Nestled on a cobblestone side street off of Ridge Avenue, you will find Love City Brewing, the woman-owned brewery helping to revitalize Spring Garden. Originally a dormant manufacturing plant, founders Kevin and Melissa Walters took inspiration from the history of Philadelphia breweries and with previous brewing experience, they opened an inclusive and approachable bar atmosphere.
Breweries are like bars, but better, and stepping inside Love City Brewing on a Saturday night comes with a sense of warmth and comradery. Pink and orange lights surround the lounge, and a colorful mural with “Love City” slogans acts as a backdrop to the otherwise rustic interior. To make it all the more interesting, behind the taproom sits fermentation tanks and barrels, perfect for craft beer connoisseurs. Inside the brewery (yes, inside) sits Viva Food Truck, actively working to create delectable small bites and bar food, including the classic Philly cheesesteak.
As for the beers, my partner and I tried a plethora of Love City’s core and seasonal brews. There is a drink for everyone here, from first daters to the boozy birthday partyer.
Love City Lager
Located in the City of Brotherly Love, you bet one of Love City’s core brews is its Love City Lager. It speaks true to their ideology of simple and approachable beers with a clean, crisp, and light finish. It’s an incredibly smooth drink. This grainy brew is a beer for non-beer drinkers.
High Voltage – Cherry Lemon Sour
High Voltage is exactly what it sounds like – an intense, flavorful combination with a sour punch. There is a bit of classic grain taste at the very end of the sip, but, in my opinion, it’s a beer for cocktail (and sour flavor) lovers!
Eraserhood
Eraserhood is Love City’s signature hazy IPA, and the name is perhaps a nod to the famous film Eraserhead based in Philadelphia’s post-industrial district. It has a strong hops flavor with obvious citrus and tropical notes.
Cruising Altitude
Cruising Altitude IPA includes one of Love City’s favorite flavors – mango! While smooth and creamy, it has a noticeable bitterness to it that interacts with its citrusy feel.
Modern Love Vol. 8
Modern Love is a series of hazy IPAs, and is currently on its eighth volume of experimentation! Similar in tropical notes to some of Love City’s other current offerings, this IPA experiments with melon and white grape flavors on top of mango and pineapple, and has a dryer finish.
I wasn’t lying when I said Love City has something for everyone. Apart from craft brews, they offer a wide selection of drink options and spin on classic bar bites. Check out Love City Brewery for a truly unique experience, and in the warmer months, its charming garden
P.S. They also have really cute tote bags for sale.
