Pittsburgh for the Penn Brewfest

[threecb]

Hi everyone,

The wife and I are going to Pittsburgh for the Penn Brewery Fest the Weekend of June 6,7,8 and are looking for brewpub/beer bar suggestions. I know that the Church Brew Works gets mixed/mediocre reviews, but we HAVE to go there. We've planned out that this will be our 100th Brewpub together, because that milestone will need to be a religious experience! Other than that, we're open to others opinions. Is it true the Foundry has stopped brewing? Sounds like that's gonna put a hurt on the craft brew scene there.

If you'd like, rank the Brewpubs best to worst. Also, any beer bars that are must-visits? Any tips getting around from place to place? Best time of day (lunch, dinner, evening) for a particular place? Any comments would be appreciated!

I've also posted a similar inquiry for Chicago in the Midwest forum...

thanks,
steve

[keypocket]

The best beer bar - by far - I can reccommend is the Sharp Edge. There are two locations - one in the city and one is kind of near the airport. The address is 302 S. St. Clair St. - near Squirrel Hill / Shadyside. 412-661-3537. They have 2 beer engines and specialize in Belgian Ales. I live in Los Angeles but visit the Sharp Edge everytime I'm back in Pittsburgh. They should have about 24 Belgians on draft. I know the biggest Belgian Importer who is located outside of LA and he said the two biggest selection Belgian Bars that he supplys to are Lucky Baldwin's in Pasadena and the Sharp Edge in Pittsburgh. As I remember, the last time I visited the Foundry it was okay. But, I have to say that the Church is much improved from before. Of course Penn is always good. Hope this helps. Oh yeah,
http://www.sharpedgebeer.com

[tjthresh]

I would reccommed Sharp Edge also.
There is a place called Rowland's down on the strip. Its a seafood place that has two giant coolers of everything under the sun.

[threecb]

My wife loves the Belgians (and i have been known to hoist a few myself), so we'll definitely try to check the Sharp Edge out. Have you ever been to Monk's in Philly? Another awesome Belgian Beer establishment...

[guzzler67]

If I ever get married again, it's going to be at the alter in the Church brewpub. I think their beers have improved, too.
Might want to try the Valhalla, close by the Foundry (still in business as far as I know) on Smallman St. And there is a John Harvard's in the 'burbs east of the city.
Agreed, Sharp Edge is the best beer bar, but you might also want to try Fat Heads and Smokin Joes, both on Carson St.
Enjoy Penn's. Great German food and music.

Cheers!

[threecb]

Thanks guzzler!

Since posting this I did find Valhalla, and we've added it to the itinerary.
Also since we're driving out early on Friday, we're planning on stopping
in Red Star in Greensburg (sp?) on the way into town (we're driving from
NJ). Any comments on that place?

steve

[guzzler67]

Only been to Red Star once; had their Iron Horse Stout and the brown ale. Nice place.
If you are coming across the turnpike, Stoudts Brewing in Adamstown is worth the short detour. If you are from Jersey, you are probably familiar with some of their beers; most of them are well above average. If you go on the weekend, beware of the antique shoppers (if you guys are into antiques, they have some huge outlets in Adamstown).
If you ever travel towards the Baltimore-Washington area, drop me a message. That area I know a lot better.
Have a great trip!