But when it comes to German traditions, Philadelphia is no slacker. Summer and fall go hand-in-hand with beer drinking and outdoor dining in the City of Brotherly Love. For a fun atmosphere, excellent beer and great social experience, visit these Philadelphia beer gardens.
221 N. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 279-7134
www.morganspier.com
Located on the Delaware River waterfront, Morgan’s Pier is in the midst of its second summer, and the cold beer continues to flow. Featuring a large outdoor beer garden, this spot has the capacity to serve 300 patrons. With a large craft beer selection, the restaurant also serves a large variety of specialty cocktails, wines (bottle or glass) and, of course, food. Whether it is a full-course meal or picnic fare, the menu features everything from burgers to bass and pretty much everything in between – all prepared under the supervision of Chef George Sabatino.
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1927 E. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 271-5626
www.levirtu.com
Le Virtu’s “Campo” takes European style outdoors. Offering excellent seating on a grass-covered lawn next to the restaurant, Campo was modeled after the Abruzzo area of Italy. The restaurant has six craft beers on tap, plus more than 20 brands of craft and imported beers available in cans or bottles. As the seasons change, so does the specialty cocktail menu. Ingredients for Le Virtu’s menu items come from Lancaster and Berks counties and are prepared in the style of Abruzzo. “Mare e montagna” items include meats and seafood, along with fresh vegetables, fresh pastas and other ingredients. Check the website for entertainment offerings.
7980 Oxford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19111
(215) 437-1939
www.hopangel.com
They may not sing “Roll out the Barrel” at this beer garden, but it’s undeniably styled on the German tradition. The majority of beers are available in sizes from 0.5- to one-liter servings, served by friendly “biergarten kellnerinnen” (beer garden waitresses) dressed in traditional “dirndls” (Bavarian dresses). Hop Angel Brauhaus features 12 lines of beer which are routinely changed. Of course, German-style and Belgian-style beers are the main draw, but its beer menu caters to a diversity of tastes. While drinking a hearty beer, order some bratwurst and sauerkraut.
50 N. Independence Mall E.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 965-2302
www.crosswalkcafephilly.com
Open daily from May through October, Crosswalk Cafe is located on Independence Mall. It’s a great place to take a break from shopping or running from appointment to appointment, and the outdoor cafe is perfect for people watching. Featuring German and American beer choices, white and red wines and wine coolers, the cafe’s menu also includes salads, sandwiches and snacks. Every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. is Center City Sips, with low prices for beers and wines and half-price appetizers.
4120 Main St.
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(215) 482-8220
www.manayunkbrewery.com
Located at the mouth of the Manayunk Canal, the Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant features a large outdoor deck with an unobstructed view of the Schuylkill River. An historic location, the brewery can trace its roots back to the 1800s, when it was the site of a textile mill. Today, the business is a brewery that also serves pretty good food. Whether it’s the Brewery’s own handcrafted beers and ales or beer favorites from other manufacturers, there are a multitude of choices…and a sushi bar!
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1210 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 634-3338
www.frankfordhall.com
Offering traditional German beer garden sensibility at its outside seating area, Frankford Hall, founded in 2011, also has interior seating inside the former industrial building. On tap are nine beers and 10 more beer varieties are available by bottle. Keeping with the spirit of a beer garden, customers can enjoy large, warm Bavarian-style soft pretzel snacks at the Fishtown-area tavern or order from its dinner menu.
1311 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-0170
www.opaphiladelphia.com
The Drury Beer Garden in Midtown Village is located in a converted parking lot at Opa, a Greek restaurant. It blends a beer garden concept with a 1970’s hangout feel. Featuring pretzels and a Dale’s Pale mustard, its beer garden menu includes gyros, sausage, chicken fingers and even a corn on the cob crab feast. The beer menu includes a rotating house choice draft, Kenzinger lager, Troegs sunshine pils and Alagash white. There are 10 canned beer varieties and a dozen bottled beers to choose from. Specialty drinks such as jungle juice, spiked half and half and sangria, along with red white or sparkling wines, are also available