SEPTA's Market-Frankford and Trolley Brewery Crawl

SEPTA’s Market-Frankford and Trolley Brewery Crawl

The Lines:

For this brewery crawl, SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line and Trolley Line 34 will be employed. Between these two lines, some of the prominent breweries of Philadelphia can be visited, some history can be view, and of course, beers can be enjoyed.

The Market-Frankford Line runs 12.9 miles from the Upper Darby Transportation center (in Upper Darby) to the Frankford Transportation Center in the Frankford Neighborhood of Philadelphia. The original line opened in 1907 and went from 15th St at City Hall to 69th St. It was elevated west of the river and after crossing a bridge, descended to a tunnel east of the river. It was extended to 2nd St in 1908 and the Frankford Elevated section opened in 1922. The section of tunnel from 22nd St to 46 St was started in 1930 but when funding ran out, construction could not resume again until 1947 with the new tunnel not opening until 1955. The line has seen increased usage of the past decade, which has resulted in increased service including a pilot program for the summer of 2014 to run 24 hours on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Subway-Surface Trolley Route 34 is a 10.1 mile trolley line that runs from 13th St station in downtown to the Angora Loop station in the Angora neighborhood of West Philadelphia. The line runs in a tunnel from 13th St until it surfaces at the 40th Street Portal. The origins of the line are with the Delaware County and Philadelphia Electric Railway Company which installed tracks for horsecars along Baltimore Ave as early as 1890. As technology gave way to the electrified trolley the route was converted, later extended to Angoera, and routed in the subway tunnel in 1906.  

The Breweries:

1. Philadelphia Brewing Company- This brewery, known as PBC, was founded in 2007 by Bill and Nancy Barton after their split from Yards Brewing. They are located in the old Weisbord & Hess Brewery (who started operations there in 1885) in the Kensington neighborhood, giving the brewing location over 125 years of history. Besides brewing their own beer, they distribute all their own beer, resulting in 85% of their sales being in the Philadelphia region. They have a strong commitment to the community at PBC, hosting civic meetings, neighborhood groups, barbeques, an annual cleanup day, and more. Enjoy some of their famous beers such as Kenzinger, Walt Wit, and Pennsylvania Pale Ale on the second floor tasting room of the old brewery for a great mash-up of Philadelphia’s history and future. Note: the tasting room is only open during tour hours 12pm to 3pm on Saturdays.  
2. Yards Brewing Company- Yards got started in 1994 and their roots lie in British inspired ales. In addition, one of their well known line of beers is Ales of the Revolution, recreations of recipes from Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. They started in the Manayunk neighborhood and eventually made their way to the old Weisbord & Hess Brewery in Kensington. A falling out between the owners, Tom Kehoe and Bill and Nancy Barton in 2007 led to Yards move to their current location by the river (as outlined above, the Barton’s started Philadelphia Brewing at the Kensington location). This move allowed them to increase their capacity and also implement many sustainable practices, such as becoming a 100% wind-powered brewery.   
3. 2nd Story Brewing Company- This Old City brewery, which opened in 2014, is in the location of what was Triumph Brewery’s Old City location (there are still two more in the Philadelphia area). As indicated by the name, the actual brewery is located on the 2nd floor while the main bar and restaurant is below it on the 1st floor- all you need to do is look up to get a glimpse. They serve up four house beers along with an equal number of rotating taps for seasonals and one-offs.  
4. Nodding Head Brewery and Restaurant- This second floor brewery is adorned with many little bobble heads of various personages. They maintain a small rotating tap list, which features many beers worthy of tasting. Having opened in January 2000 at the location of a former Samuel Adams Brew House, their beers have been earning awards, most recently at the Great American Beer Festival.
5. Dock Street Brewing Company- This brewery is located in West Philadelphia’s Cedar Park neighborhood in a historic firehouse. The brewery has gone through some changes over the years, starting operations in 1985 although only as a bottling operation just outside the city in the suburb of Bala Cynwyd. They opened a brewpub in the Logan Square neighborhood in 1989, was sold in 1998, and ceased operation in 2000. The original owner repurchased the brewery in 2002 and by 2007 they had opened at their current location. The beers have gained recognition, as have their pizzas. They are also well known for their Philly Beer Week Music Fest, an outdoor concert held on the last Sunday of Philly Beer Week featuring local artists and musicians.  

