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Philadelphia Beer Gardens to Visit this Season

What comes to mind when you think of summer in Philadelphia? I think “hot, hot, hot!” The humid and sunny weather here is lovely, but tiring. Time to sit back with a drink and relax. 

people enjoying an outdoor beer garden in philadelphia

2020 was a dumpster-fire of a year. But don’t worry, the summer of 2021 will be our big comeback! Here’s an insider’s guide to the best beer gardens in the city.

All of these locations are open for 2021 and currently follow safety guidelines to provide you with the best drinking experiences. 


Best Beer Gardens in Philly

All you have to do is pick a place, grab a beer, and toast to drinking in the greatest city in the world! 

Chestnut Hill Brewing Company

8231 Germantown Avenue  Philadelphia, PA 19118
Phone: 215-247-0330
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Craft beer + organic oven-fired pizza = a match made in heaven. Coincidentally, the two owners of this brewery are also a match made in Heaven! They met in Minneapolis and decided to open their own brewing company. 

Chestnut Hill Brewing Co now offers eight draft beers and eleven different styles of organic, wood-fired neapolitan pizza. Other menu items include sandwiches, buffalo cauliflower, vegan burgers. 

The unique, industrial decor features reclaimed wood, metal fixtures, and twinkle lights to add some polish. Don’t wait to try their organic Margherita pizza!


PHS Pop Up at South Street

1438 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-988-8800
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Okay, I seriously can’t wait to try out this menu, Fried mac n cheese bites with spicy tomato jam? Lemon artichoke hummus with pickled veggies? Pink Peppercorn Paloma?

This menu is so elevated, and offers lots of choices for friends with dietary restrictions. You can also add CBD or an extra shot to all the drinks. They offer alcohol-free IPA, as well!

By ordering at a PHS garden, you’re supporting the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, which “uses gardening to advance the greater good”.

Plus, you get to dine in a certified pollinator garden. What’s that? Make a reservation to find out. The 2021 garden just opened on April 1st, so go check it out. 


Cannstatter Volkfest-Verein Biergarten

9130 Academy Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19114
Phone: 215-332-0121
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The Cannstatter Volkfest-Verein Biergarten is a popular beer garden located at 9130 Academy Rd. It is one of the oldest and most historic spots to get a drink in Philadelphia.

The garden was founded in 1873 and has been operational in some capacity since then.

It is associated with the Cannstatter Volkfest-Verein, a German-American cultural and social club. The beer garden offers a lively and vibrant atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a variety of German beers, traditional German food, and live entertainment.

It is one of my favorite places to gather with friends, relax outdoors, and experience a taste of German culture.


Frankford Hall

1210 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 1915
Phone: 215-634-3338
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Willkommen! Frankford Hall is the city’s best German biergarten, located in the heart of Fishtown. Sit at spaced-out picnic tables or fire pits under trees strung with twinkling lights, while you snack on Bavarian pretzels along with your favorite German or American draft. 

If you want to try some new cuisine, this is the summer beer garden for you. Try a Riesenpretzel (giant pretzel), Kasekrainer (pork, beef, and cheese sausage), or Spätzle (micro-dumplings fried with brown butter, lemon & parsley).

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Big dinners are also on the menu, including a seared salmon dinner, schnitzel sandwiches, and a Frankford Chicken Dinner for two. 


Independence Beer Garden

100 South Independence Mall West Philadelphia, PA 1916
Phone: 215-922-7100
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IBG, as the locals call it, is the quintessential Philly drinking experience. Steps away from the Liberty Bell and Independence National Historical Park, drinkers at IBG can choose between nine drafts, twenty-three bottles/cans, various wines, and house-made cocktails. 

Guests can snack on classic American bar cuisine, like onion rings, pickle chips, buffalo wings, and pulled pork mac and cheese. Hungrier guests can try the spicy fried chicken, crawfish gumbo, mahi mahi tacos, and cheesesteak.

The sheer size of this outdoor venue makes it perfect for safe, socially distanced drinking! For the best deals, go during Happy Hour to get $4 drafts, $5 wine, and $6 specialty cocktails. 


Morgan’s Pier

221 N Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: 215-279-7134
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Sitting by the water? Check. Calamari and alcoholic lemonade slushies on the menu? Check. Options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free folks? Check. There are even outdoor TVs for people who want to watch the big game. 

