Philly Trip Recommendations

Human Robot makes great lagers

Monk's for Belgian stuff and Russian River

If you like Tired Hands I'm pretty sure you can still get their cans at St. Oner's

 

There was some recent discussion in the SEPA thread, starting at this post:
https://www.beeradvocate.com/commun...s-updates-etc-2022.664114/page-3#post-7471581

My post #114 in that thread also includes links to other recent Philly travel threads

 

See this recent comment by @William_Navidson about Monk's bottle list:
https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/lambic-in-nyc-philly.665673/#post-7478335

Not sure how long bottles will last, but Monk's had a 25th Anniversary beer brewed by Russian River for them: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca5KNglpiY4/

 

Go to Form if you like saisony beers.

 

You're at a great spot for beer! Seeing The Wonder Years I take it? Enjoy -- I'm sure they'll love playing to their "home crowd."

Beer in the immediate area: I'm biased because I live in the area, but I think Fishtown is one of the better neighborhoods for a beer/food combo, hands down. You already know about OH, but I'll add what I'd consider the most essential stop as far as lagers/pilsners Human Robot, which is like a mile or two away from The Fillmore (be careful with your route walking, if you go that direction, feel free to PM me and I can provide details on how to stay safe and comfortable doing so). Near there, you have Form which is a fun little back alley blendery with funky sours, Tired Hands' St. Oner's which just reopened, and I'll begrudgingly mention Source as well (just because it's a block or two away from The Fillmore).

I'll also note that Philly's bars are actually much better than the breweries, in my opinion. Right in Fishtown you have some of the best between Memphis Tap and Interstate. I'd recommend against Bottle Bar for reasons that are too long to explain here. Outside of Fishtown, there's Monk's obviously... Glory is another that has some great stuff, and a quick shout out to one of my favorites Khyber Pass.

Beer in the less immediate area: if you enjoy milds and cask ales, make sure to swing by Forest & Main in Ambler (they're doing March Mildness right now). You might also want to consider hitting Brick Farm Tavern on your way down, outside of Trenton, if you'd like to try some of the best NEIPAs from Troon. Also consider going to Tonewood, on the Jersey side of things... lots of variety, and all above average.

Random: I'd recommend not getting food at OH based on what I've heard and also based on the fact that there are so many other prime options nearby. Suraya for a Lebanese brunch, Murph's for Italian (nestled in the back of an Irish bar, and Memphis Tap are three I'd point out. If you enjoy cigars, a new cigar bar just opened up right next to Fillmore... Privada. It's... fine. Or if your group wants cocktails, right below that is Philadelphia Distilling (highly recommended).

I'd offer to grab a beer with you as I'm a short walk away, but I'll be in Portland, ME that weekend. Enjoy!

 

Also, just saw that you've been "getting into RR." You can find it Pliny and Blind Pig at a number of bars in Philly (my wife had Pliny last night at Memphis Tap), and a bunch of grocery stores/bottle shops have their sours for sale as well.

 

Echoing all of this, but just for reference I based my recommendations around Fishtown because he mentioned he’d be (1) staying right across the river in NJ and (2) going to the Fillmore, which is right near so many options there in Fishtown… in case that helps any future recommenders!

 

I suggest you come to Tonewood, I’m guessing your hotel can’t be too far if you’re staying in NJ. They have a lot of variety and all well made beers: hops, lager, mixed culture, and usually a mild and bitter on tap. **Oaklyn almost always has EMD their mild on cask.

Could be cool to go to the original spot in Oaklyn for a beer and then drive the 5 minutes to the new production brewery and taproom they just opened. I promise you will not regret this plan.

Let us know what you end up doing, would love to hear what you think if you end up going.

 

not beer related....but go to Reading Terminal Market. If for no other reason, just to check it all out. It's ridiculous and a good walk about just to take it all in. If you want a real reason, go for DiNic's roast pork (or Beef) sandwich "with" (everything). The pork sando is the OG official sandwich of Philadelphia

 

He could also be going to the (confusingly named) Brooklyn Bowl Philly. That's also right across from Other Half. I am seeing Railroad Earth there next Sunday.

 

True lol. I was there for the first time a few weeks back. Either way, my recommendations apply!

 

It'll be my first time there, although I've been to the one in Brooklyn for a show. Sort of a weird concept, but whatever. Hopefully they have decent beer.

 

If you want to prioritize, just stick to Fishtown! Go to Human Robot first, then check out the other stuff I listed to see what you like between St. Oner's, Form, Memphis, Interstate, etc... they're all so close together that you can easily hit a few. Then maybe make one trip to Monk's, or something.

 

Is Kraftwerk still open?

 

It is — fine establishment, just not one of the “best of the best” I’d recommend personally, especially with so many other incredible options within walking distance.

 

I was in Philly last weekend for a show and stayed in Fishtown. Definitely second the Human Robot recommendation, went there multiple nights and was impressed each time. Joe's Steak & Soda was right up the street from the venue for a quick dinner before the show and there are a few non-craft beer bars at that same intersection if you are looking to go out after the show.

We also went were impressed by Love City and Triple Bottom in the Callowhill neighborhood, both had solid beers and the staff were super friendly. Yards is also in that same area but we were there on a Saturday early afternoon and it was totally packed. Seemed like they had some fun stuff but we didn't have time to wait for a table.