Wenn Sie dieses lesen können, vermutlich kennen Sie schon über Brauhaus Schmitz.

In honor of the upcoming Oktoberfest, it is fitting to feature the only bar where Oktoberfest can be celebrated every day of the year. Located on historic South Street in Philadelphia, Brauhaus Schmitz opened its doors to the eager public about a year ago and has been the go-to German destination in the area since. After the closing of Ludwig’s, Philly was in dire need of a new home for the German-craving people. In a city flooded with amazing craft beer bars, there was a severe lack of German influence, until owners Doug and Kelly Hager took it upon themselves to start the German revival.

Experiencing Ambler’s Broad Axe Tavern.

Nothing pleases me more than to dine in a place where I know America was born out of. We are fortunate to have so many preserved or restored historical destinations throughout the Philadelphia region that have become notable for their beer. Such is the case of Ambler’s Broad Axe Tavern.

Dating back to 1681, the Broad Axe Tavern, although clearly historical with its stone walls, is nothing but an elegant and sophisticated place to dine. Modern treatments and fixtures accent worn down interior stone walls and hardwood floors, giving the tavern a feeling of rustic modernism.

Ivyland’s Tony’s Place Bar and Grill

When you walk into Tony’s Place in Ivyland, you may think this bar & restaurant is just another everyday place but what makes the location unique is the long family history dating back to the 1940’s in South Philly. Tony Mallamaci opened a small corner bar and shortly after his brother, Dominic, joined in the business. Tony, having learned to bake growing up in South Philly, started offering homemade roast beef and meatball sandwiches out of their bar and soon after mastered a tomato pie which became of legend status and is the signature item that Tony’s offers today.

University City’s La Terrasse.

The first I heard of La Terrasse was meeting the restaurant’s general manager, Joey, at one of the winter beer festivals. He started telling me about his background in craft beer on the West Coast and this little restaurant in University City which he was transforming into a craft beer bar that serves not only Penn students but also a wide range of clientele from business people to local politicians. I was immediately intrigued by what was a seemingly an environment that served a large range of people. I quickly trekked over to restaurant located at 34th and Samson Streets. From my first visit to today, I have always been impressed and have made La Terrasse one of my normal watering holes in the city.

Fresh Beer with Refreshing Service.

One of the Iron Hill Brewery's slogans is, “Born-on-date is no match for born-on-premises.” This was certainly true when I visited the West Chester location of this fairly widespread group of local brewpubs. Located right in the middle of West Chester and just a couple minutes from West Chester University, this brewpub was a welcoming stop for my family and I when we were out looking for dinner and some good brews.

Drink like a sailor, eat like a king.

In the land of Monk’s, Jose Pistola’s and Good Dog, there is another bar that deserves a little attention. The nautically themed Misconduct Tavern is anchored within a couple blocks of each of these renowned beer bars. They might not have the extensive Belgian list of Monk’s, the flowing firkins of Jose’s, or the trendy image of Good Dog, but Misconduct is a bar that deserves recognition and is a great alternative to the local legends.

Right in the heart of Phoenixville sits another one of the Scene’s more historical beer drinking destinations. Today, The Pickering Creek Inn, once known as the Mansion House, is a casual bar & restaurant serving up great beers, local music, and a few ghost stories.
The Mansion House was one of the oldest hotels in Phoenixville offering accommodations for about 25 guests. It featured a restaurant and bar on the first floor serving up a fine wine list and liquor list as well as cigars. It has even been said that Abraham Lincoln once dined there and it was a destination that slaves escaping the south often frequented as part of the Underground Railroad.

Enjoy great food and even better beer at this Old City spot.

You know your mom always told you not to judge a book by its cover? Well, sometimes, maybe you should listen to her. Having a reputation for being a slummy, very-indie music venue/bar, the Khyber is one of those places that deserves a deeper look. Get beyond the old, grungy appearance and walk in on a weekday afternoon for lunch. You’ll have a completely different experience than you would expect; one with a great draft beer selection and a top-notch kitchen.