This is a beer town, so it only makes sense that there are a lot of fantastic beer gardens in Philadelphia. Whether you’re looking for a pier over the river, a grassy rooftop with incredible views of the city, or an outdoor spot at your favorite brewery, there’s a Philly beer garden just for you.
Since having a drink outside on a nice day is our idea of perfection, we’ve visited all these places to experience their atmosphere and beverage offerings. These are our favorites, in order of preference.
Independence Beer Garden
The massive Independence Beer Garden sits across the street from the Liberty Bell and has commanding views of Independence Hall and the mall. Despite the proximity to the tourist area, it is surprisingly popular with locals.
They have four different zones for seating and relaxing. You can sit on German-style benches, hang out in the shade under the pergola, or chill in an Adirondack chair. Settle in to watch sports on the projector TV or play with the giant Connect Four. Trying to keep the oversized Jenga from crashing down is harder than it looks.
While Independence Beer Garden doesn’t make their own beer, they offer a surprising array of drafts and cans from local favorites. Non-beer drinkers will be happy with the cocktail and wine list. They also have an food menu of pub favorites from cheese curds to burgers. We go for the turkey BLT and the boozy popsicles on a warm day.
If you’re hoping for a very lively atmosphere, this is the place to come on Wednesday evenings in the summer because crowds flock here for Center City District Sips (SIPS)–a happy hour with substantial discounts. We’re a little too crowd-averse for that these days, but lots of people love it.
The Garden at Cherry Street Pier
There are some experiences that so perfect that they almost defy categorization. The Garden at Cherry Street Pier is just such a place. It’s as if someone took one of Europe’s famous ruin bars, dropped it on a pier in the Delaware River with incredible views of the Ben Franklin Bridge, and then added great food and drink. That’s Cherry Street Pier.
An excellent mix of industrial funky with open-space greenery, Cherry Street Pier has beer–including some from local brewers–as well as wine, cider, and cocktails. The food offerings, while limited, are also better than your average beer garden fare. Weekends often bring pop-up markets and special events, and there are lots of artists with studios on-site whom you can often find at work. Visiting here at least a few times is always a priority for us.
Philadelphia Brewing Company
The beer garden at Philadelphia Brewing Company is one of the best in the city. Located in East Kensington, the brewery is in a historic brewhouse originally constructed in 1885. The historic building serves as the backdrop for the garden, and it’s not a bad view to have!
Grab a pint of the golden Kenzinger or Walt Wit and pull up a seat at one of the umbrella-covered picnic tables. If you’re feeling hungry, there are often featured food trucks. Make yourself comfortable because you’ll probably want to stay for awhile. For the non-beer lovers in your group, they also serve cider from Commonwealth Ciders, which is conveniently located next door. The free brewery tours that are offered on the third Saturday of the month include a lot of information about the brewery and its process, if you want to learn more.
Frankford Hall
This stylized biergarten concept restaurant/bar from Stephen Starr is exactly what you would think a German beer garden would be: loud and fun with good drinks flowing. While this could come off as cheesy, it works surprisingly well, which is why Frankford Hall is one of the most popular places in Fishtown on weekend evenings (plan ahead because a wait at peak times is typical).
The restaurant features long benches and a courtyard of tables complete with Bavarian colored umbrellas. The beer menu is German-focused with many different beers not on typical menus. There are also the traditional foods like bratwurst, schnitzel, and even a spätzle that is the best in the city.
Spruce Street Harbor Park
If you’re looking for a place to relax, it doesn’t get much better than Spruce Street Harbor Park. This spot has everything that is good: river views, hammocks, games, tons of great food and drink, and some of the best people watching in the city.
Our pick for seating area is the hip Barge Bar because you can hang out on over-water nets with a drink and watch people paddle boating in the river. Whether you want to try a local craft IPA or a cocktail, they’ve got you covered. There are also spaces on the floating pontoons, hammocks, and Adirondack chairs for having some tacos or water ice and socializing with friends. In the evenings, the vibe changes when the trees light up with color-changing lights. Regardless of time of day, the park is always on our list of places to spend time in the summer.
Bok Bar
There is no shortage of rooftop bars in Philly, but few of them have that cool beer garden-like vibe. But that’s the elite class that Bok Bar finds itself in. No matter how many times we visit, we always catch our breath at the first glimpse of the skyline stretching out ahead of us. From the views to the drinks to the cool food pop-ups from highly acclaimed chefs, Bok Bar stands apart.
The staff mix up some fine cocktails and serve a dozen local brews plus cider, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. The food menu changes monthly as chefs rotate. There are also lots of special events. Yoga and dance classes are popular, and the drag brunches almost always sell out.
