Visiting Philadelphia Guide

[user 305778]

Some bars I'm partial to: Fountain Porter, Martha, Standard Tap, American Sardine Bar, Khyber Pass Pub, Local 44.

All good choices. You can decide based on taplist or food as well. Though check hours because last I knew Fountain Porter doesn't open until 4 or 5, for example.

edit: Also very different parts of the city. Not a big deal if you are just taking uber around but something to think about.

 

[matedog]

Monk's is good, but you probably shouldn't get your hopes up too much on the lambic front. Akkurat they are not. When last I was there a few days before Zwanze Day I was able to get a bottle of Hommage. $50 plus tax (10%) and tip, so not exactly cheap.

My favorite bar as a visitor passing through was Jon's, where Beeradelphia tends bar.

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I have to stay close to 30th St. station, so Monk's might be the best walkable spot unless there are others that I missed from michael 's list.

 

[lazerviking]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I have to stay close to 30th St. station, so Monk's might be the best walkable spot unless there are others that I missed from michael 's list.

Local 44 is pretty close. Also check out Tria Taproom, which is closer than Monk's and usually has a nice draft list.

 

[matedog]

Local 44 is pretty close. Also check out Tria Taproom, which is closer than Monk's and usually has a nice draft list.

Ended up hauling ass from the airport to town. Got a quick pour of Tilquin at Monk's then walked to Tria for lunch and another beer. They were serving some stuff from Vault and had a nice IPA from them and some nice food too. Walked back to 30th in under 90 minutes.

Now off to South Jersey...

 

[kevanb]

will there be anything left to visit by tomorrow?

 

[lazerviking]

will there be anything left to visit by tomorrow?

Looks like a big love fest.

 

[user 306926]

Of the Tria, Monks, and Khyber trifecta I did last time I was in town I dug Khyber most.

Will be in town Wednesday night again if any locals want to meet up for a pint.

 

[Shakedwnst]

If you liked khyber check out fountain porter.

Not sure I can get out weds night.

 

[user 306926]

If you liked khyber check out fountain porter.

Not sure I can get out weds night.

Thanks for the tip. I’m always up for checking out new places recommended by the crew here. Will report back.

 

[BigFrank]

So, I don't recognize any of the breweries on these lists. If I could only go to a couple, which ones are "can't miss"?

Also any of these places not family friendly? I will be there in August with the kids. What are the rules in PA?

 

[Max]

So, I don't recognize any of the breweries on these lists. If I could only go to a couple, which ones are "can't miss"?

Also any of these places not family friendly? I will be there in August with the kids. What are the rules in PA?

where will you be, exactly? in the city? suburbs?

 

[user 306926]

Damn that phillytapfinder.com is a huge assist as well.

Thoughts on South Philly Tap Room? I have a serious thing for Melvin 2x4.
And while the City Tap House @ Logan doesn't seem to be everyone's fav, the tap list is pretty nice comparatively. Plus I"m on the company dime so....

 

[user 305778]

The tap list at City Tap House logan is almost always good and if you aren't paying go for it. Not a ton else around here though. I'd skip the food there while it's not bad, it's not super great.

I haven't been to South Philly Tap Room (SPTR) but I think it's still fairly popular for a neighborhood place. Lots of good bars around that area too if you get tired of it.

 

[lazerviking]

Damn that phillytapfinder.com is a huge assist as well.

Thoughts on South Philly Tap Room? I have a serious thing for Melvin 2x4.
And while the City Tap House @ Logan doesn't seem to be everyone's fav, the tap list is pretty nice comparatively. Plus I"m on the company dime so....

I'd skip both to be honest. SPTR is solid, but not worth your trip. I feel strongly about City Tap House, and not in a good way.

If you aren't going to check out Fountain Porter in South Philly (which is a killer recommendation btw and probably my favorite bar in the city), I'd probably head to some places north. IMO, Fermentary Foam is a must hit if it's open (check with them because they have weird and sporadic hours, but their beers are awesome). From there you could hit Martha and Memphis Taproom, and maybe Standard Tap on your way back if you're staying in Center City.

 

[user 306926]

I'd skip both to be honest. SPTR is solid, but not worth your trip. I feel strongly about City Tap House, and not in a good way.

If you aren't going to check out Fountain Porter in South Philly (which is a killer recommendation btw and probably my favorite bar in the city), I'd probably head to some places north. IMO, Fermentary Foam is a must hit if it's open (check with them because they have weird and sporadic hours, but their beers are awesome). From there you could hit Martha and Memphis Taproom, and maybe Standard Tap on your way back if you're staying in Center City.

Heard about that Fermentary.... will be watching the FB should they pop open when I'm in town.

So, Philly folks don't use taplists as an attractor to a bar? With a tonne to choose from I have to narrow it down. Having certain or particular beers is enough to get me to go somewhere in reasonable distance.

Admittedly, I just now looked at Fountain Porter taps.... sold.
And with a couple other spots in the neighborhood I will follow the rec and skip City Tap house.

