The Beer Yard

The Beer YardThe Beer Yard
The Beer YardThe Beer Yard
Store

218 E Lancaster Ave
Wayne, Pennsylvania, 19087-4104
United States

(610) 688-3431 | map
beeryard.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.61
Reviews:
109
Ratings:
124
pDev:
9.33%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by treehugger02010:
Photo of treehugger02010
Reviewed by treehugger02010 from Pennsylvania

3.8/5  rDev -17.6%
The workers here are very nice and quick to learn your name. The only reason I put there selection as a 3.5 is because while there is variety, there isnt much of it. I did however find my favorate beer (ABBA) there, so maybe they deserve better than a 3.5. I feel as if they are a store that cators to college students. One huge plus is that they don't charge for cold beer, and always have plenty of what you are looking for. Their biggest negative is there local proves hard to find (it's right behind a Starbucks). Don't drink and review.
Sep 23, 2006
More User Ratings:
Photo of Knoght5191
Reviewed by Knoght5191 from Pennsylvania

3.96/5  rDev -14.1%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 2.75 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Vibe: not sure what that means, but the place is dirty. There is dust everywhere including the beer bottles, with many beer bottles falling off shelves and on the floor.
Quality: I think the quality of their beer diminishes because of their lack of cleanliness. Many beer cans are dirty not just with dust but with sticky surface, perhaps from other beers that exploded. I have bought beer here before and sometimes the beer explodes as I open it. Even though I kept it still and safe before opening. Some beer on the shelves I noticed have also exploded and are left next to the good beers. Surely things can be overlooked sometimes but I think in this case it is a bit too much.
Service: the service is incredible. There are many knowledgable and kind staff who are ready to help you with anything. I have even gotten some discounts because of the beer I had that exploded.
Selection: the selection is incredible yet hampered by the dirtiness of the store.

Over all, this is a great place and I encourage those who work there to take more pride in the cleanliness of the store. I went to a similar bottle shop recently in Malvern Pa. that place although not as good of a selection, was extremely clean and well organized and I may begin to take my business there especially after this corona virus thing. Perhaps The Beer Yard would like to learn from the Malvern Beer Store on how to keep clean. It is worth cleaning the store because of how awesome it is! Please take more pride in your wonderful store!
Mar 14, 2020
Photo of AmeriCanadian
Reviewed by AmeriCanadian from Tennessee

4.13/5  rDev -10.4%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Bit of an over-crowded, chaotic setup with beers everywhere and not a lot of room to move. But the service was solid (knowledgeable guys, each of which offered assistance and had specific recommendations when asked), the selection seemed pretty outstanding, and the majority of what I saw looked reasonably fresh (for beers where that matters). Some past reviews talked about lack of marked pricing, and though it wasn't universal I found details provided in some form or fashion on most of what I was curious about, cost-wise. Overall experience was positive and I would absolutely target this shop in the future if my travels take me north of Philly, again.
Jun 25, 2019
Photo of The_Kriek_Freak
Reviewed by The_Kriek_Freak from Pennsylvania

4.21/5  rDev -8.7%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
I have mixed emotions about this place. The selection is superb. Especially when it comes to Belgian beers. They even had Fantome which I have not seen in any other shop in the area. Also a vast selection of branded glasses. However, no beers (with few exceptions) had a price tag on them, which is a no-no for me. I want to know how much I'm about to pay when I get to the register. Also the place looked pretty untidy with lots of boxes scattered about. However the guy that worked there was nice and pleasant and offered to help me with any questions. I really want to like this place and make it my "local" but the lack of pricing will keep me away.
Jul 11, 2017
Photo of ghirsh
Reviewed by ghirsh from Virginia

4.73/5  rDev +2.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
This is by far the best beer store I've come across in PA, especially now that stores can sell single bottles. TONS of Cali beers from The Bruery, Russian River, The Lost Abbey, Almanac. It's a warehouse style store, with stacks of cases throughout and a few shelves with single bottles. If you're looking for something in particular, ask the people at the desk, they know where all of the good stuff is hiding. They also have CO2 tanks, so if you're a homebrewer or have a kegerator you can exchange your empty tank for a full one while you're there!
Apr 24, 2017
 
