In a city where craft beverages and innovation go hand in hand, Pittsburgh’s craft beer industry is growing at an incredible pace with more than 50 breweries in operation across the region. 2023 shows no signs of slowing with the arrival of CBX joining the craft beer calendar of events and several more brewery openings on the horizon.
With links back to the Whiskey Rebellion, Pittsburgh has always played an integral role in revolution and in the past decade, a huge amount of breweries (six of them wholly female-owned) have opened their doors to craft brew enthusiasts often in quirky locations, including a former Catholic church, an old slaughterhouse and a mechanics garage.
CRAFT BREW CALENDAR
Three Rivers Arts Festival (2-11 June)
Taking place across 10 days, Three Rivers Arts Festival is a free, outdoor music and arts festival held each June in the Downtown district of the city. Featuring live music and performance art, as well as visual art, the authentic gastronomy and beer scene is presented across vendors throughout the park. Teaming world class beer with over 400 independent artists and musicians – this inexpensive festival isn’t one to be missed.
Barrel & Flow Festival, Strip District (12 August)
Celebrate talented black artists, tasty craft brews and magical music at Barrel & Flow Festival this summer. Taking place on 12 August at The Stacks at 3 Crossings in the Strip District, this eclectic roundup of creative, empowered schedule of events is an only in Pittsburgh experience. As the first brew fest dedicated to Black brewers, drinkers and artists, Barrel & Flow has positioned the destination as one of the leaders in diversity and inclusion.
QUIRKY RESTORATIONS
Trace Brewing, Bloomfield
Built inside an old brass and bronze foundry dating back to the 1900s, Trace Brewing is one of the city’s better known newer breweries. The building has character with vaulted ceilings, old growth wood and brick structure as well as graffiti, neon lights and huge steel tanks. Valuing inclusion and community – check out the brewery’s vocational programme – Trace Brewing specialises mostly in IPA, lager and saison, but also produces different styles throughout the year, including stouts, sours and pale ales, and utilises an on-site Coolship Room. Like many breweries in Pittsburgh, the establishment is family friendly and invites dogs to join (on the patio) – offering the perfect day out.
Church Brew Works, Lawrenceville
Located in a restored Roman Catholic Church, Church Brew Works, located in Lawrenceville offers everything from award winning beer, tasty cuisine and delicious desserts. The beautiful venue was originally built in 1902 as St. John the Baptist Church up until 1993. It can now be found on the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation’s List of Historic Landmarks, whilst it is also frequently listed as one of the best breweries in the city. Customers can enjoy an ice cold beer whilst experiencing a little slice of the city’s history.
Spoonwood Brewing Co., Bethel Park
A 15-barrel brewhouse with over 22 taps of fresh craft beer, cider and wine, Spoonwood Brewing Co. offers fun for all the family. Featuring a tasty seasonal menu, the restaurant has lots of space for families to comfortably move around with prams. There’s also a separate family restroom with a changing table. Whilst adults choose from one (or three) of the many types of tasty beers on offer, little ones can roam around the outdoor yard which features corn hole and plenty of space to play.
FEMALE OWNED
Hop Farm Brewing Company, Larenceville
A woman owned, family run craft brewery, Hop Farm Brewing Company has a focus on sustainability and locally sourced goods. Especially when it comes to their flagship IPA, some Belgian styles, sour beers, and a Nut Brown Ale. The menu 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. Growing their own organic hops by hand, they add them to every batch of beer they brew. Feeling peckish? Their pub menu includes homemade soups, salads, and flatbread pizzas.
Necromancer Brewing,Ross Township
Necromancer Brewing is one of the newest breweries on the block and it’s had no trouble rising to the top. With its sleek branding design and originality, the company and head brewer Lauren Hughes pride themselves on bringing forgotten beer styles back to life and offer both draft and can pours on site, four packs to go and an outdoor patio with seating. Speciality nights include everything from Drag Bingo to Trivia Nights.
Penn Brewery, North Side
Beginning brewing back in 1986, Penn Brewery is one of the earliest pioneers in the American craft beer movement. They started out brewing classic lagers and German beer styles before moving on to IPAs and other contemporary styles including chocolate and pumpkin beers. Brewed entirely by hand, this award winning beer is guaranteed to be good. Travellers who want an authentic experience should try the restaurant which serves up ethnic-Pittsburgh dishes including wurst, schnitzel, pierogi and goulash, all sourced from local ingredients.
For more information visitpittsburgh.com
