The Craft Beer Outlet

Beeranator

North Carolina

4.83/5  rDev +6.4%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I was in NJ visiting family and saw the reviews on this place so decided to try it. We drove through traffic for an hour and a half and by the end of the drive was doubting that that drive would be worth this unknown beer shop. When we got there i walked through the door and spotted a Brooklyn Black ops and that was it for me it was worth that drive, i ended up spending $150 got that black ops, Russian River, Lost Abbey, and some Firestone Walker. I was looking for some Nugget Nectar but they didn't have any, I asked and they told me they had just gotten some in their Case shop so i went over and grabbed one! They also have a surprisingly good Gluten Free Beer selection. Needless to say this place is a little oasis for beer lovers. I will definitely come back here when I'm in the area.

03-30-2013 02:59:30 | More by Beeranator

BigB0679

Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +10.1%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

I went into this store hoping to find some unique beer to try with my friend who is a bit more into fine beer than I am. I left feeling like this was a place worth driving to even though it was a little further out of the way than places I had been. The staff was extremely knowledgable and gave great recommendations based on what I told him were my favorites. Overall the selection was better than some of the bars downtown who pride themselves on having rare beers, but at a more reasonable price. This is a place people should go to if they want to learn about beer, experience a variety of beers and find that rare beer that other places might not carry.

03-24-2013 20:52:18 | More by BigB0679

dailyminefield

North Carolina

4.67/5  rDev +2.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.75 | $$$

I went through Philly during Thanksgiving and made a pit stop here. I did some research and picked this spot based on its proximity to I-95 and the fact they carry Russian River.
It's in a plaza and has a generic looking sign. It was a little smaller than I expected, but the quality of what they stock is second to none.
I walked out with some AleSmith, BCBS, several varieties of RR and DFH World Wide Stout. None of which you can get in NC.
The staff was very friendly and answered all of my questions. The prices were a little steep, but understandably so since they are in the city and carry a wide variety of rare beers.
If you are driving through, you should definitely stop and check it out. It's the only store I have been to in Philly, so I don't know how they compare to other local shops. Philly has to be the best place to buy beer east of Chicago. Vermont is a close second, but solely based on local beer.

03-19-2013 22:33:40 | More by dailyminefield

dc4three

New Jersey

4.48/5  rDev -1.3%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4.75 | $$$

The Craft Beer Outlet in Northeast Philly was a pleasant experience if I dont say so myself. Not as big as I thought it would be considering all the hype, but nonetheless, an awesome shop if your looking for some rare finds. Great selection of bombers, six packs and invidual 12oz bottles. Also a nice and clean growler station with 6 taps. Also they had a killer selection of glassware ranging from standard pint glasses to gigantic snifters. I was happy to see some brews I cant find in Jersey at this shop (Russian River, Bells, Great Lakes, DuClaw, Clown Shoes, some Maine Beer Company's). Prices are not too too bad, but you pony up for beers that you cant find in your area. Only downfall was there was only one person working the entire store, so not only was she answering the phone, helping customers with questions, working the cash register, but running around the entire store like a chicken with her head cut off. But other than that, this place is sweet and i will definately be making a return here!

02-04-2013 16:59:45 | More by dc4three

Damian74Shensky

South Carolina

4.53/5  rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$$

The selection is great balance of quality and quantity.

About 15 doors with local craft, American craft, and international.

The selection ranges from affordable Sam Adams, Corona etc...to more expensive Chimay, Dogfish head, Southern Tier and Lost Abbey. Make sure you look in the front of the store it has a nice selection seasonals and mixed 12 packs on the floor by the entry.

The staff is exceptional. Everyone knows there stuff and loves beer. Was given a free bottle opener once. My daughter got a free root beer once lollipop another. Very friendly staff, glassware for making a large purchase. The prices are very competitive as well. You can even sit at one of there tables in the back and drink up some of there beers on tap. You can sample beers before you purchase a growler. Great place highly recommend!

They are an asset to the NE Philly Beer community. They have tasting events and adjust the selection based on demand. I look forward to going back when back in Philly!

