Pennsylvania's liquor laws have been described as restrictive and archaic, and buying beer in Philadelphia is no exception. Beer distributors, bottle shops, bars, grocery stores, and breweries can all sell beer, but the amount they can sell you depends on the type of license they have. Beer distributors have the fewest restrictions, but you can also try bottle shops, grocery stores, and bars. If you're in Center City, try The Foodery, Latimer Deli, Pac a Deli, or Mom's Organic Market. If you're near the airport, there's a Wawa that sells beer, and some Whole Foods locations also sell beer.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Beer availability at the Philadelphia OO Convention | Unclear |
Pennsylvania liquor laws | Restrictive, inconvenient and expensive |
Beer purchase options | Beer distributors, bottle shops, bars, grocery stores, breweries |
Beer purchase restrictions | Varies by license type and location; some restrictions on quantity and self-checkout |
Beer distributors | Fewer restrictions; sell kegs, cases, 12-packs, six-packs, single bottles, and growlers for off-premise consumption |
Bottle shops, grocery and convenience stores | Can sell up to 192 fluid ounces per transaction; may have separate check-out lines for alcohol |
Licensed breweries | Sell beer for on-site or off-site consumption, including products from other Pennsylvania-licensed producers |
Beer delivery and shipping | Available through services like GoPuff, Quick Sip Delivery, and Tavour |
Wine purchase options | Bottle shops, grocery stores, wineries, and state stores |
Wine purchase restrictions | Varies by location; some restrictions on quantity |
Liquor purchase options | State stores, distilleries, and local delivery |
Liquor delivery and shipping | Limited to state stores and distilleries; out-of-state distilleries and retailers cannot ship directly |
Cocktail to-go options | Currently banned, but legislation may change |
What You'll Learn
Beer at the Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market is a non-profit corporation open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Located within the market is Molly Malloy's, a sit-down pub with a prime spot for people-watching and a great menu. They have big-screen TVs, 35 domestic and imported beers on tap, a selection of wines and specialty cocktails, and a menu that features fresh ingredients from their sister store, Iovine Brothers Produce, as well as other Reading Terminal vendors. They also have a happy hour that starts at 4 pm daily with rotating specials.
Molly Malloy's offers a wide variety of wholesome soups, fresh salads and snacks, hand-crafted sandwiches, and hearty entrées. You can also invent your own burger using their extensive roster of freshly ground meats, toppings, and cheeses. You can take a seat at the bar, dine-in, take-out, or enjoy a beer in the center court. They accept cash, credit cards, and RTM gift cards.
In addition to Molly Malloy's, Reading Terminal Market also has various vendors selling beer and other alcoholic beverages. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, for example, donates $1 per pint of Philly Special IPA sold to the market's GoFundMe campaign to help raise money to save the iconic market.
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Beer at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is located in the heart of Philadelphia, a city with a lively pulse and impressive food culture. While the laws surrounding the sale of alcohol in Pennsylvania are notoriously confusing for visitors, there are still plenty of places to purchase beer near the Convention Center.
Firstly, it's important to note that in Pennsylvania, beer, wine, and liquor are sold separately. Beer can be purchased at certain supermarkets, smaller markets, bars, and dedicated beer stores and distributors.
If you're looking to purchase beer to take back to your hotel room, your best bet is to head to a supermarket or small market. Whole Foods, Acme, Mom's Organic Market, and Giant are all recommended by locals for beer purchases. However, it's worth noting that beer cannot be purchased via self-checkout in Pennsylvania, and there are often separate lines and rules for purchasing alcohol.
If you're looking to sit down and enjoy a beer, there are several bars and restaurants near the Pennsylvania Convention Center that offer craft beer on tap. Strangelove's, a friendly neighbourhood bar, offers more than a dozen craft beers on tap and a variety of vegetarian and vegan fare. City Tap House is another popular spot for craft beer, offering a spacious, rustic environment ideal for both professional and personal meetups.
For a unique Philadelphia experience, Reading Terminal Market, located just steps from the Convention Center, offers a taste of the city's diverse food culture. Here, you'll find over 80 food vendors, including iconic Philadelphia bars and restaurants where you can sit down for a hearty entrée and a beer.
Finally, if you're attending an event at the Convention Center, you may be able to purchase beer on-site, depending on the event's regulations. Be sure to check the event details before your visit to clarify if alcohol will be available for purchase.
In conclusion, while the alcohol laws in Pennsylvania may be confusing for visitors, there are still plenty of options for purchasing beer near the Pennsylvania Convention Center, whether you're looking for a casual drink at a bar or wanting to stock up for your hotel room.
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Beer at the Iron Hill Brewery
If you're looking for beer in Philadelphia, Iron Hill Brewery is a great place to start. With a passion for craft beer and high-quality food, Iron Hill has been crafting experiences for over 25 years. Their goal is to be the best local brewery in the world, and they've certainly made a name for themselves with their award-winning beers and carefully curated food and beer pairings.
