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Philadelphia is one of the nation’s best cities for craft breweries, one of its most walkable and among the most convenient for public transit — which makes Philly second to none for exploring its extensive Craft Beer Trail by local rail.
SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, is the nation’s sixth-largest public transit system. And its core service is its two rapid-transit lines: the north/south-running Broad Street Line subway (BSL) and east/west-running Market-Frankford Line subway and elevated train (MFL). Together, the BSL and MFL serve 108 million yearly riders through 58 stations running across 25 total miles of track — all without ever leaving the city limits.
The intersecting lines run through notable neighborhoods like Fishtown, South Philly and Northern Liberties, pushing the tin past nearly two dozen of Philly’s best and most beloved taprooms, brewpubs and barrelhouses. In other words, the subway lines offer a perfect opportunity to create your own rail-and-sneaker beer trail program.
Eight breweries down the Broad Street Line and 14 on the Market-Frankford Line lie within an easy, breezy 10-minute walk from a SEPTA station. With trains passing through stations every six to 12 minutes, it’s easy to pop off, grab a brew or two, and swing back on to your next stop. In fact, you can ride each line end-to-end in just 40 minutes. Or, try hitting up each brewery surrounding a popular station stop, like the five encircling Girard Station or four radiating from Berks Station.
Below is your handy guide to breweries in the Philadelphia region that are just a quick 10-minute-or-less stroll from one of 14 different stations, along with a few recommendations — a great shopping spot, live music venue, renowned eatery, enthralling art gallery, sunny urban park or one of America’s most iconic historic sites —to visit before or after each brewery.
The city — and its dozens of craft breweries — are at your fingertips for the price of a fare trip or Independence Pass. (Read more about taking SEPTA here.)
A six-minute walk from the Fairmount Station
Named after the Danish word for the feeling of contentment while surrounded by friends, Bar Hygge is a microbrewery serving beers from its in-house Brewery Techne. Hygge combines a rotating selection of “adventurous” brews — featuring styles like cream ale, witbeer and rauchbier — with an eclectic menu offering mix-and-match charcuterie-style “Hygge boards.”
Nearby: While you’re in the area, check out a mural tour starting at the headquarters of Mural Arts Philadelphia (the largest public art program in the world), take a tour of Eastern State Penitentiary (the first penitentiary-type prison in the world) or catch a show at the 3,500-seat Met Philadelphia.
Where: Bar Hygge, 1720 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
A 10-minute walk from the Spring Garden Station
Formerly known as Roy-Pitz Barrel Company, the recently renamed Liquid Art Brewing Company is as much an arts collective as it is a brewery, with stylized oil-on-canvas creations adorning the brewery’s walls as well as its beer cans. The enormous facility is a homey place for a drink, with plenty of communal tables and hightops from which to enjoy a selection of fine American and German beers, as well as upscale pub food.
Nearby: Find the Edgar Allan Pоe National Historic Site (the only surviving Poe house in the nation) or grab tickets to see live music in a club setting at PhilaMOCA or at Union Transfer.
Where: Liquid Art Barrel House, 990 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA
A nine-minute walk from the Spring Garden Station
Tucked away down a brick sidestreet in Callowhill, Love City Brewing is one of the city’s friendliest breweries. The massive former manufacturing facility with a roomy and lively brewpub also features an inviting open-air space just outside and one of the city’s newest permanent beer gardens down the block.
Nearby: Down the block you can take in great views of Philly while strolling The Rail Park elevated rail trail, see an up-and-coming band at Underground Arts, or explore the architecture and authentic cuisine in Chinatown.
Where: Love City Brewing, 1023 Hamilton Street, Philadelphia, PA
Callowhill’s Triple Bottom Brewing Company bills itself as a “brewery with a mission.” The “fair chance” brewery prides itself on creating meaningful, living-wage jobs for those that have been incarcerated, experienced homelessness or have otherwise been left behind. And that mission extends to creating well-crafted beers served in a homey, comfortable atmosphere alongside a DiBruno Brothers-partnered menu.
Nearby: History comes alive nearby at the north end of Independence Mall at the National Constitution Center and lively Franklin Square – one of Philly’s original five squares – or inside a raucous show at Franklin Music Hall with 3,000 of your closest friends.
