The Quest for the Holy Grain - Best Brew Pubs
Philadelphia

 

 

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.

 

 

Triumph Brewing Company
117-121 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

phone: (215) 625-0855

The Triumph Brewing Company is an upscale restaurant that serves nouveau cuisine; small portions of unique dishes at high prices. Go there for the beer.
The brewing equipment is upstairs. The first floor ceiling has been recently reinforced with large steel i-beams.
Philadelphia is a beer-savvy town, and most of the patrons knew why they were there. The beer list is arranged from light to heavy, and is generally quite good. I saw some unusual styles, including a kellerbier, vienna, and a rauch weizen-doppelbock. And the restrooms are unique...visit even if you don't have to. This is Triumph's third location, the other two being in New Hope, PA and Princeton, NJ.


 

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.