A Guide to Philadelphia's Beer Breweries

Welcome to Philadelphia, home of the American Brew! And the tradition lives on with these great breweries:

Yards Brewing Company

This great brewery was began brewing in 1995, and is the oldest surviving brewery within the city limits. Along with some great beers it also has rich history; the current brewing building originally the home of Weisbrod and Hess Oriental Brewing Company, who stopped brewing in 1939 due to prohibition. The brewery keeps the history of Philadelphia alive with its beers; Yards has proudly reproduced three historically correct Ales using the authentic recipes brewed by our founding fathers; Ben Franklin, General Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Yards' Thomas Jefferson's Tavern Ale is a strong golden ale brewed with honey, it is very smooth with a long finish. The General Washington's Tavern Porter is brewed molasses to give it a dark color and a rich taste. And the Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce is based on Benjamin Franklin's original recipe for a Spruce Beer. Yards also offers a variety of other brews including Philadelphia Pale Ale among others. Yards is definitely the best way to experience the history of Philadelphia through its beer. Yards Brewing Company is located at 2439 Amber Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125. For more information please contact them at 215-634-2600.

Independence Brew Pub

This brewery combines a fun lively atmosphere, including a game room and live music, with wonderfully created home-brews shown brewing in copper kettles rising from the middle of the restaurant. Their large menu of both food and beer is sure to keep you full and happy. Independence Brew Pub offers a fabulous Kolsch golden ale, it is light-bodied and brewed in the tradition of German-style Kolsch beers. Their Oatmeal Stout is equally as good with its chocolately flavor. They also have a Red Ale, an India Pale Ale, and other seasonal brews on tap. Independence Brew Pub is located at 1150 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. For more information please contact them at 215-922-4292.

Manayunk Brewery & Restaurant

Since October 17, 1996 Philadelphian have enjoyed the great tastes and great views of the Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant. With outdoor seating overlooking the Schuylkill River, it is a great place to visit in the warmer months. They offer a wide variety of home brews, some of the favorites include their "Bohemian Blonde" which is an American-Style Pilsner; their "Schuylkill Punch" which is a Belgian Red; and their "Manayunk Lager" which is a Vienna-Style Lager. They also have some wonderful seasonal brews including a Chile Peppered-Spiced Porter and Blueberry Wheat beer. Manayunk Brewery & Restaurant is located at 4120 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127. For more information please contact them at 215-482-8220.

Nodding Head Brewery and Restaurant

This is a fun and bright, its cherry and fun atmosphere is great for any night of the week. They offer some great classic brews along with some original favorites, and they have the awards to prove it! Their BPA, a pale ale made with generous amount of malt, placed third in the 2006 World Beer Cup. Their Berliner Weisse, an unusual German-Style Wheat Beer with a tart flavor, placed third in the 2006 Radical Beer Open, third in the 2006 World Beer Cup , and third in the 2005 Great American Beer Festival. And their Grog, a lovely brown ale with hints of chocolate, placed second in the 2003 Chicago Real Ale Festival and first in the 2002 Great American Beer Festival. Some come try some winners! Nodding Head Brewery and Restaurant is located at 1516 Sansom St, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102. For more information please contact them at 215-569-9525.

Red Bell Brewery and Pub

The perfect stop before the game. Located in the Wachovia Center, Red Bell Brewery and Pub is open an hour before Flyers and 76ers games, and a great please to grab a great beer before the game! They offer Philadelphia Original Lager in honor if Philadelphia being the birthplace of American lager in 1840. This medium bodied lager is golden in color and had a wonderfully smooth taste (also available as a light lager). Another favorite is the Philadelphia Traditional Irish Amber ale, combining large amount of caramel and roasted crystal malts to get a true Irish taste (comparable to Smithwich's of Ireland). Some other on tap include their American Pale Ale, Black Cherry Stout, Heffe Weizen, and their Lemon Hill Wheat. Red Bell Brewery and Pub is located in the Wachovia Center at 3601 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19148.