NW Philly residents close out Philly Beer Week at Trolley Car Diner’s Beer-B-Q

With beer tastings, live music, raffle giveaways and barbequed favorites the Trolley Car BEER-B-Q saw a big turnout of beer enthusiasts in Mt. Airy on Saturday.

“This is a great alternative to downtown beer week events,” said Erica Hawthorne, event organizer.

Wristbands to the beer tasting cost $5 and included access to samples from nine beer stations and 28 kinds of beer.

Ken Weinstein, owner of Trolley Car, says the diner offers a multitude of craft beers.

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“We have 450-plus beers here,” said Weinstein. “Beer is the new thing and we’re introducing people to a many different kinds of beer.”

Something for everyone

The event had options to buy beer, food and sweet treats like ice cream. West Oak Lane resident and recent Norristown High School graduate Julian Jackson attended the event with his family.

“It’s a great community event and family-friendly too,” said Jackson, who will attend the University of Delaware in the fall.

Roxborough resident Pete Johnston says he was happy to celebrate Philly Beer Week close to home.

“I’m a craft beer enthusiast and Trolley Car has a great selection of craft beers,” said Johnston,” and it’s only a short drive to get here.”

Germantown residents Jerry McCormick and Chelsea Norton were just stopping in for breakfast at the diner when they saw the beer festival setting up.

“We thought this was a great chance to join in on Philly Beer Week,” said McCormick, who said the pair recently relocated from New York.

G-town Radio’s Ed Feldman, host of Morning Feed, says the BEER-B-Q is a great community event for beer enthusiasts.

“People love beer,” said Feldman.

New beer and ice cream creation

The event introduced a new beer and ice cream creation to the crowd when Weinstein and Lancaster Brewing Co. representative Patrick Casey made a “beer float.”

“Lancaster’s Strawberry Wheat beer is so delicious, so we thought, why not pour it over some strawberry ice cream,” said Weinstein.

Elkins Park resident Alicia Moore suggested calling the creation a “Strawberry Wheat float.”

“It’s a great idea and so delicious,” said Moore.

Weinstein says the float will be seen on his next menu.

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