Whenever I visit the City of Brotherly Love, I just have to stop by a brewery or two. With roughly 100 breweries in the area, Philadelphia has become a hotbed for craft beer enthusiasts, boasting a diverse and thriving brewery scene. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorites, from established names to up-and-coming favorites. From PA brewery classics like Victory to neighborhood hangouts, including Attic, we’ll scour the city for some of my favorites.
Victory Brewing Company
Established in 1996, Victory Brewing Company is an elder statesman on the Pennsylvania craft beer scene. Victory offers a wide range of beers, from classic German-style lagers to innovative IPAs. The OG location is down the road in Downingtown, but we’re checking out the downtown Victory location in downtown Philly.
It’s a perfect location for Victory fans of all ages and has excellent lunch and dinner options. The room is bright, airy, and welcoming. The beer menu is stocked with many tasty choices. There were old favorites, such as Golden Monkey, and others that were brewery-only releases. On my visit, I split a few pretzels and ordered the burger special since it was a Thursday. All were excellent! This location opened in late 2021 and also features beers from their sister brands, including Six Point and Southern Tier.
Wissahickon Brewing Company
Wissahickon Brewing Company is a local gem, known for its community focus and friendly atmosphere. The come-as-you-are vibe of Wissahickon makes the whole family feel welcome. With ample outdoor seating, Fido will enjoy a visit, too.
The brewery doubles as a coffee shop in the morning; look out for a second location opening soon. Wissahickon was a cool spot during the daytime, but at night, the place simply comes alive. The service is friendly and the beers are excellent. I’ve tried a variety of their beers, from lagers to IPAs to stouts, and have enjoyed them all. If you see my cousin Emmi, and her husband, Gabe, say hello!
Tired Hands Brewing Company
Finally! After years of wanting to get to Tired Hands, I did. I went to the Fermentaria in Ardmore. As soon as I opened the door, I was hit by the distinct aroma of hops, one of my favorite smells! Tired Hands is one of the most sought-after breweries in Philadelphia’s thriving brewery scene. They are known for their experimental and often unusual beers.
The brewery is spacious but retains its industrial feel. Tired Hands makes my favorite pale ale, Hop Hands, so I just had to order that on draft. I complemented it with a selection of IPAs. They specialize in juicy IPAs, some made with lactose and big, bold stouts.
Chestnut Hill Brewing Company
Chestnut Hill Brewing Company offers a cozy and welcoming environment. The Chestnut Hill neighborhood is quaint with stores, an arboretum, and a museum. Not only do they serve high-quality beer with a local touch, but their food is a must-try. I like their pizza, especially the Forager, which is a white pie loaded with different types of mushrooms. The layout is funky with different rooms and a large bar. Chestnut Hill is a local favorite but attracts visitors from far and wide.
Work Horse Brewing Company
Work Horse Brewing Company is located in the ‘burbs. Their spacious King of Prussia taproom provides communal dining and drinking. Family-friendly? Most certainly! On my visit, I saw more kids than at Sesame Place! Their beer is approachable with pub grub on the menu.
Attic Brewing Company
Let’s head back into the city to go to Attic Brewing Company. Attic is open every day of the week, which is nice when many are closed on Monday and/or Tuesday. Monday’s a fun night to visit since the theme is “Metal Monday and B-Movies.” We’re not talking about Twisted Sister hair metal but true as Attic likes to say, “Melt your face off metal.” All while a campy B-movie is playing in the background. They serve great beer, and the brewery has a hipster vibe. Think lagers, IPAs, and dark beers. Nothing like sipping a Tiger Cat IPA while Cannibal Corpse rips through your skull. Even with the heavy metal, Attic fosters an easygoing vibe with easy-sipping beers on draft.
| Brewery Name | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Victory Brewing Company | Philadelphia location | Classic Lagers, IPAs, Family Friendly |
| Wissahickon Brewing Company | Philadelphia | Community Focus, Friendly Atmosphere, Good for Families, Coffee Shop |
| Tired Hands Brewing Company | Ardmore | Experimental Beers, Unique Flavors, Juicy IPAs, Big Stouts |
| Chestnut Hill Brewing Company | Philadelphia | Local Touch, High-Quality Brews, Excellent Pizza |
| Work Horse Brewing Company | King of Prussia | Approachable Beers, Spacious Taproom, Family Friendly |
| Attic Brewing Company | Philadelphia | Hipster Vibe, Metal Monday, Malty to Hoppy to Roasty |
These breweries represent just a glimpse of Philadelphia’s dynamic beer scene. There are so many more to choose from! Each of these offers something different, from the beers they brew to the atmosphere of their taprooms. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or just beginning to explore the world of craft beer, Philadelphia’s thriving brewery scene is waiting for you.
