More Than Iron City

Whenever I head back to my hometown, Pittsburgh, I am always reminded that it is no longer just the home of Iron City beer. Over the years the selection of good beer places has greatly improved. I stop short of saying that it is as good as Philadelphia but there are definitely some fantastic bars and breweries offering world class beers. When I visit I get wrapped up in activities with family and friends but I make an extra effort to stop at these four places.

Fat Heads South Side Saloon

I have been hitting this place for beer since it opened in the mid 90's. Fat Heads is a staple on Pittsburgh's South Side. The South Side area of Pittsburgh is a strip running along the southern shore of the city that is filled with bars, clubs, shopping, restaurants, coffee houses and lounges. Fat Heads is heaven for anyone who loves craft beer and mind blowing bar food. Thirty-nine beers on tap including three Lindemans Lambics (labeled humorously as house wine), sandwiches with names like Artery Clogger and Bay of Pigs, burgers, steaks and 14 varieties of wings makes this place the ultimate gastropub. To top it all off there is a six pack shop so that you can take your favorites home. If you love to eat and drink plan on stopping here.

Church Brew Works

Going to church was never like this. The Church Brew Works has been brewing beer in the restored St. John's the Baptist church in Lawrenceville since 1996. The first thing everyone notices when they enter the building is that the place is huge. Think 30 foot ceilings, a completely open floor plan and oh yeah a gorgeous brewery front and center on the alter. The brewers creates four standard house beers plus seasonal and specialty beers. The restaurant offers slightly upscale American pub fare and regional favorites. Pizza, lunch and dinner entree are served daily. If you need beer to go grab a growler, bottles, or a mini keg. Just remember to be on your best behavior; after all you are in church.

Sharp Edge Bistro

The Sharp Edge lays claim to the title "Best Belgian Beer Bar in the USA". I am sure that a few places here in Philly would have a thing or two to say about that. There are four locations around Pittsburgh and each has it's own distinct layout. I always head to the Bistro location in Sewickley. It's fourteen miles west of the city and best of all it's easy walking distance from my parents' house. The food isn't very Belgian but the beer is. There are 16 on tap including their own house beer, Over the Edge, a triple Belgian IPA. If that's not enough there are four rotating craft and import taps, a bottle list and a bottle shop so you can always grab and go. If you need a little mystery in your life have fun and choose the $3.00 mystery beer. The secret is that the tap is unlabeled, only the bartender knows what is pouring and he isn't talking. Are you smart enough to figure out what you are drinking? Don't fear the mystery draft is a quality beer. There are no thin fizzy macros here. No matter which location you choose the Bistro, the Creekhouse, the Beer Emporium, or the Brasserie Sharp Edge is Pittsburgh's true Belgian connection.

D's Six Pax and Dogz

Hot dogs and beer. This place is fairly straight forward but it is far from ordinary. Located east of the city in Regent Square D's Six Pax and Dogz has the best bottle shop in town. The back room tagged, The Beer Cave, is filled with hundreds of the best craft and imports available. If you are in search of a hard to find bottle in Pittsburgh this place gives you the best chance at finding it. If that weren't enough they have a self serve walk in beer cooler. No not the walk in grab a six and leave kind of cooler. Instead walk in, choose from hundreds of bottles then sit down an enjoy your beer with your meal. The waitresses are happy to open any bottle and provide a glass. Six drafts are also available. The menu offers sandwiches and sides but the hot dogs are the standouts. Pick from a variety of dogs including the loaded "Chicago Style" and the "Big Ben" which is a deliciously sloppy combination of fries, slaw and cheddar all on a 100% beef Vienna dog. If you go on the weekend expect to hit a crowd. Don't let that deter you; the wait is more than worth it.

I want to mention Penn Brewing Company, Bocktown Beer and Grill and Smokin' Joe's Saloon. These places are also great stops during a trip to Pittsburgh.