Beer Gardens Bloom in Philly

PHILADELPHIA, June 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- There's only one place for beer lovers to be this summer, and that's Philadelphia, where beer gardens abound and where craft beers are king. The newest addition to the city's beer garden scene, Morgan's Pier, boasts a can't-be-beat view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, a picnic-inspired menu developed by David Katz and a beer list that's 20 drafts and 20 cans strong.

Here's a look at the city's beer gardens—all concentrated in the close-in-proximity neighborhoods of Old City, Northern Liberties and Fishtown—where suds devotees can enjoy warm temps and laid-back vibes, along with pale ales, pilsners and porters aplenty.

• Now in its second summer, Stephen Starr's Frankford Hall seats up to 240 people outside. The space is simple by Starr standards, complete with exposed brick walls, reclaimed industrial materials and ping-pong tables. Classic German foods are available at a walk-up counter (think pretzels, sauerkraut, schnitzel and spaetzle), as is a hefty beer menu that includes everything from traditional German beers to craft specialties. 1210 Frankford Avenue, (215) 634-3338, frankfordhall.com  
• There are no green alligators or long-necked geese at Llama Tooth, but the restaurant and adjacent beer garden does boast an ambitious beer menu that pays plenty of attention to local favorites from Yards, Philadelphia Brewing Company, Dogfish, Flying Fish, Weyerbacher, Voodoo and many others. Drinkers can size up their prospective beer's state of origin, style and Beer Advocate score before making their selection. Situated across the street from popular music venue Union Transfer, the mural-clad beer garden also offers a simple menu of salads, burgers and shareable appetizers. 1033 Spring Garden Street, (267) 639-4582, llamatooth.com
• 'Tis the season for dining and drinking outdoors, and Memphis Taproom is just the place to do it. The narrow picnic table-clad spot serves up gourmet hot dogs (of the beef, vegan and vegetarian variety) and canned beers. Patrons can also catch Phillies games on the oversized projection TV or watch the entire season of Twin Peaks (scheduled for 9:00 p.m. on various dates throughout the summer) while drinking Twin Lakes Greenville Pale Ale for just $3 a pop.
  2331 E. Cumberland Street, (215) 425-4460, memphistaproom.com
• Conveniently located next to the one-year-old Race Street Pier, the city's newest beer garden—Morgan's Pier—has a lot going for it aside from its stellar views. In a backyard setting filled with wooden picnic tables, vintage umbrellas, twinkling lights and Liden trees, a laid-back crowd enjoys a rotating selection of craft drafts and cans (think Victory Summer Love and Sly Fox Pils), along with seasonal eats (think grilled corn on the cob, burgers and ice cream). 221 N. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 279-7134, morganspier.com
• Part island oasis/part junkyard, Silk City's beer garden is filled with colorful wooden tables, empty-kegs-turned-chairs, string lights galore and garden ornament-like objects likely salvaged at many a yard sale. The hipster clientele at this perennially packed spot enjoys a large selection of high-end and low-end beers—everything from Sixpoint Righteous Rye and North Coast PranQster to PBR and Miller High Life. Also on offer: American fare with flair that's so good it's been featured on the Food Network's popular Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
  435 Spring Garden Street, (215) 592-8838, silkcityphilly.com

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region's vitality.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit visitphilly.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to HearPhilly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.

SOURCE Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation