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Pittsburgh has a dynamic craft beer scene, something locals didn’t expect years ago. Before, the city was just a typical town in Pennsylvania, with only museums and conservatories as its tourist spots. But today, the city is exploding with award-winning beers from outstanding breweries recognized by national beer competitions.
Many breweries are crafting innovative and out-of-the-box brews that are mind-blowing and of course, tickling to the tastebuds. So, whether you’re a seasoned craft beer drinker or simply looking to try unusual crafts, you should visit these 15 must-try breweries in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!
1. Dancing Gnome Brewery
Many connoisseurs say you can’t go wrong with Dancing Gnome Brewery if you need a good and refreshing craft beer. This establishment has served locals for over five years as one of the best breweries in Pennsylvania’s steel city.
Dancing Gnome is the perfect brewery for hop heads because of its focus on crafting hop-based brews using potent flowers. The brewery features a spacious taproom and a 20bbl production facility at 1025 Main Street. You can also choose from its incredible selection of beers on tap and cans.
- Crowd Favorite: Lustra. A classic American pale ale with an intense aroma from citrus fruits contains 5.8% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Infinite Highway
- Hop-py note: Rotating food trucks on-site. Teens below 21 are welcome.
- Fun Fact: Illustrations of gnomes working hard and having fun inspired Dancing Gnome.
Hours: Open Tue–Thur 4pm–10pm, Fri 2pm–10pm, Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-6pm, Mon Closed.
Address: 1025 Main St, Pittsburgh, PA 15215
Contact: (412)-408-2083 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
2. Voodoo Brewing
Voodoo Brewing is an award-winning and globally recognized craft beer company from Meadville, Pennsylvania. For over 16 years, the brewery managed to secure many local and international fans. The company is also employee-owned, meaning that there is no major holder and the employees have shares in the business.
Voodoo Brewing’s newest pub will open in North Shore, Pittsburgh. Although the doors for this taproom haven’t officially opened yet, the company is already selling its brews through pop-ups every week selling their flagship brews and innovative signatures. You can get information about its upcoming grand opening on its Facebook or Instagram account.
- Crowd Favorite: Voodoo Love Child. A strong Belgian Tripel with passion fruit, cherries, and raspberries notes and contains 9.2% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Hoodoo
- Hop-py note: Outdoor Seating. You can bring your food.
- Fun Fact: VooDoo Brewing has ten active locations and two upcoming ones in South Carolina and Nevada.
Hours: Open .
Address: 375 N Shore Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Contact: (412)-337-3637| Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. Grist House Craft Brewery
Grist House, founded by Kyle Mientkiewicz and Brian Eaton, is a brewery that is built for the people to have a place to enjoy a great craft beer. The founders believe that drinking companions become lifelong friends and regulars will also become part of the family.
Each Grist House beer is a token of appreciation to the people behind the brewery’s success. Today, Grist House is among the most visited breweries in Pittsburgh and continuously provides tasty craft beers for everyone.
- Crowd Favorite: Hazedelic Juice Grenade. A hazy New England Style IPA that is smooth and has exploding fruity notes with 6.4% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Fire On the Hill
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Kid-friendly. Street and bike parking.
- Fun Fact: Grist House recently acquired a 55,000-square-foot building for their upcoming new taproom and main production facility.
Hours: Open Wed–Fri 4pm–10pm, Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-8pm, Mon & Tue Closed.
Address: 10 E Sherman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Contact: (412)-447-1442 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
4. Hitchhiker Brewing Co.
Founded by three travelers, Hitchhiker Brewing is a spot for adventurous beer enthusiasts seeking new flavors. You can find them on the north and south sides of Pittsburgh and occasional pop-up events in different areas.
The microbrewery’s extensive brew list features a variety of handcrafted beers with artisan labels. You can explore new flavors and sensations with its brews as the brewery likes to experiment with ingredients. In addition to excellent craft beer, the brewpub also serves customers food that goes perfectly well with its beers.
- Crowd Favorite: Bane of Existence. An American IPA with 6.6% ABV brewed with oats and has fruit notes.
- Highly Recommended: Myrcene
- Hop-py note: Street parking. Offers takeout. Refill growlers. Close bus service.
Hours: Open Tue–Fri 4pm–10pm, Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-8pm, Mon Closed.
Address: 190 Castle Shannon Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15228
Contact: (412)-343-1950 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
5. East End Brewing Company
East End Brewing Company is a must-visit place if you are looking for a certified fresh local beer brewery. The brewery is committed to serving delicious beers and tasty pizza six days a week. Furthermore, East End is not only accepting walk-ins but is also active in distributing its signature beers all over Western Pennsylvania.
At East End Brewing, you can find local beers, a variety of ciders and sodas for non-beer drinkers. You can enjoy these tasty drinks at its indoor space or in its outdoor area with lovely picnic tables.