The Tour:

1. Start the tour at Philadelphia Brewing Company (2440 Frankford Ave). Take in the historic brick brewery that has been restored by PBC and doing what it was built to do: brew beer. If you are starting your tour between 12pm and 3pm on a Saturday, luck you! The PBC tasting room will be open for free tastings and tours of the brewery. Otherwise, you will be limited to the factory store and what you can see from the outside. The factory store is open Tuesday-Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 11am-5pm, closed Sunday & Monday.
1. Suggestion: If you are not there during the brief hours 3 hours the tasting room is open on Saturday and would like to buy a beer at the factory store, consider buying some beer to enjoy at a nearby restaurant- Philadelphia is filled with BYOBs! (Note: Link to VisitPhilly list of BYOBs is by no means all inclusive).
2. One nearby personal favorite is Pizza Brain at 2313 Frankford Ave.   
2. After finishing at PBC, head south on Frankford Ave and cut over to Front St to the Berks Station of the Market-Frankford Line. Get the train toward 69th St.  
3. You will only ride the line as it rides above Front St then cuts to the median between I-95 where you will get off at the Spring Garden Station and head down to street level. Head toward the river and north on Delaware Ave for the next stop.
4. The second brewery is Yards Brewing Company (901 N Delaware Ave). The tasting room is open Monday-Saturday 12pm to 7pm and Sunday 12pm to 4pm. There are free tours of the brewery on Saturdays 12pm to 4pm and Sunday 12pm to 3pm.
5. Walk back to the Spring Garden Station where you will get get on the train toward 69th St again. At this point the line will go from elevated to subway as it heads beneath the city.
6. After short  one stop ride, you will be at the 2nd Street Station in Old City where you can quickly walk over to 2nd Story Brewing (117 Chestnut St).
7. Get back on the Market-Frankford Line at 2nd Street. Depart again at City Hall Station (15th St) and head above ground for the walk south to the next destination.
8. Nodding Head Brewery and Restaurant (1516 Sansom St) is the third location on the tour and is the first brewpub, so they will have normal bar hours; happy hour is from 5pm to 7pm.
9. After Nodding Head, you will head back to City Hall Station at 15th St but now the switch will be made to Trolley Route 34 toward Angora.
10. The Trolley will parallel the Market-FrankFord Line until after 30th St Station when the Trolley will diverge southwest and then emerge above ground at the 40th St Portal. The Route 34 will continue on Baltimore Avenue.
11. Hop off the Trolley at the Baltimore Ave and 50th St stop and right before you will be the final destination of the crawl.
12. Dock Street Brewing Company (701 South 50th St) rounds out the brewery crawl. They are open Monday-Thursday 3pm to 11pm, Friday-Saturday 12pm to 1am, and Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Happy hour is everyday from 4pm to 6pm and they have free tours of the brewery on Saturdays; they must be set up by appointment and are for groups of 8 or more.

Future updates:

Saint Benjamin Brewing Company- This brewery is another recent addition to the Philadelphia brewing scene, opening in 2014 in Kensington neighborhood. They are a 3 barrel nanobrewery located in a historic carriage and stables of the former Theo Finkenauer Brewery. As one can easily determine, Saint Benjamin refers to Benjamin Franklin. They currently are not open for tours, tasting, etc. but that could change in the future.

Map coming soon!

TriMet's MAX Blue Line Brewery Crawl

TriMet's MAX Blue Line Brewery Crawl

The Line:

The MAX Blue Line in Portland, OR is operated by TriMet, the Portland area's transit authority. The MAX lines (Metropolitan Area Express) are light rail lines which first began operation in 1986 when the initial segment opened. The Blue Line is 33 miles long and runs from the suburban Portland cities of Hillsboro and Gresham via downtown Portland. The Blue Line was the first MAX line to open, starting with service between downtown Portland and Gresham. At the time, it was simply referred to as MAX light rail and the use of colors to separate between lines was not used until 2000.