Rated: 4.21 by hopflyer from Pennsylvania

Dec 08, 2015
 
Rated: 4.88 by Lurkerson from Pennsylvania

Jun 24, 2015
 
Rated: 4.44 by ccapurso from Pennsylvania

Feb 13, 2015
 
Rated: 5 by Furley80 from Pennsylvania

Jan 18, 2015
 
Rated: 4.5 by Shandycan from Pennsylvania

Nov 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by JackNip from Delaware

Oct 26, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by beerded_drunk from Pennsylvania

Sep 25, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by orsulacp from Pennsylvania

Jul 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by markgugs from New Jersey

Jul 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Wml5009 from Pennsylvania

Jul 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by sandlansd from Pennsylvania

Jun 22, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by mfunk9786 from Pennsylvania

Jun 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Casey3236 from Pennsylvania

Jun 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Cdmomo79 from Pennsylvania

May 02, 2014
Photo of jonnyb79
Reviewed by jonnyb79 from Pennsylvania

4.37/5  rDev -5.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4
I was looking for a case of Founders Backwoods last year after most was not to be found. I sent an email to Matt and he promptly emailed me back and said he would be on the lookout. Somehow he got a case for me and I was all set. Fast forward to last week when I get an email again from Matt saying that they just got 2013 Backwoods in stock. I headed over and there was a case waiting for me. I didn't have to call or email, they actually gave me a heads up. Just wanted to give huge kudos to The Beer Yard for great customer service.
Nov 10, 2013
Photo of de1m0nte
Reviewed by de1m0nte from Pennsylvania

4.19/5  rDev -9.1%
vibe: 2.75 | quality: 4 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.5
last visited on 10/26/13.

somewhat tricky entrance (enter through a Starbucks) but ample parking around the small warehouse.

inside, cases stacked 4-10 feet high. there seems to be little organization to the place. because of this, I don't necessarily go in to browse, however you can. nothing is clearly marked so be prepared to ask questions. the staff working there expects it.

what I do whenever I go in there is come with a list of what I had in mind and chat with the dudes who work there. bunch of knowledgeable people who know what they have and provide plenty of suggestions. its difficult to go in there without an agenda because of the sporadic nature of the place so know what you're looking for and the type of style you want to walk out with. the website can help.

if you're looking for high demand and rare stuff, there are waiting lists.

overall, difficult to navigate but I don't care about that when the selection and staff are above average.
Oct 29, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by mj81 from New Jersey

Oct 15, 2013
Photo of wattoclone
Reviewed by wattoclone from California

3.63/5  rDev -21.3%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
One of the best selections of craft beers and imports in southeastern PA. I used to frequent this distributor for kegs of Beamish stout before it became unavailable in the US. The staff is friendly and will answer any question you have. The only downside is they only sell cases, which is an unfortunate feature of living in PA. The bottom line is that they carry many unique beers which are hard to find in this region of the country. I will always remember them for providing a chance to enjoy Cain's Mild Dark.
Jun 30, 2013
Photo of laundryraccoon
Reviewed by laundryraccoon from Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +8.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
I love this place! They have a great selection and I never leave disappointed. Yes, the beer is stacked up high and sometimes it takes a bit of browsing to find what you want, but that's part of why I like it. Their prices are pretty good as well, and if a case isn't labeled you can just ask someone who works there to look up a price. Most of the cases are labeled anyway so that's not too much of a problem. The staff is knowledgable and have answered any questions I have with courtesy. I can also rely on them to give me their honest opinion about a beer, good or bad. They are conveniently located so stopping by is easy on my way home from work. They also have a good variety of glassware. All in all it's one of my favorite beer distributors.
Jan 30, 2013
Photo of orangesol
Reviewed by orangesol from Pennsylvania

4.32/5  rDev -6.3%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5
Stopped in here for the first time a few weeks back to see what all the fuss was about. Really small space with cases of beer all over the place. There appears to be no rhyme or reason as to where they are. I found cases from Goose Island in two different isles. Quality and selection were pretty good. Nothing overly rare or anything but definitely some tasty beers to be had, if you are into buying cases that is. Service was good. They came around twice to ask if I was doing ok and if I needed anything. Not sure what to put for the prices as they appear to not want you to know them. I guess because they move the cases all over the place but at least put the price on the case so we can tell how much it is without having to go up and wait in line each time. Overall a very nice distributor to check out if you are in the area.
Dec 06, 2012
Photo of Rifugium
Reviewed by Rifugium from North Dakota

