Once you’ve checked into your hotel, get yourself ready for a solid weekend of food and brew in America’s best beer-drinking city.

Start things out by heading to National Mechanics in Old City. It’s a single, high-ceilinged room that started out life as a bank and then became a storage facility, a church and finally a raucous dance club.

This most recent incarnation, as a friendly and not-too-hip bar and restaurant, seems to be sticking. Their menu is full of well-prepared pub food and the beer choices number more than 30, making it a great place to grab dinner and the evening’s first round of beer.

Next we’re heading to Eulogy Belgium Tavern on Chestnut Street for the next round of drinks. If you chose not to eat dinner at National, consider some authentic Belgian moules (mussels) or the Belgium fish and chips to accompany your Robust Blonde (Eulogy’s house brew).

Looking for a little live entertainment? The Khyber, one of Philly’s most popular dive bars, is a choice place to see a show and sip some microbrews.

For something a little more acoustic, check out who’s playing at The Tin Angel, just a few doors up 2nd Street from The Khyber.

Ready for dessert? Wander over to Beneluxx, a basement bar on 3rd Street that sells their beers in two-ounce portions — giving you drinkers every excuse to taste a wide variety of brews. They also offer a variety of cheeses, chocolates, wines and snacks.

Still ready for more? Finish up the evening with a visit to Sugar Mom’s, an underground bar that has pool tables, foosball and seats made of old amusement park rides, plus a menu of fries and corn dogs to complete the carnival theme.

If you’re more interested in a nightcap where you can hear yourself think, try the bar at the Society Hill Hotel Bar. Just a few blocks from Sugar Mom’s, it has a much quieter feel.

After a night of solid drinking, the thing you need now is a nice, greasy breakfast accompanied by plenty of coffee. Try Little Pete’s in Rittenhouse, Mrs. K’s in Old City or the Dutch Eating Place at Reading Terminal Market (even if they don’t drink, the Amish sure know how to make good hangover food).

Time to pick up lunch for later. If you’re at Reading Terminal, head over to DiNic’s for hoagies (their roast pork and greens hoagie is amazing, but it’ll leave you hungry for more). Other good places to grab a Philly hoagie include any Wawa, Campo's Deli or Primo Hoagies.

Now you’re going to explore a Philly brewing staple — but you’re going to need some help finding it.

Walk to one of the Market-Frankford El stops (all along the east side of Market Street), buy a five-pack of tokens from a machine or the clerk (it depends on the stop) and get on a train going towards Frankford. Get off at the York-Dauphin stop and walk northeast on Jasper towards Arizona Street. Turn right on E. Hagart Street and then turn right again on Martha Street. Philadelphia Brewing Co. will be on your right, on the corner of Amber Street.

Philadelphia Brewing Co. is open for tours on Saturdays between the hours of 12 and 3 p.m. They don’t serve food (hence the sandwiches) but are happy to sell you all the tasty beer you can consume (or carry).

Hop back on the El and get off at Front and Girard Streets. Walk south a couple of blocks on 2nd Street until you reach Liberties Walk.

Take a few moments to give your beer-soaked liver a chance to dry out a little as you wander the shops (you’ll find everything from a pet shop to a dominatrix boutique) and get yourself a treat (the cupcakes at the Brown Betty Dessert Boutique are melt-in-your-mouth amazing).

Further down 2nd Street, you’ll find Standard Tap, which is believed to have been the very first gastropub in the country. Across the street from “The Tap” is The Foodery, something of a haven for beer lovers with 800+ domestic and imported brews for your mixed six.

Pile into a cab (they’re pretty easy to hail on 2nd Street) and head back to your hotel to grab a short bit of shut-eye and spruce up for your second night on the town.

As you tackle your night o’ beer, remember: beer drinking is a marathon, not a sprint.

Your first stop of the evening is Tria at 12th and Spruce, Philly’s paean to beer, wine and cheese. Match up some beer with 3-5 cheeses (or a few plates of mixed appetizers and light entrees) and enjoy chatting with the knowledgeable staff.

If it’s nice outside, try to score a sidewalk table — they’re some of the most coveted seats in Philly.

Time to visit Ireland — without ever leaving the City of Brotherly Love. Fergie’s is the most authentic Irish pub in town, mostly because it’s owned and operated by the very Irish Fergus Carey.

Often, you’ll walk in to find a local band playing and a bevy of agile waitresses dodging patrons in order to get you your beer more quickly.

If you’re still peckish, they serve an assortment of delicious and comforting pub classics. Right about now, it’ll probably hit the spot.

McGillin’s Olde Ale House opened in 1860, making it the longest continually operating tavern in the city. They have more than 30 beers on tap and in bottles, including two made by Stoudt’s in Adamstown just for them.

To put it simply, this is where Philly drinks. Enjoy.

Alright, cheesesteak time.

Finish off your evening by hailing a cab to 9th and Federal, the intersection dominated by the dueling Pat’s and Geno’s. It’s a Philly tradition to end the evening with a pile of thinly sliced, grill-cooked beef on a good Italian roll. If you want grilled onions and Cheese Whiz — which would grant you good social standing with the locals — ask for a “whiz wit.”

We’ve saved the best for last. Monk’s doesn’t just have a beer list; they keep their beer collection cataloged in a three-ring notebook for your perusing pleasure.

Order up brunch or lunch (we suggest one of their eight varieties of mussels) and toast your weekend with a cup of coffee or — who are we kidding? — a tall draft.

Transportation

If you're traveling from New York, New England, DC, Baltimore, Harrisburg, etc., Amtrak is easy. And you can get 40% off a companion fare when you use the special discount code: V553. Book online at Amtrak or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Driving

If you drive here, stash your car off-street until you leave. Though you might enjoy an occasional cab, trolley or carriage ride, most of these places can be reached on foot. Parking regulations are strictly enforced in the historic area, and you may find yourself getting towed with un-municipal efficiency.

Accommodations

The Holiday Inn Philadelphia :: Historic District is right in the thick of everything and has a sunny rooftop pool with a view (if you're visiting during the warm months).

The Sheraton Society Hill Hotel is just four blocks from Independence Hall and a block from Penn’s Landing in beautifully restored Society Hill. It has a bit more greenery than most city hotels and a heated indoor pool.

The Hyatt Regency is one of Old City's newest hotels, a tower right on the Delaware River. Sit at the outdoor bar and listen to the creak-creak of moored boats.

The Sofitel, located in the former Philadelphia Stock Exchange Building, places you right in the center of the Rittenhouse Square shopping and dining district.

The Philly Overnight® Hotel Package is a great deal. It’s available throughout the Spring and comes with free hotel parking with a two-night stay. Click here to check out the package, then choose your favorite hotel!

More food and drink, please!

Of course, this itinerary is just a sample of the amazing range of food and drink in Philadelphia. Take a closer look at our Dining and Nightlife opportunities and chart your own course across the city!