Philly Ale Trail?

https://www.visitphilly.com/article...and-craft-beer-trail-of-greater-philadelphia/

 

Some details about where you are staying and for how long may help those in the know give you some suggestions.

 

Yes, @BreweryTraveler it really depends on what is meant by "Philadelphia". In Center City, South Philly, the Northeast, or somewhere in the suburbs? Car? Just mass transit?

I haven't been to the city since COVID, but out here in the suburbs most places have come up with a way to expand their outdoor areas. State rules require the purchase of food with on-site alcohol purchase. Places that don't have kitchens and previously relied on food trucks during peak times have come up with various methods of compliance (or bending of the rules).

Some land-locked places have not re-opened their pubs and are still only doing take-out (or delivery) of bottles/cans.

 

Might be biased based on my locale, but if you end up staying in Fishtown that gives you access to (1) Human Robot (outdoor seating), (2) Form (think they have outdoor seating available), (3) Tired Hands St. Oner's for takeout and a number of other good beer bars and restaurants within walking distance.

 

Sure, I can do my best (keeping in mind that each place here might have different policies and subject to change).

How are breweries functioning? There isn't really a blanket answer for this one. Your best bet is to look up "Philly recommendations" and peruse each brewery. Along with Human Robot, Form, St. Oner's, I'd also recommend looking into checking out the situation at Forest & Main, Yards, Crime & Punishment, Yard City, and maybe Imprint if that's your thing... or Hidden River if you're in the mood for a hike and don't mind the drive. [same deal for reservations]

Food? Yes, each brewery is going to have little ways of getting around this if they are serving beer on-site (popcorn, fries, whatever).

Flights? Depends.

Outdoor/indoor? Indoor spaces are allowed to be open, but many restaurants/bars/breweries have not opened. Again, your best bet is to figure out where you want to visit and look it up accordingly.

I'll also say that Philly is a better "beer bar" destination in general than a "brewery destination" in that you'll find a better selection at bars than breweries, ie you can find Hill Farmstead on at a few places that allow you to dine outside (Monk's, Memphis Tap).

PTF is a very useful tool: https://www.phillytapfinder.com/

 

Forest&Main and Imprint are to-go beer only right now. Hidden River if you want to drink onsite its only Friday to Sunday, tables are first come first serve and must order food or BYOF.

And I think you meant Love City

 

https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/breaking/20080404_After_45_cheesesteaks__the_best_were____.html

The big thing is skip Pats or Genos unless you just want the tourist experience.

I would recommend you also get a Roast Pork sandwich too.
https://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/the-best-roast-pork-sandwiches-in-philadelphia/

 

Most places that previously offered flights have discontinued. Some places have eliminated draft beer altogether and just serve only packaged beer with a plastic cup even for on-site consumption.

Like @William_Navidson said, its all over the place so really have to look up each place.

What styles of beer do you like? The trendy NEIPAs, or more traditional styles? That can help with recommendations

 

Then probably skip both Free Will or Imprint. Free Will excels in traditional barrel aged sours, and with Imprint lots of people (not me) go crazy for their fruited kettle sours.

If you like really well done traditional English styles, Forest & Main is doing can delivery into Philly every Thursday (or you can do pickup). Right now they've got a Bitter, ESB, Dark Mild, and Stout in cans. Also if you like aged Saisons they've got bottles of those too. Their hazy IPAs are pretty good too.

https://www.forestandmain.com/store
https://www.forestandmain.com/delivery-info

 

This would take Fermentory Form out of the mix.

I also think @William_Navidson meant to put "Love City" instead of "Yard City" in post #9. But I like that grouping that he mentions on the north side of things, not too far from center city, unlike some of the suburbs suggestions, which can turn into long trips. Can also add Bar Hygge/Brewery Techne to the list for that area.

 

Yup, thanks for the correction -- I combined "Yards" and "Love City."

 

I would add in that in the area of Human Robot, there is also the Old Kensington beer garden, which is a 10 minute walk from Robot, and features beers from Punch Buggy, Human Robot, and ciders from original 13. It has much more seating than any of those spots do by themselves, and has a decent food vendor there as well.

 

My borough is a little rough around the edges in many spots but I have to recommend this place, and you won't have any issues with where it's located:

https://fivesaintsdistilling.com/

Plus downtown Norristown has a lot of history and worth at least passing through for the sights. If you have any questions let me know.