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Home » Recent posts » The 5 Best Beer Gardens in Philadelphia Where You Can Unwind With Family and Friends

The 5 Best Beer Gardens in Philadelphia Where You Can Unwind With Family and Friends

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Beer Selection: We looked closely at the variety of local craft options and seasonal brews available on tap. It’s essential for each spot to offer a refreshing mix of styles that satisfy casual drinkers and true enthusiasts alike.

Atmosphere and Ambiance: Our team evaluated the quality of the outdoor seating and unique views of each venue. We favored spaces that feel welcoming and comfortable for hanging out during beautiful afternoons.

Food and Drink Options: We checked whether the venues serve satisfying menus with diverse bar snacks and specialty cocktails. A great drink spot needs excellent food choices to keep everyone happy throughout the night.

Location and Accessibility: We analyzed how close each destination is to major city attractions and public transportation routes. We also considered the availability of parking options to ensure getting there is relatively stress-free.

Events and Entertainment: We reviewed the schedule of activities like trivia nights and live music performances. We also made sure to look at how well these spaces accommodate private parties and large group gatherings.

Finding the perfect spot to kick back with a cold drink can completely transform your weekend, especially when the weather is perfect.

If you’re hunting for the absolute best beer garden in Philadelphia, you’ll be happy to know that our city has some incredible outdoor spaces that serve up fantastic local drafts alongside amazing food.

From Philly’s lively historic hangouts to hidden neighborhood oases, we scouted the perfect spots for every happy hour or weekend gathering. 

Let’s dive into the top places around town where you can enjoy great drinks and soak up the sun with your friends. 

How much does a beer garden cost in Philadelphia?

Grabbing a drink and a bite at a beer garden in Philadelphia costs around $6 to $225, depending on the package and other offers.

Expense TypeAverage Cost
Draft Beers$6 to $9
Casual Food Items$12 to $18
Private Venue Rentals$225 per hour

1. Independence Beer Garden

independence-beer-garden

Website: phlbeergarden.com
Address: 100 S Independence Mall West
Contact: (215) 922-7100 | [email protected]

Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 3:00-10:00 PM; Friday 3:00 PM-12:00 AM; Saturday 12:00 PM-12:00 AM; Sunday 12:00 PM-10:00 PM

Independence Beer Garden sits right across from the historic park, giving families the chance to look directly at the iconic Liberty Bell while enjoying a cold drink.

Enhancing this scenic backdrop is the massive, 20,000-square-foot open-air space, which features a great setup with reclaimed wood and cozy string lights.

As for the menu, it focuses on classic American comfort foods like warm pretzels and satisfying cheesesteaks. These pair perfectly with their large rotating list of regional craft beers.

Another plus is that a professional hospitality collective runs the venue, so it’s incredibly easy to plan seamless group events. You can seamlessly host a crowd without worrying about the details.

Just a heads up: the entire setup’s fully open to the elements, so a sudden rainstorm can quickly alter weekend plans. It also operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so you should expect a wait on sunny weekends.

Pros

  • Prime historic location across from the Liberty Bell
  • Massive footprint ideal for large groups
  • Great selection of regional craft beers
  • Interactive games like Ping-Pong and Jenga

Cons

  • Completely dependent on good weather
  • First-come, first-served for regular dining

Customer Reviews

Excellent beer garden experience

Very cool spot to hit up if you’re looking for the beer garden experience. Spaces broken up through clever planning and decor so it gives a smaller more personal feel and is much bigger than it appears. There’s a variety of seating styles available in this beautiful garden/terrace environment, from picnic and patio tables to Adirondack chairs at fire pits. Lush greenery covered pergola, a plethora of potted plants, and rustic chic decor transport you out of the city and into a fun backyard complete w string lights and cornhole.

Great beer and seasonal selections

Great beer garden in the middle of the city. The food is good if a bit expensive. The beer selection is on point and seems to change with the seasons. I’m a bit disappointed they didn’t have many dark beers, but I understand as it’s summer.

2. Old City Beer Garden

old-city-beer-garden

Website: oldcitybeergarden.com
Address: 240 Market Street
Contact: +1 (267) 687-8653
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 12:00 PM-12:00 AM; Thursday-Saturday 12:00 PM-2:00 AM; Sunday 12:00-10:00 PM

Old City Beer Garden ensures you don’t have to worry about sudden weather shifts when hanging out at this lively downtown spot. 

We love how this venue features a fully upgraded covered seating area equipped with air conditioning for summer and heaters for colder months. When we went here, we spent hours in the massive back section playing basketball and Giant Connect 4.

As for their drink list, it features over 20 options, while the food menu offers inclusive vegan options alongside famous spicy wings.

They also make hosting simple with their straightforward group catering packages. It’s an incredibly fun, easy setup for any party!

Despite these perks, their event packages completely exclude shots. A 20% service charge’s also automatically added to the final bill.

Pros

  • Weatherproof seating with climate control
  • Accessible group packages and catering
  • Inclusive vegan and gluten-free food options
  • Large dedicated backyard gaming section

Cons

  • Strict drink limitations on open bar packages
  • Automatic 20% service charge on events

Customer Reviews

Fantastic atmosphere and great beers

Brilliant find tucked away. Outside beer garden with patio heaters and variety of games for the kids: golf football, Mario kart, connect 4. Great beers – recommend the Trash Talk IPA if you like Punk or Hazy Jane. Fantastic atmosphere and a great place to chill in the city.

Cozy spot to meet friends

Great place to meet up with friends that feels safe during COVID. Heaters make it cozy, and it feels ever warmer when the sun is out!

