The pandemic forced beer lovers to do their imbibing at home, but local breweries kept them well supplied under quarantine, offering plenty of pickup and delivery options. Now that some restrictions have been lifted, patrons are returning to their favorite spots to sip a cold pint. You can even follow this handy brewery hopping trail (or plot your own course) throughout Pittsburgh.
Here’s an update on some ongoing projects and new places to check out around Pittsburgh.
Fresh Fest
Beer brings people together, but big gatherings are a no-no in the age of COVID-19. This year, Fresh Fest, the nation’s first Black beer festival, is going digital. On August 8 from noon to 9 p.m., organizers will live stream Digi Fest from Work Hard Pittsburgh’s studios and various venues in Allentown.
The event will feature live art, music, DJs, podcasts, tutorials on brewing and cooking and beer savvy speakers from around the globe. Participating brewers are busy collaborating with Black businesses and artists on projects ranging from label designs to food pairings. Ticket packages will be available starting June 19 and start at $10 for a Digi Pass that gets you access to 54 hours of entertainment and education.
Acclamation Brewing, 555 b Wildwood Ave., Verona
Here’s a reason to stand up and cheer: After years of planning, Acclamation Brewing is set to open in Verona in early July.
The Wildwood Ave. taproom can accommodate two dozen patrons, but, due to social distancing regulations, that number has been reduced to six. There’s a large outdoor beer garden, however, to handle the overflow.
Jason Yahnke, who co-owns the business with Jim and Carol Callender, Dave Angalich and Aaron and Lara Martin, says they have more than 40 recipes in their beer-making arsenal representing all styles. To start, the 3.5-barrel system will crank out six beers, mostly IPAs and wheats, all under six percent ABV. Customers can bring in food from neighboring restaurants and leave with a growler.
1700 Penn, 1700 Penn Ave., Strip District
This massive collaboration between Pennsylvania Libations and Helltown Brewing is moving into the final stages. The 6,000-square-foot building will open as a shared spot featuring a taproom serving Helltown and Rivertowne brews, a full-service bar and a Pennsylvania Libations retail store. Customers can stock up on bottles and cans from more than 25 of the state’s top wineries, cideries and meaderies, with the option to taste before you buy.
Can’t wait until the interior is complete? Every weekend, the 7,500-square-foot parking lot doubles as a market where you can get beer, specialty cocktails and food and listen to live music courtesy of Con Alma. Hours are Friday 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Insurrection AleWorks, 1812 Penn Ave., Strip District
Just down the street from 1700 Penn, another taproom is opening. Heidelberg-based Insurrection AleWorks is expanding to 1812 Penn Ave. The location, which is under renovation, will serve beer and a selection of local wines and spirits. No food will be sold on-site, but folks are welcome to bring in bites from neighboring eateries.
Hop Farm Brewing Company, 5601 Butler St., Lawrenceville
About a year ago, Hop Farm Brewing Company teamed up with Provision PGH to offer American eats that complement the beer. The partnership is still going strong as they expand operations to the neighboring building, overhaul the current taproom, renovate the upstairs music venue and add a 6,000-square-foot garden and seating area on the roof.
Hop Farm owner Matt Gouwens says COVID-19 has slowed down the project, but construction will begin this summer. It will be completed by the spring of 2021.
In the meantime, you can visit the brewery and take a seat inside or at one of the picnic tables set up along Butler Street. While chef Mike Saffron heads up the kitchen at Hop Farm, executive chef Stephen Eldridge and his wife Susan Cope run Provision PGH’s Federal Galley location.
“Our current menus are very similar at both locations. Mike has his touch on a few things at the Farm,” Eldridge says. “When we open in the new space the menus will continue to carry our popular sandwiches and burgers. Our cauliflower and fries aren’t going anywhere either! Saffron and I are going to expand on the entrée side of things, as well as start to develop an in-house charcuterie program. You might even see some pizzas to go with Matt’s beers. I think we are going to have a lot of fun cooking together in the new space.”
Two Frays Brewery, 5113 Penn Ave., Garfield
Mike and Jen Onofray will open Two Frays Brewery later this year in Garfield.
The 900-square-foot taproom will boast 10 taps and food offerings from local kitchens. There’s a 400-square-foot beer garden on the side of the 100-year-old brick structure, which is decorated with an old hand-painted Star Soap billboard.
Mondays Brewing Company, 1055 Waterdam Plaza Dr., Peters Township
Have a case of the Mondays? Sam Fee has a cure: beer.
In September, the Ohio native will open Mondays Brewing Company in Waterdam Plaza off of Route 19 in Peters Township.
“Most breweries tend to be closed on Mondays (almost all of them were back when I first envisioned this project) and, let’s face it: Mondays can be hard,” Fee says. “So I decided to create a place where people could count on getting good beer any day of the week.”
The facility can accommodate 79 people, with outdoor seating available on weekends.
Beer styles range from IPAs to an amber ale that’s been a hit at beer tasting events. Small food items, such as soft pretzels, savory pies and charcuterie boards will be available, but patrons are also welcome to bring their own meals.
On Mondays at Mondays Brewing, there will be specials for service industry workers (who typically have that day of the week off).
Outdoor drinking
Roundabout Brewery’s seasonal pop-up is back in business. The beer garden is nestled on the banks of the Ohio River at 1836 Oxline St., along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Weather permitting, the North Side pop-up is open Thursday and Friday 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 2 to 9 p.m. and Sunday noon to 7 p.m.
Allegheny City Brewing has a new outdoor space on Foreland Street, across from its North Side taproom. There are policies posted at the entrance and everyone must check in at the main brewery for a seat. The beer garden will operate Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 8 p.m. with food trucks parked on-site.
If cider is more your speed, the patio at Threadbare Cider House & Meadery is open. There’s a maximum capacity of 24 seated guests and no more than six people can be in a single party. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made via email. The menu has a selection of appetizers, pizza, draft cider, Wigle Whiskey cocktails and local brews on tap.