Where to Find the Best Burger and Beer Combinations in Philly

In a perfect world, the stars and stripes of our nation’s flag would be replaced with an emblem consisting of two of the country’s most favorite things: a burger and a beer. After all, it’s easy to argue about all sorts of political matters but when it comes to a pairing that pleases the bulk of the general population, this one is unbeatable. Here’s a look at where to get the most perfect burger and beer match-ups in Philly.
 

With a simple menu of $5 burgers (beef or veg) and a laundry list of really incredible beers, this Passyunk Square bar is burger and beer simplicity at its best. The burger is a simple charred patty with American, lettuce, tomato, and pickles, the fries are house cut, and the ever-changing chalkboard draft list is home to gems from Pizza Boy, Mikkeller, and Tired Hands. (1601 S 10th St.; no phone)
 

The spit-grilled menu at Marc Vetri’s Navy Yard outpost is worth a trip south on Broad for the house-ground brisket burger with the optional but highly encouraged addition of house-cured bacon. Pair it with tart Victory Arso or a ginger shandy made with any of the beers on draft mixed with a spicy house ginger beer. (4503 S Broad St.; 215-282-3184)
 

The signature burger at Jose Garces’ Rittenhouse bar is serious business, big enough to warrant a fork and knife, and sauced with enough thousand island to make extra napkins mandatory. A burger of this calibre requires equally serious liquid refreshment and Village Whiskey’s beer menu doesn’t disappoint. The draft list has a few interesting pours like Conshohocken Brewing’s Doll’s Eye, but the bottle menu is an even better bet with Dark Horse Boffo Brown Ale and Deschutes Chainbreaker IPA. (118 S 20th St.; 215-665-1088)
 

The menu and beer list at this deep South Philly favorite is always changing but the burger made with locally raised Rineer Family Farms grass-fed beef, smoked cheddar, and secret sauce isn’t going anywhere. Nodding Head might be closed, but you can still get a pint of Monkey Knife Fight or Ich Bin Ein Berliner Weisse to go with your burger. (1509 Mifflin St.; 215-271-7787)
 

With bacon, smoked gouda, chile mayo, and pickled long hots, the Angus burger at Royal Tavern has a whole lot going on. Happily, the Royal’s draft list can stand up to this over the top burger with pours like Yards Cape of Good Hope and Dark Horse’s Sapient tripel on offer. (937 E Passyunk Ave.; 215-389-6694)

Top photo via Royal Tavern; Photo to right via Village Whiskey