PHS Pop Up Gardens
Manayunk and South Street are home to two pop-up gardens that are city favorites every year. Run by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS)–the organization that puts on the outstanding Philadelphia Flower Show–it’s no surprise that the industrial spaces have been converted into lush environments filled with native plants and flowers.
Get a table, sit at the bar, or pull up an Adirondack chair–there are lot of places to sit at both beer gardens (both covered and uncovered). These kid- and dog-friendly spots have a menu of snacks, sandwiches, tacos, and flatbreads that is better than you might normally expect at a pop-up. Cocktails like our favorite Woodermelon and Gritty marg are accompanied by a long list of draft and canned beers plus wine and non-alcoholic drinks.
Service is friendly in these gardens that feel like an oasis in the city. The proceeds go toward the PHS mission of making Philly greener, and the produce from the vegetable garden in Manayunk gets donated to a local community organization, so you’re doing good with every lager and burger you buy.
Cannstatter Volkfest-Verein Biergarten
This 5-acre park in Northeast Philadelphia that feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere is one of the more authentic beer gardens in the city. Cannstatter Volkfest-Verein (CVV) is certainly the most classically German with its large outdoor space and Hofbrauhaus pendants.
The CVV social club has existed in Philly since 1873. And, since then, its member have gathered and celebrated in classic German style every Friday during the summer. Located behind their clubhouse on Academy Road, you’ll find long rows of picnic tables, tents, and a stage for live music. And there’s beer…lots of beer–traditional German imports as well as a handful of local beers. They also serve up traditional German fare like pretzels, wursts, schnitzels, and other tasty dishes including an authentic potato salad that is like pure heaven.
If the idea of going to a private club and crashing their party sounds a little weird, don’t worry about it. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. And the folks are friendly. So bring your fun attitude and get ready to yell PROST!
Evil Genius
The frat-house-grows-up space at Evil Genius is one of the most popular in the city for those in the know. The hip outdoor vibe is only interrupted occasionally by the passing El train. The garden is photogenic and there is plenty of room to spread out to play cornhole or the giant Jenga. If you’re lucky, there might be live music, too.
From cool murals to good food, there’s a lot to love here. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they have great beer. And in classic Evil Genius style, those beers have funky 1990s throw-back names (Stacy’s Mom, There’s No Crying in Baseball). Bring a friend or bring all of your friends and spend the day socializing. Non-beer options are available (and quite good).
Parks on Tap
Parks on Tap is a traveling beer garden that pops up in different city parks through the summer season. Past popular locations include the Azalea Garden behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, adjacent to Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, and Schuylkill Banks, but there are typically over 20 locations a season.
These pop ups are wonderful in their simplicity. Some seating, a simple menu, and decent restrooms in a lovely outdoor setting is all you really need for a nice summer afternoon or evening. There is a selection of drinks, snacks, and sandwiches that is more than enough to enjoy for a few hours. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds goes back to supporting our beloved Philly parks. So, drink up!
Manayunk Brewing
The massive outdoor deck overlooking the canal and the Schyulkill River is Manayunk Brewing Company’s offering to the beer garden scene. Planters and large tables with umbrellas almost make it feel like a beach bar.
While Manayunk Brewing serves a few of their own brews, these days the menu is a combination of locals beers and global staples (think Guinness, Corona, Sam Adams). They have a full-service bar if beer isn’t your scene. The large food menu includes pizza from their stone oven and sushi, sandwiches, and lots more. The food here is way better than your average microbrewery offerings.
Sunset Social at Cira Green
The second-best view of the Philadelphia skyline (behind Bok Bar), the rooftop park Cira Green is a gorgeous choice in nice weather. Towering nearly 100 feet over the street below, the 30,000+ square-foot space features a rooftop beer garden called Sunset Social.
They serve up great drinks, including beer, wine, and frozen cocktails (though you may have to wait awhile at peak times). The food is passable, but unremarkable. Theme nights and pop-ups are excellent, though. Watch the Phillies, see a movie on the big screen, or enjoy people watching and the views. There is no more unique park in the city. As a bonus, it’s on top of a parking garage, so you don’t have to circle to look for a space.
Morgan’s Pier
An idyllic waterfront bar, Morgan’s Pier has a stunning view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge with picnic tables, large umbrellas, lights, and good music to set the vibe. This atmosphere is perfect.
The drinks are fantastic. You can get anything from the full bar (including slushies for those hot days) and that includes a healthy beer list. Sadly, the food doesn’t live up to either the drinks or the view. But it’s still a good after-lunch, pre-dinner, or after-dinner spot. Unlike most of the places on this list, they accept reservations.
