Bock to Pittsburgh

My last trip to the other end of the state was for a fanastic Thanksgiving with my parents. As much as I enjoy the family moments I always manage to set aside some time to explore the growing beer scene in Pittsburgh. Bocktown Beer and Grill is one of those places I wish I could get to more often. For whatever reason the few times I've been I never took the time to write about the experience. This last trip back I made sure to take notes and a few photos between beers.

On the way to Bocktown the first thing you notice is the odd location. This privately owned beer haven is located at The Point in North Fayette smack in the middle of corporate retail hell (or heaven if shopping is your thing). Tucked among Target, Panera Bread, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Lone Star and swarms of other well know eating and shopping establishments is a refuge from the consumer madness.

The glow of the craft beer signs in the window is the first clue to what is waiting inside. Any doubt that this is a beer destination is completely erased once you enter the glass doors. The front lobby area is dedicated to the sale of big bottles, six packs and clothing but it's the 22 foot-long 8 foot deep "Beer Library" that is truly eye catching. The huge multi door glass cooler showcases more than 400 craft and import bottles.

Kelleigh and I grabbed a seat just beyond the "Beer Library" at a table that gave us a good view of the bar and the impressive draft lineup. Two basic things I love in a good beer place (other than a solid beer) are a beer menu and a chalkboard with a current draft list. Many places neglect one or both of these. This place had both so it made picking a beer very convenient. Even though the bottle choices were numerous I stuck to the draft list and had a Great Divide Hercules DIPA and a Penn Brewing Weizenbock. Kelleigh ordered a Lindemans Peche for her one beer of the evening. All were served at the correct temperature and in appropriate glassware.

Since we were both in a snacking mood and knew about Bocktown's fries we ordered the small basket (The Fat Belly) with garlic parmesan sauce and ketchup on the side. The fries are double fried and come with a choice of 2 toppings. How many total toppings are available? It's a bit crazy but there are four types of toppings (meat, veggie, sauce and cheese) with 30 plus options. The garlic parm covered fries were crisp, flavorful and stood up to my vigorous ketchup dunking.

Overall the staff was friendly. Our main waiter checked on us several times but not to the point of annoyance. I also noticed the manager working the floor to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. I didn't ask our servers any beer questions and no one made suggestions so I am not sure of the staff's beer knowledge.

The Bocktown Beer and Grill experience was great. The night we were there the place was packed; it seems that Pittsburghers are discovering this beer gem. Bocktown holds weekly tastings, brewery promos and hosts live music every Tuesday night. I hope that they continue to give even the most dedicated shopper a reason to relax, drop their bags and pick up a pint.

Upcoming Bocktown Tastings

Dec 10
Church Brew Works Tasting. Meet Head Brewer Brant Dubovick, Assistant Brewer Matt Moninger and sample Biere de Noel, Haldert's Saison and Ichabod's Revenge. 6-8pm.

Dec 17
Christmas Beer Showcase. Enjoy some of the season's best holiday beers. The event is hosted by Jessica Lydon and Tony Savatt, Inc. 6-8pm.