The Breweries:

The Breweries for this tour will span the length of the line to include the cities of Gresham, Portland, and Hillsboro.

1. The Hoppy Brewer- Labeling themselves “the hoppiest place in Oregon” this homebrew supply/beer garden/nano-brewery fully embrace the craft beer and homebrew culture. They have 12 rotating taps and over 200 bottles to choose from to enjoy inside or in their beer garden. In addition, the owner Steve Krause operates Gresham’s smallest brewery at the shop producing Krauski’s Brewskis. To round it all out, browse through their brewing supplies and contemplate your next creation, or if you don’t homebrew, consider all the fun you could have if you did homebrew.
2. Columbia River Brewing Company- This brewery opened in 2010 in the Hollywood District of Portland in the location previously occupied by former brewpub Laurelwood Pizza. They brew up house beers and seasonals for your enjoyment.
1. Alternative: Laurelwood Public House and Brewery- This neighborhood focused brewpub now focuses on many neighborhoods, with four locations around Portland, one being situated at Portland’s airport. Their philosophy revolves around being involved in the neighborhood, supporting the Pacific Northwest, and being family friendly (seriously, you can bring the kids). The lineup of beers beers includes regulars such as Free Range Red, Workhorse IPA, and Organic Treehugger Porter and seasonals.    
3. Old Town Pizza- Pizza, beer, history, and maybe ghosts intertwine at Old Town Pizza. Located in Portland’s historic Old Town, Old Town Pizza opened in 1974 and occupies the lobby of the old Merchant Hotel, built by two successful lumber barons in 1880. In addition to their famous pizza, they also brew their own beer at their brewery in NE Portland, all ontap here at the historic location. Also, while enjoy that pizza and beer with touches of history, keep an eye out for the resident ghost Nina, who has been seen by customers and employees alike.   
4. McMenamins Crystal Brewery- The McMenamin brothers have grown their Portland based empire of breweries, pubs, and hotels from a single bar to multiple locations all across the Pacific Northwest. This particular brewery is located at the Crystal Ballroom, which opened its doors as a ballroom in 1914 and it was in the 1960s that rock acts started performing there. The McMenamins reopened in in 1997 and added the Crystal Brewery on the 2nd floor in a space previously occupied by the Ballroom’s dance rehearsal studio. The brewery provides beer for both Ballroom and Ringler’s Pub on the first floor. Beers include McMenamin standards such as Ruby and Hammerhead as well as various creative offerings thought up by the brewers.
5. Vertigo Brewing- This brewery opened in 2008 (the taproom opening in 2012) and is located in an industrial building that will be a little hike from the MAX station, but worth it. The brewery has become a favorite in the Hillsboro area, with their Apricot Cream Ale quickly becoming a popular offering.  
1. Alternative: Three Mugs Brewing Company- As an alternative to Vertigo Brewing or in addition to, not far away is Three Mugs. Their tap room opened in August of 2013 and they feature many different guest taps but as of February 2014, they have started featuring their own brews as well. Founded by the owners of the homebrew shop Brew Brothers (which this brewery is located behind) and they say it was always part of the plan for the supply shop.

The Tour:

