Quick answer
For an exceptional overall craft beer experience combining innovative brews, great atmosphere, and a loyal following, Brew Gentlemen stands out as Pittsburgh's top pick.
- Best overall
- Brew Gentlemen
- Best budget
- East End Brewing Co.
- Best experience
- The Church Brew Works
- Last verified
- 2026-03
How we picked these
Our selection for Pittsburgh's best craft beer venues is based on extensive research, including local expert recommendations, popular review sites, and community feedback. We prioritize breweries offering unique beer selections, inviting atmospheres, quality food options, and a strong local reputation. Venues were personally vetted for their consistent quality and memorable experience.
Brew Gentlemen
Brew Gentlemen is widely lauded for its meticulously crafted, hop-forward beers, especially their juicy hazy IPAs. Located in a beautifully renovated industrial space in Braddock, their taproom offers a minimalist yet welcoming atmosphere perfect for focusing on the beer. Their attention to quality and consistency makes them a Pittsburgh craft beer icon.
🍽️ What to order
General Braddock's IPA (Hazy IPA) or White Sky (Wheat Beer) if available.
💡 Insider tip
They often have limited can releases that sell out quickly; check their social media for announcements if you're looking to take beer home.
"Brew Gentlemen is hands down the best. Their IPAs are consistently amazing and their taproom vibe is just chill."— r/pittsburgh user
Dancing Gnome Brewery
Dancing Gnome is another powerhouse in the hazy IPA world, known for its consistent output of highly sought-after brews. Their Sharpsburg taproom is bustling, with a straightforward focus on serving excellent beer. They frequently experiment with new hop combinations, keeping their offerings fresh and exciting for regulars and newcomers alike.
🍽️ What to order
Underscore (IPA) or any of their rotating single hop IPAs.
💡 Insider tip
While they don't have a kitchen, food trucks are almost always on site, especially on weekends. Check their website for the food truck schedule.
"You can't talk Pittsburgh craft beer without mentioning Dancing Gnome. Their cans disappear fast for a reason."— r/beer user
Grist House Craft Brewery
Grist House offers a vibrant and often lively atmosphere, especially in its expansive outdoor beer garden, which is perfect for warmer months. They brew a diverse range of styles, from approachable lagers to bold stouts and sours, ensuring there's something for everyone. It's a fantastic spot for groups and dog owners.
🍽️ What to order
Any of their 'Hazeway' series IPAs or the popular Camp Slop (S'mores Stout) if it's on tap.
💡 Insider tip
Parking can fill up on busy weekends; consider carpooling or using rideshare. The outdoor area is dog-friendly!
"Grist House's beer garden is awesome and they've got such a huge selection. Always a good time there."— r/pittsburghbeer user
Voodoo Brewery Homestead
Voodoo Brewery's Homestead location is a spacious brewpub offering a wide array of their creative and often quirky beers alongside a full menu of elevated pub fare. Their selection ranges from highly approachable to deliciously adventurous, catering to all palates. It's a great choice for a full meal and a flight of unique brews.
🍽️ What to order
Big Black Voodoo Daddy (Imperial Stout) or their White Magick of the Sun (Witbier) paired with the Mac & Cheese.
💡 Insider tip
Don't miss their outdoor patio area in good weather. They also have an impressive selection of guest taps and bottles to go.
"Voodoo Homestead has such a cool vibe and their food is surprisingly good for a brewery. Always find something new to try."— r/pittsburghfood user
The Church Brew Works
Housed in a stunning renovated Roman Catholic church, The Church Brew Works offers an unparalleled atmosphere paired with solid, traditional craft beers and a diverse menu. The brewing equipment is situated right behind the altar, creating a unique and memorable dining and drinking experience. It's an essential Pittsburgh stop for visitors.
🍽️ What to order
Pious Monk Dunkel (Munich Dark Lager) or Celestial Gold (Golden Lager) with their famous Pierogi Pizza.
💡 Insider tip
Make a reservation, especially on weekends, as it can get very busy. Take time to admire the architecture inside.
"The Church Brew Works is an absolute must-see. The beer is good, but the atmosphere is truly iconic Pittsburgh."— r/travel user
East End Brewing Co.
East End Brewing Co. is a Pittsburgh institution, known for its consistent quality and commitment to the local community. Their main brewery in Larimer offers a spacious taproom with a relaxed, friendly vibe, often serving up delicious house-made pizza. They brew a wide range of styles, from their flagship 'Big Hop' IPA to seasonal ales and lagers.
🍽️ What to order
Big Hop IPA (American IPA) and a fresh-made pepperoni roll or a slice of their pizza.
💡 Insider tip
They have another smaller location in the Strip District which is great for a quick pint and people-watching. The Larimer location often hosts events and live music.
"East End is just solid, reliable Pittsburgh beer. Their Big Hop is a classic and the pizza is a bonus!"— r/pittsburgh user
Allegheny City Brewing
Allegheny City Brewing is a cozy, community-focused brewery in the historic Deutschtown neighborhood of the North Side. They offer a rotating selection of well-balanced beers, often featuring unique twists on classic styles. It's a friendly spot perfect for a casual evening out, offering indoor and outdoor seating.
🍽️ What to order
Any of their hazy IPAs or their 'Allegheny City Lager' for a refreshing classic.
💡 Insider tip
They often host local food trucks; check their social media for the schedule. It's a short walk from Allegheny Commons Park.
"ACB is my favorite local spot on the North Side. Always a good beer, never too crowded, and a chill vibe."— r/pittsburgh user
Cinderlands Beer Co.
