Pennsylvania's Deep Brewing Roots

Long before "craft beer" was a marketing term, Pennsylvania was one of America's most important brewing states. German and Eastern European immigrants brought their brewing traditions to cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. At its peak, Philadelphia alone had dozens of active breweries. Prohibition devastated that industry, but the legacy never entirely disappeared — and the modern craft brewing revival has restored Pennsylvania to its place as one of the country's top brewing states.

Today, Pennsylvania ranks among the top states nationally for the number of operating craft breweries, with operations spread from urban taprooms to farm-based breweries in rural counties.

Philadelphia: The Urban Brewing Hub

Philadelphia's craft beer scene is dense, diverse, and constantly evolving. The city supports breweries ranging from large production facilities to tiny neighborhood taprooms. A few notable names:

  • Yards Brewing Company – One of Philadelphia's pioneering craft breweries, founded in 1994. Their Philadelphia Pale Ale and Brawler are local staples. The Kensington taproom is a destination in itself.
  • Evil Genius Beer Company – Known for playfully named beers and a welcoming taproom atmosphere in Fishtown.
  • 2nd Story Brewing – A Center City brewpub with an excellent food menu and rotating seasonal taps.
  • Manayunk Brewing Company – Set in a beautifully converted canal-side building with expansive outdoor seating.

Philadelphia also hosts a thriving bar scene that prioritizes local and regional craft options. Neighborhoods like Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and South Philadelphia have a particularly high concentration of quality beer bars.

Pittsburgh's Growing Scene

Pittsburgh has developed a strong craft beer identity of its own, centered on neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, the Strip District, and the South Side.

  • East End Brewing – A Pittsburgh institution since 2004, known for hoppy ales and a no-frills taproom that draws a loyal local crowd.
  • Penn Brewery – Operating out of a magnificent Victorian brick building in Troy Hill, Penn Brewery has brewed German-style lagers and ales since 1986, making it one of Pennsylvania's oldest surviving craft operations.
  • Hitchhiker Brewing – Widely regarded as one of Pittsburgh's best, with locations in Mt. Lebanon and Sharpsburg. Their IPAs and stouts attract serious beer enthusiasts.

Beyond the Cities: Rural and Regional Highlights

Some of the most interesting Pennsylvania brewing is happening outside the major metros:

Lancaster County

Lancaster has a strong cluster of craft breweries, including Molly Pitcher Brewing and Iron Hill Brewery (a regional chain that maintains high quality standards). The farmland setting makes Lancaster a natural fit for farm-to-glass brewing concepts.

Lehigh Valley

Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton form a growing beer corridor. Fegley's Brew Works in Allentown has been a regional anchor for decades, while newer operations continue to open throughout the valley.

Central Pennsylvania

State College is home to Elk Creek Café + Aleworks, a beloved community brewpub, and several other operations catering to the Penn State community and beyond.

What Styles to Look For

Pennsylvania brewers work across essentially every style, but a few regional tendencies stand out:

  • Pennsylvania Lagers – A nod to the German-immigrant brewing tradition. Clean, crisp, and often underappreciated.
  • Imperial Stouts and Porter variants – The cold winters have inspired a strong tradition of dark, robust beers.
  • IPAs of all kinds – As everywhere in American craft brewing, IPAs dominate tap handles, with the hazy/New England style particularly popular in recent years.

Practical Tips for Beer Touring Pennsylvania

  1. Many breweries operate taprooms with limited hours — check ahead before making a trip.
  2. Pennsylvania's liquor laws have historically been complex; most breweries can sell growlers and cans to go directly from the taproom.
  3. Consider visiting during Philly Beer Week (typically held in early June) — one of the country's largest beer festivals, spanning multiple venues across the city.
  4. Designated driver or rideshare services are always a smart choice when brewery hopping.