Best Beer-Buying Spots In Philadelphia

If you're looking to buy beer in Philadelphia, you may be surprised to find that it's not sold at 7-11, Wawa, or CVS. Pennsylvania has complicated liquor laws, and you can't buy beer and liquor in the same store. However, there are plenty of bottle shops, bars, and breweries where you can find a wide variety of beers. You can also try some grocery stores, such as Whole Foods, ACME, and Wegmans, which may have beer available, although the selection may be limited. If you're looking for a specific type of beer, your best bet is to search for a bottle shop or a beer distributor. These stores specialize in beer and often have a large and diverse selection, including local favourites and hard-to-find brews from other states and countries. Keep in mind that you may need to provide your ID, and there may be restrictions on the quantity you can purchase in a single transaction.

Buying beer in Philly supermarkets

If you're looking to buy beer in Philadelphia, you'll quickly find that the city's alcohol laws are a little archaic and complicated. You can't buy beer and liquor in the same store, and you'll need to go to a specialty store or bar to get your hands on some beer.

Where to buy beer

Your best bet for buying beer is to head to a "beer distributor" or "bottle shop". These stores specialise in beer and often have a large and varied selection, from local favourites to hard-to-find brews from further afield. Some bottle shops also double as neighbourhood bars, so you can enjoy your beer on-site.

Supermarkets

Although it's not common, some supermarkets in Philadelphia do now sell beer. You'll need to look for larger stores that sell prepared food and have dining tables, as this is a requirement for being allowed to sell alcohol. Even then, the selection may be limited, and you'll need to use a separate checkout for your beer. Some supermarkets that sell beer include:

• Acme
• Whole Foods
• Giant
• Wegmans
• Mom's Organic Market
• GoPuff (an app-based delivery service)

Other options

If you're staying in a hotel and don't want to go far, try asking the front desk staff if there are any bars nearby that sell takeout beer. You can also try pizza places, which often sell six-packs, or a nearby brewery.

Beer distributors

Pennsylvania's liquor laws can be a little confusing, especially for visitors. Beer, wine, and liquor are all sold in different places, and the rules vary for each. For example, beer can be purchased in certain grocery stores, but only in a separate section with a different checkout.

If you're looking to buy beer in Philadelphia, your best bet is to head to a dedicated beer distributor or bottle shop. These stores offer a wide variety of beers, from local favourites to hard-to-find brews from around the world. Here are some popular options:

• Local 44: Located on Spruce Street, Local 44 has a small bottle shop attached to its main bar. The focus is on local breweries and classic Belgian, German, and English beers.
• RyBrew: A triple threat offering beer, ice cream, and sandwiches. Beers are arranged by brewery, so you can easily try new beers from familiar names.
• Spinnerstown Hotel: Located in Quakertown, this historic hotel has a bar and bottle shop with a focus on Trappist beers and hard-to-find domestic craft beers.
• Capone's: Attached to a family-run restaurant in Norristown, Capone's is one of the best bottle shops in the region, with a selection of over 800 bottles. They have rare beers and also hold back certain bottles to age and release later.
• The Foodery: With several locations across Philadelphia, The Foodery is a well-known bottle shop and craft beer bar. The original location, open since 1976, has a snug, corner-store vibe.
• The Bottle Shop on Passyunk: This spot doubles as a neighbourhood bar, with comfortable seating and outdoor options. While the bottle selection isn't the largest, it focuses on local breweries, giving visitors a taste of Philadelphia's beer scene.
• Monde Market: With a large selection of local and international craft and commercial beers, Monde Market offers a little bit of everything. However, don't expect much guidance from staff when it comes to choosing a beer.

So, if you're looking to stock up on beer in Philadelphia, these beer distributors and bottle shops are your best bet. Remember to plan your purchases accordingly, as Pennsylvania's liquor laws can be a bit tricky to navigate!

Buying beer in bars

Pennsylvania's liquor laws are notoriously complicated, but if you're looking to buy beer in bars in Philly, here's what you need to do:

Firstly, it's important to note that you can't buy beer and liquor in the same store in Pennsylvania. This means that if you're looking to purchase beer, you'll need to go to a bar, beer distributor, or bottle shop. Bars in Philly often sell takeout beer, so you can simply walk into a bar and ask if they offer this service. You may be able to purchase a six-pack or up to 12 beers per visit for takeout, depending on the bar's policy and local regulations. Keep in mind that this limit is based on liquid volume, not the number of containers, so be mindful of the size of the beers you're buying.