1. Start your tour on the eastern side of the Blue Line in downtown Gresham (as always, the tour can be done in the opposite direction if people want). Your first location is The Hoppy Brewer at 321 N Main Ave. If it is a nice day, enjoy your beer outside in the Beer Garden or out front and enjoy the people watching in Gresham’s downtown.
2. After finishing up your Hoppy Brewer experience (did you buy any homebrew equipment??), walk over to the Gresham Transit Center to get on the MAX Blue Line going west toward Portland. The train will run along tracks down the middle of E Burnside St until it reaches the Gateway Transit Center. At this point, the Red Line and Green Line join with the Blue Line and the trains run along the side of Interstate 84.
3. Get off the MAX at the Hollywood Transit Center and you will find yourself in Portland’s Hollywood neighborhood, named for the historic 1920s era Hollywood Theater on Sandy Blvd, right around the corner from the next stop at Columbia River Brewery (1728 NE 40th Ave).
4. If you decide to go with the alternative brewery at this stop (or if you plan on going to both) continuing walking up Sandy Blvd to Laurelwood Public House and Brewery (5115 NE Sandy Blvd).
5. Stroll back over to the MAX and after it passes through the Lloyd District, the your trip will take you over the Willamette River to downtown Portland. The MAX will head over the river on the Steel Bridge, a double deck vertical lift bridge completed in 1912. It is the second older vertical lift bridge in North America (the oldest being the Hawthorne Bridge just a few bridges down the river).
6. Depart the MAX at the Old Town/Chinatown Station and make the short walk over to the next location, Old Town Pizza (226 NW Davis St).  
7. After getting back on the MAX at the Old Town/Chinatown Station, you ride the MAX right through downtown past such famous landmarks as Pioneer Courthouse and Pioneer Courthouse Square, affectionately referred to as “Portland’s Living Room.”
8. You will depart the MAX again at the Galleria/SW 10th Ave MAX Station to walk over to the next stop at McMenamins Crystal Brewery (1332 W Burnside St).
9. After finishing your beer, make your way back to the Galleria/SW 10th Ave MAX Station to continue your westward travel. After the MAX travels through the neighborhood of Goose Hollow you’ll pass by the home of the Portland Timbers, Providence Park, which was built in 1926 by the Multnomah Athletic Club. It has hosted various different sports and games over the years and was newly renovated for the Timbers, who made their debut at the stadium in 2011. As you leave Goose Hollow and pass under the Vista Bridge, the train will enter the Robertson Tunnel, a 2.9 miles twin-bore tunnel through the Tualatin Mountains. The one station in the tunnel at Washington Park is 259 feet deep, making it the deepest station in the United States. A core sample taken during construction is on display in the station with a timeline of local geographic history.  
10. To reach the last brewery (or breweries if you will be visiting both) you will get off the MAX at the Quatama/NW 205th Ave Station. The walk will be about 1 mile and depending on how direct of route you take, may be along busy roads- so be careful and smart. Consider using the nearby Rock Creek Trail which starts on NW Wilkins St and goes right behind Vertigo Brewing (21420 NW Nicholas Ct) and Three Mugs (2020 NW Aloclek Dr, #108).    

Map coming soon!

SEPTA's Paoli-Thorndale Line Brewery Train Crawl

SEPTA’s Paoli-Thorndale Line Brewery Crawl

The Line:

SEPTA’s Paoli-Thorndale Line (formerly, and now unofficially, the R5) runs from 30th Street Station in downtown Philadelphia to Thorndale in Chester County. The line was originally part of Pennsylvania’s Main Line of Public Works- a series of canals and railroads constructed between 1828 and 1834 built across southern Pennsylvania between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The Main Line then became of the Pennsylvania Railroad and eventually Amtrak’s Keystone Line. NYCsubway.org provides a full description of the line.  

The Breweries:

With time, it is planned that the tour can include all breweries. As there are only three on the line, some other great beer destinations were included to help round things out. The three breweries are also featured on the Amtrak Keystone Line Brewery Crawl.

1. Nodding Head Brewery and Restaurant- This little second floor brewery is adorned with many little bobble heads of various personages. They maintain a small rotating tap lists, which features many beers worthy of tasting. Having opened in January 2000 at the location of a former Samuel Adams Brew House, their beers have been earning awards, most recently at the Great American Beer Festival.
2. The Greeks Next Door- This is a bottle shop which stocks in over 950 American and International beers in their fridges- all arrayed up and down the walls for your browsing pleasure- and 16 rotating drafts. Next door is the original tavern, The Greeks (figure out how they created the name yet?), which is a perfect little pub for enjoy that beer you picked up at the bottle shop. The Greeks has been operating continuously in Narberth since 1922 and with the addition of The Greeks Next Door in 2012, there seems no doubt they’ll be going anywhere soon.

3. 

