Philadelphia is a city where history and hops go hand in hand. From the Liberty Bell to larger pours, the City of Brotherly Love knows how to craft a good story—and a great beer. Whether you’re a hardcore hophead, a curious newcomer to beer tasting, or simply looking for a buzzing happy hour spot, this is your ultimate guide to Philadelphia's top-rated breweries you must visit this year.
Philly’s craft beer scene has exploded recently, offering everything from rustic microbreweries in refurbished warehouses to sleek taprooms in bustling neighborhoods. These Philadelphia breweries showcase local brewing talent and are hotbeds for pub crawls, happy hour meetups, and unforgettable nights out. Let’s dive into the best spots for sipping and socializing in 2025.
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Best For: Classic Philly brews and a lively atmosphere
Yards has been an original Philadelphia craft beer community member since its establishment in 1994! Bubbles prides itself on being "the best-selling craft beer in Pennsylvania"; it has become a common sight in local bars and among beer aficionados. The taproom has plenty of space for groups with an industrial-chic vibe and a full menu with beer pairings.
Must-Try Beers:
Beer Tasting Tip: Ask about their flight boards if you want to sample a range of styles.
Neighborhood: Ardmore (with a Fermentaria in Philly)
Best For: Experimental ales and hazy IPAs
Tired Hands is for those who are willing to take a chance. You know them - a brewery that prides itself on pushing style limits with hop-obsessed offerings and out-of-the-box flavor profiles. Think strawberry milkshake IPAs and tart saisons, and you'll see what we mean. Their Fermentaria location, in the city's heart, is where you'll want to check out their newest offerings.
Top Sips:
Luggage Hack: Grab some cans—perfect for packing your favorite finds on a domestic travel adventure.
Neighborhood: Fishtown
Best For: Witty names and big flavors
Evil Genius creates bold beers with bolder names, such as "Stacy's Mom" and "There's No Crying in Baseball." Found in a renovated 19th-century railroad depot, it is worth visiting for its funky and fun vibes that will make you feel like you are amidst an Instagram photo.
Noteworthy Brews:
Happy Hour Tip: They offer themed trivia nights and weekend events that pair perfectly with your pint.
Neighborhood: West Philadelphia
Best For: Pioneering beer and pizza combos
One of the city’s oldest microbreweries, Dock Street, is tied to Philadelphia’s brewery history. They are also pioneers, launching the country’s first American-style craft amber ale. And their wood-fired pizzas are as unforgettable as their malt.
Try These:
Pro Tip: Dock Street South is a newer, larger taproom perfect for group hangouts.
Neighborhood: Kensington
Best For: Local history and no-fuss beer
Set in a charming 1800s brewhouse that's been restored, this space is the essence of Philly authenticity. It's dog-friendly in the taproom and has cheap beer and a chill vibe.
Signature Sips:
Fun Fact: They host seasonal beer garden events with a rotating art wall featuring local creatives.
Neighborhood: Kensington
Best For: Classic lagers and futuristic flavors
Staying true to its name, Human-Robot marries traditional brewing techniques with whimsical, experimental ideas. Whether you want a refined pilsner or something funky, this brewery does a great job in a tasteful taproom.
Notables:
Architecture Bonus: Their taproom blends brutalist aesthetics with industrial Philly charm—perfect for architecture fans.
Neighborhood: Callowhill
Best For: Sustainability and community vibes
Love City stands out for its socially conscious mission and relaxed, welcoming space. It’s located in a former manufacturing facility, and often hosts live music, fundraisers, and community yoga.
Recommended Pours:
Beer Tasting Bonus: Their beer garden is ideal in the warmer months—order a flight and settle in.
Neighborhood: East Passyunk
Best For: Small-batch beer and intimate ambiance
Separatist offers a minimalistic taproom experience that focuses on what matters most—craft beer with character. Their beers often rotate, so there’s always something new to discover.
Past Favorites Include:
Pub Crawl Tip: This is an excellent Passyunk Avenue pub crawl stop—don’t skip the neighborhood bars nearby.
Neighborhood: Brewerytown
Best For: Russian literature and Russian stouts
This offbeat, literary-themed brewery combines a love of Dostoevsky with a devotion to big, bold beers. In Brewerytown (a name that’s no coincidence), Crime & Punishment is as quirky as it is quality-focused.
Sip on These:
Atmosphere: Chill, funky, and full of Philly personality.
Neighborhood: Callowhill
Best For: Social impact and bright, clean beers
Triple Bottom lives by the motto: people, planet, profit. It’s a Certified B Corp and employs people from marginalized communities. Oh—and the beers are top-notch, too.
Highlights:
Vacation Prep Tip: Looking to relax before heading home? Triple Bottom is close to major transport hubs, so it’s a great final stop.
Ready to sip your way through Philadelphia’s top-rated breweries you have to visit this year? Here are a few tips for planning the ultimate beer-filled adventure:
If you're flying home after your trip, pack a soft-sided cooler or use a padded wine tote to bring back your favorite beers.
If you’ve hit the major players and want more, check out:
Philadelphia has become a fantastic place for craft beer in the United States; with clever brewers, cool taprooms, and a culture of respect for tradition and exploration, Philadelphia has no shortage of flavor. Whether you’re doing a pub crawl, searching for the best happy hour, or planning the order of drinks, these Philadelphia breweries have refreshments and fun.
So the next time you find yourself in the City of Brotherly Love, get a flight, clink glasses with the people, and drink great craft beer in Philadelphia!
This content was created by AI