The beer scene and sheer number of breweries in Philadelphia is huge.
With a legacy steeped in craft brewing, Philly is home to a community of master brewers and badass beers. From traditional ales to bold concoctions, this city has it all.
These are the best breweries in Philadelphia:
Philadelphia Beer History
Let’s start with the intoxicating history of breweries in Philadelphia.
In the 1680s, William Penn, founder of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania and a brewer himself, added a brew house to his city plan.
Philly has literally been brewing beer before the United States was even born!
In the 18th century, there were many small craft breweries in Philadelphia, and they were a main part of life.
Fast forward to the 19th century, and German immigrants started pouring in (pun intended). They brought their tasty lagers, and Philadelphians couldn’t get enough.
Prohibition: The Ultimate Buzzkill
Prohibition’s dark, bootleggin’ days from 1920-1933 put a disastrous chokehold on the craft beer scene, forcing many breweries to shut down.
While it was a rough time for beer lovers, Philly’s spirit couldn’t be crushed. Beer makers were back in the game ASAP.
Also, many never got out of the game… There were 16,000 speakeasies in Philadelphia during Prohibition.
Yuengling Brewery
Yuengling Brewery, America’s oldest craft brewery, has been around since 1829.
The OG brewmaster, David Yuengling, has passed down the business through six generations of Yuenglings (and counting!). The Traditional Lager has earned cult status thanks to its velvety texture and smooth flavor.
Best known for: Yuengling Traditional Lager, Yuengling Light Lager, Black & Tan, Yuengling Flight
Philadelphia Brewing Company
Philadelphia Brewing Company is a must-visit. The brewery has one of the best, low-key beer tours of Philadelphia, exhibiting beer history with wit and some architecture thrown in.
Located in a building with over 125 years of beer history, the vibes and heritage of the brewery amplify the awesomeness of their brews.
Note: PBC doesn’t have food, but they’ve got a killer lineup of food trucks outside.
Best Known for: Kenzinger, Walt Wit, Winter Wunder
Dock Steet Brewery
The best brewery in south Philly, Dock Street has been the beating heart of the city’s beer scene since ’85.
Dock Street was the first microbrewery to grace Philly post-Prohibition and the pioneer of the all-grain brew pub movement. Swing by for a guaranteed good time, with regular happenings like beer dinners, tap takeovers and no-cover live tunes.
Best Known for: Bohemian Pilsner, Rye IPA, the Walker, Amber Ale
Yards Brewing Company
Yards Brewing Company is another one of the best breweries in South Philly that you just can’t skip.
This is a brewery known for killing it in the ale department, particularly with traditional English varieties. Living by the motto “Brew Unto Others,” Yards is all about uniting people over great taste, solid company, and good vibes.
Best Known for: Brawler, Philadelphia Pale Ale, Summer Crush
Evil Genius Beer Company
Since its inception in 2011, Evil Genius Beer Company has packed signature brews like Purple Monkey Dishwasher and a menu of ever-changing seasonal flavors.
The taproom is your standard hangout brewery – think exposed brick walls and a lit backyard beer garden- a good spot to chill.
Best known for: Purple Monkey Dishwasher, Stacy’s Mom, #Adulting
Love City Brewing
Love City Brewing, another of the coolest breweries in South Philly, has been ‘brewed with love’ since 2017.
Nestled in the heart of Northern Liberties, their taproom is the perfect spot to kick back and savor crowd-pleasers.
Love City has live tunes, food trucks, trivia nights, and other happenings, making it the ultimate destination for good vibes and better beer.
Best Known for: Love City Lager, Unity IPA, Generator Wheat
Victory Brewing Company
Victory Brewing Company, Philly’s craft beer mecca, has been slinging brews since ’96.
The lovechild of homebrewing gurus Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, this award-winning brewery also has really good food and rooftop seating. Victory’s big ol’ taproom is the ultimate spot to unwind with a flight (or two).
Best Known for: Golden Monkey, HopDevil IPA, Prima Pils, Sour Monkey
Signature Tour of the Top Breweries in Philadelphia
Serious beer people only: Go all in with a small group beer tasting and distillery tour focused on the history of Philadelphia brewing.
Taste your way through landmark Philly breweries and bars with behind-the-scenes tours, plus catch a few hidden gems- all without driving.
Philadelphia Breweries: FAQ
What is the oldest brewery in Philadelphia?
The oldest brewery in all of Pennsylvania is Yuengling, founded in 1829. Yuengling is also officially recognized as America’s oldest brewery.
What is the most famous Pennsylvania beer?
Pennsylvania’s most famous beer is definitely Yuengling. When you’re the ‘oldest’ anything, you tend to get some attention.
What is the most popular beer in Philadelphia?
The most popular beer in Philadelphia is the Yuengling Traditional Lager. Besides being popular in Philly, it’s a long-time PA favorite.
What kind of beer is Yuengling?
Yuengling is best known for its classic, smooth lagers and are big in the domestic beer industry, way beyond Philly. Some of their most popular brews include the Traditional Lager, Light Lager, and the Black & Tan.
What beer originated in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is home to some of the country’s oldest and most iconic beers. Yuengling Traditional Lager, Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale, Victory HopDevil, and Dock Street Bohemian Pilsner are all classic Philly-area brews that have been around for decades.
