Pittsburgh

[Kalleh1]

I haven't posted much for the last month because I have been traveling a lot, though often I don't have enough time to go out for good beer.

However, I have a little time while I'm here in Pittsburgh now. I would like to go to a place with food and cask conditioned beer. On that list of cask beer places that that they have online, I found these 5 places. Which one would you Pennsylvania people recommend? Or is there someplace better? Thanks!

Church Brew Works
Fathead's
John Harvard's Brew House
Pittsburgh Deli. Co.
Sharp Edge Creek House

[Beer Monkey]

I was in Pittsburg a few weeks ago and stopped in Church Brew works for a long lunch, really enjoyed myself, food was great and was impressed with a number of their beers, specifically the English Pale Ale and the barleywine. one of the best parts for me was the building it's in. They managed to get ahold of an old church that is an incredible building, the brewery is located on the Alter. I didn't try and of their cask conditioned beers so I can't help with that.

have a great trip.

[Kalleh1]

Oh, thanks, Brewmonkey! As soon as you say "English pale ale," I am heading that way!

[Kalleh1]

I loved Church Brew Works, Brewmonkey! I had the English Pale ale that you mentioned, and it was wonderful. I have a question, though. Did you feel a little odd drinking beer in a church? We sat in a pew, and the sanctuary had those big beer tanks, and it just seemed a little heretical. However, the building was beautiful. They apparently painstakingly renovated the building when they bought it. I highly recommend it to anyone going to Pittsburgh.

I also love Pittsburgh. I hadn't been here before, but what a nice city. And the people! I think the people are about the friendliest of any I've met. Of course, I do fall in love with most cities I visit so you have to consider the source! ;)

[Beer Monkey]

glad you enjoyed it. I've gotten to know some of my local clergy over the years, and had some great discussions with them my favorites being in a pub or over a beer or glass of wine. Besides, I don't think I can count the number of times I've had wine in church ;)

really was great to see the church being cared for so well.

[Chris1stva]

I was at Church Brew works a couple years ago, and I think it is worth the trip just for the building. I like the idea of beer church.

[Beer Monkey]

Originally posted by Chris1stva
I was at Church Brew works a couple years ago, and I think it is worth the trip just for the building. I like the idea of beer church.

Amen to that

[chazwicke]

Sorry was on a little beer trip myself in PA this past weekend or I would have also recommend Church Brew Works. Ironically I almost was going to be in Pittsburg this past weekend too. My wife actually was. But I ended up hitting the eastern part of the state instead.

[threecb]

I was at CBW a couple of years ago. Very cool place.

Lew Bryson's November Buzz mentions Church and their malty, balanced brews.

[chazwicke]

Three, I did make it over to NJ on Saturday to Ship Inn. That who area was buzzing with leaf peepers so places were crowded. I was unable to stop at Triumph - New Hope, Porterhouse in Lahaska or Crabby Larry's in Chalfont because of all the foliage folks. Go to the Ship Inn after a tour of Weyerbacher. The service was lacking because they were so busy. The owner / brewer actually waited on us and then took us on a tour of the brewery. The Best Bitter was good and the Dark Charger was better. Both on cask but he had a new porter on tap that was really excellent. And I did not see that they had Old Engine Oil on tap until I was leaving.:( The food was same as usual there but my son is changing his opinion on Blue Stilton cheese. He now likes it.
I have a very soft spot spot for Ship Inn. I just like the place.
The beers were very good but I have had better there before. The Porter was the exception. It was as good as any of the previous Ship Inn beers I have had. I wish I lived a little closer to this place.