16 Things To Do In Phoenixville: Where To Eat, Drink and Play

by Abigail Wolfe, entertainment editor

Lead photo from Bluebird Distilling

Phoenixville may be one of the oldest boroughs in Chester County, but it’s packed with new and exciting things to do. Easily accessible from major highways, Phoenixville has become well-known and loved for its thriving microbreweries, outdoor dining, great views of the Schuylkill River and fun vibes. Ready to plan a day trip or night out in Phoenixville? Here’s a list of our favorite things to do in PXV.

Baba’s Brew Tasting Room

Baba’s Brew has become of the PXV’s best loved exports. Named for owner Olga Sorzano’s grandmother, Baba’s Brew is a fermented tea drink flavored with a variety of local ingredients. Baba’s Brew Tasting Room is in the front part of the Phoenixville factory. It’s only open on Saturdays from 10 am – 3 pm, but a stop there will get you samples of the six kombuchas on tap. Well worth a visit, especially if Sorzano is behind the bar. 333 Morgan St., Phoenixville

Bluebird Distilling

Bluebird Distilling is one of the best reasons to visit Phoenixville. The grain-to-glass distillery has a bar area that serves cocktails created with spirits made on site. Bourbon, rye, gin, rum and vodka are crafted into deliciously inventive combinations, and traditional drinks get creative new twists. The Phoenixville Old Fashioned is amazing, Mad Corny is uniquely divine and Campfire Chat is a whole experience. 100 Bridge St., Phoenixville  

Bridge Street Chocolates

Gourmet marshmallows, blood orange caramels, champagne truffles and wasabi bark are among the sweet treats at this magical chocolate shop in Phoenixville. The decorative boxed beauties make great gifts for loved ones – and yourself. Can’t decide what to buy? The chocolatiers can help you find the perfect confection. 175 Bridge St., Phoenixville

First Fridays

Live music, vendors and lively crowds fill Bridge Street during Phoenixville’s First Fridays. Held May through November, First Fridays make for great fun and great people watching. The festivities are from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Bridge Street is often closed to traffic, so find one of the borough’s public lots. And be sure to make reservations if you’re staying in town for dinner.

Fitzwater Station

Known as The Fitz by locals, this hidden gem is tucked into Canal Street and serves amazing BBQ. From chicken to pork to brisket, everything that The Fitz barbecues is delicious. Plus, The Fitz has amazing views of the Schuylkill River – and it’s open for brunch and dinner. Definitely worth a visit! 264 Canal St., Phoenixville

French Creek Trail

Outdoor lovers love French Creek Trail. Its 97.2 acres of open space have been protected since 2014. Start exploring the trail via the convenient entrance in Phoenixville. At French Creek Heritage Park, hikers, runners, bikers, and walkers can find convenient parking and follow a trail that runs along French Creek. The stretch is approximately 4.5 miles long, with parking located towards the midway point. The trail has a one mile stretch of pavement with the rest being slightly rocky, with lots of twists and turns. 1135 -1145 Raps Dam Road, Phoenixville

Lock 29

Okay, okay … Lock 29 is technically in Mont Clare, the town on the other side of the bridge from PXV. But its expansive outdoor decks are perfect for dining and drinking on the banks of the Schuylkill River Trail. Burgers, wings, sandwiches and salads make up the menu and the boozy offerings are plentiful. Go for the views, stay for the fun. 129 Bridge St., Mont Clare

Phoenixville Farmers’ Market

Tucked under the Gay Street Bridge sits Phoenixville Farmers’ Market, a year-round emporium of farm-to-table products. Open every Saturday, the market offers meat, dairy, produce and prepared foods from local favorites like Birchrun Hills Farm, North Star Orchard, Green Lion Breads, Bridge Street Chocolates, Vera Pasta and Bee Our Guest. Local artists are there, too. Check the website for the schedule of which vendors are in the market on what days. 200 Mill St., Phoenixville

Phoenixville Punk Rock Flea Market

Held the last Sunday of every month at Root Down Brewing, the Phoenixville Punk Rock Flea Market features live DJs and a wild assortment of finds. Most vendors are inside, but the fun often spills outside, even in cold weather. Vinyl records, artisan made goods, food and collectibles make for great browsing and buying. Check the Facebook page for event details.

Rec Room by Conshohocken Brewing Company

Beer and games? Rec Room by Conshohocken Brewing Company has both. With Conshohocken’s classic beer list of five core and eleven seasonal brews, there are options for every beer lover. The same can also be said for game lovers. Sports play on every TV, and the Rec Room has a whole room dedicated to ping pong, shuffleboard and foosball. Bingo and trivia nights are also fun. 230 Bridge St., Phoenixville

Stable 12

After transforming a vacant barn into a brewery in 2015, Stable 12 quickly became one of Phoenixville’s best craft beers. The beer list includes a wide variety of IPAs and lagers, plus porter and stout for the hearty at heart drinkers. Burgers, cheesesteaks and tacos are the best bets on the menu. And, there’s a beer garden in warm weather months. 368 Bridge St., Phoenixville

The Colonial Theater

If the Colonial Theater looks familiar, it’s because you may have seen it in the 1958 classic sci-fi film, “The Blob.” In fact, the annual Blobfest takes over all of Bridge Street. During the rest of the year, the Colonial Theater is home to both classic and current films, as well as live performances that attract arts lovers. While the historic building has classic movie snacks like popcorn and candy, and adults over the age of 21 can purchase a rotating selection of beers and wines. 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville

The Sound Bank

A mix of a beer hall and a music grotto, The Sound Bank is a great place to spend a great night listening to great music. Live acts play Thurs. – Sat. while Tues. is karaoke/game night and Wed. is open mic night. The menu features good pub food like burgers, sandwiches and salads, and the booze options are great. Check the online event calendar to get more details about live music and other fun events. 119 S. Main St., Phoenixville

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Want more stories about fun things to do in our region? Read The Insider’s Guide To Manayunk, The Insider’s Guide To Bryn Mawr, and the Insider’s Guide To Valley Forge National Park.

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