If you're in Center City, Philly, some recommended bars and bottle shops that offer takeout beer include The Foodery, Latimer Deli, Pac a Deli, Old Nelson's, Monde Mart, Four Seasons, Food and Friends, and Mom's Organic Market. These places usually have a good selection of craft and local beers, and some may even offer build-your-own six-pack options.

When buying beer in bars, it's important to be aware of the regulations and restrictions. For example, in some states, you may need to be at least 21 years old to purchase alcohol, and you may need to provide a valid ID. Additionally, there may be limits on the number of beers you can buy at once, and you may need to make multiple transactions if you want to purchase a large quantity. So, be prepared to follow the rules and regulations of the bar and the state when purchasing beer.

Overall, buying beer in bars in Philly can be a great way to support local businesses and enjoy a wide variety of craft beers. Just remember to drink responsibly and follow all local laws and regulations.

Buying beer in bottle shops

If you're looking to buy beer in Philadelphia, you'll want to head to a bottle shop or beer distributor. These shops are pretty special, offering a wide range of beers from local favourites to hard-to-find brews from far-away places. You can build your own six-pack or grab a four- or six-pack from the fridge. Some shops even offer wine and a place to sit down for a drink. It's like having your neighbourhood bar and a well-stocked beer store all in one!

• Local 44 – In addition to 20 taps in the main bar, Local 44 in West Philly has a small bottle shop next door with an enormous selection of beers organised by flavour.
• RyBrew – This shop offers a triple threat of beer, ice cream, and sandwiches. Beers are arranged by brewery, so you can easily try new beers from familiar names. Sign up for their newsletter to stay in the loop on special releases.
• Spinnerstown Hotel Bottle Shop – Located in Quakertown, this historic hotel bar and bottle shop offers a wide range of Belgian, German, and English beers, as well as hard-to-find domestic craft beers. Keep an eye out for special collaborations and allocations from local breweries.
• Capone's – Attached to a family-run restaurant in Norristown, Capone's has one of the best selections in the region, with over 800 bottles in a small space. They get their hands on super rare beers and even hold back certain bottles to age and release later. Sign up for their weekly email to stay in the know.
• The Foodery – With several locations across the city, The Foodery is a well-stocked corner store with fridges full of beers from around the world. You'll find plenty of Belgian, British, German, and local brews, as well as seasonal and special releases.
• The Bottle Shop on Passyunk – This spot doubles as a neighbourhood bar, with comfortable seating and tables. While their bottle selection isn't the largest, it mainly features local breweries, giving you a taste of what Philly has to offer. They also offer rotating drafts, boozy ice pops, frozen slushies, and snacks.
• Monde Market Deli – At Monde, you'll find a broad selection of local and international craft and commercial beers, including well-priced bottles from Russian River Brewing Company. They also make hoagies that pair well with your beer of choice!

So, whether you're a craft beer connoisseur or just looking for a six-pack to enjoy with friends, Philly's bottle shops have you covered. Just remember to bring your ID and be prepared for unique liquor laws that may differ from other states!

Buying beer online

There are several options for buying beer online in Philadelphia. One popular choice is to use an alcohol delivery service such as Instacart, which allows you to order beer, wine, or liquor for same-day delivery. Simply download the Instacart app or visit their website, choose your favourite beverages, and place your order. You can also specify a delivery time that fits your schedule. Note that you will need to present a valid ID upon delivery to verify your age.

Another option is to order directly from local craft breweries, many of which now offer delivery options. For example, 2nd Story Brewing Company delivers beer and food to select Philadelphia neighbourhoods and surrounding areas. Animated Brewing Co. in Coatesville delivers crowlers of pale ales, IPAs, and more to Philadelphia residents on Saturdays. Attic Brewing Company provides free can delivery every Thursday to select Philly neighbourhoods and nearby counties. Other breweries offering delivery include Crime & Punishment Brewing Co., Evil Genius Beer Company, Larimer Beer Company, and many more. Be sure to check each brewery's website for the latest delivery information and eligibility.

In addition to dedicated delivery services and craft breweries, some grocery stores in Philadelphia also offer beer for delivery or pickup. For instance, ACME, Whole Foods, and Wegmans are known to sell beer, although availability may vary by location. Mom's Organic Market and Giant Foods are other potential options. Keep in mind that grocery stores may have separate checkout lines for alcohol and restrictions on quantities per transaction.

Lastly, there are also apps such as GoPuff that allow you to order beer for delivery. This can be a convenient option if you're looking for a quick and easy way to get your beer without having to leave your home.

Frequently asked questions