Western Pennsylvania has been known for beer since the Pittsburgh Brewing Company opened its doors in 1861. Nine breweries operate within the city limits. The three on this list are guaranteed to give you a true taste of Pittsburgh.
Penn Brewery
800 Vinial Street
11 a.m.-Midnight Monday-Saturday
With 17 beers in their arsenal, Penn Brewery has earned the title Pittsburgh’s Microbrewery. Seven award-winners grace the menu, including the Penn Dark, which earned gold at the 2000 World Beer Cup. The Penn Weisen is an ideal summer beer, with a sweet banana flavor and just a hint of clove. Adventurous palates should visit in January to taste the Chocolate Meltdown, a rich stout made with real chocolate.
Menu for the brewpub is German-inspired with a hint of Pittsburgh, a range of dishes from Goulash to pierogies. Minutes away from Pittsburgh’s downtown, Penn Brewery offers ample parking and-as an added bonus-a panoramic view of the skyline from the Troy Hill Road lot.
The Church Brew Works
3525 Liberty Avenue
11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday
11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Noon-9 p.m. Sunday
On the eighth day, man created beer.” This is the slogan of the Church Brew Works in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh near the old Iron City brewery. The building functioned as St. John the Baptist church from 1902 until 1993, and the brewery retains much of the decor: Refurbished pews for seats, high arched ceilings, stained glass windows. Active distillers brewing beer on the old altar remind visitors that this is now a brewery, a contrast from the otherwise divine atmosphere.
Hops fans should try the Pipe Organ Pale Ale, a refreshing American-style pale ale. Be sure to ask after their rotating specialty brews and Blast Furnace Stout. The food is a mix of Pittsburgh-style pub grub (fries, pierogies, sandwiches) and more unique fare, like seared sesame tuna and Bison Delmonico. If you’re there with friends, share a brick-oven pizza. Highly recommended is the Portobello Pesto, a savory blend of Italian flavors guaranteed to please.
East End Brewing Company
6923 Susquehanna Street
5 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday
4 p.m.- 8 p.m. Friday
Noon- 5 p.m. Saturday
The East End Brewing Company is a true microbrewery–not a brewpub. There’s no food, no tables, no kitsch. Here, it’s all about the beer.
But don’t let that keep East End off your radar. Five days a week, the main location in Homewood opens its doors for Growler Hours. Visitors can hang out at the “bar” (a narrow space with half a dozen taps) to drink free samples, chat with the staff and take home some beer ($10-15/growler). Brews include Monkey Boy hefeweisen, Fat Gary Nut Brown Ale, Black Strap Stout, and-my personal favorite-the Big Hop IPA (aggressively hoppy, never bitter). Seasonals and session ales round out the brew list.
In addition to their Homewood location, East End operates a Growler Shop in the Strip District, and will open a new location (6580 Frankstown Avenue) later this year.
