Philadelphia Beer Buying Guide: Where, When, And How

Buying beer in Philadelphia can be a tricky business. The state of Pennsylvania has some of the strictest alcohol regulations in the US, which can make purchasing beer a confusing process. The state's liquor laws were established by Prohibition-era governor Gifford Pinchot, who wanted to discourage the purchase of alcoholic beverages by making it as inconvenient and expensive as possible.

So, what are the rules? Well, beer can be purchased from a variety of places, including beer distributors, bottle shops, bars, grocery stores, and breweries. However, the amount of beer that can be sold in one transaction varies depending on the type of license the vendor has. For example, beer distributors have the fewest restrictions and can sell beer in large quantities, whereas grocery stores are limited to selling up to 192 fluid ounces of beer (the equivalent of 12 16-ounce cans) per transaction.

In addition, certain types of stores are not allowed to sell beer at all, such as convenience stores like 7-11 and Wawa. This is because Pennsylvania operates on a quota system for liquor licenses, and not all stores are able to obtain one.

So, if you're looking to buy beer in Philadelphia, it's important to familiarise yourself with the local laws and plan your purchase accordingly.

Where to buy beer in Philadelphia

If you're looking to buy beer in Philadelphia, you'll find no shortage of options, from bottle shops to grocery stores. Here's a guide to help you navigate the city's beer-buying landscape:

Beer Distributors:

Beer distributors are a go-to option for beer lovers in Philadelphia. They offer the fewest restrictions on purchasing beer. You can find them scattered throughout the city, offering cases, kegs, 12-packs, six-packs, single bottles, and even growlers for "off-premise consumption."

Bottle Shops:

Bottle shops, like The Bottle Shop at Local 44 in Spruce Hill, are another popular choice. They offer a wide selection of beer and sometimes even have outdoor seating. You can buy up to 192 fluid ounces of beer (12 16-ounce cans) per transaction, but if you need more, you'll have to make multiple trips.

Grocery and Convenience Stores:

Grocery and convenience stores, such as ACME and Whole Foods, also sell beer. However, they have similar restrictions to bottle shops, limiting your purchase to 192 fluid ounces per transaction. One unique feature of grocery stores is the option to build your own six-packs, allowing you to explore different varieties.

Bars:

Bars in Philadelphia can sell you beer for on-site consumption or to-go. While it may be more expensive, it's a convenient option if you're already enjoying a drink and want to take some beer back to your hotel room.

Breweries:

Licensed breweries in Philadelphia can sell you beer to enjoy on-site or to-go. They can also offer products from other Pennsylvania-licensed producers for on-site consumption. This is a great option if you're looking for fresh, local beer straight from the source.

Delivery and Shipping:

For the ultimate convenience, you can opt for beer delivery or shipping services. Many breweries offer local delivery, or you can use apps like GoPuff or Quick Sip Delivery. Out-of-state shipping services, such as Tavour, can also send you a monthly allocation of up to 192 fluid ounces of beer.

A Note on Pennsylvania's Liquor Laws:

Pennsylvania's liquor laws have a reputation for being somewhat archaic and restrictive. These laws were established after Prohibition to discourage alcohol consumption by making it inconvenient and expensive. While the laws have recently loosened, you still need to navigate different types of stores and licenses to purchase beer, wine, and liquor.

Buying beer in Philadelphia's grocery stores

If you're looking to buy beer in Philadelphia, you may be surprised to find that it's not as simple as popping into your nearest convenience store or supermarket. Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously restrictive, dating back to the end of Prohibition in 1933 when then-Gov. Gifford Pinchot sought to "discourage the purchase of alcoholic beverages by making it as inconvenient and expensive as possible".

While it is possible to buy beer in grocery stores, the selection may be limited, and you may need to make multiple trips to complete your purchase. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Not all grocery stores sell beer, so it's worth checking in advance to save yourself a wasted trip. For example, some ACME and Whole Foods stores sell beer, but not all.
• If you're buying beer from a grocery store, you'll need to make sure you go to a designated counter or checkout lane. You can't just put it through the self-checkout!
• There are limits to how much beer you can buy in a single transaction. You can buy up to 192 fluid ounces (the equivalent of 12 16-ounce cans) per transaction. If you want to buy more, you'll need to make multiple transactions, and you may even need to leave the store and come back in between each transaction.
• You can't drink your beer in the store or in the immediate vicinity. It's for "off-premise consumption" only.
• If you're looking for a wider selection or want to buy in bulk, you might be better off going to a beer distributor.
• If you're staying in a hotel, you may find it easier to get beer delivered to your room via a service like GoPuff or Quick Sip Delivery.

