.
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