Independent Brewing Company

Visited on a Thursday trip to Golden Age Brewing for jazz night. We had no preconceived ideas coming. We initially were coming to look at the associated bottle shop, but stayed for two pints! Had a Cinderlands Lotta Sap, and a very interesting Harvest Ale (limited addition) from J.W. Lees & Co. Brewing.

This is a small establishment with two seating areas and some outside seating. Several locals on tap along with a couple interesting hard to finds.

Neat collection of vinyl records to peruse, and some really fun Pittsburgh themed Godzilla "takes over" art work.

For a different offbeat time, definitely recommend.

 

 

I happened upon this place in the midst of the pandemic while picking up food at a nearby establishment, so I decided to grab a can to have with dinner, which actually turned into two once I saw the selection. The staff was very friendly, and while I didn't get to enter the building, I could see a good bit of the bar space, which appeared inviting in normal times. Looking forward to going back once things more closely resemble normal.

 

Short: Wouldn't recommend except for local beer sampling.
Long: Recently visited (from San Diego). Loved the idea that I could hit one place and sample local-only beers -- a great concept. Oddly enough, Independent Brewing Company doesn't brew any beer of their own. Good vibe for a pub but noisy. On a busy street with an open storefront and vinyl sides playing overhead. Loved the "zombie apocalypse" themed art on the walls. Overall quality was adequate. Service was adequate although staff were not aware enough to offer beer suggestions (offered samples though). Smaller menu than most places though adequate (modified regularly). Had the Mo' Fries, Brussels Sprouts (too much/overpowering mustard), Wild Mushroom Ragu (mushrooms missing, overdone Chinese egg vermicelli; cold and gloppy) and a small flank steak (overspiced/underwhelming). Beer selection was decent enough although info about style, ABV, IBUs, locale of origin was lacking (not on chalkboard; no links on website). No strong themes. It's as though they don't know what they want to be.

 

 

Been wanting to check this place out for some time now, and finally took the chance to. Looks nice on the inside, though the "lower" level looks somewhat out of place and lacking the charm of the bar area. Wasn't as large as I was expecting, but there is enough space to get the job done. Tap list was extensive and is, as noted everywhere, heavily local. Visiting from out of town and want to try a big wad of local brews? This is your place.

 

Independent Brewing opened on Shady at Forbes in what used to be the sports bar Fannatics. They have a small rotating tap selection, mostly drawn from Western Pennsylvania. In my three visits, they've always had several beers that I've enjoyed. They are relatively new, and are now expanding to serve more food. There service staff still seems to be spread a little thin - friendly, but busy and I've sometimes had to go to the bar to order or get the bill - but otherwise very happy with this place. A little pricey for the 'Burgh - a little more like a Seattle or Portland joint.