The outdoor seating deck offers lovely views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Delaware River. Every year, a new chef is in charge of the menu, so stay tuned for the 2021 opening on April 22nd!

You can already reserve tables in advance, so check out the website ASAP to snag a waterfront view. 


Uptown Beer Garden

1500 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 267-639-4493
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Located on John F. Kennedy Boulevard, this beer garden is seven days a week and features a wide selection of beers on tap, including a variety of local craft brews and popular favorites.

The garden offers ample seating options, with picnic tables, communal areas, and even cozy lounge spaces where visitors can relax and socialize.

They also offer cheeseburgers (which I couldn’t resist!) Cheesesteak, pulled pork, and much more.


Parks on Tap

Water Works Location
640 Waterworks Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19130

Trails End Location
Far south end of the Schuyjill River Trail via South St Ramp
South St & S 27th St
Philadelphia, PA 19143

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Parks on Tap is a traveling beer garden that changes locations to various parks around Philadelphia.

This Summer Parks on Tap is located at Fairmount Water Works near the Art Museum and along the Schuylkill River Trail at South & 27th. Check below for the exact address of both!

Parks on Tap offers a beautiful atmosphere and highlights the city’s beautiful parks. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Fairmount Park Conservancy. A win-win for you AND the trees.


Spruce Street Harbor Park

301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215-922-2386
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Spruce Street Harbor Park is a popular waterfront park located at 301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd. It is a special seasonal attraction that typically operates from late spring to early fall, so don’t miss out if it’s open!

The park features a vibrant and festive atmosphere with hammocks, colorful lights, and floating barges on the Delaware River.

On the weekends, the park’s beer garden is open. They serve a rotating selection of beers that are always popular with locals and visitors. 


Philadelphia Brewing Company

2440 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: 215-427-2739
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Fun Fact: the light-up palm tree in this beer garden was salvaged from a defunct Hooters. Their unofficial mascot is a street cat named Duke Catz. They also host a taco truck in their beer garden. 

See also  24 Must-try Burgers in Philly

Plus, Philadelphia Brewing Company partners with the Pennsylvania SPCA to find homes for shelter pets.

One certain days, you can visit these sweet cats and dogs and maybe even adopt one! Plus, you can bring your own fur-baby to the garden, since it’s pet friendly. 


Old City Beer Garden

240 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 267-687-8653
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Visit Old City Beer Garden if you:

  1. Are obsessed with wings. (They have TEN different kinds.)
  2. Like cider or spiked seltzer over beer (They offer a bunch of non-beery drinks.)
  3. Like beer. Obviously. (They have really unique varieties, like “CRUSH CUCUMBER SOUR” and “TWO ROADS LIL’ JUICY”.)
  4. Want 50 cent wings. (Go on a Monday for this wild deal.)
  5. Like TV. (They set up 8 flatscreens. That’s 8 more than I own.) 

Old City Beer Company is one of the biggest bars in Philly, so bring some friends and enjoy the upgraded seating and bar.


Drury Beer Garden

1311 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-545-0170
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The Drury Beer Garden is a beer garden located at 1311 Sansom St. It offers a laid-back and casual atmosphere for beer enthusiasts and patrons looking for a relaxing outdoor setting.

The Drury Beer Garden features a fantastic selection of craft beers on tap, including both local and international varieties. In addition to beer, they also offer a range of other beverages.

The garden provides ample outdoor seating, often with picnic tables or other communal seating arrangements, creating a social and communal atmosphere. 

The Drury Beer Garden is a popular spot for gathering with friends, enjoying drinks, and possibly grabbing a bite to eat from their food options, which may include bar snacks, sandwiches, or other casual food items. I can’t recommend it enough!


Sunset Social

129 S 30th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215-867-8067
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Unsurprisingly, this fantastic beer garden has been voted one of the best rooftop bars in the city.

Sunset Social features a spacious outdoor area that I can’t get enough of with seating, including cozy lounge areas and communal tables.

The venue often has a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to socialize, unwind, and enjoy the company of friends or family.

The menu at Sunset Social typically includes a variety of food options, ranging from small plates and shareable appetizers to more substantial dishes like burgers and chicken tenders.

You can enjoy the amazing food while taking in a view of the city. 


