About this tour
When Ben from our team ran this Philly brewery tour, we rolled through the city's craft beer hotspots in a dedicated Brew Van, hitting legendary spots like Yards, Evil Genius, and Dock Street. Over three and a half hours, we tasted our way through up to a dozen local beers and spirits, chatted with brewers about their craft, and got a solid grasp of how these places actually operate. It's a proper insider's look at why Philadelphia's brewing scene punches well above its weight, packed into one afternoon with transport sorted and snacks thrown in.
Highlights
- Tasted up to 12 different craft beers and spirits across multiple breweries
- Got the behind-the-scenes story from brewery owners themselves
- Brew Van kept us mobile without the faff of working out transport
- Visited iconic spots: Yards, Evil Genius, Love City, Dock Street
- Snacks provided to keep pace with the tasting rhythm
- Local guide who actually knew the breweries' histories and quirks
- Mix of established breweries and newer outfits on the circuit
What to expect
You'll meet at a central point and pile into the Brew Van for the afternoon. The guide takes you to four or five of Philly's standout breweries in rotation—each visit includes a tasting flight (usually 2–3 pours per stop) and a chat with someone behind the bar or the owner. The pace is steady but not rushed; there's real time to look around each space, ask questions, and let the beer settle. The snacks help—cheese, pretzels, that sort of thing—and they're timed so you're not just drinking on an empty stomach.
The vibe is relaxed and chatty. You'll meet other beer enthusiasts, which can be fun or quiet depending on who shows up. By the halfway point, the group usually loosens up. The guide's knowledge is the glue—they know the backstory of each brewery, which beers pair with what, and can field questions about Philly's brewing resurgence without sounding rehearsed.
Good to know
If you're into beer or spirits and want to see real brewing operations rather than tourist theatrics, this delivers. You'll learn genuinely useful stuff about beer styles, local history, and what makes Philly's scene distinctive. The Brew Van eliminates the stress of navigating between venues or worrying about drinking and driving. It suits curious drinkers of all knowledge levels—beginners and seasoned tasters alike.
The minimum age is strict (21+, no exceptions), and you need a valid ID (passport if you're not a US citizen). Arrive 10 minutes early or you won't get on. The tour won't run if numbers drop below minimum or weather turns foul. Anyone showing up already tipsy gets turned away with no refund, so pace yourself beforehand. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory (safety rule in breweries). You're not getting hotel pickup—you'll meet at a central point, though public transport is nearby. Weather can be rough, so dress for it.
Tours run in all conditions, so come prepared. Vegetarian snacks are available if you flag it at booking. The van handles all transport between stops, which is the real convenience here.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.