Heading to Philly for Labor Day weekend - Recs?

If you are around King of Prussia...you can hit up Sly Fox (Brewpub), Stable 12, Iron Hill, in Phoenixville, Pa. Which is kind of on the other side of Valley Forge Park. There are also whispers that Evil Genius, Weyerbacher, or Chatty Monks may be announcing an opening soon in Phoenixville as well, so there is the SLIGHT possibility that will be there too. (I think leaning towards Chatty Monks).

About 15 miles away from that is Sly Fox's Brewery itself as well as a new one called Hidden River Brewery, both near Pottstown. And not too far from both of those (maybe 10-15 miles) is The Other Farm Brewing Comapny.

The Beer Store in Malvern, Pa, just a bit south of King of Prussia may also be a place to check out for bottle shops/big tap list.

I've never been, but Boxcar Brewpub in West Chester, Pa is another place.

 

Capone's in Norristown and Whole Foods in Plymouth meeting would not be far out of your way if you're staying in K of P and heading to TH or F&M. There is also a bottle shop a block from the original Tired Hands location. As well as Sly Fox mentioned above, Victory would be a family friendly place for beer and food.
It sounds like you're going to have a lot on your plate if you're just in the Philly area for one night.

 

Wow...how could I forget Victory! Duh.

 

Also, unless you are really planning to enjoy yourselves at both of those locations, Pitt to Philly is an easy one day trip. Maybe hit up one on the way here, and one on the way back?

 

If you do end up staying in Harrisburg, check into Kipona Fest. It's a street fair, arts & crafts plus kid games and some great fireworks. Not sure which night the fireworks are, probably Sunday.

 

Ohh that is key information! Missed that part of it sorry!

 

If you can spare an extra hour off the T-pike, the best place of all you list that you could include would be Selinsgove. Just make sure you call for tap list.

 

The positives of Monk’s is a large selection of quality beer (especially Belgian Ales), good mussels and good burgers.

The negatives of Monk’s are bartenders (and sometimes servers) who have attitude.

I have personally stopped going to Monk’s but if you have never been there I would suggest it to you.

Cheers!

 

As @JackHorzempa mentioned, Monk's is a great spot for food (yes, the mussels rock) and beer. Every time I have been in there, they have always had some Cantillon bottles to choose from. You are only allowed to order one bottle for your table per visit. Usually that is most likely plenty as they are not cheap! You can generally find something from Russian River on-tap too, usually Damnation, Blind Pig and/or Pliny.

Use this resource: http://www.phillytapfinder.com/bar/monks-cafe/

Enjoy your trip, you sound like you have some of the better spots already on your radar!

 

I know the Cantillon bottles are, yes.

 

Bring LOTS of money!!

Cheers!

 

Keep in mind the Made on America concert will be on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway that weekend. A little north of Monk's but you could run into traffic or detours.

 

If Monk's is the only reason you are heading to Philly, I would personally skip it and head to Teresa's Next Door.
Right off Rte. 30 business and on the way to Tired Hands if coming from Valley Forge. Mussels are fantastic there and always great beers on tap. It is not kid friendly (heck, neither is Tired Hands or F&M), but yours is young enough to not be an issue is my opinion.

A decent little area to walk around (Wayne) if your wife and child want to check out some local shops while you have a beer.

Skip the Malvern Beer Store for bottles. Selection is huge, but their prices are at least a few bucks higher than most places around. Lots of older stock too.
Hit up Whole Foods in Plymouth Meeting or even Wegman's in KOP or Malvern is my suggestion.