Let’s raise a toast to autumn’s great weather, cooler temps, and smaller crowds, all making this the perfect time to savor a delicious and unique PA craft brew. We’ve compiled a sample of several picturesque PA beer gardens. Drink it in. Then, visit one, two or all twenty. Cheers!
1. Ship Bottom Beer Garden
Media
Linvilla Orchards has teamed up with Ship Bottom Brewery to bring you signature refreshments at their Ship Bottom Beer Garden. Open Friday-Sunday, pair their great tasting craft brews with a few fun rounds of Corn Hole and Giant Four-in-a-row during the day, then warm up next to a mean bonfire at night, making it the ultimate spot to unwind and share a pint with friends. Best of all, select ales are crafted using Linvilla’s own farm-grown products, making each sip truly unique.
2. Clarion River Brewing Company
Clarion
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Clarion, the award-winning Clarion River Brewing Company invites you to belly up to the bar, take your pick from their list of craft beers that are brewed on-site, and then kick back and relax at their aptly named Back Alley Brew Yard located at the rear of the building. Pair your brew with some tasty bites, such as their buffalo chicken dip or other delicious item from their full menu. Did we mention their beverage menu includes a full slate of signature cocktails, wine, and even local meads!
3. Brew Gentlemen’s Pop-Up Beer Gardens
Finleyville
Braddock’s Brew Gentlemen has teamed up with Trax Farms for Hops & Hayrides every Friday afternoon through the end of October. This family-friendly event features BG’s award-winning craft beer and hayrides, along with food trucks, yard games, a three-acre corn maze, and bonfire !
4. Independence Beer Garden
Philadelphia
Overlooking the Liberty Bell and Independence National Historic Park and open daily, the Schulson Collective, Independence Beer Garden features rotating taps of regional and domestic craft beers. Plan to visit often to see the newest beers being featured both on tap and in cans, along with a nice selection of delicious cocktails, wine, and “boozy pop.” Pair your favorite libation with one of their snacks, salads, sandwiches, or sweets while relaxing in the midst of Philadelphia history.
5. Hotel Bradford Brew House and Beer Garden
Sayre
Tucked away in northern PA, the Hotel Bradford Brew House and Beer Garden provides a welcoming retreat filled with great beer and food. Adding to the fun is live music on select nights and Tuesday night Trivia. Perfect for fall, their delicious pumpkin beer will soon be making its debut.
6. Fair Chance Beer Garden
Philadelphia
If you didn’t know that Eastern State Penitentiary was a beer destination, now you do! The legendary prison is serving up sips in addition to scary stories this fall at The Fair Chance Beer Garden founded in partnership with Triple Bottom Brewing Company. If you're going to be hearing about the historical haunts of the prison, you might as well enjoy a brew while you do.
7. Nostrovia Brewing Company
Erie
The folks at Nostrovia Brewing Company invite you to plunk down your lawn chair by their wood-burning fire pit, kick back, relax, and raise a glass to cheer on fall with one of their signature brews during Friday Night Fires. Drawing inspiration from their Polish heritage and its great brewing tradition, Nostrovia craft brews are the perfect blend of “old world” and “new.” Celebrate friends, family, and the fall season with their Pumpkin Ale or a Lawn Mower Lager – each of which pairs perfectly with their smoked pulled pork sandwich or pierogi bowl.
8. Church Brew Works
Pittsburgh
What was once a former Catholic church is now a lofty indoor space and outdoor brick courtyard where beer lovers come to worship their favorite beverage. Church Brew Works takes their services seriously with a full beer menu and an Octoberfest celebration that runs from mid-Sep. through the first week of Oct featuring a wide variety of savory German foods including Jagerschnitzel, Hamburg Crab Cakes, Chicken Spatzel soup, and their award winning Ofest Lager. Other times of year, enjoy a full menu of tasty bites and, of course, award-winning craft beer.
9. Strange Roots Experimental Ales
Pittsburgh
Strange Roots Experimental Ales exists at the intersection of farmhouse brewing tradition and creative, locally driven experimentation. With locations in Millvale, New Kensington, and Gibsonia (the site of the actual brewery), they have not one, but three beer gardens, each with its own unique restaurant partner offering a full menu of delicious food. Using local ingredients, varying fermentation methods, and micro flora, they create unique artisan ales that are sure to please.
10. Benny Brewing Co.
Wilkes-Barre
Boy oh boy does Benny Brewing Co. have options. With a selection of 12 craft brews on tap every day and all brewed onsite, including their four flagship beers, four seasonal, and a variety of “special release” beers showcased throughout the year, your taste buds will never be bored. Their food menu is loaded with fresh, handheld favorites that pair perfectly with any one of their delicious brews. Elevate your experience on a beautiful afternoon or evening enjoying Benny’s outdoor beer garden.