Where: Triple Bottom Brewing, 915 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA
A four-minute walk from the Tasker-Morris Station
It’s not often that a Lehigh Valley treasure gifts Philly with a tasty export, but that’s the case with Separatist Beer Project, the popular Easton brewery that opened Separatist South Philly in 2019. The modern-cum-retro taproom off Passyunk Avenue features room for 70 people, bright high windows and a dozen taps of craft brew. Pro tip: Don’t miss the selection of bottled beer from the brewery’s blender space, refermented in champagne bottles and uncorked barside.
Nearby: While you’re here, there’s always a show and a good time at newly reopened live music and DJ club Dolphin Tavern. Elsewhere, visit with some furry friends at Columbus Square Dog Park or order up a nightcap from the stunning seasonal rooftop views at Bok Bar.
Where: Separatist South Philly, 1646 S. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA
A 10-minute walk from the Snyder Station
Grabbing a craft brew at a no-frills old-school brewery is quintessential Philadelphia, but what Brewery ARS’ cozy bar-like garage space in South Philly adds is some of the city’s finest craft beers, a rotating selection of about 70 from imperial stouts to signature hazy pale ales.
Nearby: While in the heart of South Philly, find respite at Marconi Plaza or Stephen Girard Park. Or pick up a little vinyl at decade-old Sit & Spin Records.
Where: Brewery ARS - South Philly, 1927-29 W. Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
A seven-minute walk from the Snyder Station
When a group of Philly craft brew veterans take a veteran craft brew space and make something new, good things happen. Second District Brewing Company is even more than the sum of its outstanding parts, offering a tap list of diverse, crisp and accessible beers in a rustic space. The extensive menu offers a number of vegetarian and vegan options.
Nearby: When you’re done imbibing, pop down the street for some smooth espresso and unique performances at LGBTQ performance space Painted Mug Café.
Where: Second District Brewing, 1939 S. Bancroft Street, Philadelphia, PA
A six-minute walk from NRG Station
Just because you’re celebrating before or after (or during) a game at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex doesn’t mean you have to compromise on beer quality. Philly’s iconic Victory Brewing Company offers plenty of craft and specialty beer options just across the street from the action at Victory Beer Hall inside XFINITY Live! in a fun and often raucous atmosphere, whether it’s game time or any time life brings you into the heart of Philly sports country.
Nearby: There is more to do around the South Philly Sports Complex than you could possibly do in a day, whether you’re hitting up a game at Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field or the Wells Fargo Center, hitting the tables at the new Live! Casino & Hotel, or exploring the massive Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park or historic Philadelphia Navy Yard.
Where: Victory Beer Hall at XFINITY Live!, 1100 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
An eight-minute walk from the 15th Street Station
If Victory Brewing Company is Philly craft beer royalty, its brewery at 1776 Ben Franklin Parkway is its crown jewel. Its beer is sold in every corner of the city and in nearly every state, but there’s no better way to enjoy its 28 brews on tap than at its gorgeous 14,000 square-foot brewpub with two indoor bars, pet-friendly outdoor bar, beer garden, sidewalk dining and a rooftop patio.
Nearby: Before or after beers, theres just so much to explore along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including more-than-a-dozen museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Franklin Institute, as well as the urban escapes of Sister Cities Park and Rittenhouse Square.
Where: Victory Brewing Company Philadelphia, 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
A one-minute walk from the 11th Street Station
Local craft giant Iron Hill Brewery’s footprint spans 15 locations in the Philly region alone, but there’s just one location in the city limits — and it’s awesome. The 12th and Market brewpub in Center City East features outdoor seating in the shadow of City Hall, an open kitchen serving a massive menu, and giant windows into the on-site presentation brewery doling out 15 beers on tap like Iron Hill Light Lager and Philly Phavorite IPA.
Nearby: It’s a very short walk to some of the city’s most popular and historic sites, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and dozens of historic buildings around Independence Mall; twice-a-day, six-day-a-week performances of the Wanamaker Organ inside Macy’s; and trendy shops and eateries throughout the Gayborhood.