At Iron Hill Brewery, you'll find a wide variety of beers on tap and in cans, including their signature beers available at all locations, like the Iron Hill Light Lager, a European amber lager with a delicate malt aroma and a clean, crisp finish, and the Philly Phavorite IPA, a hazy New England-style IPA with tropical fruit and resinous pine notes. But each Iron Hill location also has its own rotating selection of beers crafted by their head brewers to appeal to the local craft beer drinkers. So, whether you're a fan of lagers, porters, IPAs, or farmhouse ales, you're sure to find something to tickle your taste buds.
Happy Hour, or as they like to call it, Hoppy Hour, takes place at all Iron Hill locations from Monday to Friday, 4 pm to 6 pm. Enjoy $2 off standard-size drafts for all beers, and food specials at $3, $6, and $9. It's the perfect time to try something new or indulge in an old favourite.
If you're looking to take some beer to go, Iron Hill Brewery offers cans and growlers to enjoy at home or wherever your adventures take you. And if you join their exclusive brewery membership program, the IHBeer Club, you'll be able to take your beer knowledge and experience to the next level.
So, whether you're visiting the brewery or enjoying their beers elsewhere, Iron Hill Brewery is a must-try when it comes to beer in Philadelphia. With their dedication to their craft, innovative recipes, and commitment to community, they've become a beloved fixture in the world of craft beer.
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Beer at Strangelove's
Beer at Strangeloves
Strangeloves is a great place to grab a beer or two. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, this bar and restaurant offers a wide selection of local and imported beers, with a focus on craft brews. The bar has a rotating list of taps, so you can always try something new, and they also have a well-curated bottle list.
If you're looking to buy beer to enjoy at Strangeloves, there are a few things to keep in mind due to Pennsylvania's unique liquor laws. Beer can be purchased at distributors, bottle shops, bars, grocery stores, and breweries, but the amount you can buy depends on the type of license the vendor has. Distributors have the fewest restrictions and can sell kegs, cases, 12-packs, 6-packs, single bottles, and growlers. However, all beer purchased from a distributor is for "off-premise consumption," meaning you can't drink it there.
Bottle shops, grocery and convenience stores, bars, and other licensed establishments can sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer (equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans) per transaction. You can buy more, but each transaction must be made separately. Beer purchased from these establishments can be consumed on-site or taken to go. Licensed breweries can sell beer for on-site consumption or to-go, and they can also sell products from other Pennsylvania-licensed producers for on-site consumption.
When it comes to hours of sale, package stores (off-premises sales) are typically open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and are closed on Sundays and Christmas Day. On-premises permittees can sell alcoholic beverages, including beer, from 10:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday, and some may have extended hours on New Year's Eve. Beer can be sold for off-premises consumption 24/7, but local ordinances may restrict the hours for off-premises sales, especially on Sundays. The hours for on-premises sales of beer are typically 7:00 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, but local governments can further restrict these hours.
In Philadelphia, you can find beer at various establishments, including Strangeloves, as well as distributors, bottle shops, grocery stores, and bars. Some popular spots for beer in the city include The Foodery, with locations in Northern Liberties and at 10th and Pine, known for their wide selection and the option to mix a six-pack; Bella Vista Beverage on 11th and Fitzwater, which offers a good selection and delivery; and Bell Beverage at Front and Oregon, which has a good selection and reasonable prices, as well as a nearby liquor store.
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Beer at the City Tap House
City Tap House is a beer bar and restaurant with locations in University City and Logan Square in Philadelphia, as well as Washington, D.C. The original University City location has 60 domestic and imported craft beers on draft, and cocktails. All locations serve lunch, brunch, and dinner, and menus unique to each establishment all feature brick-oven pizza and "elevated American pub fare."
The Philadelphia location opened in 2010 to bring craft beer to the people. It has a wide, open bar, a huge selection of taps, an extremely readable draft list, and regional (or exceptional) cuisine. The world of craft beer is rich with variety and innovation, and City Tap House aims to make it accessible to everyone. Every beer is categorized by style and given a detailed flavor description so you know exactly what you’re drinking. They also provide the beer’s brewery of origin and proper pour size.
The food menu includes cajun-style spicy shrimp and grits, spicy-sweet ten-spice wings, brick-oven pizzas, and mouth-watering burgers. The goal is to see their food sit side by side with the craft beer they adore, letting food and beer elevate each other.
City Tap House in Logan Square is located at 100 N. 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. It is open from 11:30 am to 10 pm Monday to Wednesday, 11:30 am to 11 pm on Thursday, and 11:30 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.
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Frequently asked questions
I could not find information on the Philadelphia OO Convention, but in general, beer can be purchased at beer distributors, bottle shops, bars, grocery stores, and breweries in Philadelphia.
While beer can be sold for off-premises consumption 24/7, the hours for sales may be restricted by local ordinance. Beer sales on Sundays may also be restricted by local ordinance.
Beer can be purchased at various locations in Philadelphia, including:
- Bella Vista Beverage
- The Foodery
- Bell Beverage
- Acme
- Whole Foods
- Mom's Organic Market
- Wawa (at the one by the airport)