Red Bell Brewery & Pub

This concession stand at the Wachovia Center is owned by Aramark and allows Red Bell to produce beers for the pub on their 10 bbl Newlands system. Red Bell then turns around and contracts a brewer to produce the beers.

The Philadelphia Original Lager and Philadelphia Original Lager Light are contract brewed by F.X. Matt in Utinca, NY but everything else is made in-house. When the brewhouse can keep up with the demand, there are 4 beers available which include Irish Amber, American Pale Ale, Black Cherry Stout, and a rotating seasonal. Fortunately, they've recently been giving the brewers a bit more freedom with the seasonals.

You need a ticket to an event at the Wachovia to get in, and even then it's only open during select events (don't expect to be able to grab a pint during Disney On Ice for example; and even other concerts might not get a go). Depending on the event it can often get quite crowded. The $6 pints are a bit pricey, but there's not much else to choose from and they have you.... so give in and try a Black Cherry Stout.

And if you're hungry, there is a Roast Beef station there but you can bring food over to the bar from any concession.

The Red Bell Brew Pub is located in the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. If one were to compare it to another brew pub simply on a monetary basis, it would appear to be overpriced. It has a very high "cover charge" and the beers are definitely too expensive. However, considering that instead of a mediocre local band, the "cover" pays for a professional indoor game (hockey, basketball, arena football, lacrosse or soccer), it more than makes up for the cost. The atmosphere goes from quiet (when the games are being played) to utterly chaotic (during major breaks in action). Adjoining the brew pub is Hoyt's Cigar Club. If you love cigars, this is a great double feature. If not (like me), however, the smell of cigar smoke can occasionally be close to unbearable. However, during the really busy times there are so many people at the bar that they act as a natural air filter. The décor is akin to an upscale Irish pub: mahogany, brass railings, copper bar counters and dark green walls combine into very attractive surroundings. All things being equal, this is a pretty average brew pub in terms of atmosphere, but the fact that it has the unique advantage of being inside a major sports complex, almost all of the negatives can be overlooked.

The bar staff ranges from talkative during quiet times to impatient in-between periods. This is understandable, though, considering some of the obnoxious people that happen to patronize the establishment.

There are usually only four or five different Red Bell beers offered at any time. In addition, Guinness is also offered for those who like the atmosphere but not their beer. While Red Bell beers are not spectacular, they are much better than the Budweiser products that the concession stands are contracted to serve at the Wachovia Center. (Red Bell beers are about on par with the Yuengling beers that are sold in the upper levels and suites.)

As for food, effectively only one item is on the menu: the roast beef sandwich. For stadium food, it is quite good, but the signature feature of this food stand is the huge bowl of fresh-grated horseradish. Diners are free to put as much on their sandwich as they like, testing the limits of their tolerance for this condiment. It is something I look forward to every time I go there. It's a shame that the selection is so limited, though.

Overall, if you are at the Wachovia Center, you must visit this place. It's not great, but it's better than anything you'll find in the rest of the arena. (Unless, of course, you have premium seating.)

I'm a Philadelphia Wings season ticket holder. And this is my first season where I am a beer lover. I'm not going to tell you that this place is great. But for being in the middle of a sports stadium, this is a gem.

I went during halftime, which probably isn't the greatest idea. Wall to wall people. However, they did have a moderately good selection of Red Bell microbrews. Considering the fact that Lincoln Financial Field has all macros (and Yuengling is relegated to the luxury box), I am really glad this was here.

I had a Philadelphia Lager, and I have to say it was watery. My friend tells me that this hasn't been the case in the past. This is a concerned so be forewarned.

Going before the game may be a better option. Maybe that will allow you to enjoy the food. However, due to price and other considerations, if you have someplace you can goto afterwards (or before) do so. But this may be the right choice due to convenience and time considerations.

Update: New brewer has really improved their beers.

Nothing like standing elbow to elbow with face painted maniac's, drinking $6 beer from a plastic cup. Okay, so the beer is better than anything else you can find in the FU Center, but I would just assume have a nice cold soda while at the game, and go somewhere good afterwards.

Located in the FU center...I've only been to the first union center about 7-10 times. I went to the Red Bell Pub once and had a lager, nothing to scream and shout about, but they offer several other types of beers also, I'll have to try them next time I check out a Flyers or Sixers game...and that roast beef sandwich too...

Pricy establishment selling dumbed down craft beers for the philly sports crowd. Beer fare ranges from IPA, Lager, Cherry Stout, and others. Not bad, somewhat watery beers.
Food is good, but pricy. Still better than the hot dogs and pretzels elsewhere in the F U Center. Roast beef is excellent.

You can get an overpriced but good roast beef sandwich before the game here. Your selectioon of beers will be Light, Lager, APA, Black Cherry Stout, and some seasonal selection. Try the IPA if they have it. Beers will be fifty cents more here $6.. but you get a few extra ounces.. and your other selections in the center are the usual swill.. go there it it worth the walk. If they have the IPA get it I think it is their best brew. I have been unable to review it yet because it is a hit or miss selection.

Update 11-8-02 Now all selection but the IPA are Yards beers. I have revised (upward) the quality of the beers due toi this fact. The IPA and Love Stout have improved your choices greatly! Go Flyers!