Dock Street Brewery, a pioneering name in Philadelphia’s craft beer scene, is set to close its West Philadelphia brewpub after a significant 15-year run. The brewery, located in a historic firehouse at the corner of 50th and Baltimore Avenue, will cease operations at this location on May 31st, as announced by Dock Street co-founder Rosemarie Certo.
While the West Philadelphia chapter is closing, it’s not the end for Dock Street Brewery. An undisclosed brewing venture is slated to take over the space and equipment in June, ensuring the location remains a hub for beer enthusiasts. Dock Street South, the brewery’s Point Breeze brewpub established in 2019, will continue to operate. This location will maintain Dock Street’s brewing legacy, with a focus on both beer production and their spirits line at the expansive 10,500-square-foot facility.
Renata Certo-Ware, Dock Street’s Head of Marketing and Events and daughter of Rosemarie Certo, emphasized the deep connection between the West Philly firehouse location and the surrounding community. She fondly described it as a true neighborhood establishment that mirrored and was embraced by the people it served.
“You could create a whole TV series just based on the characters who became our regulars and staff,” Certo-Ware shared with Billy Penn. “So many incredibly talented artists and musicians have spent countless hours on both sides of our bar. Whether you were working a shift or just enjoying a meal, you were always immersed in a vibrant creative atmosphere.”
A Pioneer in American Craft Beer: The Dock Street Legacy
Dock Street Brewery’s history is deeply intertwined with the American craft beer movement. Originating in 1985, Dock Street holds the distinction of being Philadelphia’s first microbrewery and one of the earliest independent breweries to emerge in the United States after Prohibition. Long before craft beer became a nationwide phenomenon, Rosemarie Certo and her then-partner Jeffrey Ware established the brand’s first physical presence in 1990. This original pub and restaurant was located at 2 Logan Square, near the Ben Franklin Parkway, marking a significant step in Philadelphia’s brewing history.
By 1996, Dock Street’s production had surged to over 25,000 barrels annually. This impressive output positioned them as the 26th largest microbrewery in the nation, with distribution spanning across 24 states. However, the company was sold in 2000, leading to the closure of the original Logan Square location. Undeterred, Rosemarie Certo reacquired the Dock Street brand in 2002, setting her sights on revitalizing its legacy.
The historic firehouse on Baltimore Avenue became her new focus. After navigating zoning approvals, Dock Street Brewery reopened in this iconic location five years later, marking a new era for the brand in West Philadelphia.
West Philly Brewpub: Beer, Pizza, and Community Spirit
Over the subsequent decade, Dock Street Brewery successfully ramped up its beer production once again, earning national acclaim for enduring favorites such as the Bohemian Pilsner and Rye IPA. Their Man Full of Trouble Porter further solidified their reputation, garnering two bronze medals at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival.
Beyond its award-winning beers, the West Philly brewpub became a beloved neighborhood fixture, renowned for its delicious wood-fired pizzas and vibrant local events. Annual block parties and music festivals became staples of the community calendar, alongside eagerly anticipated release parties for Dock Street’s innovative and often adventurous specialty brews.
Dock Street was known for pushing boundaries with unique beer creations. Examples include a “Walking Dead”-inspired beer, notably brewed with goat brains, showcasing their willingness to experiment and engage with popular culture. Another memorable creation was the Wu-Tang Clan tribute beer, “Dock Street Beer Ain’t Nothing To Funk With” (D.S.B.A.N.T.F.W.). This homage even led to a visit from Wu-Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck at the beer’s release party, highlighting the brewery’s cultural impact and community engagement.
Sasha Certo-Ware, Rosemarie’s son and a former Dock Street brewer, reflected on the unique atmosphere of the West Philly location. “That kind of culture doesn’t exist as much anymore,” he noted, recalling the enthusiastic crowds. “I remember lines stretching around the block, with people eager to try a particular beer.” He emphasized the brewery’s drive for innovation: “We were always trying to figure out what new and unique things we could do, exploring uncharted territory, and aiming to connect with as many people as possible by creating something truly special for them.”
Rosemarie Certo, a pioneering woman in the historically male-dominated craft brewing industry, who started her journey over 30 years ago, indicated she is embarking on a new professional endeavor, though details remain undisclosed.
In an open letter published on the brewery’s website, Certo expressed her gratitude and pride. “I am proud of what Dock Street means to this neighborhood and what we have accomplished together,” Certo wrote. “I’ve witnessed our staff grow both personally and professionally, whether they built careers at Dock Street or used it to support their own passions. I am truly thankful for the profound impact this wonderful neighborhood has had on me.”
Bittersweet Farewell and a Lasting Legacy
Renata Certo-Ware captured the mixed emotions surrounding the West Philadelphia closure, describing the departure as “heartbreaking.”
“The parts of us that have shaped this space – those who painted the walls, stretched countless pizza doughs, and poured endless pints for our cherished regulars – those parts will forever remain in West Philly. It will feel like a piece of us is physically missing,” she explained.
However, she also offered a hopeful perspective: “The consolation is knowing that this neighborhood is brimming with incredible, talented individuals. It will undoubtedly continue to evolve into its own beautiful, unique place, one that we can always revisit and feel proud to have helped shape over the past decade and a half.”
The closure of Dock Street Brewery’s West Philadelphia location marks the end of an era, but the legacy of this pioneering craft brewery and its deep community connection will undoubtedly endure in the memories of West Philadelphians and craft beer lovers alike. Dock Street South remains open, carrying the torch for the brand’s future.
