From Philly’s historic spots to Bensalem’s lively casino-side hangouts, Pennsylvania beer gardens serve great local brews with a side of excitement. Here’s where to drink outdoors near gaming action.
There’s something special about drinking beer outside. Pennsylvania beer gardens get this right. They mix fresh air, good drinks, and local flavor. Some sit right next to casinos, adding extra energy to your pint. Picture this: cold IPA in hand, the hum of slot machines nearby. Philadelphia’s historic districts and Bensalem’s Parx Casino area have standout spots. Each offers its own vibe, beer list, and food. You’ll find seasonal brews, hearty bar food, and live tunes. Why drink inside when these places combine sunshine, communal tables, and craft beer?
Casino Energy Amps Up the Beer Garden Vibe
Beer gardens near casinos share one thing: electricity in the air. Parx’s Sunday Social series brings dueling pianos, themed brunches, and celebrity chats. These turn beer drinking into the full experience. The Liberty Bell Beer Garden’s calendar proves brews pair with more than snacks. They go with entertainment too.
Gaming floors and outdoor bars both thrive on social buzz. One deals cards and spins reels. The other serves pints at long tables. Yet they draw similar crowds: people chasing fun with friends. Casino-adjacent beer gardens benefit from foot traffic and night owls. When you can’t make it to a physical casino, Pennsylvania law lets you play at online casinos (in the) US legally from home.
In 2017, Pennsylvania became one of the first states to legalize online casinos. Today, licensed operators offer a range of games, from digital slots to live dealer tables, allowing you to enjoy a local craft beer while playing. Just remember, you must be within state lines to place bets. The state’s gaming control board ensures all licensed sites adhere to strict security and fairness standards, so you can play with peace of mind.
Liberty Garden Offers a Downtown Philly Escape
You’ll find Liberty Garden in Independence National Historical Park. It opens from April through October, pouring Pennsylvania-made beers and spirits. The space feels like a city getaway with shady trees, hammocks, and picnic tables. Their menu changes with the seasons, featuring items like flatbreads and cheesesteaks. Rain might shut it down sometimes, but nice weather brings crowds.
This place nods to Philly’s past without being boring. The taps spotlight local breweries, so you taste what the region does best. They host events like outdoor movie nights. Need space for a big group? You can book areas for up to 200 people. Ever tried a craft lager just steps from where history happened?
Liberty Bell Beer Garden Pairs Brews with Casino Entertainment
Parx Casino in Bensalem houses The Liberty Bell Beer Garden. It’s open all year, with fire pits for chilly nights. TVs show games while guests play outdoor bar sports. The rotating draft list highlights American craft beers. They also mix cocktails and pour wines. Happy hour runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Chefs use local ingredients here. Think grass-fed beef burgers and premium pork dishes. Weekends mean brunch with DJs or group sing-alongs. Like the casino, it’s 21 and over. Ever wonder if a bold IPA makes hitting blackjack 21 even sweeter?
Independence Beer Garden Mixes Drinks and Downtown Views
Across from the Liberty Bell Center, this massive space blends rustic charm with fun. Giant Jenga and ping pong tables get people playing. Reclaimed wood and twinkling lights set the mood. Forty taps pour craft beers from nearby and across the country. The kitchen serves shareable bites like cheese curds and mini hot dogs.
Daily happy hour runs from 3 PM to 7 PM. On weekends, they stay open until midnight. Big groups can order platters to split. Between the rock garden and Adirondack chairs, you’ll want to stay awhile. Where else can you argue over hop profiles while staring at history?
Seasons Change: What’s Pouring in PA Beer Gardens
Most Philly beer gardens run from April through October. Parx’s all-weather spot is the exception. Summer calls for shandies and kölsch. Fall means pumpkin beers and Oktoberfest lagers. Even closed winter spots influence what breweries make.
Limited-run taps create urgency. Maybe you’ll catch a small-batch saison at Liberty Garden in June. By August, it’s gone. This keeps menus fresh. It also brings people back. This summer, for example, you could try the Sunshine Salt + Lime Lager from Tröegs. Miss a seasonal release? Wait a year or hunt for bottles.
Beer Gardens Build Community at Shared Tables
Long picnic benches make strangers into friends. Hammocks offer solo chill time. Pennsylvania beer gardens design spaces for mixing. It’s like casino floors where players crowd around dice games. Both settings spark random conversations.
Food helps, too. Shareable platters at Independence Beer Garden get groups talking. Liberty Bell’s local ingredients start discussions about farms. Even the games (giant Jenga, anyone?) break the ice. You might leave with new pals or at least a solid beer tip.
Grab a Seat and Raise Your Glass
Pennsylvania beer gardens suit all tastes. History lovers, sports fans, and beer geeks all find their spot. Casino neighbors add gaming excitement. Whether you want quiet sips under trees or brunch with live music, these places deliver. Check seasonal hours, find a seat, and toast to PA’s great beer scene!