- Crowd Favorite: Big Hop American Ale. A double hopped American Ale with 5.8% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Hefe Weizen
- Hop-py note: Bike and street parking. Monthly events. Offers takeout.
- Fun Fact: East End actively participates in charitable endeavors, and the management happily accepts donation requests.
Hours: Open Tue–Fri 5pm–10pm, Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-8pm, Mon Closed.
Address: 147 Julius St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Contact: (412)-537-2337 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
6. Cinderlands Foederhouse
If you like a brewery with full-kitchen service food, check out the Lawrenceville area and find Cinderlands Foederhouse. The beer and food from this microbrewery are known for being modern, high-quality, and innovative, all representing the neighborhood’s rich cultural backgrounds.
Cinderlands Foederhouse features funky brews and gourmet cuisine that you can enjoy to your heart’s content. Visiting this brewery is like dining in a 5-star restaurant because of its fancy bottles, modern theme, and classy glassware.
- Crowd Favorite: Falabella. A fermented buckwheat Saison with carrot juice that contains 5.9% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Squish
- Hop-py note: Offers takeout. Free Wi-Fi. Outdoor seating
- Fun Fact: Cinderlands also has Strip District and Pine Township locations.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 4pm–10pm, Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun 11:30am-9pm, Mon & Tue Closed.
Address: 3705 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Contact: (412)-251-0656 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
7. Eleventh Hour Brewing
Located in Lawrenceville, Eleventh Hour Brewing serves quality crafts to seasoned beer enthusiasts and newbies. The brewery source the highest quality ingredients from the best places in the country to deliver only the best brews to its patrons.
Eleventh Brewing promises consistent quality beer products so you can get the same tasty beer, whether you get one from the taproom or from certified distributors. Furthermore, the brewery’s taproom features a rotating list of delicious beers, and you can partner it with the food you can order from the food trucks outside.
- Crowd Favorite: RoboJack. Double dry hopped hazy IPA with 7.1% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Cult Logic
- Hop-py note: Offers delivery and takeout. Dog-friendly. Street parking.
- Fun Fact: Eleventh Brewing has a Barrel-Aged Program, a special section offering fans a selection of barrel-aged beers.
Hours: Open Wed-Fri 5pm–11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-7pm, Mon & Tue Closed.
Address: 3711 Charlotte St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Contact: (412)-676-8034 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
8. Trace Brewing
Another good brewery that you shouldn’t miss visiting is Trace Brewing at 4312 Main Street, Pittsburgh. Because its head brewer, Zach Colton, has previous experience working in various prestigious breweries like Dancing Gnome and Four Points, you can anticipate that their beers will be high quality and indeed tasty.
Trace Brewing features a spacious beer garden perfect for casual hangouts with friends. In addition, Trace Brewing throws events and festivals that showcase the city of Pittsburgh’s multifaceted culture.
- Crowd Favorite: Local Traces. A collaboration dry-hopped pale lager with 5.2% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Prism & Progress
- Hop-py note: You can bring your food. Dog-friendly beer garden.
- Fun Fact: Trace Brewing is also a coffee shop serving a cafe menu.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 8am–10pm, Fri & Sat 8am-11pm, Sun 8am-8pm.
Address: 4312 Main St, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Contact: (412)-904-3555 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
9. Penn Brewery
Penn Brewery is one of the earliest breweries to exist, leading the craft beer movement in America. The brewery is best known for its german style beers, lagers, and a lineup of IPAs. Through the years, Penn Brewery has collected many medals from the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival.
Penn Brewery is full of friendly staff who are not only lively but are also knowledgeable about beers, so you can have a quick beer lesson while drinking at its full bar. Furthermore, you can dine in at Pittsburgh International Airport for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as the brewery serves hearty meals.
- Crowd Favorite: Penn Pilsner. A balanced and flavorful Vienna Lager with 5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: St. Nikolaus Bock
- Hop-py note: Indoor and outdoor seating. Hosts private events. Offers delivery.
- Fun Fact: Penn Brewery is a Bike Pittsburgh business member that makes them a biker-friendly brewery.
Hours: Open Wed 4pm–10pm, Thur-Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-9pm, Mon & Tue Closed.
Address: 800 Vinial St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Contact: (412)-237-9400 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
10. Allegheny City Brewing
Allegheny City Brewing will impress you with its novel approach to crafting beers. The brewery’s mission ever since it opened in 2016 has been to provide excellent beer in a close-knit community. The brewery’s success is because of its ability to offer its customers a wide variety of beers.
In addition, while the bar’s 11 beer taps and one guest cider always feature a few staples, the rest of the time, they’re serving up something new and exciting. Allegheny City Brewing is also not just successful but also gives back heavily to the Pittsburgh community.
- Crowd Favorite: Oceanic. A hazy New England IPA packed with three kinds of hops, containing 6.6% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Deutschtown Brown
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Indoor and outdoor seating. Offers takeout.
