The Week In Eats: Philly Beer Weekend Edition

Get Out!

by Alexandra Harcharek

[ philly beer weekend ]

At the SPTR, brawny men and women are invited to compete in left-handed arm wrestling matches sponsored by Colorado's Left Hand Brewing Co. Two crowned champs will win a $50 bar tab for the evening, plus SPTR and Left Hand swag. Five Left Hand brews will be tapped at 4 p.m., going for $2 to $4 each. South Philadelphia Tap Room, 1509 Mifflin St., 215-271-8203, southphiladelphiataproom.com.

Gear up for St. Paddy's at O'Neal's, where you'll learn the "double pour" process necessary to pull the perfect pint of Guinness. Later, compete in a "Perfect Pour" contest for a chance to win prizes and swag. O'Neal's, 611 S. Third St., 215-574-9495, onealspub.com.

Philly Beer Weekend is chartering buses, so you don't have to worry about a thing. Buses staffed with "beer ambassadors" will run every 30 minutes all day, looping eight participating locations: Brauhaus Schmitz, Devil's Den, The Institute, Johnny Brenda's, Jose Pistola's, Kite and Key, Sidecar and Standard Tap. Your ticket gets you unlimited rides all day, but doesn't include beer — that's on you, chief.

Get ready to get full: Johnny Brenda's is serving up a handful of local stouts during Saturday brunch, plus oyster specials and a traditional Irish breakfast. Expect brews like Yards Love Stout, Flying Fish Exit 1 Bayshore Oyster, Tröegs Java Head Stout, River Horse Oatmeal Milk Stout, Weyerbacher Old Heathen and many more. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684, johnnybrendas.com.

This showcase returns for its sixth year, shining the spotlight on regional restaurants and brewers. Get unlimited tastings of local beers (Philadelphia Brewing Co., Nodding Head, Victory) paired with food from Philly-area restaurants like MidAtlantic, Bindi, Varga Bar and Village Whiskey. Proceeds benefit Fair Food. Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 3260 South St., thebrewersplate.org.