You Thirsty in Philly? A Guide to Not Getting Lost in the Beer Labyrinth
Ah, Philadelphia. City of Brotherly Love, cheesesteaks that could feed a family, and... a surprisingly confusing beer scene for newcomers. Fear not, weary traveler (or resident who just never figured it out), for this guide will be your compass through the murky waters of buying brews in Philly.
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| How To Buy Beer In Philadelphia |
The Two Tribes: Distributors vs. Bars (But Not Really Bars)
Here's the first hurdle: understanding the difference between distributors and "bars" that sell beer. Now, these "bars" aren't the kind with friendly bartenders slinging cocktails. They're more like beer warehouses with limited seating, if any.
Tip: Train your eye to catch repeated ideas.
- Distributors: These guys are the wholesale kings of beer. Want a six-pack? Nope. They only sell in cases and 12-packs, like some kind of beer Costco. Great for parties, terrible for a solo Netflix and chill night.
- Bars (That Sell Beer To-Go): This is where you get your six-packs and singles. But there's a catch: you can only buy 12 beers per person, per visit. That's right, it's not about the number of containers, it's about the liquid volume. So, if you're into fancy "bombers" (22oz bottles), that fancy math degree might finally come in handy.
Important Note: Don't even think about trying to snag some brews from a regular bar and walk out the door. That's a big no-no and a surefire way to ruin your evening (and potentially get the bar in trouble).
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Picking Your Weapon (Store, That Is)
Now that you know the lay of the land, here's where to find your suds:
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
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- Distributors: These are scattered throughout the city. Look for places with names like "Beverage Depot" or "Discount Beer Distributor." They might not be fancy, but they'll have a massive selection at decent prices.
- Bars (That Sell Beer To-Go): Many grocery stores and bottle shops fall under this category. They might have a smaller selection than distributors, but you'll find the usual suspects and some local brews. Plus, you can grab some snacks while you're there for the ultimate Netflix feast.
Pro Tip: Use services like Instacart to browse local stores and have your beer delivered straight to your door. Just remember, age verification applies, so don't try to sneak anything past the delivery person with your puppy dog eyes.
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
Frequently Asked Philadelphian Beer Buyer Questions:
- How to know if a store sells beer to-go? Look for signs that say "Beer" or "Wine & Spirits." If in doubt, ask!
- Can I buy beer on Sundays? Yes, but only from 12 pm to 5 pm.
- What's the ID situation? Gotta be 21 or over, with a valid ID to prove it.
- Are there any weird beer laws I should know about? Nope, Pennsylvania's beer laws are pretty straightforward compared to some other states.
- What if I'm staying at a hotel? Most hotels won't sell beer, but there's probably a distributor or bottle shop within walking distance.
So there you have it! With this knowledge, you'll be navigating the Philly beer scene like a pro in no time. Now go forth and conquer that thirst!
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