3.81/5  rDev -17.4%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Tucked away behind a Starbucks, this place is not too far away from Teresa's. So after you drink there, if you feel like putting away a case of something, this is a good place to look. And cases are all you can and will get here, thanks to archaic PA alcohol laws. It's a small warehouse, with cases crammed in every nook and cranny. The selection is great, but you might spend hours finding what you want because there seems to be no organization, no rhyme or reason to the way things are stacked in here. But the staff is omnipresent and helpful, so that's a plus. Prices are generally a mystery as most of the stuff is unmarked, so again, call up the staff before you make your choice and find out just how much you're shelling out. There are keg sales here as well.

I've never bought anything here and I probably never will, but if you're into buying cases and like working to find what you want, this place is for you.
Sep 27, 2012
Photo of redliner8
Reviewed by redliner8 from Pennsylvania

2.65/5  rDev -42.5%
vibe: 1 | quality: 1 | service: 3 | selection: 5
The Beer Yard is hidden behind Starbucks. Took me a few tries driving back and forth until I finally saw the little sign for it.

They have very good selection for a distributor & the prices, well who knows, they don't put prices on their beer...everything besides selection far below average. I'm actually surprised the rating of this place is so high.

I've never said this before, but unfortunately I will not be returning to this store unless they start putting prices on their cases. I'm not much of a complainer but this is a huge show stopper...and my biggest complaint (and I hope they take note). You heard right, they don't price label ANY of their cases. You can't look around, take your time, and compare pricing (which is all part of the experience, and necessary for the huge price range of $20 to $150). If you want to know the price, you need to remember all the cases you like, ask them for the price of every case...then try to remember & compare. Other cons; Beer cases are stacked on top of each other, usually 6 or more cases high and are intermixed with different styles. So you could find yourself wanting the case on the very bottom & have to dig it out (where's the shelving?). It's very cramped with narrow aisles, two people can't fit side by side in the aisle.

I wish they would fix the pricing problem, pleeeease (and buy some shelves), it's really a shame that everything, other than selection, is subpar.
Jan 19, 2012
Photo of MDDMD
Reviewed by MDDMD from Pennsylvania

4.88/5  rDev +5.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Not the easiest plce to find, but i live in the area so not much of a problem. They have a fantastic selection in spite of what appears to be a relatively limited space. The help is excellent and well-informed. The prices are about what you would expect for the area. If PA ever allows them to sell sixes, I think this place will be even better. They have free beer tastings every Friday which adds to the attraction of the place. They allow you to pre-order the more rare offerings which gives everyone a shot at the best stuff.
Jan 14, 2012
Photo of DaveHack
Reviewed by DaveHack from Pennsylvania

4.51/5  rDev -2.2%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
This place has everything! I usually stop here after I visit Teresa's Next Door in Wayne. They still had a case of Consecration bombers, until I decided to buy them, then they were gone....oh well. The prices are pretty good, maybe a touch higher than I'm used to, but you are in the Main Line so it is to be expected. I wish I could visit here more, but glad for the times I can. They always have something that makes you say "Ohhhh" or "Ahhhh". Definately check it out if you get in the area.
Jul 14, 2011
Photo of Seanibus
Reviewed by Seanibus from California

4.38/5  rDev -5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Great place, though a bit hard to find since it is well off the street, behind the Starbucks. It is stacked floor to eye height with cases, only loosely organized by region and brewery, but the selection is amazing. The staff if very helpful and more than happy to help you shuffle the cases to get at something at the bottom of a tall pile. The selection is excellent - not as big as a behemoth like Shangy's, but great none-the-less. Prices looked decent, certainly competitive with high-end distributors like Bella Vista or Shangys. Well worth a trip if you're on the Main Line.
Mar 24, 2011
Photo of trags15
Reviewed by trags15 from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -13.2%
So i have heard amazing things about this place. My friends and I went here during college for the past 3 years, but I never personally bought a case here. My first purchase came about 2 months ago, but I have to admit, I was very disappointed...but not with what you will think.

