Best beer in Philadelphia

So, you're coming to Philadelphia for the weekend. Gotta see the sights, eat the cheesesteak, and have THE beer. Like any major city there is plenty of beer to choose from.  You won't have a hard time finding bars or upstart breweries.

Monk's Café - 264 s 16th st Philadelphia Pa
So, their primary offering is brewed in Belgium. Giving it a pass a Philadelphia beer because it is brewed exclusively for Monk's. "That's right, our own private label brewed for us by the family-owned Van Steenberge brewery, just outside Ghent, Belgium. Medium body, red color, somewhat fruity nose, malt flavor with a slight lactic taste. Great Stuff! A real thirst quencher and palate cleanser." - monkscafe.com

If this isn't enough reason for you to be convinced... Monk's also often has kegs of Russian river beer offerings on tap.  Including the legendary Pliny the Elder. As I read their website today it's currently on tap. (note: if you are going to chase this beer make sure to call first.)

It will run you $7 for the Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale, and it pairs quite nicely with their mussels. Mussels are the specialty here, and come in 8 different styles. $16.95 for about a pound and a half with fries, which was plenty of food to share for both myself and my wife.

If you are a true to your art, and demand a beer brewed in Philadelphia with none other than the waters from the Delaware river.. I hear you.  Philadelphia brewery and Yards have both been underwhelming and so I can't point you in that direction. There are a few local upstarts, which I can't speak to as I haven't been there yet.  Manayunk Brewery is a cool spot with great parking, which features some unique fruit beers.

Sorry to do this again to you, but I need to take you just outside of Philadelphia. No, not all the way to Downingtown which is home to what thrillist.com ranks the #1 brewery in the whole state - Victory. Just 2 miles off City ave to Ardmore, PA.

Tired Hands Brew Cafe

Tired Hands Brewing Co.
"equally inspired by the farmhouse brewers of France and Belgium and the pioneering, heavy handed, brewers of America. We produce our beer in small batches, twelve kegs at a time. We believe that some of the best beer in the world comes from within the confines of an oak barrel. " - tiredhands.com
Flagship beers are saisons.  This place has a rotating list of unique recipes.

Okay okay, sorry to waste all this time talking about beer that may or may not be Philadelphia enough for you.  What you really want is some cheesesteak right? Oh you already got one? Well check out the sights before you head home.