Now WHERE IS PADDY'S PUB?????

 

[Phin1]

I would say that SPTR is worth checking out. Good draft list & very good food. And it is nice to see a different neighborhood, if you have not been in that part of the city before.

After dinner and a drink or two there, you can walk north, after a good walk, have a night cap at Monk's or Jose Pistola's.

 

[BigFrank]

where will you be, exactly? in the city? suburbs?

I will be staying in Ardmore with my kids and doing all the typical touristy stuff in the city during the day. I will have a car.

 

[lazerviking]

I will be staying in Ardmore with my kids and doing all the typical touristy stuff in the city during the day. I will have a car.

So I assume you will obviously be hitting Tired Hands, right? You will have a car so you can easily drive to Theresa's in Wayne, which is about 20 mins away. They consistently have one of the best tap lists in the area, and tend to have at least one lambic on tap. You are also a pretty short drive to Forest and Main, which is worth checking out.

 

[user 306926]

I will be staying in Ardmore with my kids and doing all the typical touristy stuff in the city during the day. I will have a car.

Airbnb? Noticed that Ardmore is pretty short of hotels.

 

[BigFrank]

Airbnb? Noticed that Ardmore is pretty short of hotels.

A friend has a condo so it's FREE!!!!

 

[user 305778]

Just be aware Fountain Porter doesn't open until 4pm during the week. They apparently open at 11am now on the weekends at least. I still have never been which is a shame but it's just never worked out.

 

[Max]

Just be aware Fountain Porter doesn't open until 4pm during the week. They apparently open at 11am now on the weekends at least. I still have never been which is a shame but it's just never worked out.

and they have a weekend happy hour starting right when they open! or maybe it starts at 12. either way, happy hour Saturday at lunchtime? yes please.

 

[Shakedwnst]

Heard about that Fermentary.... will be watching the FB should they pop open when I'm in town.

So, Philly folks don't use taplists as an attractor to a bar? With a tonne to choose from I have to narrow it down. Having certain or particular beers is enough to get me to go somewhere in reasonable distance.

Admittedly, I just now looked at Fountain Porter taps.... sold.
And with a couple other spots in the neighborhood I will follow the rec and skip City Tap house.

Now WHERE IS PADDY'S PUB?????

We’re really spoiled here so many bars have appealing tap lists at any one time. I think we also have preferred neighborhoods where we like to go out and Logan circle isn’t one of them.

FP is also my favorite bar in the city. They always seem to have one really interesting thing on tap and get a good selection of tired hands too.

I’d definitely say SPTR is worth checking out if something on the list intrigues you but don’t come to check out the neighborhood. Although if you’re into Malaysian food (or just an adventurous eater) see if Hardena is open at Hicks and Moore a block north of SPTR. Just got mentioned on the James beard nominees. Second district brewing is also nearby if you want to try another brewery here.

 

[user 306926]

We’re really spoiled here so many bars have appealing tap lists at any one time. I think we also have preferred neighborhoods where we like to go out and Logan circle isn’t one of them.

FP is also my favorite bar in the city. They always seem to have one really interesting thing on tap and get a good selection of tired hands too.

I’d definitely say SPTR is worth checking out if something on the list intrigues you but don’t come to check out the neighborhood. Although if you’re into Malaysian food (or just an adventurous eater) see if Hardena is open at Hicks and Moore a block north of SPTR. Just got mentioned on the James beard nominees. Second district brewing is also nearby if you want to try another brewery here.

Yeah, lots of goodies out there. Definitely a drinking town. Whats up with that?
I'm not an adventurous eater. I have no idea who James Beard is.
Will hit SPTR just for 2x4.

 

[Shakedwnst]

Yeah, lots of goodies out there. Definitely a drinking town. Whats up with that?.

From what I understand We’ve been a drinking town for a while and a few guys here have very good relationships in the industry. That means this market looks very appealing when you want to expand and we also get things that are only available a few other places (RR).

 

[sherm10161]

Sad to see that Alla Spina closed at the end of January. I enjoyed it the one time I was able to get there.

 

[Shakedwnst]

Any local guys want a Sixers ticket Friday night?

Only caveat is you have to sit next to me.

 

[user 305778]

Any local guys want a Sixers ticket Friday night?

Only caveat is you have to sit next to me.

That's funny I'm going to be at that game too.

 

[user 306926]

I’m in you Philly.
Hit SPTR to knock 2x4 off the list and have a solid burger. The Peak Organic dh pils was mucho enjoyable too.
Then off to Fountain Porter (as I type this)... great spot. I get it. Straight forward, great taps, vinyl stack, laid back but not too much. I dig. I get it.

Huge ups to those who pushed this place (primarily Shakedwnst) Thank you.

 

[user 306926]

Also popped in Paddy’s as it was close to my hotel, and wanted shirt.
Who knew smoking indoors was still a thing.
Weird crowd.
Weird place. Sad really.