Welcome to Pittsburgh! What do you want to do first? Not sure yet? Well what about plans for tomorrow?
…Well you still have time to decide… Where are you staying? You haven't booked a hotel yet?!?!
Whether you’re a craft beer fanatic or you just want to try something new, be sure to check out these 9 awesome craft breweries in Pittsburgh.
1. Brew Gentlemen (Braddock)
Brew Gentlemen is a small craft brewery and taproom located in the historic steel town of Braddock, PA. After completing a successful Kickstarter, they invested in some stainless steel brewing equipment and renovating an old electrical supply store in Braddock. The creatives at Brew Gentlemen believe in beer as a "medium for flavors, stories, celebrations and things that go beyond what is in the glass". Drawing inspiration from both the classical brewing and culinary worlds, they brew an ambitious variety of beers focused on balance and complexity. Although they don't offer food, there are food trucks set up outside their bar most days of the week!
Pro Tip: Be sure to try Brew Gentleman's flagship American IPA, General Braddock's. It was named one of the 25 best beers of the decade!
2. Church Brew Works (Lawrenceville)
The Church Brew Works is a brewpub in Lawrenceville that is located in a restored Roman Catholic church. Formerly St. John the Baptist Church and built in 1902, it was used as a church until 1993 and is on the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation's List of Historic Landmarks. Now, it is frequently listed as one of the best breweries in Pittsburgh featuring award-winning beer, eclectic cuisine, and decadent desserts. Their large capacity makes it perfect for group events, happy hours, and brunch. If you haven't been here, make sure to stop by because, seriously, who doesn't want to drink beer in a church?
East End Brewing Tour
3. East End Brewing (East End)
East End Brewing is Pittsburgh's home for fresh local beer since 2004. A production brewery distributing kegs, cans, and big bottles throughout Western Pennsylvania, they also offer pints, tastings, big bottles, growlers, and growlers to go. East End brews about 35 different beers throughout the year including year-round, seasonal, recurring favorites, and "downright weird" beers. The best way to experience East End Brewing's offerings is getting your growler fresh-filled at one of their two locations in Pittsburgh for a real taste of the steel city.
4. Full Pint Brewing Company (North Versailles)
Located in North Versailles, Full Pint Brewing is well-known throughout Western PA and beyond. Housed in a reused garage, the Full Pint Pub is available for tastings and private parties. Bring some friends and enjoy fresh, homemade appetizers or flatbreads along with some amazing Full Pint beers on draft. Ever wondered how this amazing local beer is made? Why not see it for yourself - Full Pint Brewery Tours are available for you and your group.
Grist House Brewing Team
5. Grist House Brewing (Millvale)
Grist House Craft Brewery is located in the heart of Millvale, PA just minutes north of downtown Pittsburgh. Family owned and operated, Grist House strives to produce high quality beer that is delicious and easy to drink. The brewery is loaded with character, from their taproom overlooking the brew system, the all-season deck and spacious outdoor seating area, to their tap handles hand crafted by a local blacksmith. Gather your friends and family to come enjoy an afternoon together while indulging in some delicious, locally brewed craft beer. Plus, they're dog friendly so you can bring your best friend!
6. Helltown Brewing (Mount Pleasant)
You would never suspect that at the end of such a quiet residential street some mischief would be brewing. Helltown Brewing was launched in 2011 in the old mechanic's garage where they are still brewing today. The brewery has an industrial feel to match the usual soundtrack on brew days. While Helltown is a production brewery, they do have a tasting area where you are welcome to taste their quality beers. You can fill pints and hang out, or grab a growler to go. Helltown uses high-quality grains for all of their beers, and are committed to the community. All spent grain is donated to local farmers, and all of their merchandise is bought from local businesses. They also support a variety of local charities in Mt. Pleasant and Pittsburgh, which is pretty great way to give back!
Hitchhiker Brewing Company
7. Hitchhiker Brewing Company (Mt. Lebanon)
Hitchhiker Brewing Co. is a small-batch craft brewery located approximately 5 miles south of downtown Pittsburgh. The Hitchhiker Brewing Co. brew pub offers a variety of hand-crafted beers that are brewed on-premise. In addition to their beer, they offer Hitchhiker Ginger Ale & Root Beer, local wines, and a rotating selection of Pennsylvania-crafted ciders. If you come to visit them, you can partake in the small plates they offer to compliment their beer using fresh and local foods. These offerings usually include cheese plates, hummus and pita, beer nuts, pretzels, beef jerky and tacos.
8. Hop Farm Brewing Company (Lawrenceville)
Hop Farm Brewing Company is a woman-owned, family-run craft brewery in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Their focus is on sustainability and local sourcing while producing their flagship IPA, some Belgian styles, sour beers, and a Nut Brown Ale year round. Hop Farm Brewing Company's tap list is ever changing and growing based on the seasons and is dedicated to the responsible use of natural resources, from production to packaging and everything in between. They grow their own organic hops by hand and add them to every batch of beer they brew. Finally, try a taste their pub menu with house made soups, salads, flatbread pizzas, locally crafted sausage, and more.
Penn Brewery Building
9. Penn Brewery (North Side)
Penn Brewery began brewing craft beer back in 1986, making them one of the earliest pioneers in the American craft beer movement. They started out brewing classic lagers and German beer styles, and expanded their lineup to include IPAs and other contemporary styles like chocolate and pumpkin beers. Penn brews all of their beers by hand with top-tier barley and hops. As winners of nineteen Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup medals, you know their beer is good. Penn Brewery's restaurant serves "ethnic-Pittsburgh" fare made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients including wurst, schnitzel, pierogi, and goulash alongside contemporary Pittsburgh favorites, like the french fry salad, flatbreads, and sandwiches. Penn is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, and during the warmer months be sure to visit their lovely cobblestone biergarten.
