The craft beer scene in Indianapolis is winding down as attention shifts to next year’s Craft Brewers Conference in Philadelphia. Known as the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia has hosted this signature industry event before and boasts a robust beer scene. To provide inspiration and guidance to attendees, we reached out to some of the city’s top brewers to get their recommendations on where to eat, drink, and hang out.
Ethan Tripp of Fermentery Form shared his insights on Philadelphia’s evolving beer culture, noting that the city has found a balance between traditional and experimental flavors. He highlighted Human Robot, Sacred Vice, and Meetinghouse as some of the most exciting breweries in the city, while also recommending classic spots like Khyber Pass, Glory Beer Bar and Kitchen, Monk’s Cafe, Jose Pistolas, and McGlinchy’s Bar for visitors to enjoy. Tripp emphasized the city’s focus on quality and tradition, with a touch of creativity in its beer offerings.
Kyle Wolak of Carbon Copy echoed Tripp’s sentiments, praising Philadelphia’s growing brewery scene and the high-quality beer being produced in the city. He recommended Monk’s Cafe for its exceptional Belgian beer selection and Succession Fermentory for its unique location in a pre-revolutionary war tavern. Wolak also suggested visiting Fountain Porter in South Philadelphia for a diverse tap list and delicious food offerings. He highlighted the resourcefulness and resilience of Philadelphia brewers, who have overcome challenges to create innovative brewing spaces in historic buildings.
Justin Steinberg of Sacred Vice Brewing Co. emphasized Philadelphia’s rich brewing tradition, dating back centuries and influencing the city’s current beer culture. He encouraged visitors to explore the city’s lager tradition and sample local brews that showcase Philadelphia’s heritage. Steinberg recommended visiting Fountain Porter and Solar Myth for great beer selections and a focus on music, as well as Meetinghouse for a top-notch Guinness pour and excellent food menu. He also highlighted Carbon Copy for its beers made in West Philly and Mom Mom’s Kitchen for Polish specialties in the Port Richmond neighborhood.
Overall, Philadelphia offers a diverse and dynamic beer scene for attendees of the Craft Brewers Conference. From traditional lagers to innovative craft brews, visitors can expect to find a wide range of beer options to suit their tastes. The city’s rich brewing history and resilient brewers provide a unique backdrop for exploring the craft beer industry post-pandemic. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or new to the scene, Philadelphia’s breweries and beer bars have something to offer for everyone.
The 2026 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America + World Beer Cup® will take place from April 20 – 23 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant beer culture and connect with industry experts from around the world.