- Fun Fact: The brewery is on the city’s North Side, formerly known as Allegheny City, hence the brewery’s name.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 4pm–9pm, Fri 4pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-7pm, Mon 4pm-9pm, Tue Closed.
Address: 507 Foreland St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Contact: (412)-904-3732 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
11. The Church Brew Works
Nestled in the old and historic St. John the Baptist Church, The Church Brew Works serves award-winning beers and eclectic cuisine all over Pittsburgh. The brewery has also earned the title of Large Brewpub Brewer of the Year in the 2012 Great American Beer Festival.
Today, this old church, now a microbrewery, offers mini kegs for takeout, and customers can choose whether they want to sit indoors or outdoor. You can enjoy a selection of beers while relaxing in their cozy and welcoming environment. To top it off, you can finish your excellent beer experience with their luscious and decadent desserts.
- Crowd Favorite: ThunderHop IPA. A juicy and aromatic tropical IPA with 6.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Pious Monk Dunkel
- Hop-py note: Kid-friendly. Free Wi-Fi. Street parking. Suitable for group dining.
- Fun Fact: The Church Brew Works offers banquets services where they host small and large groups.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 4pm–10:15pm, Fri 12:30pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12:30pm-9pm.
Address: 3525 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Contact: (412)-688-8200 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
12. Full Pint Brewing Company
Located in the northern suburb of Pittsburgh, Full Pint Brewing features tasty dishes and a broad selection of 14 beers on tap. The brewery converted a garage into a spacious taproom that caters to over 50 customers.
They serve craft beers made from fresh resources alongside their handcrafted flatbread and snacks. You can also take a tour at Full Pint; its knowledgeable staff will tell you everything you want to know about their craft beers and history.
- Crowd Favorite: Chinookie IPA. A full-bodied IPA with grapefruit and pine aroma and contains 7.1% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: White Lightning
- Hop-py note: Occasional events and live music. Offers takeout. Bike and private lot parking.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 4pm–9pm, Fri 2pm-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-8pm, Mon & Tue Closed.
Address: 16087 Perry Hwy, Warrendale, PA 15086
Contact: (878)-332-8138 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
13. Hop Farm Brewing Company
Established in 2014 in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Hop Farm is another brewery you shouldn’t miss. The brewery is a community-driven business that believes, “Without farms, you’d be hungry, naked, and thirsty,” that is why they only use locally sourced ingredients to support local farms.
Hop Farm Brewing has a tasting room featuring 14 beers on tap and a full kitchen on-site serving good food. The place has a spacious area where you can enjoy a variety of pub games and listen to live music while having fun at this fantastic place!
- Crowd Favorite: King Lumi. A double hopped hazy IPA with a smooth and tropical mouthfeel contains 6% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Dinosaurs In Space
- Hop-py note: Open for dine-in and takeout. Dog-friendly.
- Fun Fact: Hop Farm occasionally hosts concerts, dance parties, and comedy shows where everyone is welcome.
Hours: Open Mon-Wed 3pm–10pm, Thur & Fri 3pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-8pm.
Address: 5601 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Contact: (412)-408-3248 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
14. BrewDog Pittsburgh
Fancy brewed beers and burgers? BrewDog Brewing, located in East Liberty District, offers a range of quality beers and great food items such as monster burgers, tasty wings, and hearty salads. You can even grab a cup of espresso here if you want to.
The taproom features 28 rotating tap lists of its signature beers and seasonal brews. The place is family-friendly and serves a kid’s menu so that you can bring your little ones here for a great bond. Additionally, BrewDog is the perfect place for you if you are looking for vegan or vegetarian food options!
- Crowd Favorite: Stationary Wilbury. A tasty pastry stout with notes of cinnamon, coffee, and marshmallow and contains 9% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: New Mexico Pale Ale
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Outdoor patio. Indoor seating. Weekly pub games.
- Fun Fact: Brewdog Pittsburgh is an employee and community-owned where 50% of its profits is shared with its employees.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 12pm–10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-9pm.
Address: 6144 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Contact: (412)-643-4471 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
15. 412 Brewing
Sam Mure, the founder of 412 brewing, is an enthusiastic entrepreneur who owns an Italian restaurant. After becoming successful in the food industry, Sam decided to open a brewing company. At first, 412 brewing was unknown and unpopular. But because of Sam’s persistence, the brewery succeeded and now distributes beers to many restaurants all over Pennsylvania.
Today, 412 brewing has two locations, its first and original location is the brewery in McKees Rocks, and its new taproom is on the North Side of Pittsburgh. The taproom is open every day and features a rotating list of craft beers. And, you can order cans of its great brews for your stock at home.
- Crowd Favorite: Hazelicious. A light and smooth session IPA with 5.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: 2-Hour Delay
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Indoor and outdoor seating. Food trucks on-site.
Hours: Open Mon-Fri 4pm–10pm, Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-5pm.
Address: 847 Western Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Contact: (412)-498-3836 | Facebook | Instagram
