Beer lovers have lots to celebrate in Philly! Craft breweries have sprung up all over the city and the surrounding suburbs, as well as a host of lively beer gardens. A whole week in Philly (typically at the tail end of spring) is devoted to all things beer. ARS Brewery, “A South Philly Garage Brewery” (it really is in a former garage and you can see the distillery) on the west side of Passyunk Ave is a favorite of mine, as they give traditional style beers a twist, have awesome artwork on their cans (4-packs of 16 oz. beers to go) and the beer is always surprising in a good way, especially on a hot summer day (enjoy an “Unrelenting Hot Hazy Double IPA – you can fill a Growler and take it home for some stoop sitting).

Or grab a 4-pack of “A Place that Dreams” (one of my favorites), A Belgian-style wheat beer with blood oranges and galangal (a tropical spice) that offers a taste they describe as “complex and refreshing with hints of tangy red grapefruit and raspberries.”

You can also just sit and enjoy a pint at an outdoor table where you can bring your own food (I’d go for a pizza from Stina Pizzeria at 1705 Snyder) or if you’re lucky (or call ahead) you may find a food truck like Tijuana Tacos and Burritos parked out in front of ARS. They also have beer specials. Check their FB page for updates.