12-09-2012 16:47:54 | More by Damian74Shensky

claspada

New Jersey

4.06/5  rDev -10.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | $$$

Not as big as I was expecting from the high reviews but a nice clean establishment with above average selection but apparently this place is popular and sells out of popular stuff rather quickly. (They had Founders Bolt Cutter but were sold out of the Great Lakes Christmas beer which is one of things I was hoping to find.) Plenty of beers I cannt get in Jersey like Bells, Dark Horse, Great Lakes and even some CIgar City.

The prices were a little steep (around $22 for a mixed 6 pack) but they were all above average beers. The 2 people working were very helpful and nice and knew their inventory well which was nice. They also have a growler station apparently which is nice for locals.

12-03-2012 16:07:37 | More by claspada

BeerVet

Pennsylvania

4.86/5  rDev +7%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$$

Great "craft your pack" resource if your in the Philly area. Staff is GREAT...I'm a monthly repeat customer and they know me by name and are always interested in more than making the sale. Selection is always the best of the tri-state area IMHO. Great stop if you like seasonal craft brews; my favorite is September-December (pumpkins, Oktoberfest, holiday brews). A little pricy, but I blame that on PA sales tax and the FF'ed -Up PA liquor laws! If your in the area, pull out an extra $20 and support the local PA beer guy, who's willing to go though the trouble to break 6-packs and provide a WORLD-CLASS craft beer MECCA!!!!

12-02-2012 01:08:52 | More by BeerVet

gkatsoris

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev -0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | $$$

A: While there for over an hour talking beer with a couple of the staff, I watched THE OWNER carry the customers bags to their cars in the parking lot; several times....more than good business by my standards.

Q: The store is very clean and a good bit of room to move around.

Ser: After watching the owner carry customers' bags to their cars from the store, and being helped by a staff who were extremely helpful and courteous, the service here is second to none. Also they know their beer pretty well and where they don't, they make up for in enthusiasm.

Sel: Selection is much better than Avg.

V: Typical Philly/PA bottle shop prices. And the clearance rack is a nice touch!!! And I always appreciate lots of (free) parking (when dealing with stores in Philly)!

One of my top places to go for brew now! For the service alone!!!

12-09-2011 02:59:28 | More by gkatsoris

corby112

Pennsylvania

4.14/5  rDev -8.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$$$

A large retail space in the middle of a shopping center in NE Philly. They have a large selection of bottles, magnums and glassware as well as a growler filling station with around six rotating taps.

The place is long and narrow with the growler filling station on the right hand side immediately upon entering. Above the station there is an impressive selection of glassware but they are crazy expensive. An Orval glass was $22! To the left there is a nice selection of seasonals and room temperature bombers/750mls. The cashier counter is straight ahead on the left and the opposite wall is lined up with several coolers with a very nice variety of craft offerings. There is a space in the back where you can sit and have a beer which they also sell by the galas at the growler filling station.

I'm not often impressed by selection but the variety was shocking. They had some cool magnums as well as singles, six packs, bombers and 750ml bottle from a large selection of breweries. Plenty of Russian River along with Ballast Point, Bruery, Evil Twin, Mikkeller, Terrapin, Maine Brewing Co., etc. Not too many rarified but there is a wide variety of great beers. Unfortunately, most of the beers range from pretty pricey to outrageously expensive. You can make a mixed six pack but there is no discount. RR sours were in the $18 range and many of the 12oz bottles of interest were close to $8. Similarly priced to competitive stores in the city but still beyond a reasonable budget to leave with more than a couple of bottles at a time.

Overall this place was pretty impressive with a nice clean space, interesting beers on draft and a huge inventory of good beers. The prices will keep me for stocking while there but this place is a hidden gem in an area of the city that has little to nothing to offer in the way of craft beers.

11-11-2011 08:29:09 | More by corby112

MONKandTUCK

Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +10.1%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$$$

This place is great. Not only is it a "Mix-and-Match" place in PA, they also have draft beers for filling growlers or to enjoy a pint while there.

The folks are very courteous, generous with their time, and treat the customer well. Some of the staff is more knowledgeable than others. I say that as disclaimer before suggesting this place to folks newly interested in craft beer or trying to make a selection for others with different tastes because there are folks here who really know their beer.

It's a comfortable setting, though a bit pricey. I really suggest stopping by here, even if it's a little out of your way. You won't regret it.

09-08-2011 13:57:50 | More by MONKandTUCK