Yards Brewing
| Type | Craft brewery |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 Spring Garden Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Northern Liberties/Spring Garden |
| Phone | (215) 634-2600 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1994 |
| Founder | Tom Kehoe, Jon Bovit |
| Hours | Daily |
| Products | Craft beer |
| Status | Active |
Yards Brewing Company is a Philadelphia craft brewery founded in 1994 by Tom Kehoe and Jon Bovit, making it one of the pioneers of Philadelphia's craft beer scene. Famous for its Philadelphia Pale Ale (PPA) and its Ales of the Revolution series that recreate colonial-era beer recipes, Yards has deep connections to Philadelphia history and identity. The brewery's flagship taproom at 500 Spring Garden Street features a beer hall, restaurant, and tours, serving as a gathering place for Philadelphia beer enthusiasts. Yards represents Philadelphia's brewing heritage reborn for the modern era.[1]
History
Founding (1994)
Tom Kehoe and Jon Bovit*** founded Yards in 1994:
Origins:***
- Started in Manayunk
- Small-scale production
- Craft beer pioneers
- Philadelphia focus
Early Craft Era
Yards helped establish Philadelphia craft beer:
1990s-2000s:***
- Built distribution
- Developed signature beers
- Grew reputation
- Survived industry challenges
Growth and Moves
Yards relocated several times as it grew:
Locations:***
- Manayunk (original)
- Kensington
- ***Spring Garden*** (current, 2017)
Each move allowed expansion.
Spring Garden Taproom (2017)
The current Spring Garden facility*** opened in 2017:
Features:***
- Large beer hall
- Full restaurant
- Brewing facility visible
- Event space
- Tours offered
The Beers
Philadelphia Pale Ale (PPA)
Yards PPA*** is the flagship:
Characteristics:***
- American pale ale style
- Balanced hop bitterness
- Drinkable, accessible
- Widely distributed
The "PPA" is Philadelphia's craft beer.
Ales of the Revolution
Yards' ***Ales of the Revolution*** recreate colonial recipes:
The series:***
- Thomas Jefferson's Tavern Ale*** - Honey wheat
- Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce*** - Spruce tips
- George Washington's Tavern Porter*** - Molasses porter
Significance:***
- Historical connection
- Collaboration with City Tavern
- Educational aspect
- Unique in craft beer
Other Beers
Regular lineup:***
- Brawler*** - English mild ale
- Love Stout*** - Chocolate stout
- Pynk*** - Hibiscus beer
- IPA*** - India Pale Ale
- Seasonals and limited releases
Brewing Philosophy
Yards approach:***
- English-style focus
- Sessionable beers
- Philadelphia identity
- Historical connection
The Taproom
Location
500 Spring Garden Street:***
The space:***
- Massive beer hall
- Industrial aesthetic
- Visible brewing equipment
- Indoor and outdoor seating
Food
Restaurant:***
- Full menu
- Beer pairings
- Philadelphia-inspired dishes
- Casual atmosphere
Tours
Brewery tours:***
- Behind-the-scenes
- Tasting included
- Regular schedule
- Private events available
Events
Gatherings:***
- Live music
- Private events
- Community gatherings
- Beer releases
Philadelphia Brewing Heritage
Historical Connection
Philadelphia was a major brewing city:***
History:***
- Colonial brewing center
- 19th century industrial brewing
- Prohibition devastation
- Post-war decline
Modern Revival
Yards helped restart Philadelphia brewing:
The craft era:***
- Yards among the first
- Victory, Dogfish Head followed
- Now dozens of breweries
- Philadelphia beer destination
City Tavern Partnership
Yards brews for City Tavern*** restaurant:
Collaboration:***
- Historical recipes
- Served at the tavern
- Authentic colonial experience
- Educational partnership
Distribution
Where to Find
Yards availability:***
- Philadelphia bars and restaurants
- Regional grocery stores
- Liquor stores
- Taproom
Regional Focus
Distribution strategy:***
- Philadelphia and region focus
- Limited national distribution
- Local brewery identity
- Community connection
Other Philadelphia Breweries
The Current Scene
Yards is part of a vibrant Philadelphia beer community:
Other notable breweries:***
- Evil Genius Beer Company***
- Dock Street Brewing***
- ***Crime and Punishment***
- Human Robot***
- Dozens of others
Yards' Position
In the ecosystem:***
- Pioneer status
- Largest local distributor
- Cultural institution
- Gateway to craft beer
Tips for Visitors
Recommendations:***
- ***Visit the taproom*** for the full experience
- ***Try the Ales of the Revolution*** - unique to Yards
- ***Take a tour*** to see production
- ***Have food*** - the restaurant is good
What to know:***
- Large space accommodates groups
- Family-friendly (during day)
- Parking available
- Near Northern Liberties attractions
See Also
References
- ↑ "Yards Brewing Company". Yards Brewing. Retrieved December 31, 2025