The selection is amazing. The help, when you ask for it, is very good. They definitely know their sh*t. Even though the cases are literally scattered everywhere, if you ask for something, they will definitely find it for you.

I bought a case of Racer 5 IPA, and i was so excited to bring it home. I bought it for only $35 and I was a little skeptical at first because the price seemed extremely too good to be true.... and it was.

My case was skunked and I was extremely disappointed because i feel that they definitely knew it was, hence why they knocked the price down about $15 dollars. I called the store and asked to bring it back, but I live an hour away and work in NYC so I can't just stop everything and make it down there.

I'm going to be going there soon again, and i'm hoping that they change my opinion.
Oct 11, 2010
Photo of regspeir
Reviewed by regspeir from Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev -24.1%
I have been here several times but after today's visit, I finally feel able to offer an opinion. As much as I love the people who wait on me there (and nope, they do NOT know my name or seem to care), I am not a fan (yet?). The prices are HIGH. No bargains here that I could see. And finding things - whew. That plus no posted prices and the people who wait on you BETTER be nice 'cause you have to ask them 5,000 questions and always feel like a pain-in-the-#$%@. I will go back if I hear anything changes, but until then there are better prices and easier-to-deal-with places nearby.
Jun 16, 2010
Photo of IAmAFlyersFan
Reviewed by IAmAFlyersFan from Delaware

5/5  rDev +8.5%
Stopped by for the first time on 5/23. I heard great things about the place so decided I had to see it for myself. I reviewed their website and saw that Flower Power recently came in within the last 7 days. When I got there, I was greeted by a few folks asking if I needed help. I saw the beer I was looking for and picked up the case. I saw it was bottled on 5/11. I couldn't believe it. Back in DE, I would NEVER see a) this beer b) a beer this fresh. Everyone was great and very helpful. I will definitely be back soon. First class operation.
May 23, 2010
Photo of gibby
Reviewed by gibby from Pennsylvania

4.85/5  rDev +5.2%
I found the Beer Yard several years ago based off a recommendation from a fellow beer geek. I haven't really bought cases anywhere else since that day. Their selection is fantastic and generally very fresh. Most of the more popular beers sell rather quickly so the new stuff is always coming in. They have a very large sixtel selection and the website is updated regularly. They will hold cases for you and are respond to emails promptly. Matt is a really good guy and really knows the beer scene very well. His staff is very helpful and knows what they are talking about. If your going through the main line, do yourself a favor and check out this place. Well worth your time.
May 23, 2010
Photo of corby112
Reviewed by corby112 from Pennsylvania

4.8/5  rDev +4.1%
The Beer Yard is a must stop when in the Philadelphia area and is probably the best place to buy cases of beer that I've ever frequented. They have an absolutely insane selection of beer from all over the world as well as locals and American craft beer. Cases are stacked up to the ceiling which selections from Port/Lost Abbey, almost every available Cantillon, Nogne O, Mikkeller, Drie Fonteinen, De Dolle, Amager, Cigar City, Ballast Point, Bruery, Victory, Bells, Russian River, Founders, etc. I could g on but it would be a waste of time. Check out their website for a complete list.

The service is top notch. All of the folks that work there seem to be very knowledgeable about beer and all of my emails aboiut stock and price have promptly been answered. They are also willing to hold cases.

My only problem with this place is that you have to buy by the case(this is a PA law so it's not their fault) and that their prices are pretty steep. I don't know if it's because it is in an affluent neighborhood but the cases are much more expensive here than other places in the area. Other than that I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for cases or huge magnum bottles. I once saw a 9l Gulden Drak!
Apr 28, 2010
Photo of BigMike
Reviewed by BigMike from Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +0.9%
So , after emailing on several occasions about in stock beers and getting very quick responses i finally went to The Beer Yard today to pick up a case of Troegs Nugget Nectar. Mostly everything has already been said about this place. Being that its only about a 15 minute drive from my house. I'm embarrassed to say that this was my first time. It's hidden behind a starbucks and is very unassuming from the outside. Once in, its a beerlovers heaven. Great variety and great service. Prices are good too.
The website is awesome and they are quick to respond to any emails questions that you may have. I have to say that i'll be going back again for sure when i need a case of something!!
Jan 21, 2010
Photo of Slatetank
Reviewed by Slatetank from Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +0.9%
I went to the Beer Yard with my brother tenderbranson69 on Sunday. I found the place with the door open, we missed the 'behind starbucks' sign the first time we drove by.