Chinatown Beer Garden

212 N 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (267) 636-0240
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Chinatown Beer Garden serves “unique Asian imported beers”, right in the heart of Chinatown! Importantly, the menu includes DIM SUM!

In addition to delicious dumplings, you can order udon noodle soup, shrimp fried rice, chicken teriyaki, and lots of other goodies. 

This outdoor pop-up is open Thursday through Sunday. 4PM – 11PM. You can even book a pirate party, if you’re looking for a unique location for a big occasion.

Make a reservation now, via OpenTable, and start tasting new beers as soon as possible. 


Love City Brewing Company

1023 Hamilton Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: 215-427-2739
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Enjoy your beer less than 100 feet from where it was made at Love City Brewing Co! The building, located in the Spring Arts district, once manufactured parts for the trains that traveled the Reading Railroad. 

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The taproom offers indoor and outdoor seating, and has a rotating schedule of food trucks available. Love City itself offers a full menu, including a smoked portobello sandwich, smoked beef chili over mac and cheese, and spicy pickles. 

The drinks menu includes lots of locally brewed drafts, along with cocktails and wines.


Wissahickon Brewing Company

3705 W School House Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Phone: 215-483-8833
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This brewery is known for its craft beers and offers a taproom where visitors can sample and enjoy their brews.

They have a diverse selection of beers, including traditional styles, seasonal releases, and experimental brews.

The taproom provides a relaxed and casual atmosphere, which I always prefer, allowing guests to socialize, play games, or simply relax while enjoying their beverages. 

Wissahickon Brewing Company may also offer brewery tours, allowing visitors to learn about the brewing process and get a behind-the-scenes look at their operations.


Pentridge Station

5110-5120 Pentridge St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Phone: 267-225-7790
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Pentridge Station Beer Garden is a vibrant and community-oriented outdoor venue located just a short walk from Baltimore Avenue in West Philadelphia. 

With its unique Philadelphia atmosphere (if you know, you know!), the beer garden offers a range of amenities and activities to create a welcoming space for all.

The venue is family-friendly and a great place to spend time with friends relaxing in the sun. They also have hammocks and lawn games and are pet-friendly!


Bok Bar

800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 445-223-1607
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Bok Bar is a rooftop beer garden or beer terrace. Situated atop the historic Bok building, this seasonal venue offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline.

Bok Bar features a trendy and inviting atmosphere, attracting locals and visitors alike.

The rooftop space is thoughtfully designed with ample seating, including communal tables and lounge areas, where guests can relax and enjoy the scenery.


Jet Wine Bar

1525 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: (215) 735-1116
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This popular wine garden is BACK for 2021! My personal favorite here is the spiced red sangria. It can get quite toasty in this outside garden, so bring sunglasses on bright days. 

This is the perfect spot for a Girl’s Night Out. Try the rose or spring for a Watermelon Mule. Split a pitcher of wine with friends, if you’re feeling extra fun! Until it gets hot, Jet is serving up toasty red mulled wine. 

Located right on South Street, Jet is easily accessible from the Lombard-South station on the Broad Street Line. It’s also walking distance from a bunch of cute shops, restaurants, and bars. Wine crawl, anyone?


The Garden at Cherry Street Pier

121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 923-0818
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Impress your date with this incredibly Instagrammable garden. Imagine drinking cider on a pier, under high-reaching scaffolding covered in lights, while watching the sun set. Incredible, right? 

Although the structure started off as just a functional piece of metal, it has been transformed into a modern garden, complete with cute plants everywhere you look.

Since the outdoor venue seats 200, this is a great place to take a bunch of your friends without worrying about taking up too much space. 

This spot is a little pricey, with cocktails starting at $10 and beer for $7. Still, the ambiance and prime location makes it worth it.

Make your cute Tinder date treat you to drinks here, so you save money. You get drinks, they get a beautiful view. 


So many beer gardens, so little time! Whether you want to grab a casual drink and watch the game at Old City Beer Garden, or sip on a sweet cocktail at Germantown Gardens, this list will give you a leg up on planning the best Hot Philadelphia Summer ever.

Don’t care about drinking? All good. Check out our guide to the best Thai places in Philly and plan yourself a cute date night.

Where’s your favorite place to booze it up in the city? Leave a comment below!

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Quora, Google Guide and Facebook.