Cinderlands boasts two popular Pittsburgh locations, with their Lawrenceville brewpub known for its modern ambiance and innovative menu, and their Strip District location focusing more on the beer hall experience. They produce a wide variety of beers, excelling in both hop-forward IPAs and adventurous sours, often paired expertly with their high-quality food offerings.
🍽️ What to order
Tracks (Hazy IPA) or a rotating sour, paired with their Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.
💡 Insider tip
The Lawrenceville location is great for a full meal, while the Strip District location is excellent for just drinks before or after exploring the market.
"Cinderlands always has some wild new sour that blows my mind, plus their food is seriously underrated."— r/pittsburghfood user
Necromancer Brewing
Necromancer Brewing specializes in 'resurrecting' forgotten and under-represented beer styles, offering a truly unique tasting experience. Their taproom is sleek and modern, providing a perfect backdrop for exploring historical brews with a contemporary twist. It's a must-visit for those looking beyond typical IPAs and stouts.
🍽️ What to order
Try their rotating historical style, like a Gose or Lichtenhainer, or a well-executed classic.
💡 Insider tip
Their beers often come with fascinating historical descriptions; take a moment to read them to appreciate the unique brews you're trying.
"Necromancer is killing it with bringing back old styles. Their historical beers are always a pleasant surprise."— r/pittsburghbeer user
Trace Brewing
Trace Brewing is a multi-faceted space serving as both a popular craft brewery and a bustling coffee shop, fostering a strong community vibe. Their beer selection leans towards clean, well-made lagers, IPAs, and unique sours, brewed with a focus on quality ingredients. The spacious, industrial-chic taproom with outdoor seating is perfect for any time of day.
🍽️ What to order
A house lager or their latest IPA, and don't forget to grab a coffee if you're there earlier in the day.
💡 Insider tip
They have a large outdoor patio that's great for people-watching in Bloomfield. They also host a variety of local pop-ups and events.
"Trace is my go-to. Good beer, great coffee, and a fantastic place to just hang out with friends."— r/pittsburgh user
Southern Tier Brewing Company Pittsburgh
Located conveniently on the North Shore, Southern Tier offers a polished brewpub experience with a full menu and a wide selection of their nationally recognized beers. It's a great spot for pre- or post-game drinks, with plenty of space and a lively atmosphere. Their beer list spans everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and seasonal favorites.
🍽️ What to order
2XIPA (Double IPA) or their Pumking (Imperial Pumpkin Ale) in season, paired with the Bavarian Pretzel.
💡 Insider tip
It's within walking distance of PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium, making it an ideal stop on game days. They also have a large outdoor patio.
"Southern Tier is always a reliable choice on the North Shore, especially if you're hitting a game. Their food holds up too."— r/pittsburghfood user
Roundabout Brewery
Roundabout Brewery is a charming, smaller-scale brewery known for its commitment to quality and brewing a diverse range of approachable yet expertly crafted beers. Their Lawrenceville location offers a cozy, intimate setting perfect for savoring a pint and chatting with friends. They frequently rotate their taps, keeping the selection fresh and interesting.
🍽️ What to order
Any of their well-balanced lagers or their take on a classic IPA, often served in proper glassware.
💡 Insider tip
Parking can be tricky in Lawrenceville, so consider public transport or rideshare. It's a great stop if you're doing a brewery crawl in the neighborhood.
"Roundabout is a hidden gem in Lawrenceville. Their beers are always perfectly balanced and the staff is super friendly."— r/pittsburghbeer user
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of craft beer is Pittsburgh known for?
Pittsburgh's craft beer scene is particularly known for its vibrant hazy IPA culture, with several breweries specializing in juicy, hop-forward styles. However, the city also boasts a strong presence of breweries excelling in diverse offerings, including traditional lagers, innovative sours, and robust stouts, showcasing a well-rounded and experimental approach to brewing.
Are Pittsburgh breweries family-friendly?
Many Pittsburgh breweries are indeed family-friendly, especially those with spacious taprooms or outdoor beer gardens. Places like Grist House Craft Brewery and East End Brewing Co. often welcome children, and some even offer non-alcoholic beverages and food menus suitable for all ages. It's always a good idea to check a specific brewery's website or call ahead for their individual policies, especially during peak hours.
What's the best neighborhood for a Pittsburgh brewery crawl?
Lawrenceville is arguably the best neighborhood for a brewery crawl in Pittsburgh due to its high concentration of excellent breweries within walking or short driving distance. You can easily visit places like The Church Brew Works, Cinderlands Beer Co. (Lawrenceville), and Roundabout Brewery, plus numerous bars offering local craft selections, all while enjoying the neighborhood's vibrant dining and shopping scene.
Do Pittsburgh breweries serve food?
Many Pittsburgh breweries operate as full-service brewpubs, offering extensive food menus ranging from elevated pub fare to gourmet dishes, like Voodoo Brewery Homestead or Southern Tier. Others frequently host popular local food trucks, especially on weekends, providing a variety of dining options. It's common for smaller taprooms to focus solely on beer, so checking their website for food options or food truck schedules is recommended.
Can I take beer to go from Pittsburgh breweries?
Yes, nearly all craft breweries in Pittsburgh offer beer to go, typically in the form of cans, crowlers (32oz fills), or growlers (64oz fills). Many also sell bottles of special release beers. This allows visitors to enjoy their favorite Pittsburgh brews long after their visit, making for great souvenirs or gifts.
Is Pittsburgh a good craft beer destination for visitors?
Absolutely! Pittsburgh is an excellent craft beer destination. Its dynamic and growing scene features a diverse range of breweries from established giants to innovative newcomers. Beyond the beer, many breweries are housed in unique, historic buildings or offer vibrant atmospheres, making a visit to Pittsburgh's craft breweries a memorable experience for any beer enthusiast.
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