Do you like beer?

Do you like beer?  Probably most of you do.  But what do you drink?  Do you know the difference between an ale and a lager?  Do you know that stout is a type of ale?  Or that a pilsner is a type of lager?  Do you know that beer should be served in different glassware depending on what style it is?  Well if you had no idea, that's ok.  You got to start somewhere right?

A good way to learn about different styles of beer is to try them.  So where should you go?  Fortunately for those of you who live in or near Philadelphia you are probably within a short drive, cab or train ride or maybe even a walk to several wonderful beer establishments.  Here are some that I highly recommend, in no particular order.  I'll add more as I find the time and see there is interest in learning more.

Monks Cafe (16th and Spruce Philly, www.monkscafe.com) ... is the beer mecca especially when it comes to Belgian beers.

Eulogy Belgian Tavern (136 Chestnut St Philly, www.eulogybar.com)... in fairness have to mention them if you're going to mention Monks.

Standard Tap (901 N. 2nd St Philly, www.standardtap.com)  ....great place to try local beers from Breweries such as Victory, Troegs, Yards, DogFish Head, Stoudts etc.

The Grey Lodge Pub (6235 Frankford Ave in NE Philly, www.greylodge.com ) ...a great find in an otherwise blue collar neighborhood.

Bridgid's (726 N. 24th St near the Art Museum area)

Ludwig's Garten (1315 Sanson St Philly, www.lugwigsgarten.com) ....good German beer and wholesome German food.

Teresa Next Door (126 N. Wayne Ave, Wayne PA) ....about 6 months old but easily in the top 5-10 places to have great beer.

Capones (224 W. Germantown Pike, Norristown PA) ... a nice family owned restaurant tavern with a kick ass singles shop with some of the best selection the eyes can fancy (as long as the case law exists, this is the place to go have a beer and take a few home without having to buy a case)

Dock Street Beer (701 S. 50th St Philly, www.dockstreetbeer.com) ... this is the re-incarnation of Dock Street Brewing.  I love this place.  It's in an old converted firehouse in West Philly with nothing but straightup high quality brewpub beers and great brick oven pizza.

And many, many more....