The "Philly Beer Train" has been around for some years, but these days there is an updated trip with more places to visit. Philly Beer Train 2019 The stops start at the departure, Bridgwaters Pub, known for having a nice selection of German style beers is right inside one entrance to 30th Street Station. From there it is a short stroll up the ramp to catch the Paioli-Thorndale Line for your "pub" crawl. (Trust me the beer is good at each stop.) Once on the train you come first to Ardmore and the Tired Hands Fermentaria Then: Bryn Mawr and the Tin Lizard Brewing Wayne and Theresa's Next Door (Theresa's has been around a long time and is much loved by locals) Berwyn and La Cabra Brewing (On my list of "must visits") and the list goes on until you hit Downingtown, the home of Victory Brewing (some walking involved) and a place called Station Taproom which is maybe 50-60 feet from the tap room. If you go be sure to have a solid Bridgewater's meal under your belt so you are prepared for your next stop. (Trust me the many times I have been there the meals were well prepared and tasty.) Enjoy! (If you locals have been to these places, chime in with your thoughts about them for the benfit of those who want to know.)
Been doing this crawl since 2008. More options now than then. Lots of fun. I would add TJs in Paoli, Flying Pig in Malvern, plus there's a new place in Malvern I heard is good, not sure of the name and East Branch in Downingtown.
I'd pick East Branch over Victory, and Station Taproom has an attached bottle room with additional drafts and a limited menu. Don't forget the Greeks in Narberth! Richard Ruch to the white courtesy phone please!
Thanks! I intended to note it and add it in a side comment and totally forgot. We were there about 5 weeks ago. There was an interesting tap list. If curious, it’s up dated regularly on their web site. PtE May still be on.
Alas, I wish the philly beer train made a stop near my house. I only wanted to add an additional comment, because I feel as if Tj's is almost being damned with faint praise here. Tj's has been a craft beer destination for many years now, since back when it was called Tj's Everyday. Over the years, they've held a number of BA craft beer events, and have always been renowned for their excellent beer selection, great service and solid food menu. Alas, I don't get back East as nearly often as I might wish, but when I do, Tj's (along with TND and Capone's) are always must stops for the wife and I. Their outstanding anniversary party back in 2013 was one of the last BA events I attended before moving out west. Drove all the way from Morgantown WV to attend, and felt the event was absolutely worth the drive. Just an altogether great spot, and a must stop (IMHO) on any Philly beer train run.
John, are you aware that Terri and Jeff sold the business? I was there a number of months ago and met one of the new co-owners, his name is Thomas. At that time they were awaiting a transfer of the liquor license(s). I would guess that right now he is the owner. Cheers!
Did not know that, and was wondering if they were still involved. Sorry to hear that, but not entirely surprised. How long had they been running TJ's? 15 or 20 years? I know they really poured their heart and soul into running that place. Probably just worn out at this point.
By my reckoning it has been 16 years. I was teasing with Scott when I was last there: "Did Jeff buy his yacht yet? I spoke to the new co-owner (Thomas) for about 10-15 minutes during my last visit. He stated that he intended to 'update' the food menu but keep the beer/bar operations the same. I have yet to re-visit but the online beer menu sure seems to be consistent: https://tjsbeer.com/whats_on_tap.asp At the moment they have PtE on tap. Cheers!
Jack, I think your right because when friends and I started what we called the R5 Pubcrawl in 2004 usually started and ended at Victory, but stopped at Flying Pig in Malvern and then to TJs in Paoli along the way into Philly. Using our Independence Pass, we used the subway to visit various new craft beer bars, including old reliable Monks. Old City area had some the best beer bars such as Kyber Pass and including the Triumph brewpub. Others followed very soon which keep us busy and happy on future R5 travels.
Richard, I am just like you in calling that train line the R5; I just can't 'adjust' to the new name of Paoli-Thorndale line (too long of a name?). John (@John_M) likes to tease me for calling the place TJs Everyday. That is how I 'learned' it and I have never re-learned to just call it TJs. A story about something involving an old dog!?! Cheers!
I have not gone back since my visit a few months ago. I did speak to the bartenders (Scott, Kevin, Steve) and they had varying psyches when we chatted. Steve was optimistic that everything would be OK under the new ownership. Kevin already had a 'Plan B' in mind and Scott was somewhere in between. In my opinion the new owners should take every step possible to retain all of the existing staff (bartenders, waitresses, kitchen staff). There is the old corporate cliche of "our employees are our best asset" but that is very much the case for TJs Everyday (notice the Everyday part? ). These new owners do not own the facility (the building is leased) so the only true value there is the goods and services provided by the staff. Cheers!
I'll throw in one more for the future. La Cabra is opening their Bodega in Bryn Mawr. About a 10 minute walk from the Bryn Mawr Septa station. I"m looking forward to trying it!
