Top Beer Gardens In Philadelphia

Nobody does beer gardens like Philadelphia. Whether it's a magic little street paradise tucked away in an alley or it's located on some prime riverside real estate, the City of Brotherly Love loves outdoor drinking. Here are a few suggestions to get you imbibing with nature...or at least outside.

Drury Beer Garden At Opa
1311 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-0170
www.opaphiladelphia.com

If it's charm you're after, Drury Beer Garden radiates a warm and inviting neighborhood atmosphere. This is a cozy space packed with personality and overflowing with tables and games. This garden features a selection of drinks including Crabbie's Ginger Beer, Troegs Perpetual IPA, 21st Amendment Back in Black, and much more. You can take an adventure in the refined flavors of true craft beer while repeatedly trouncing your friends in a game of Connect Four.

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Frankford Hall
1210 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 634-3338
www.frankfordhall.com

Frankford Hall is just one of the many places owned by the Philadelphia-based STARR Restaurants. In 2005, Stephen Starr was named Restaurateur of the Year by Bon Appétit magazine and in 2007, he received the TimeOut New York Readers' Choice Award for Best New Out-of-Town Restaurateur. With ample fire pits and heaters and the robust flavor of a never-ending Oktoberfest, Frankford Hall's celebratory atmosphere and ample selection of beers makes for an festive occasion any day of the year.

Independence Beer Garden
100 S. Independence Mall W.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-7100
www.phlbeergarden.com

Independence Beer Garden has thought of everything. They have chicken, burgers, hot dogs, fries, seasoned popcorn, tacos, mac & cheese and more for when you get the munchies. There are games including giant Jenga, beer pong and cornhole. The best aspect of this beer garden is its historical location and the 20,000 square-foot party patio.

Morgan's Pier
221 N Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 279-7134
www.morganspier.com

If you're looking for something that goes beyond the mere tapping of a few kegs in a beguilingly ornate concrete picnic grove, then Morgan's Pier is the excursion that will untether your soul. Located just north of the Ben Franklin Bridge, this garden getaway is named after the first rebel to cross the bridge. This garden is a vacation in your own city limits. Besides the generous offering of beer options, you can dampen your cognizance with a wide assortment of specialty drinks such as a Watermelon Ricky, Mango Shandy, or a Dark & Stormy. Featuring riverside seating, distinguished chefs, a boardwalk motif, and crowd-rousing entertainment, Morgan's Pier is a fabulous destination you can reach without even leaving home.

Silk City
435 Spring Garden St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 592-8838
www.silkcityphilly.com

Silk City Diner, Lounge & Garden is one of Philadelphia's most treasured gems. The diner is housed in a 1952 dining car butted up against a cocktail lounge. The historic dual venue shut down in 2006 only to  be purchased and completely revamped by the new owner Mark Bee. The once peculiar little venue is now a vibrant beacon proudly proclaiming to the rest of the nation just how special Philadelphia is. The new Silk City has been featured on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives, and the beer garden was voted Best Outdoor Dining Space in the city of Philadelphia in 2010. Experience the magic of this precious, award-winning piece of true Philadelphia history.

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Allen Foster, a lifelong Greater Philadelphia resident, has been writing about all those wonderful things that make us feel so alive for over 20 years. He approaches each day as an adventure, eager to discover what new and vibrant surprises await just around life's corner. You can see his work on Examiner.com.