Where to Eat and Drink in Brewerytown
A bar with a dog park, an Ethiopian dive bar, an unassuming Jamaican gem, and more — this neighborhood's restaurant scene is thriving.
Boozy Mutt in Brewerytown offers food for humans and their doggie friends. / Photograph by Erik Weber
Once the home to dozens of breweries that gave the area its name, Brewerytown has spent the last decade slowly establishing itself as one of the most underrated neighborhoods in Philadelphia’s dining scene.
It helps that most of its go-to places are conveniently located within walking distance of each other. But even as the area evolves — with new apartment buildings, bars, and restaurants regularly popping up in and around Girard Avenue — Brewerytown has so far managed to maintain the aesthetic, edge, and community that makes it feel like a town within a city.
Those of you who venture north of Fairmount to the northwest of the city have plenty of eclectic options when it comes to food, too. Sure, you’ve got your Philadelphia classics like cheesesteaks and pretzels, but the international cuisines represented here will transport your taste buds halfway across the globe. And yes, there are also plenty of places to get Citywides, too.
Boozy Mutt
While Boozy Mutt might put pups first, every human will be delighted by its huge space and energetic vibe. Dog owners can watch their pets galavant around the 6,500-square-foot indoor and outdoor park that’s open in all weather conditions while munching on supremely tasty comfort food. Its hot-honey Brussels sprouts and buffalo-style fried chicken sandwich are standout options, but if you’re there on a Saturday or Sunday, its huevos rancheros burrito is the best way to celebrate the weekend. 2639 Poplar Street.
Rybrew
Previously a few blocks up the street, Rybrew moved to a bigger and brighter location in January 2023, after establishing itself as the go-to place for sandwiches, panini, and a wide selection of beers. The ideal lunch spot, Rybrew’s salads come with pitch-perfect vinaigrettes, and it has a sandwich for every mood. The Kansas City — a slow-roasted pulled pork on a brioche — is just about as satisfying as a sandwich can get. 2600 West Girard Avenue.
Green Eggs Cafe
With locations around the city, this brunch institution has long been considered the gold standard. Everything on the menu is turned up to 11. We’re talking red velvet pancakes, crème brûlée French toast, and an amalgamation of every savory brunch item you can think of lovingly called “the kitchen sink.” A fan favorite, the kitchen sink is scrambled eggs, sausage crumbles, Gruyere cheese, potatoes, and sautéed peppers and onions topped with a jumbo biscuit slathered in country-style pork sausage gravy, all served up in a cast-iron skillet. 2800 West Girard Avenue.
Otto’s Taproom
Named after Otto Charles Wolf, the architect of dozens of the area’s breweries, this bar and restaurant is not your average watering hole. It now serves an impressive array of innovative bar foods — highlights of which include the Armenian beef and sesame-soy shrimp skewers, pretzel bites accompanied with beer cheese and mustard, and its braised beef cheek sandwich, each presented in a laid-back way that suits its relaxed ambience. 1216 North 29th Street.
The combination platter at Era / Photograph by Hannah Albertine / Hannah Albertine
Era
There’s a lot to love about Era. Its authentic Ethiopian food is refreshingly affordable, but more importantly than that, it’s among some of the best in the city. Its tender doro wot effortlessly falls off the bone, while its gomen made from collard greens and split lentils rival are packed with flavor. Era also just so happens to be one of the best dive bars in the city, mainly thanks to the huge U-shaped bar that takes up its center. Who knew that dive bars and Ethiopian food meshed so neatly? 2743 Poplar Street.
Irie Jamaican Restaurant
A hole-in-the-wall spot that you could easily walk past without noticing, the tireless chefs here serve up mounds of curry goat, oxtail, jerk chicken, and red snapper for its diners. It’s the ideal hangover meal, especially when paired with the rice and peas, macaroni and cheese, and candied yams. If you’re looking for a quick snack, it’s jerk chicken breast sandwiches, and beef or chicken patties always deliver, too. 2629 West Girard Avenue.
Brewerytown Food Hall
This place is just as much of a chill hangout as it is a full-blown bar and restaurant. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a plate of nachos at the wrap-around bar or grab a beer flight and hang out with friends on one of the couches and watch the game on a large projection screen. Brewerytown Food Hall accommodates whatever kind of night you’re aiming for. 1363 North 31st Street.
Angelino’s Restaurant
Initially opened in 2006, but under new ownership since 2019, Angelino’s is a neighborhood favorite that supplies the best Italian food in the area. The pasta is saucy, the lasagna is thick, and the seafood is fresh. If you’re after pasta, its fettuccine Alfredo and creamy cajun are particular highlights. 849 North 25th Street.
Coming soon
Baby’s Kusina + Market
Brewerytown doesn’t quite have a romantic date night spot. But that is set to change at some point in the near future, when Baby’s Kusina and Market officially opens its doors. Initially set for sit-down customers in Spring 2024, Baby’s Kusina sadly had to delay its full open. In the meantime, it has been tantalizing locals with pop-up events and weekly dinners. Their breakfast sandwich, made with longganisa sausage, is already one of the best in the city. And its sweet purple yam handpies and iskrambol donuts have quickly become the talk of the neighborhood and prove that Brewerytown’s cuisine is heading in a new, sophisticated, and exciting direction. 2816 West Girard Avenue.
