Wissahickon Brewing Company first opened on April 1st, 2017 at 3705 W. School House Lane in Philadelphia.
The time has come for a second location, and the brewery has just announced it will be expanding with a new taproom at 1526 N. American Street in the Olde Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia.
We recently spoke with co-owner Luke Gill to learn more about the new taproom and what beer fans can expect when they open.
BIPA: What is the estimated opening of the space?
Luke: We are starting construction at the beginning of February, so ideally we will open late spring/early summer of 2024.
BIPA: Will you brew here or is this a taproom only?
Luke: We won’t brew beer here, but we will be brewing Kombucha, and possibly coffee under our WirlyBird Coffee brand. We have a full coffee shop in the brewery in East Falls, and are considering adding coffee to this location as well.
Wissahickon Brewing recently purchased a Kombucha company in 2023 called Inspired Brews. We bought it by the keg and bottles for many years and served at the brewery, and it just made sense. We are currently brewing this as “Wissahickon Inspired Brews” and will be brewing only non-alcoholic Kombucha at this time. Look for this to be available at both locations now, as well as 40+ locations we distribute it to in the Philadelphia market.
BIPA: Can you describe the new location?
Luke: The building is actually from the late 1800s, and train tracks run through it. The area once had coal yards and many factories, and we are trying to call attention to this. Seed and feed warehouses are next to us, and the trains used to unload or load up and continue to Reading. What great is our brewery is right next to train tracks as well!
Most recently, the building used to be Original 13 Cider’s location for about 5 years. It’s been dormant for the last year. So cider lovers rejoice, Wissahickon will be making gluten-free ciders and have them rotating on tap and in cans to go, at all times.
We have 7,300 sq/ft total, and we will be adding a second floor for additional seating and a private event space. There are floor-to-ceiling windows and natural light with skylights, it’s a very inviting space. There will be 20 taps on the first floor, bar seating for about 24, and 20 taps at the upstairs bar with seating for about 15. Total capacity will be around 300 across the first floor and second floor, with a small sidewalk out front for about 50.
We will also offer a full cocktail program here, as we do at the brewery in East Falls, with all PA spirits for those who don’t want to drink beer. So for those who aren’t feeling beer that day, we will have cocktails, cider, and kombucha as alternatives.
Lastly, we haven’t decided on a name yet for the new taproom, but we are considering a few!
BIPA: Will you have food at this taproom?
Luke: Yes there is a full kitchen at this location! The idea is delicious bar food, you will order at a window and we will bring out your food. We will have food that pairs well with our beers, so think handhelds, snacks, shareables, and sandwiches. Menu items such as sandwiches, salads, fries, wings, and also some vegan and vegetarian options as well.
BIPA: Will you have the same beers and cans as the main location?
Luke: We will have the same beers on tap and cans at this new taproom as our brewery, and possibly some beers you can only get at the new taproom.
BIPA: Anything else to mention about the space?
Luke: We are excited to be around Fishtown and the great breweries neighboring us (Punch Buggy, Fermentory Form, New Liberty Distillery, Sacred Vice, Human Robot, and in the future After Midnight Brewing.
American Street is turning into a walkable brewery experience, and there are many like-minded folks in our industry doing things just like us. The area has a very vibrant music, food, and art culture, and we feel really good about it.
When looking for a second location, we did look outside the city, but signing a second lease in Philadelphia reaffirms our commitment to bringing good beer to the city and keeping it here. We are from here, born and raised, and it’s exciting to open a second location in the city.
Make sure to follow Wissahickon Brewing on Facebook and Instagram, and stay tuned for the grand opening announcement of their latest Philadelphia location.