I was a bit disappointed that as a beer garden didn’t have any beers on tap when we went. But they had a decent selection of beers, with a few local options.

3. Pentridge Station Pop-Up

pentridge-station-pop-up

Website: pentridgestation.com
Address: 5116 Pentridge Street
Contact: (267) 225-7790 | [email protected]
Hours: Thursday-Sunday 5:00 PM-10:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 5:00 PM-11:00 PM

Experiencing a true community-first atmosphere is exactly what makes Pentridge Station Pop-Up so special. They partner with neighborhood staples to host a constantly changing selection of local food vendors and performing artists.

The entire space operates as a relaxing backyard oasis where you can unwind in comfortable hammocks or enjoy lawn games.

Also, it’s completely welcoming to families and pets, featuring smooth, leveled curb access that makes entry easy for everyone. You can even rent the entire space for private gatherings since it includes a stage and a public address (PA) system.

On the downside, they have very limited operating hours, as they’re only open in the evenings toward the end of the week. Plus, all amplified music must shut down relatively early due to local neighborhood noise limits.

Pros

  • Very welcoming to families and pets
  • Leveled curb access for easy mobility
  • Rotating selection of local food vendors
  • Excellent private rental options with a stage

Cons

  • Only open a few evenings per week
  • Strict early cutoffs for amplified noise

Customer Reviews

Wonderful neighborhood gem and staff

This place is truly what you call a neighborhood gem ! The owners have to be two of the most kind hearted,hard working,loving individuals I’ve ever met! This local beer garden host some of the best talent and vendors this city has to offer. From electrifying music performances ,art classes delicious food vendors and so much more. This place is family and dog friendly.  Excellent staff! Definitely I recommend.rather you want to catch some sun by one there many gardens or underneath the shade with a ice cold beer 

4. Morgan’s Pier

morgan-s-pier

Website: morganspier.com
Address: 221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Contact: +1 (215) 279-7134 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 4:00 PM-12:00 AM; Thursday 4:00 PM-2:00 AM; Friday-Sunday 12:00 PM-2:00 AM

Morgan’s Pier provides incredible waterfront views of the Ben Franklin Bridge, allowing patrons to relax right along the beautiful Delaware River.

Building on this scenic backdrop, the space is intentionally styled to feel like an expansive, open-air backyard party. It even comes complete with regular live music and evening entertainment.

During the daytime, the atmosphere is family-friendly. They even host specific dog-friendly social hours throughout the season so family pups can tag along.

While they offer a great setup, take note that guests under 21 must leave the premises by nine in the evening.

Bad weather can also easily disrupt plans because the vast majority of the seating’s entirely uncovered. Finding parking nearby is also a major headache.

Additionally, groups will incur a small processing fee when paying with a standard credit card.

Pros

  • Stunning views of the Delaware River
  • Kitchen stays open until late daily
  • Welcoming to families during daytime hours
  • Accessible ramp and single-level layout

Cons

  • Most seating is completely uncovered
  • Minimal street parking available nearby
  • Extra processing fee for credit cards

Customer Reviews

Ultimate summer waterfront hotspot

Morgan’s Pier Philadelphia is the ultimate summer hotspot! Nestled on the waterfront, this vibrant beer garden offers breathtaking views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and the Delaware River. It’s the perfect place to unwind with friends, enjoy live music, and indulge in delicious backyard barbecue classics. Whether you’re here for the cool breeze, the tasty eats, or the lively atmosphere, Morgan’s Pier promises unforgettable moments and pure summer bliss!

5. PHS Pop Up Garden at South Street

phs-pop-up-garden-at-south-street

Website: phspopupgardens.com/
Address: 1438 South Street
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 12:00-10:00 PM; Thursday 12:00-11:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 12:00 PM-12:00 AM | Sunday 12:00-9:00 PM

PHS Pop Up Garden at South Street makes grabbing a drink at this lush, plant-filled destination feel incredibly rewarding because they support an environmental cause.

In particular, all their proceeds directly help fund community green spaces and fresh food programs across the city.

As for the venue, it features gorgeous landscaping with hanging orchids. They even offer free Wi-Fi so groups can treat it as a peaceful outdoor office.

They have an inclusive menu as well. You’ll find excellent vegan dishes alongside unique city-themed cocktails.

A bonus is that pups are always welcome to hang out, making it a wonderful neighborhood escape for patrons with four-legged pals.

On the negative side, the outdoor space is fully exposed to sudden rainfall, a risk guests must take during stormy weather. They also close earlier than traditional neighborhood bars, so teams should plan their evenings accordingly.

Pros

  • Proceeds support local community green spaces
  • Menu offers many vegan and vegetarian choices
  • Free Wi-Fi for remote working setups
  • Beautiful landscaping managed by plant experts

Cons

  • Subject to abrupt weather closures
  • Closes earlier than standard nightlife spots

Customer Reviews

Great little urban garden oasis

The PHS Pop up Garden on South Street is a great little oasis right in Philadelphia. They have quite a few options for beer, wine, cocktails, as well as food. The atmosphere is great, lots of different areas to sit and enjoy the outdoors. They are dog friendly too. We all had a great time!

Fantastic staff and delicious cocktails

Everything about this garden is on point. The staff are way above board (their enthusiasm is contagious) and the location is utterly chill.

Mega points for delicious cocktails (wide selection of handmade and frozen) and a terrific craft beer selection.

This place makes us wish every vacant urban lot could be repurposed as a beverage garden.