Buying beer in Philadelphia's convenience stores

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously confusing, so it's no surprise that buying beer in Philadelphia can be a little tricky. If you're looking to pick up a six-pack from a convenience store, here's what you need to know.

First, keep in mind that not all convenience stores in Philadelphia sell beer. While some stores like Acme, Whole Foods, Mom's Organic, and Giant/Martin's may have beer, others like 7-11, Wawa, or CVS do not. Your best bet is to use Google Maps and search for "beer store" or "convenience store with beer" to find the nearest location.

Once you've found a convenience store that sells beer, there are a few things to keep in mind. The laws around beer sales vary depending on the type of license the store has. Convenience stores typically have a retail dispenser license, which allows them to sell up to 192 fluid ounces of beer (equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans) per transaction. This means you can't buy more than 12 cans in a single purchase. If you want more, you'll have to make multiple trips or look for a beer distributor, which has fewer restrictions.

Another thing to note is that you usually can't self-checkout beer. Most stores have a special line or separate cashier for alcohol purchases, and you'll need to show your ID, so make sure to have it ready.

If you're looking for a specific type of beer, your options may be limited. While convenience stores carry a variety of beers, they might not have the same selection as a dedicated beer distributor or bottle shop.

Finally, keep in mind that the laws and regulations around alcohol sales in Pennsylvania are constantly evolving. While the state has made some changes to loosen restrictions and make purchasing alcohol more convenient, it still has some of the strictest regulations in the country. So, it's always a good idea to check for the latest updates before heading out to buy beer.

Buying beer in Philadelphia's bottle shops

If you're looking to buy beer in Philadelphia, you may want to head to a bottle shop. Bottle shops, along with beer distributors, grocery and convenience stores, bars, and breweries, can sell beer, hard seltzer, and cider. However, the amount of beer they can sell you will depend on the type of license they have. With the right license, these stores can sell you up to 12 16-ounce cans of beer (or 192 fluid ounces) per transaction. If you want to buy more, you'll have to make another trip or find a beer distributor.

So, where can you find bottle shops in Philadelphia? One popular option is The Bottle Shop, located on East Passyunk Avenue in South Philly. It offers a good selection of beer and a cool vibe, according to Yelp reviews. It also started serving a menu during the pandemic. Another bottle shop to check out is Stone's Beer & Beverage Market in Francisville, which is locally owned and operated and offers a great selection of beer.

If you're in Center City, you might try the Foodery at 10th and Pine, Pac A Deli at 12th and Walnut, or Mom's Organic Market. Or, if you're near Washington Square, there's also an Acme and a Whole Foods on South Street.

One thing to keep in mind when buying beer in Philadelphia is that you can't use the self-checkout for beer—you'll need to go to a special line and have a store associate help you. So make sure to plan ahead and be patient as you navigate the city's unique liquor laws!

Buying beer in Philadelphia's bars

If you're looking to buy beer in Philadelphia, you'll soon discover that the city's liquor laws are confusing and restrictive. This is largely due to the influence of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, which was established to "discourage the purchase of alcoholic beverages by making it as inconvenient and expensive as possible".

However, if you're specifically looking to buy beer in Philadelphia's bars, here's what you need to know:

First, you can buy beer in bars for on-site consumption. This is a straightforward option if you plan to drink your beer at the bar.

You can also buy beer "to go" from bars in Philadelphia. This option allows you to purchase beer at a bar and take it with you to drink elsewhere, such as back at your hotel room. This option may be more expensive than buying from a distributor or store, but it can be convenient if you're already at a bar and want to take some beer with you.

When buying beer to go, be aware that bars have different licensing restrictions on how much beer they can sell you in a single transaction. They can sell you up to 192 fluid ounces of beer (equivalent to 12 16-ounce cans) per transaction. If you want to buy more, you'll need to make separate transactions.

Additionally, some bars in Philadelphia may offer local delivery services for beer purchases. This can be a convenient option if you don't want to leave your home or accommodation.

When purchasing beer in Philadelphia, whether from a bar or elsewhere, always remember to bring your ID, as you must be 21 or older to buy alcohol.

So, while Philadelphia's liquor laws may be confusing, buying beer in the city's bars is a straightforward option, whether you plan to drink on-site or take your beer to go. Just be mindful of the transaction limits and be prepared to pay a premium for the convenience of buying from a bar rather than a distributor or store.

Frequently asked questions