    Tired Hands

   Tired Hands Brewing Company - This "brewcafe" just opened in 2012 and in that time they have garnered quite the reputation. There beers are influenced both by the farmhouse brews of France and Belgium along with the American brewer. They have no qualms going off in their own direction, using all types of local and far off ingredients to come up with one of a kind tastes. The beers pair perfectly with their locally produced meats, cheeses, and pickles. They most recently purchased a larger location nearby which will significantly increase their brewing capabilities; follow them on Facebook to keep updated on the continuing renovations!
4. Teresa’s Next Door- Only steps away from the train station in Wayne is the polished up Teresa’s Next Door. They have a well thought out draft offering and an extensive bottle list covering the many beers of the world. They make a concerted effort here to present your beer in its proper form, with over 100 types of glassware behind the bar. They also offer various menu items to pair with your beer, including different cheese selections, roasted bone marrow , escargot, mussels, and more.
5. Station Tap Room- This 2010 addition to the beer scene of Downingtown provided a needed craft beer pub to the area. Sitting directly across the street (as you may have guessed) from the train station, they offer up beers ranging from as local as Victory Brewing Company down the street to craft beers from throughout the country. Check out the Philly Beer Scene’s take on Station Tap Room.

6. 

   Leaving Ardmore Station 

   Victory Brewing Company- Opened in 1996, this brewery has made the amazing expansion from just 1,725 barrels in their first year to just over 93,000 in 2012. You will find a large tap list from which to choose at their brewpub.

The Tour:

1. Start your tour at Nodding Head in downtown Philadelphia at 1516 Sansom Street; you’ll find them up the stairs on the 2nd floor.
2. After enjoying a beer, stroll over to 30th Street Station where you will catch your first train. Take some time to enjoy the impressive station, with its Corinthian columns at the entrance, Art Deco main waiting room, and art pieces throughout the station. Completed in 1933, it was originally called Pennsylvania Station- 30th Street, as it was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad. It is currently Amtrak’s 3rd busiest station. Now, head up to the SEPTA platforms and grab the Paoli-Thorndale to head out of Philadelphia
3. As you travel out of Philadelphia, keep an eye out for some interesting sights along the line. First, as you pull out of the station, take in the view of downtown and the Philadelphia Art Museum across the Schuylkill River. As the train moves through West Philadelphia, look out for the abandoned 52nd Street Station, built by the Pennsylvania Railroad but closed when SEPTA took over the line. Soon enough the train will pull into Narberth and off the train you go.
4. You’ll find yourself in the middle of the town of Narberth and just a short ramble down the main street will get you to your beer destination The Greeks Next Door (237 Haverford Ave).
5. After getting back on the train, just a two stops later will be the town of Ardmore. Tired Hands Brewing (16 Ardmore Ave) is a short walk west down Lancaster Ave, which part of U.S. Route 30 and the historic Lincoln Highway, the first road across the United States.
6. Your next Main Line beer destination is Wayne. On the other side of the tracks you will quickly find yourself at Teresa's Next Door (124 N Wayne Ave).
7. After getting back on the train in Wayne, you take it to Downingtown (be sure to check the schedule as some trains turn around prior to this station), where there are two destinations for our beer purposes. First is the Station Tap Room, located right by the train station at 207 W Lancaster Ave.
8. After finishing up there, you will have to take a bit of a trek to get to the final destination at Victory Brewing Company (420 Acorn Lane).

Map coming soon!

TriMet's MAX Yellow Line Brewery Crawl

TriMet's MAX Yellow Line Brewery Crawl

The Line:

The MAX Yellow Line in Portland, OR is operated by TriMet, the Portland area's transit authority. The MAX lines (Metropolitan Area Express) are light rail lines which first began operation in 1986 when the initial segment opened. The Yellow Line, which began operation in 2004, runs from Portland State University in Downtown Portland to the Portland Expo Center in the North. 

The Breweries:

For this tour, 6 breweries were chosen, all located within the city of Portland. The tour will start just below downtown on the Portland State University (PSU) campus and head north on the yellow line across the Willamette and toward the Expo Center. 

