You’re walking down 5th Street in Northern Liberties, and the smell hits you. It’s that specific, malty, bread-like aroma that defines a certain corner of Philly. That’s Yards. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine the Philadelphia beer scene without mentioning Yards Brewing Company Philadelphia. They aren’t just another craft brewery with Edison bulbs and expensive pretzels; they’re the foundation. Before the haze craze, before every neighborhood had a micro-taproom, there was Tom Kehoe and a couple of guys brewing in a garage.
They started in 1994. Think about that. Most of the "hip" breweries people flock to today weren't even a thought back then. Kehoe and his original partner, Jon Biederman, were basically pioneers in a city that had largely forgotten its brewing heritage. Philadelphia used to be the brewing capital of the Western Hemisphere, but by the 90s, it was a desert. Yards changed that. They didn't do it with flashy marketing or weird gimmicks. They did it with English-style ales that tasted like actual beer.
The Move to 5th Street and Why It Mattered
If you’ve lived in Philly long enough, you remember the old spots. They were in Manayunk. Then they moved to Kensington. Then Delaware Avenue. Each move felt like the brewery was finally outgrowing its clothes. But the current taproom at 500 Spring Garden Street? That’s the flagship. It’s a massive 70,000-square-foot facility that feels more like a community center than just a production plant.
It’s huge. Like, seriously huge.
When they opened this space in late 2017, people were skeptical. Could a local brand fill a space that big without losing its soul? Somehow, they pulled it off. They kept the "Garage" vibe but scaled it up. You see families there on Sunday afternoons. You see construction workers grabbing a pint after a shift. You see the tourists who wandered over from Liberty Bell. It’s a cross-section of the city.
The brewery features a 100-barrel brewhouse. That’s a lot of liquid. But they also have this smaller, pilot system where the brewers can get weird. That's where the innovation happens now. While the big tanks are churning out the classics, the small ones are testing out things like the "Philthy" IPA or limited seasonal runs that might never see a canning line.
What You’re Actually Drinking: The Ales of the Revolution
Most people know Yards because of the Blue Root. That’s the Philadelphia Pale Ale. It’s been a staple of the city for decades. It’s crisp. It’s floral. It’s exactly what you want when you’re sitting in the nosebleeds at a Phillies game. But if you really want to understand Yards Brewing Company Philadelphia, you have to look at the Ales of the Revolution series.
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This isn't some marketing intern's idea of "history." It’s a legitimate deep dive into the archives. Tom Kehoe worked with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania to recreate the actual recipes used by the Founding Fathers.
- Poor Richard’s Spruce Ale: Based on Benjamin Franklin’s recipe. It uses spruce tips instead of hops for bittering. It’s weird, earthy, and surprisingly refreshing.
- George Washington’s Tavern Porter: This one is heavy. It uses molasses. It’s exactly what a General would have used to keep his troops warm during a brutal winter.
- Thomas Jefferson’s Golden Ale: It uses honey and rye. It’s sophisticated, much like the man himself, but it packs a punch at around 8% ABV.
There is something inherently "Philly" about drinking a beer that Ben Franklin would have recognized. It’s not just about the alcohol; it’s about the continuity of the city. We’re a town that obsesses over its past while trying to figure out its future, and these beers bridge that gap perfectly.
The Business of Staying Local
Staying independent in the beer world is tough. You’ve seen the headlines. Big Beer comes in, offers a massive check, and suddenly your favorite local IPA is being made in a factory in St. Louis. Yards hasn't done that. They’ve stayed fiercely independent.
They are Pennsylvania's first 100% wind-powered brewery. That’s not a small feat for a facility of that size. They recycle their spent grain by giving it to local farmers to feed livestock. It’s a closed loop that actually means something. They also do "Brew Unto Others," which is their whole philosophy of giving back to the community. Whether it’s supporting the William Way LGBT Community Center or working with local food banks, they actually show up.
Is the beer the cheapest on the shelf? No. But you aren't paying for just the liquid. You’re paying for the fact that the money stays in the 215. You’re paying for the people who work in that taproom, many of whom have been there for years.
