The Craft Brewers Conference—the most important event of the year for craft beer professionals—is now underway at the Philadelphia Convention Center.

And when you finally take a breather from the CBC’s packed schedule of seminars and forums, there are plenty of great spots around town worth checking out.

Iconic Philly Taprooms & Bars

Monk’s Café is a must-visit for Belgian beer lovers and is famous for its mussels. Founded in 1997 by Tom Peters and Fergus “Fergie” Carey, it’s widely credited with introducing authentic Belgian beer culture to the United States and is frequently cited as one of the best beer bars in the world.

Yards Brewing Company is a cornerstone of the Philadelphia craft beer scene and remains the city’s largest and longest-running independent craft brewery. Founded in 1994, Yards began as a small garage operation in Manayunk before expanding into its current 70,000-square-foot facility in Northern Liberties. It’s also hosting a CBC Welcome Party on Monday, April 20, from 7–9 PM.

Human Robot is one of Philly’s newer standouts, founded in January 2020 by Ken Correll, Chris Roller, and Jake Atkinson. It’s especially known for its expertly crafted lagers, draws plenty of industry insiders, and is just a great hang overall.

McGillin’s Olde Ale House is Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating tavern, dating back to 1860. Tucked into a narrow alley in Center City, it’s known for its deep Philly roots, affordable pub fare, and extensive beer selection.

Fun Dining Spots Near the Convention Center

The convention center sits right next to Chinatown and the Reading Terminal Market, giving you instant access to some of the best food in the city.

Reading Terminal Market
One of America’s oldest and largest public markets, it has operated out of a National Historic Landmark building in Center City since 1893. Today, the indoor food hall features more than 80 independent vendors, including several family-run stands that have been around for generations. Don’t miss DiNic’s Roast Pork (a local legend), along with the Pennsylvania Dutch treats and artisanal cheeses.

Chinatown
Philadelphia’s Chinatown is a vibrant, historic neighborhood stretching roughly from Vine Street to Arch Street and from 8th Street to Broad Street. Established in 1871, it serves as a cultural hub for more than 250,000 Asian Americans across the region—and it’s packed with excellent food.

Dim Sum Garden is known for its soup dumplings, while Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House is a go-to for traditional noodle bowls. If you’re in the mood for heat, EMei and Han Dynasty deliver standout Szechuan cuisine.

Top Sightseeing & Historic Sites

Philadelphia—aka the “Birthplace of America”—offers an incredible concentration of historic landmarks, many within walking distance of the convention center.

Highlights include Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, and the Liberty Bell Center.

Other must-sees include the Betsy Ross House, a museum dedicated to the woman believed to have created the first American flag. Take a walk down Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the country, dating back to 1703. And don’t miss Christ Church, a beautifully preserved 18th-century landmark with ties to Benjamin Franklin and George Washington