Visiting Philly

What is your grouping about?

Assume since you've been before you know that F&M and TH are out in the suburbs?

Good luck with Zahav, but my wife and I have tried to get reservations a couple times and even at early/late dinner times & several weeks in advance, came up empty. Supposedly they open up reservations 60 days out so you basically need to call that day and hope you get through.

 

Second District
Crime and Punishment

If youre looking for a calm, relaxing atmosphere with good beer. I guess if you went on a Friday night though it’d probably be crowded but I love both the above places for an afternoon beer.

 

Tired hands has great upscale bar food and more takeaway then ever (Alien Church essentially always, plus they often have some of the weekday release around). Between their fermenteria, brew cafe combo you could spend an afternoon easy. Ripplewood is good for some brown liquor as well. That said, like previously noted it's West of Philly in The burbs. Reachable by train though. It would be hard to drink up there all afternoon (for me) and maintain my taste buds enough to appreciate good beer deep into the night in Philly afterwards though.

Monk's, American sardine, and fountain Porter are my other favorites in your list that I would consider not missing.

Zahav, I agree, is impossible without way too much effort.

Bainbridge, evil genius, and Khyber pass are all good, but not I think as good as those I mentioned.

Forest and main actually is not in Philadelphia either FYI. But for Saisons is great.

May help if you group then into those walkable in between one another and maybe check the tap lists that weekend to parse things more.

 

I go there for their other main focus, English style cask beers - which are excellent.

Yards in the city usually has a couple beers on cask too, although it's not quite as good as F&M's beer. But they are my favorite large brewery, and their food is good at the new brewery.

 

I'd definitely say that monks is a must do, its my go to spot when I'm in Philly. They regularly have Russian RIver stuff on tap (usually Pliny or Blind Pig) and also if you are looking to splurge will have bottle of Cantillon and other great belgian stuff.

I'm assuming by form you mean fermentory form, I just went there a few weeks ago for the first time and a heads up their only regular hours are Saturdays from 2-8 (though sometimes they open during the week and will announce it on social media). Thought it was good, bottles are $16 for takeaway or on site, super hipsterish and very small inside though. Evil genius is right up near it so you could hit that as well, also there's a distillery right next door to Fermentory Form as well (Federal Distilling) if that's your cup of tea (I think they make Vodka).

Lastly I agree with Tired Hands- if you have a car or want to take the train to ardmore its a good spot to get out to- the general store will have cans to go usually Alien Church plus others are stocked. The fermentaria is a great spot to go for lunch and some beers, just check their website and see what the brew cafe vs. fermentaria have on tap and go to whatever interests you more (general store is right next to the brew cafe) but the ferm is only a few minute walk from them (and has much more food options).

 

I propose adding Brauhaus Schmitz, Frankford Hall and Barcade to your list.

 

To chime in about Zahav: yes, if you don't have a reservation already there's zero chance you get one. However, you can go sit at the bar, have a bite and some drinks, and wait for a table to open up. It's also near Khyber if you want to work it in that way. It's one of the best restaurants I've ever been to.

Barcade is skippable if you're looking for things to cross off the list, unless you're into that gimmick. I'd add Evil Genius to the skippable list too.

Honestly I'd plan out the bars you want to hit up based on specific tap lists. Just check Philly Tap Finder the day before you leave and prioritize accordingly.

 

Glory Beer Bar and Kitchen is right around the corner from from Khyber. The owner, Dave, was a long time bartender at the now closed Eulogy tavern (a destination worthy place for Belgian beer). Their tap list is not just Belgian/European. Some great local beers are represented, and they also get some interesting stuff from craft breweries elsewhere in the country.

Across the street from it is Second Story brewing. Their beer is fine, but I would not go out of my way to get it.

 

If you make it over to Fermentary Form, I’d highly suggest Suraya. Just went there the other night and thought it was as good as Zahav (if not better) and easier to get a reservation.

 

I agree that it’s very skippable as there are many locations and there are also similar themed bars across the country. I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss it as a “gimmick” though. It’s a pretty fun spot and perhaps a good way to unwind after a long evening of smelling your own farts at Zahav or whatever other world class/upscale establishment(s) he has lined up

 

for this day:

Forest and Main
ARS
American Sardine Bar
Fountain Porter

While I love Forest and Main, the train ride out and back will take up a big part of the day. I would stay in south Philly, and also hit 2nd District brewing as it's only a few blocks from ARS. Fountain Porter is a good call, as they consistently have one of the best tap lists in the city.

and for this day:
Love City Yards Brewing
Standard Tap
Barcade
Evil Genius Martha

 

if you're going to hit up Barcade, Johnny Brenda's, Fetta Sau, Frankford Hall, Sancho Pistole's and Garage are right up the street. Fishtown Brewpub is right across the street, but I was not impressed. If you're taking the time for F&M, Earth Bread could be on the way.

 

I'd also add W.M. Mulherins if you're looking for good food and good drinks (limited beer list but it's usually high quality).

 

I live in the neighborhood and I can't emphasize this enough. DO NOT go out of your way for this place. The food is terrible. The beer selection is subpar. Servers are indifferent. And the prices are absurd outside of their weekday happy hour which is the only redeeming quality.

Your time is better spent almost anywhere else.

 

I can second (no pun intended) 2nd District. And if the OP likes Mexican food, Pistolas Del Sur is in that same East Passyunk area. I was only there once but it had very good food and beer list:
https://www.pistoladelsur.com/menu
https://www.pistoladelsur.com/drinks-m8wwy