Must-hit beer destination in Philly...

You going to school there? If so which one?

I work in Center City what are the best spots to hit around there?

 

John, would this mean that Monk's is Philly's equivalent to Brouwers in Seattle? A very good-to-excellent beer selection, above average food, and either great or terrible service, depending on how server lotto goes? I've heard so much about Monk's that I think I'll make a special trip down to Philly next time I go back east to visit family, but now I'm wondering......

 

I'm thinking about going back next summer. I haven't been to central PA since I moved out here 12 years ago, and I really want to visit. I'm thinking about timing a trip in when the Cardinals play the Phils ( or maybe the O's). I used to visit the Harrisburg-Carlisle-Gettysburg area a lot, recreationally and as well as an OTR driver. I almost moved there instead of the NW. I really need to get back to Selins' Grove, still one of my favorite rooms to drink in, ever. I'd just heard so much about Monk's for so long, that it seemed like an automatic decision. Perhaps, if they don't have anything I can't get in Seattle, I could skip Monk's and hit a few other spots. Oh well, got a year to think about it anyway.

 

Thanks so much for that information. We were just in NYC and seriously considered a day trip to Philadelphia. Too many unaswered questions and not enough time so we skipped it. Maybe next time.

 

I've been there once, and it was all those things, including the food that missed the mark, and was loud. I'm sure some would enjoy it, but it's just not my thing.

 

Only eaten at Monk's once, the food was not exceptional. Service was fine. I guess I dont like it because it always feels crammed to the gills in there.

 

One might be able to get to Market from 30th street on the "cheap". If you take a regional rail from 30th to Market you could get on and off without being asked for a ticket.

 

you "could" as in, there is a chance they won't ask for a ticket or this is a regular practice? news to me. i like it, if true.

 

Someone can chime in on this who might know better.

I used to take the train to Temple when I went there. Before you reach 30th street station they check all tickets. They don't go around and check tickets again until you leave Market East. (and the same thing goes for the opposite way) So I assume you can get on at 30th or Suburban and make it to Market East without paying.

 

I've done 30th street to Market East on regional rail a couple of times before and never got ticketed. The last time I did it was probably a year ago though, so I don't know if they've changing anything since then. I live along the 10 trolley line now so I just pay the $2 and ride that into center city.

 

no one ever mentions barcade as a good spot in philly.....

 

I would hit up Resurrection Ale House, Sidecar Bar, Grace Tavern, and Doobies all in the same night. They are all within a few blocks of each other so it would be fun to bar hop between each of them. Resurrection and Sidecar both tend to have pretty awesome draught lists, while Resurrection's bottle list is extremely well curated. Grace has an awesome vibe and the best veggie burger in Philly (if you're into that kind of thing). And Doobies has a great dive vibe, good tap list, and some awesome Trinidadian food.

 

I always recomond travlers to try McGuillens Olde Ale House on Drury Lane. Always a great tap list at reasonable prices and great food. It is the oldest pub in the city.

 

It's funny that you say that, but I think that they regularly have a deeper and wider list than Memphis. The food is lackluster though and the atmosphere is not really gastropub, so I guess that turns people off.

 

My vote is for Eulogy - great beer, good food and the vibe there is very laid back.

 

Yeah, but the fact that it is loaded with awesome old-school video games for $.25 turns a lot of people on, too.

I took friends from back home their and you couldn't wipe the smile off their faces. I have only had apps there, and they were OK, nothing special. Barcade is not really supposed to be about food. The original one in Brooklyn doesn't even have food, but according to one of many dumbass PA state laws, you MUST serve food to serve beer.

 

To be clear, this is all about the types of licenses in PA. We don't have a "tavern" license like in some other states that have options for establishments that do not wish to serve food. Regardless, the effect is the same.