Where: Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, 1150 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
A seven-minute walk from the Spring Garden Station
In the city with the family? Gather up the kids and the pup and head over to Mainstay Independent Brewing inside Craft Hall on the Delaware River waterfront. Not only does the 35,000-square-foot venue serves a portfolio of fantastic classic and New World beers, but it also offers gourmet barbecue and smokehouse pizzas from a 700-pound smoker, an indoor playground for the little ones, and the “Unleashed Bark and Beer” outdoor beer garden and dog park.
Nearby: While hanging out in Old City, take a stroll to see the home of America’s most famous seamstress at the Betsy Ross House, see actual money being made at the still-operational United States Mint — the nation’s first — or kick back with some food and drink at Cavanaugh’s River Deck beer garden on the Delaware.
Where: Mainstay Independent Brewing Company, 901 N. Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
A six-minute walk from the Spring Garden Station
Over its three decades of existence, Yards Brewing Company has been headquartered in five locations in the city, from Manayunk to Kensington. But its current location on Spring Garden Street in Northern Liberties, open since 2018, tops them all. The 70,000-square-foot space offers picnic seating, an open canning line, and 20 taps of Yards signatures like Philthy Hazy IPA and Love Stout nitro, plus on-site-only rotating limited releases.
Nearby: After a good brew or two, ramble down the Delaware riverside to the amazing views over the river at Cherry Street Pier urban market or Race Street Pier park, visit Elfreth’s Alley – America’s oldest residential street – or grab some disco fries and see a live band at Silk City Diner.
Where: Yards Brewing Company, 500 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA
A nine-minute walk from the Girard Station
One of Philly’s smallest nanobreweries, Meyers Brewing Company in Fishtown offers big taste. Run by Mike Meyers (no, not the actor), who comes from a long line of Montco dairy producers, the year-old brewery lies inside an 1880s carriage house filled with Meyers Dairy memorabilia, with both drafts — including a signature Dairy Milk Stout Ale — and flights served out of milk bottles.
Nearby: While along the river, see where legend says that William Penn and the indigenous Lenape entered their treaty of “perpetual peace” at Penn Treaty Park or get your steps in with a game or swim at Fishtown Recreation Center.
Where: Meyers Brewing Company, 436 E. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
A six-minute walk from the Girard Station
Philly doesn’t always warm up to New York imports. But a fond exception was made in welcoming Brooklyn-based Other Half Brewing to the Fillmore campus in Fishtown. The modern brewery in the former Goose Island space feels very Philadelphia, where 20 drafts serve established brews, Philly-specific creations, and tap takeovers from other local brewers in the 150-seat taproom or spacious beer garden.
Nearby: There are few spots in the city with more to do than around the Fillmore campus, including performance venues Fillmore Philadelphia, The Foundry, Brooklyn Bowl and Punch Line Philly. Across the street, try your luck at Rivers Casino Philadelphia.
Where: Other Half Brewing, 1002 Canal Street, Philadelphia, PA
A four-minute walk from the Girard Station
Source Urban Brewery is the “urban” extension of Monmouth County, New Jersey’s Source Brewing farmhouse site in the former Fishtown Brewpub site, serving up locally sourced “farm-to-glass” ales from a remarkable 32 taps (including four Czech lukr side pulls and two nitro faucets) in an airy, elevated long bar taproom.
Nearby: The surrounding Fishtown neighborhood is one of the most vibrant in the city for dining and nightlife, including spots like Fette Sau for trendy yet downhome barbecue, Pizzeria Beddia — one of Time Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places” —– and Johnny Brenda’s with a Philly fave bar downstairs and nightly live music upstairs.
Where: Source Urban Brewery, 1101 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
An eight-minute walk from the Girard Station
Located inside at street level of Northern Liberty’s Piazza in the shadow of the historic Schmidt Brewing building, Urban Village Brewing cranks out 1,500 pints of tank-to-table craft brews like Stingy Jack Pumpkin-Yam, Sex Panther sour and its famous Wrong Way IPA. But beer lovers and foodies alike will crush on Urban’s renowned brick-oven, naturally leavened sourdough pizza, cold-fermented for three days and served in seven red and seven white varieties.
Nearby: There is much to offer nearby in the seminal Northern Liberties neighborhood, including the shops and eateries along Liberties Walk, quaint and leafy Liberty Lands Park, strikes and spares and killer tater tots at North Bowl, or great live music at micro-club Ortlieb’s.
