The Quest for the Holy Grain - Best Brew Pubs
Philadelphia

 

 

 

2nd Story Brewing Co.
117 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia , PA 19106
267-314-5770

2nd Story Brewing Company is located on Chestnut Street in the Old City district of Philadelphia.
It occupies the building that formerly housed Triumph Brewing Company.
The area is beer-centric, with a number of top notch beer bars within walking distance.
2nd Story, no doubt, draws its name from the fact that the brew works are located above the bar, on the second story.
In addition to this, the proprietors explain in their mission statement, that "our second story is all about the passion we have deep inside."
In this case, that would include making and serving great beer and food.
The main barroom is spacious, and the long bar seats about 20 patrons.
There also is a small private alcove, and an upstairs, on the same level as the brew works.
Behind the bar there will usually be eight 2nd Story beers on tap...4 regulars and 4 seasonals.
There are several bottle selections for the hard core macro drinkers.
The 2nd Story craft beer lineup included an IPA, double IPA, English Mild, ESB, Vienna and others.
The two I indulged in were delicious.
Our bartenders, Jackie and Bryan, made our visit enjoyable and informative, and we would hasten to return to 2nd Story on our next journey to the City of Brotherly Love.

 

 

Earth Bread + Brewery
7136 Germantown Ave
Philadelphia (Mt. Airy)
215.242.MOON(6666)

"Earth Bread + Brewery is an earth-friendly place that puts respect for the environment and the comfort of our guests above all else."
Thus begins the mission statement of Earth Bread & Brewery, Philly's latest brew pub. Our visit took place on a Sunday evening, and a large eclectic mix of clientele was on hand to sip EBB's fine beers and dine on their hearth-baked flatbreads.
There were 12 taps, offering 4 of brewer-proprietor Tom Baker's beers, and a well-selected mix of guest brews. Beer enthusiasts also have their choice of about 22 bottles. The downstairs was bi-level, with the baking and brew-works visible. There was also an upstairs. The beers were fresh, our bartender friendly, and EBB certainly looks like it will make its mark on the Philly dining and beer scene.

 

Dock Street Brewery
701 South 50th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19153
215-726-2337

Located in West Philly, on the edge of University City, can be found Dock Street Brewery.
The decor was industrial, yet cozy, and the crowd was a mixed lot.
Dock Street offered 6 taps of their own beer, and two more in bottles.
The styles included an excellent IPA and Golden Ale, as well as Kolsch, barley wine, and others.
The bartenders were friendly and helpful, and...this is a big plus...each style was served in the appropriate glass.
It may be a little out of the way, but put Dock Street on your list.

 

 

Manayunk Brewing Company
4120 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
Phone: 215.482.8220
Email: info@manayunkbrewery.com

Located on the banks of the scenic Schuylkill River in the quaint town of Manayunk, the Manayunk Brewing Company provides locals and visitors with an array of hand-crafted beers, and much more. At the time of our visit, they offered 8 taps...4 regulars and 4 seasonals. Their brews seemed diverse in style, and, as their brewer explained, are "brewed to satisfy a variety of thirsts." A trip to Philly should include a stop in Manayunk; walk the streets and check out the several good beer establishments...and then grab a seat on the deck at the Manayunk Brewing Company and sip a cool one while watching the river flow.

 

Nodding Head Brewery and Restaurant

1516 Sansom St.
2nd Floor
Phila, PA
(215) 569-9525 (v)

The Nodding Head motto is "Taking over the world seven barrels at a time" and they sure seem to be living up to it. It will be well worth the climb up the steps to locate this gem of a brewpub. They are confident in the quality and appeal of their own brews, offering no bottles. Their confidence is not misplaced. The Grog, a medal-winning brown ale, was excellent, and so was the Monkey Knife Fight, an aromatic summer brew.

Our barkeep, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The crowd was lively and the mood of the establishment was infectious. We will return as soon as possible.
Nodding Head is currently closed, pending a move out of Center City.
Check their website to see when they will re-open.