Dock Street Brewing Company

The Dock Street Brewing Company, originally located in Center City, closed in 2002 after being bought by investors, but reopened in 2007 to its own little niche in West Philly. Its unique, creatively named brews, such as Man Full of Trouble Porter and Bubbly Wit, draw in considerable numbers of UPenn students and beer connoisseurs from all over. Satellite Espresso Stout, the ideal remedy for coffee-lovers, is brewed with organic fair trade espresso beans. Its brick oven pizza is some of the best in the area and boasts delicious combinations such as Fig Jam, with apple smoked bacon, gorgonzola cheese, and fresh rosemary. The menu also offers a variety of fresh salads, mouth-watering calzones, and crispy French fries, the perfect accompaniment to a frothy glass of home-brewed beer. Located in an old firehouse, this one is definitely worth the trip to West Philly. Just be sure to call ahead for reservations if you plan on eating with a large group; at this lively joint, seats are hard to come by during prime hours.

- Danielle Baldassini