Where: Urban Village Brewing Company, 1001 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
A seven-minute walk from the Berks Station
Five miles north of its original deep South Philly garage location (see above), Brewery ARS’ serves up all of ARS prime’s favorite brews, including many hazy IPAs and citrusy flagship Wayne’s Pale Ale, named for brewers Sean and Andy Arsenault’s father who lives with Parkinson’s Disease, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Nearby: Before or after a beer, explore the best that quirky Fishtown has to offer, like the Pizza Brain Museum of Pizza Culture (the world’s first pizza museum), the antiques and oddities at Little Devils Curiosities curio shop and museum, or upcycled Open Kitchen Sculpture Garden urban oasis and performance space.
Where: Brewery ARS - Fishtown, 2223 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
One need not be a puzzle genius to decipher the double (and possibly single) entendre of Tired Hands Brewing’s St. Oner’s Fishtown restaurant. The small neon-and-green pub caters both to those partaking and those who do not, with a selection of cans from Tired Hands’ O.G. Ardmore brewcafé, plus housemade kombucha, natural wines, coffee and cocktails, along with a munchies menu featuring eclectic Chinese cuisine-inspired items.
Nearby: With or without your buzz on, get out and visit nearby Norris Square Park and playground, shop the healthy, local selections at Riverwards Produce Market, or just kick your feet up and grab a scoop or three at Five Sisters Ice Cream and Middle Eastern Sweets.
Where: Tired Hands Brewing Company - St. Oner's, 2218 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
A three-minute walk from the Berks Station
Evil Genius Beer Company is well known for its playful beers with funky names like There’s No Crying In Baseball, Stacy’s Mom, I Love Lamp and the ubiquitous Purple Monkey Dishwasher. But the brewery’s outstanding selection of beers pouring from a dozen taps is more than just a funny name — it’s also the key to a good time at its lively, industrial-chic Fishtown brewpub, The Lab tasting room and side yard beer garden which throw off some serious ’90s vibes.
Nearby: Check out the surrounding blocks with fun excursions to spots like vinyl-and-memorabilia haven Philadelphia Record Exchange (a Fishtown mainstay for nearly 40 years), ambitious Middle Eastern Levant Suraya market and cafe dining complex, and scruffy Palmer Doggie Depot community dog park.
Where: Evil Genius Beer Company, 1727 N. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA
An eight-minute walk from the Berks Station
True to the name, Fermentery Form is a fermentery: Unfermented beer is created elsewhere and brought in to ferment, blend and age. But before you head to this back-alley beer spot, check to see if the green light outside the “by announcement only” speakeasy is lit (or just check their social media). The fuss is worth it, particularly if you enjoy the Belgian-style mixed fermentation and sour beers this process produces.
Nearby: To top off a day at a spot like the fermentery, hit up a few other nearby singular spots like Goldie vegan falafel shop from seven-time James Beard Award winner Michael Solomonov and Stateside Vodka handcrafted vodka distillery, bottle shop and bar.
Where: Fermentery Form, 1700 Palethorp Street, Philadelphia, PA
An eight-minute walk from the York-Dauphin Station
This Kensington landmark has been serving quality utilitarian brews — including its inexpensive yet enjoyable Kenzinger American lager — for more than 15 years in an old-school warehouse-style brick brewery where there’s one event or another going on several nights a week.
Nearby: Before you head inside the pioneering brewpub, build your thirst with a few rounds at Urban Axes.
Where: Philadelphia Brewing Company, 2440 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
A nine-minute walk from the Church Station
One of Philly’s newest breweries, My Local Brew Works (MLBW) is located inside the Globe Dye Works design and artist incubator space in Frankford. Founded as a contract brewery to brew small batches for fundraisers and special events, MLBW doubles as an interesting micro-taproom space offering a wide variety of homebrew-style beers to the public from a single mash.
Nearby: Explore the rest of the Globe Dye Works building, including its coffee shops, galleries, Anita’s Guacamole and Fishtown Pickle Project. Also nearby: Carmella Playground athletic and skatepark and the century-old 4,805-yard par-66 Juniata Golf Course public club.
Where: My Local Brew Works at Globe Dye Works, 4500 Worth Street Suite J2, Philadelphia, PA
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia) and overnight hotel accommodations.
In Philadelphia and the Countryside, craft breweries are just a short train ride and walk away...