Our readers came through with an array of local recommendations for your drinking pleasure. Each location offers something a little different, so you should be able to find the right fit for your afternoon or evening out.

A craft beer connoisseur’s paradise

The Foodery, with five locations in the Philadelphia area, has built its reputation on being a premier bottle shop. With over 1,000 craft beers from around the world, including a wide selection from local craft brewers, it’s the place to go to find something new and different as well as that hard-to-find brew.

The Chestnut Hill location, at 7829 Germantown Ave., has taken a slightly different path from the other Foodery locations. Behind its unassuming façade, you’ll find a combination bar, deli, bottle shop and outdoor beer garden. Even the menu goes off the beaten path, featuring Korean-fusion items as part of the fare.

As the reader reviews point out, this hot spot is one of those local if-you-know-you-know places.

“The Foodery is a well-kept secret of a beer garden and bottle shop in Chestnut Hill. It has an extensive variety of American craft beers, Belgian tripels, crisp ciders from as far as France, and the best selections of brews one could imagine. The food is well-done Philadelphian fare (e.g., cheesesteaks) and Korean fusion (e.g., bulgogi tacos). Bottles of wine are also sold, but the focus is on quality brews from around America and the world. My personal favorite beer is the Rothaus Pils Tannenzapfle, a favorite in Germany by its locals. The Foodery in Chestnut Hill is the perfect place to visit as Oktoberfest begins.”

— Hwui from Chestnut Hill

“The backyard of The Foodery is so beautiful, peaceful, and calm — favorite spot for a healing time and relaxing with friends. In addition to the most mind-boggling selection of beers and wines (love that they have the rare Urban Artifact Astronaut Food drink), they have some great Korean fusion food you can order. The cheesesteak is actually such a hidden gem.”

— Gena from Chestnut Hill

Home-brewed success

Starting out literally as home brewing in their kitchen, the Wissahickon Brewing Company opened its doors in East Falls in 2017 and has been growing ever since. The original location at 3705 W. School House Lane is the site of the brewery, plus a brewhouse and beer garden, which host music, events and a rotating schedule of food trucks. Wissahickon has added two more locations — a brewhouse and kombucha brewing facility in Olde Kensington in 2024, followed by a tap room in Maple Glen last year. Both of the expansion locations have on-site kitchens for a full dining experience.

Wissahickon’s award-winning, flagship IPA, Devil’s Pool, comes highly recommended by one of our readers:

“Devils Pool Imperial IPA @ Wiss is the greatest-tasting beer on Earth!”

— Tim from Roxborough

The best of all worlds

The Chestnut Hill Brewing Company, located at 8221 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill, serves up a multitude of beverage options: craft beer brewed onsite, specialty cocktails, wines and non-alcoholic options for all three. The brewpub boasts a large outdoor seating area, which enthusiastically welcomes dogs and their owners. Along with the beverage of their choice, customers enjoy wood-fired pizzas and other items from their menu, which features a variety of vegan and gluten-free options.

“The seasonal options for beer, drinks and food are spot on! If you like a fruity beer, try the Puppy Love or Deliberance. The martinis and margaritas are creative and delicious. Personal fav for the warm weather is basil vodka lemonade. I also love having a place where fur babies are welcomed with both treats and pup cups.”

— Beth from Mt. Airy

Classic cocktails on the corner

Coffee by day. Whiskey by night.

The windows of Char & Stave at the corner of Highland and Germantown avenues in Chestnut Hill tell you exactly what to expect from this hot spot on the Hill. Specialty cocktails are the stars after the sun goes down and bottles of locally distilled spirits are available for sale on-site.

“Char & Stave is a must-visit for anyone looking for a well-mixed cocktail along Germantown Avenue. Featuring a rotating list of clever, themed cocktails, as well as cocktail lounge classics like the Manhattan or the penicillin, Char & Stave is the ideal spot for a happy hour pick-me-up or a late-night sip. The Permanent Holiday is a must-try if you like vintage tiki bar flavors or a little fiery presentation with your drink.”

— Will from Mt. Airy

Watch this space for more reader reviews in the coming weeks.