Managing the Modern Palate
Let’s be real: the beer world has changed. Ten years ago, everyone wanted the most bitter, tongue-scraping I-B-U bomb they could find. Then came the "juice bombs"—the hazy, New England-style IPAs that look like orange juice. Yards was a bit slow to the hazy party, and honestly, that was probably a good thing.
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They didn't chase the trend until they could do it right. "Philthy" is their answer to the hazy craze. It’s unfiltered, it’s hoppy, but it still has that characteristic Yards balance. They didn't sacrifice their reputation for "drinkability" just to get a high rating on an app.
That’s the thing about Yards. They prioritize balance. An Extra Special Bitter (ESB) like their Brawler is a masterpiece of subtlety. It’s only 4.2% ABV. You can have three of them while watching the Eagles game and still remember where you parked. In a world of 12% barrel-aged stouts, there’s a quiet dignity in a well-made, low-alcohol session ale.
Why You Should Visit the Taproom
If you’re just buying a six-pack at the ACME, you’re missing half the story. The taproom is where the personality comes out. The food menu isn't an afterthought. They have a chef-driven kitchen that does things with brisket and pierogies that should be illegal.
You should definitely try the boudin balls if they're on the menu. Or the wings. They use their own beer in the sauces, obviously. But the real draw is the "Long Table." It’s this massive wooden table where strangers sit next to each other. It forces you to be a part of the city. You might end up talking to a lawyer from Center City on one side and a bike messenger on the other.
The Reality of Competition
Philly is a crowded market now. You have Love City right down the street. You have Human Robot doing incredible Lagers. You have Tired Hands doing the experimental stuff out in the burbs. Does Yards still hold up?
Honestly, yeah.
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They fill the "Elder Statesman" role, but they aren't dusty. They’ve managed to stay relevant by being the reliable choice. When you go to a wedding in Philly, there’s probably a keg of Yards there. When you go to a dive bar in South Philly, there’s a Yards handle. They are the backbone of the city's tap lists. They aren't trying to be the coolest kid in school anymore; they’re the guy who graduated, stayed in the neighborhood, and bought everyone a drink.
Actionable Advice for Your Next Visit
If you're planning a trip to Yards Brewing Company Philadelphia, don't just wing it. It gets packed, especially on Saturdays during football season or when there's a big event at the Convention Center.
- Take the Tour: They do brewery tours that actually go into the nitty-gritty of the science. It’s not just a walk-through; you’ll learn about the chemistry of Philly water and why it's actually great for brewing.
- Check the "First Draft" Releases: Ask the bartender what’s new on the pilot system. These are small-batch beers that often don't make it to the main menu.
- Use Public Transit: The brewery is a short walk from the Spring Garden Station on the Broad Street Line. Don't try to park in that neighborhood on a Friday night unless you enjoy circling the block for forty minutes.
- Buy the Merch: Their "Philadelphia Pale Ale" shirts are basically the unofficial uniform of the city. Plus, the gift shop often has limited-run cans you can't find in stores.
- Look for the "Friends of Yards" Events: They host everything from flea markets to charity fundraisers. It’s the best way to see the space when it’s truly alive.
Yards is a testament to the idea that you can grow big without selling out. They’ve survived economic shifts, changing tastes, and a global pandemic by sticking to what they do best: making solid, drinkable beer for the people of Philadelphia. It’s not just a business; it’s a part of the city’s identity. If you haven't been in a while, it's probably time to go back and remind yourself why they’re still the kings of Spring Garden.
Grab a Brawler. Sit at the long table. Enjoy the fact that in a world that’s constantly changing, some things in Philly still taste exactly the way they should.
Next Steps:
If you're heading to the taproom this weekend, check their official website for the current tap list, as it changes almost daily. If you're looking for a specific year-round brew like Love Stout or Brawler, most local distributors in the Tri-State area keep them in stock. For those interested in the history, the "Ales of the Revolution" sampler pack is the best way to experience their historical recreations in one go.