A bit small, with tight aisles and the place was pretty warm(we stepped into the walk-in to cool off), but overall the interior is pretty organized as others have mentioned.
Belgians and glassware to the left with UK toward the back and German in the center with American Craft halfway down the aisle. The rest is to the left including soda and snacks.

The selection is something you have to check out - Old Rasputin XII was sighted and many other craft brands like Port/Lost abbey, Russian River, Dark Horse, Founders, Hair of the Dog, Bear Republic, Elysian Great Lakes to name a few. The Cantillion, Fantome, De Proef and many other belgians were available as well as great German ales like Reissdorf Kölsch, Aventinus and Weihenstephaner. I was very impressed by the unique beers like Furthermore and Ola Dubh 12, 16, Coniston Bluebird that were in stock.

The service is top notch, we were able to talk about the Beer Geek Brunch and were asked multiple times if we needed assistance. Checking out is quick and painless. I know I will be returning as the value is apparent in the Beer Yard - don't pass this place up!
Aug 24, 2009
Photo of drtth
Reviewed by drtth from Pennsylvania

4.7/5  rDev +2%
There is little to be said about the Beeryard that hasn't already been described by others, except to say if you haven't been there yet and there's something you are looking for go there with your credit card or checkbook or cash as the chances are good you'll find what you want here. If it is available in PA they probably have it in stock right now even as we speak...

Its easy on the first visit to wonder how you found it at all as you drive in behind the Starbucks and jockey for a parking place. You look at the building and almost decide to leave. How could a building so unimpressive and small live up to the reputation this place has built for itself.

But don't let appearances deceive, get out and go in.

Once inside it will be like you've just walked into your first candy store and there are all these wonderful things in front of you. Even if you don't buy it may take you a very long time just to look and look and look.

The staff is knowledgeable, helpful and will do any price check you need. There may be a line but your turn will soon come.

And even if on your first visit you are too overwhelmed to decide, make that visit as seeing what is what will greatly enhance your ability to use what may be one of the finest beer distributor websites in the country.

The Beeryard is *the* place to get what you want.
May 25, 2009
Photo of drcarver
Reviewed by drcarver from Pennsylvania

4.8/5  rDev +4.1%
Just awesome. I run a beer exchange with 6-12 other folks and I would not be able to do it without this place and the awesome, knowledgeable (but sometimes opinionated) staff. Make sure you talk with the guys who work there so you learn their tastes, each guy has his own thoughts, but can back it up too. The selection is great, from you macros to micros to hard to find stuff. The have a cooler in the back completely dedicated to sixtels of domestics. They are also a huge supporter of the local breweries and really push their stuff. When I finally make my millions I know where I am going on my first shopping spree. I have several beers and kegs from them and they have always delivered.

The only down note I've ever hit is buying foreign cases. Some of the more obscure stuff has been a little dated, but I can't really hold that against them since they actually had the stuff.

Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!

Oh yeah, they hid this gem behind a Starbucks. Blasphemy!
May 02, 2009
Photo of mhatters
Reviewed by mhatters from Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +8.5%
Looks like any ordinary beer distributor in PA, until you walk in. Fantastic selection of beer, in cases since we are in PA. An aisle of Belgians, including cases of Flemish Primitive, Monks Flemish, all the DeDolle brothers, and many other tasty options. Smaller selection of English, but lots of big-hitters such as Old Engine Oil, J W Lees, etc. American micros well represented too, from locals to west coast offerings (and many in between). Prices are fair - hard for me to compare as I can't find most of what I buy in other shops here. Good keg selection, but most impressive is their willingness to order and pursue beers for you - they have gotten me kegs of Monks Flemish, Ommegang Rouge, etc. Great service, great web site, great store - if you are in the region it is a must stop.
Apr 29, 2009
The Beer Yard in Wayne, PA
Place rating: 4.61 out of 5 with 124 ratings