1. Rogue Hall- This outpost of the Rogue Nation is located on the PSU campus. They offer a convenient place for students and life time learners alike to sit back with some Rogue Beer and soak up that collegiate atmosphere. Outside seating, free wi-fi, and more then 20 Rogue Beers on tap, including the PSU IPA, round it all out. (Note: Rogue does not brew any beer at this location)
2. Tugboat Brewing Company- A cozy little brewpub with the atmosphere that will make you think you are just hanging at your friend's house. Lots of board games and books are all around to go with your beer. They often have 3 to 5 of there own beers on tap and then guest taps from other micro breweries, largely Oregon. 
3. PINTS- Located in the Old Town/Chinatown district, this brewpub is a coffee house in the morning and urban taproom by night. They opened in 2012 and focus on Northwest and British inspired beers. They usually have about 10 selections on tap so you will definitely have selection. 
4. Widmer Brothers Brewing Company- The Widmer brothers started their brewery in 1985 on the other side of the river in the future Pearl District. At their current location they have a pub and restaurant along with their modern brewery. Try one of their many beers, including their hefeweizen which is credited with introducing the style to the United States, and if you are there on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday consider taking a brewery tour (it concludes with free samples!).
5. Fire on the Mountain Buffalo Wings- While the main draw for Fire on the Mountain may not be their beer, they do brew and with this location so close to the MAX line, how can one pass up a chance for some wings and beer? The first Fire on the Mountain location was opened in 2005 and has now expanded to three locations in Portland and now also brew their own beer. They also take their environmentalism seriously, for example, they recycle, composite, and the wings are from free range chickens. (Note: Fire on the Mountain does not brew at this location; the brewery is at their Fremont location)
6. Lucky Labrador Tap Room- Lucky Lab was started in 1994 by two friends from Portland at their location on Southeast Hawthorne Blvd. Originally the plan was to call it Lucky Dog Brewing, but since their was a dog food by that name, they had to make the switch to Labrador. They now have a total of four locations, with this one being the most recently opened. You'll find 16 taps of their beer here for your enjoyment. (Note: Lucky Labrador does not brew any beer at this location) 

The Tour:

1. Start your tour on the Portland State University campus around the Portland South Park Blocks. The South Park Blocks run for twelve blocks amongst museums, public art, benches, and the university. You will find Rogue Hall (1717 Southwest Park Ave) just off the park on PSU's campus.
2. After your Rogue brew, head to 6th St for your first MAX ride. This part of the ride will take you through the center of downtown Portland and along the Portland Transit Mall. The Transit Mall is a pair of streets (5th and 6th streets) which were restricted to transit on two of the three lanes in 1977. Until 2009, the transit mall was just buses but light rail was added at that time for the MAX lines. You will also pass the historic Pioneer Courthouse and Pioneer Courthouse Square, known as Portland's living room.  
3. Get off the MAX at Pine St and head over to Tugboat Brewing (711 Southwest Ankeny St) for your next beer.
4. The next brewery, PINTS, is not all that many blocks away and no one would fault you  for just walking there. If you are trying to keep in the spirit of breweries by train, though, head back to 6th and Pine to grab the MAX again. This portion of the Transit Mall will take you into the Old Town/Chinatown district. Get off the MAX at the Union Station stop and you will see Union Station down the street. The train station was completed in 1896 and serves as Portland's Amtrak station. Now head over to PINTS (412 Northwest 5th Ave).   
5. Stroll back over to the MAX for your trip over the Willamette River. The MAX will head over the river on the Steel Bridge, a double deck vertical lift bridge completed in 1912. It is the second older vertical lift bridge in North America (the oldest being the Hawthorne Bridge just a few bridges down the river). 
6. You will depart the MAX again at the Albina/Mississippi station and walk to Widmer Brothers Brewing (929 North Russell St). 
7. Board the MAX after your Widmer brew (and hopefully tour as well) and take the MAX to the N Prescott Station and walk to Fire on the Mountain (4225 North Interstate Ave). 
8. For the last location on the tour, board the MAX one last time to take it one stop north to the N Killingsworth  station and walk to Lucky Labrador (1700 N Killingsworth St).   

View MAX Yellow Line Brewery Crawl in a larger map