The Craft Beer Culture of Pittsburgh

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The Brew Gentlemen Beer Company/ Facebook

You may not realize that Pittsburgh, despite its relatively small size, is home to some pretty spectacular drinking establishments and breweries. This list, while not all-encompassing, offers a small glimpse into the brewing and drinking culture that has become synonymous with the ‘Burgh.

Copper Kettle Brewing Company/ Facebook
Copper Kettle Brewing Company/ Facebook

Copper Kettle Brewing Company, Greenfield

Ever wanted to brew your own beer, but don’t have the means to do it? The folks at Copper Kettle Brewing Company have you covered. Located on Greenfield Avenue next to Hough’s Taproom, this drinker’s paradise gives you the opportunity to select your ingredients and customize your own batch of beer. Be sure to research the ingredients list as it includes over 50 recipes and add-ons to optimize the flavor you are seeking for your batch. Once you’ve decided what you’d like to try, you can book an appointment online. The brewers guide you through the brewing and bottling process and each batch is ready in three weeks. Couple this with custom labels and you’re ready to try your own creation!

The Church Brew Works/ Facebook
The Church Brew Works/ Facebook

The Church Brew Works, Lawrenceville

Set in the former St. John’s the Baptist Church, The Church Brew Works offers an eclectic menu and tap list. It features five regular staples on tap with an array of wheat- and hop-based beers that rotate seasonally. Certainly, one can’t ignore the atmosphere either, as the church pews and brew tanks offer a picturesque dining experience. Make sure you try their untraditional pierogies and pair them with one of their award-winning beers, such as the Celestial Gold or the Pious Monk Dunkel.

The Brew Gentlemen Beer Company/ Facebook
The Brew Gentlemen Beer Company/ Facebook

Brew Gentlemen Beer Company, Braddock

One of the standouts in the local brewery community, this brewery and taproom provides an array of beer, including unique flavors such as chai and cucumber as well as more traditional selections like IPAs and American ales. An awesome feature of the brewery is its inclusion of the local food truck community, where you can enjoy your General Braddock’s IPA (or other beer of your choice) with selections from Blowfish BBQ, Franktuary, Brassero Grill, or Gyros N’at, depending on the night. It’s hard to go wrong with anything on the beer list, and it’s constantly changing, so there’s always something for everyone.

Roundabout Brewery/ Facebook
Roundabout Brewery/ Facebook

Roundabout Brewery, Lawrenceville

Tucked away on the corner of 49th and Butler Street, the Roundabout Brewery will challenge your palate with diverse flavors and influences from all over the world. The tap changes every month so chances are you’ll have something different every time. The food menu is limited, though it is good fare to couple with one of their intriguing beers. Though there is no “signature beer,” the brewery’s selection offers tastes you might not find anywhere else. Pick up a growler on your way home; you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

The craft brewing culture in Pittsburgh may not have the reputation of Portland or San Francisco, but the quality of the creations here are just as good. Make sure you support your local breweries in your community; you may find your next favorite beer.