Drury Beer Garden
Billed as an indoor-outdoor beer garden, Drury Beer Garden is a fantastic spot in the heart of Midtown Village (is an indoor beer garden a thing?). Originally located behind the Opa Greek restaurant, the owners decided to dump the Opa concept and go all-in on the beer garden. And it’s a good thing, too.
The old Opa restaurant on Sansom is the indoor space, but the true garden is out back in the Drury alleyway adjacent to McGillin’s Olde Ale House. The beer list is heavy on big national and international brands (bottles and cans), but there are a handful of standout local brews to be found. Sidle up to the bar, grab a beer, and take a seat at one of the picnic tables. Burgers are good, and the happy hour deals are great. DBG also participates in SIPS mentioned above.
Craft Hall
Philly’s largest indoor beer hall also has one of its most unique outdoor beer gardens. We’re talking about UNLEASHED: Bark & Beer at Craft Hall. This dog park/human garden concept lets your pooch run around off leash while you sip the brews from Mainstay Independent Brewing Company. Order online and your beer is delivered to you outside. With room for about 40 people and dozens of rambunctious canines, it’s not exactly relaxing, but it is fun.
Chestnut Hill Brewing
In northwest Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill Brewing offers a fun garden space with colorful oversized chairs, fire pits, and a water feature. The tables sprawl out around the plaza and make for a nice experience in a relaxed atmosphere.
CHB serves their own beers and a few other drink offerings, but the reason why this place is so popular is the pizza. The Neapolitan pizzas are crafted by hand and fired in their wood oven. Pair a pizza with your drinks and enjoy the environment. Or, if you aren’t feeling pizza, get takeout from any number of other food stalls inside the Market at the Fareway.
Puddler’s Kitchen & Tap by Conshohocken Brewery
Puddler’s Kitchen & Tap is an outpost of the popular Conshohocken Brewery in Bridgeport. Located along the banks of the Schuylkill River, this small, fun beer garden can turn into a lively place during the weekends and in the evenings. The whole menu–sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads–served inside is available to eat in the outside space where there are plenty of chairs for lounging, tables, and classic outdoor games. The outside tap trailer has six draft beers plus cans, seltzers, and other drinks.
Uptown Beer Garden
Located on JFK Boulevard, Uptown Beer Garden is popped into a large outdoor plaza, parts of which have nice views of City Hall. It has a large bar with giant televisions for sports as well as tables for lounging and chatting. There’s also some lawn games, including the obligatory cornhole.
Uptown has an extensive beer and cocktail menu as well as food. Sadly, we found the drinks were a little watered down for our tastes and would stick to the beer. We’ve been a few times and have never found the environment very welcoming. Around holidays, they often have pop-up concepts like “The Upside Down” from Stranger Things at Halloween or “Holiday Spectacular” at Christmas. Judging by the lines outside on weekend nights, they’re very popular.
Piazza DiBruno
Located in the heart of the Italian Market, Piazza DiBruno is across the street from the DiBruno Bros 9th Street Bottle Shop. The shop sells all manner of delicious alcoholic beverages. Wine? Check. Locally brewed craft beers? Check. Buy a bottle or can and then cross the street into the piazza.
Piazza may be overstating it a bit, but it’s a nice seating area in the Italian Market with tables, chairs, and benches to enjoy your delicious beverage. You can also buy a cheese or charcuterie board from the Bottle Shop and pair it with your favorite beverage or bring in food from any of the other delicious spots in the neighborhood (Paesano’s, Angelo’s Pizzeria, etc.).
Wissahickon Brewing Company
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beer garden to bring the kids to, Wissahickon Brewing is a great choice. They’ve got a nice patio space with some spruced up greenery to make it feel cozy. On nice weather days, they close the parking lot and add in extra tables and seating, which go the end of the property up to the train tracks.
Wissahickon Brewing serves their own beers–a healthy mix of IPAs, pilsners, sours, and the odd Belgian thrown in. They differentiate themselves by having food trucks every day (we always make a beeline there when Moshava is serving). If you’re hiking or cycling in the Wissahickon Valley Park, this is a good spot to cool off afterwards.
Other Half Brewery
Brooklyn’s much-lauded Other Half Brewery took over the space of the now-departed Chicago-based Goose Island brewery in Fishtown. Along with it came the massive outdoor lawn and beer garden. It’s the kind of place you want to love, except for the fact that there’s very little seating on that massive lawn (a handful of Adirondack chairs dot the space and some tables on a cement patio). So much potential in all that green space…
They serve the same award-winning beers you’ll find at all the Other Half locations from Buffalo to Washington, DC. The go-to here is their range of double dry hopped IPAs. A full kitchen churns out some excellent tacos, burgers, sandwiches, and finger foods.
What do you think are the best beer gardens in Philly? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.