Philly’s Pub Scene 101: Why You Should Care
Philadelphia’s pub scene isn’t just about sipping IPAs and pretending you know what a “saison” is. It’s a cultural phenomenon where locals and tourists alike can bond over beer, pretzels, and the shared joy of not paying $15 for a cappuccino. But let’s be real: finding the best pubs in Philly is like finding a decent Uber driver in the rain—everyone’s got an opinion, and 90% of them are wrong.
If you’re here, you’re either:
- A Philly native who’s tired of the same old dive bars (we see you, cheesesteak purist).
- A tourist who somehow thinks “City Tavern” is the only pub worth visiting (it’s not).
- A beer nerd trying to track down the rarest hazy IPA in the city (good luck, you’ll die before it’s brewed).
Luckily, we’ve done the hard work of filtering out the pretentious “craft” bars that charge $12 for a house lager. Below, we’ve ranked Philly’s best pubs based on one simple metric: would you recommend this place to your beer-drinking uncle who still thinks a PBR is a type of car?
The Top 5 Pubs in Philly That Don’t Suck
1. The Bitterroot: Where the Beers Aren’t Bitter (But the Staff Might Be)
Located in Fishtown, The Bitterroot is the kind of bar where the menu changes daily, and the staff will judge your choice of IPAs with the intensity of a PhD thesis. But hey, at least they have a rotating selection of sour beers that won’t taste like lemon-infused regret.
Pro tip: If you order the house-made pretzel with cheese that’s been aged for less than a week, you’ll be one step closer to beer enlightenment.
2. Federal Donuts: Because You Can’t Have a Pub Without Dicks
Yes, the name is a joke. Yes, the donuts are even better than the coffee. Federal Donuts in Fishtown is a pub that’s equal parts “I’m here for the ambiance” and “I’m here for the donut hole.” The beer list is curated by people who’ve probably never had a day job, and that’s where the magic happens.
Custom Beer fans will love the limited-edition brews that change faster than your dating profile.
3. The Olde Bar: Where the Beer Is Old, But the Vibe Is New
Step into The Olde Bar, and you’ll feel like a character in a Stephen King novel. The building dates back to 1773 (yes, 1773), and the beer list is as diverse as the age of the patrons. Pro tip: Order the “Liberty Bell” ale and pretend you know what it’s doing there.
4. The Bearded Lady: Because Philly Loves Beards
This Fishtown staple is a two-story bar with a basement that’s equal parts “I’m here to party” and “I’m here to avoid my ex.” The beer selection is solid, but the real draw is the live music. If you’re lucky, you might catch a cover of “Hotel California” played by someone who’s definitely not Eagles.
5. U Street Bar & Restaurant: For the People Who Don’t Care Where They Drink
U Street is the kind of place where the beer is good, the food is better, and the only thing you’ll regret is not bringing a bigger group. The menu includes everything from burgers to bourbon-old-fashioneds, and the staff will call you “dude” even if you’re a woman. It’s Philly, we’re all trying to be casual.
Pubs for the Crafty Crowd: DIY Beer Enthusiasts
If you’ve made it this far and you’re thinking, “Hey, I’d rather make my own beer than buy it,” then Philly’s got you covered. Make Your Own Beer offers kits, classes, and the kind of advice that’ll make your homebrewing hobby look like a legitimate business.
- Tip 1: Start with a kit. You’ll thank us when your first batch doesn’t explode in the fermenter.
- Tip 2: Join a homebrew club. Philly has more of these than you’d think, and they’re full of people who’ll judge your beer with the intensity of a wine snob.
- Tip 3: Use local ingredients. The more your beer smells like a Philly cheesesteak, the better.
How to Spot a Good Pub: A Philly Pub Guide for Dummies
Not all pubs are created equal. Some are just bars that slapped “pub” on their sign to sound more European. Here’s how to spot the real deal:
- Check the taps: If the beer list includes more than just domestics and imports, you’re in good hands.
- Ask the staff: If they can tell you the ABV of every beer on tap, they’re either a beer geek or a robot.
- Look at the vibe: If the place smells like beer and regret, it’s a pub. If it smells like candle wax and pretension, it’s a bar.
FAQs: The Pub Questions You Were Too Tipsy to Ask
1. What’s the best time to visit a Philly pub?
Weeknights after 8 p.m. when the crowd is just right—enough people to vibe with, but not enough to make you want to leave early.
2. Are there any pubs in Philly that cater to non-beer drinkers?
Absolutely. But if you’re not a beer drinker, you probably won’t enjoy this article. Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer for more info.
3. Can I bring my dog to a Philly pub?
Depends on the pub. Some have dog-friendly patios; others will let you in if you promise not to lick the bartender. Check their website before you go.
4. Which pub has the best happy hour?
The Bitterroot. Or any place where “happy hour” means “we’ll give you a second beer for free if you don’t ask questions.”
Final Thoughts: Raise a Glass (Or a Pretzel) to Philly’s Best Pubs
Philly’s pub scene is a wild ride—full of good beer, better stories, and at least one person who’ll try to tell you they’ve been here since the 1980s. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these pubs offer something for everyone… except maybe the people who hate beer. But hey, that’s why we have wine, right?
Got a favorite Philly pub not on this list? Drop it in the comments, and if it’s good enough, we’ll add it. If it’s not, we’ll roast it in our next post. Either way, you’re contributing to the chaos.
Want to start your own pub? Or just need a hand crafting the perfect beer for your next event? Contact us for expert advice. And if you’re ready to sell your beer online, check out Dropt.beer—the beer distribution marketplace that actually works.
