Inner Groove Brewing is opening a taproom in Allentown.
The Verona-based business — named after the spot on a vinyl record where bands lay hidden tracks — will occupy a 1,400-square-foot spot on East Warrington Avenue. The site will also feature a 1,100-square-foot, winterized beer garden in the lot next door.
The taproom is expected to open in early 2022.
“There’s a lot going on on the Hilltop,” says Jen Walzer, co-owner of Inner Groove. “We wanted to be part of the revitalization. We wanted to be part of a community.”
Inner Groove is already making their brand known in the neighborhood by participating in block parties and other events along the bustling corridor, which boasts a variety of shops and restaurants. Nearby storefronts include Alla Famiglia, Black Forge Coffee House and Dr. Tumblety’s Time-Inspired Specialty Shop. Arlington Beverage Club is opening soon.
The owners plan to partner with local food vendors to keep beer lovers happy.
Inner Groove’s new site will boast a similar, laidback aesthetic to their Verona production facility on East Railroad Avenue. Customers can rock out to live music and listen to albums play on the turntable.
Walzer, who started the brewery in 2019 with her husband, Kevin, and business partners Tim and Kelly Melle, says they’ll also make a beer special to the Allentown location. At the original space, My Verona Golden Ale is always on tap.
It was always the owners’ intention to open multiple Inner Groove locations in walkable neighborhoods throughout Pittsburgh.
Fears and Beers
— Pittsburgh’s spookiest brewery is throwing a Schwarztag Halloween Dance Party. On Oct. 29 from 5 to 11 p.m., head to Necromancer Brewing in your scariest costume for new beer releases, contests and prizes. Tickets are $5 and include your first drink.
— On Oct. 23 from 4 to 9 p.m., Beers of the Burgh will hold a family-friendly Truck-or-Treat Halloween Food Truck Festival at Bay 41 at 115 41st St. in Lawrenceville.
Adults can enjoy a bite and a beer from some of Pittsburgh’s favorite food trucks and breweries, which will be handing out candy to any pint-sized trick-or-treaters who come in costume.
Beers will be provided by Grist House Craft Brewery, ShuBrew and Strange Roots Experimental Ales. In the mood for some booooze? The Tipsy Gypsy will be there pouring cocktails.
Grub includes offerings from Emporio Meatball Truck, Brisketburgh, Bridge City Brinery, Hoshi PGH, Tango Food Truck, Tocayo Taqueria and Pappy’s Kettle Korn.
There also will be a DJ, a local vendor market and other activities at the event, which is free and open to the public. A portion of vendor proceeds will benefit the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Pittsburgh.
— Beers of the Burgh’s Traveling Beer Market, a free, public event, is hitting the road later in the month.
On Oct. 29 from 5 to 9 p.m., local breweries will set up at the Streets of Cranberry (20436 US-19 in Cranberry Township). Suds dispensers include Dancing Gnome, Sobel’s Obscure Brewery, Strange Roots Experimental Ales, Two Frays Brewery and Cellar Works Brewery.
Let’s Taco Food Truck will be idling and Ruff House Band will provide the music.
Drink the Cookie Table
Fueled By Hops, an online community and blog for craft beer enthusiasts, is putting a hoppy twist on a Pittsburgh wedding tradition.
Celebrate the joy of dessert beers at Drink The Cookie Table. Taking place on Nov. 6 at Spirit Hall in Lawrenceville, the event will feature 20 breweries from around the country that specialize in sweet stouts and ales. Many of the local breweries will team up with area bakeries to create one-of-a-kind, collaboration beers. Teams include Sarris Candies and Mondays Brewing, Oakmont Bakery and Inner Groove Brewing, Pastries-A-La-Carte and Arboretum Trail Brewing, and The Pie Place and Altered Genius Brewing.
Tickets are $55 and include a commemorative taster glass, unlimited pours and admission to one of the event’s two sessions. Ticket holders can choose to attend from 1 to 4 p.m. or 5 to 8 p.m. Designated driver tickets are also available.