Well it only took me forever and a day to visit Punch Buggy Brewing but I finally made it. A little backstory. Punch Buggy has been on my list of breweries to visit since before they opened. As the sponsor of the Beer & Wine Garden at Trails4Tails Fest (happening Oct. 16 this year) part of responsibility is securing the beer for the event. The one year we rented beer equipment from a supplier located next to the soon to be opened Punch Buggy Brewing. However, there was some issues with the equipment and Punch Buggy came to our rescue and loaned us, free of charge, some items we needed and just asked we bring them back. The person handling the pick up and delivery did return everything with our sincere thanks and she and I made a pack to visit once they opened. Well we finally did meet up at the brewery. In our defense there was that whole 2020 mess so we lost a good year or more with that.
Back to the summer of 2021. I packed up the pups and headed into Philly on an absolutely gorgeous Friday afternoon in July to finally meet my friend at Punch Buggy. The brewery is located in a residential part of Fishtown and parking can be tricky. Truth be told it was this Gal’s first trip back to Philly in over a year and I forgot about the NON stop construction on 95 that has seriously been going on for the last 20+ years and Philly parking. Took me 3 trips around the block before I found something but I scored a sweet spot. This was the pups first visit to the City of Brotherly Love/Beer and they were quite taken with all scents and sounds as we walked the short distance over to the brewery.
The brewery is located between a small cafe (the former beer equipment place) and residential living. I just adore how small this brewery is and how much happiness radiants from it. One can tell the owners have put a lot of love and thought into making this small batch brewery a fun, relaxed spot that makes folks feel welcomed and invites them to hang and chill. The pups loved all the attention from the guys working that day and the other guests.
Even though the brewery is small they have made the most of the space with a small bar, high top tables along the one wall and regular tables and bench seating along the other. With the garage door open its airy and roomy. The inside has funky hops lamps hanging from the tin ceiling and be sure to check out the local art for sale in the rest rooms. There’s a nice patio are with several picnic tables and umbrellas for shade. Since I had the #beerdogs with me and it was so nice out we chose to sit at one of the picnic tables.
You go up to the bar to order both beer and food. Food will be brought out to your table when ready. On this particular visit there were 8 beers on tap, available in 10oz or 16oz pours, and the recently released collab DIPA in cans was available as well. For the non beer drinkers they do offer cider. There’s also a small eclectic food menu available with different hot dogs and grilled cheese options. My friend and I enjoyed the grilled cheese but were a bit perplexed by the s’mores sandwich. We didn’t realize the S’mores offering was a sandwich served with a pickle and chips. Let’s just say it was an interesting combo. The fresh Pico de Gallo comes highly recommended.
Back to the beer! I started with a 10oz pour of the Cruise Control Session IPA 5.0% – again happy to see the Sessions popping back up. Such a nice option for the summer or when you have to drive. It was refreshing and tropical fruit driven counter balanced by the hops.
Next up I had to try the collab with Urban Village Brewing – Mischief Maker DIPA 7.5% – This was a fun beer and not just because the label is funky. Citra hops balanced by the Loki yeast made for a smooth drinking DIPA.
I would have loved to have enjoyed a third beer but since I went with a DIPA and had to drive I put the breaks on the drinking. However, I do look forward to returning to Punch Buggy Brewing and trying some of their other beer offerings.
If you find yourself in Philly do yourself a favor and stop in at Punch Buggy Brewing. It’s hidden gem worth visiting.
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