Pittsburgh - New Beers & Local Breweries

Yeah, I'm going to do this and see what happens. Thanks for the advice everyone. I've had people mistakenly send the wrong bottle, but they went back and re-sent the correct one. Never had this happen before, which is why I avoid using acronyms in my trade posts.

 

Keep it posted. Interested on how it plays out.

 

Yeah, definitely something that needs to be brought to his attention. It's up to him to rectify. You held up your end but he did not. Any reputable trader is going to go out of their way to fix it.

 

Can't make it either BTW. I'm trying to get back in the swing of things (that is, drinking beer with you) but I'll be in FL that weekend for a wedding.

 

Can I ask what you sent in exchange for the GGA? If it was something really good, and you cant regularly get, I wouldn't hesitate to ask for it back. Just depends on if you think it is worth the money. If it is indeed a coveted beer(s) you sent, it sounds like this guy purposefully sent you the regular good gourd because any reputable trader would know the regular version is a seasonal shelfer and Almighty is an EL Cat one-off which would obviously command a higher price tag. I am interested in how this plays out too.

 

Not sure to post here or open a new thread. Going to be on the south side of pitt this weekend (Mt Lebanon/South Hills area) for a wedding. Have some time Friday evening and early Saturday afternoon. What are the 2 or 3 must hit either bar, brewery or bottle shops? From eastern PA, so anything good I can't find in the Lehigh Valley area?

 

Looks like you're going to be in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, not the Southside, which is a big difference. Unfortunately, there is not much around this area. Your best bottle shop would be Giant Eagle Market District in Bethel Park. They carry Voodoo's beers there, as well as Thirsty Dog's Wulver. These are really the only beers I can think of that might not see distribution where you're from.

Also, Hitchhiker Brewing will be a stone's throw away from where you're staying, so you might want to check them out as well.

Having access to a car basically makes or breaks one's beer festivities in Pittsburgh.

 

Duquesne brewing- I read up on their history and found some interesting things.
General opinion question though- if they are trying to illicit the ways of the old guard of Pittsburgh, why is it that they can only be found at two places in the city?

 

Im transportationally handicapped via Metro for being on the northside. But perhaps @cmv131 could utilize that if no auto is available?

 

Oddly enough, MT Lebo is probably the best suburban area to be in with regards to public transportation in Pittsburgh.

 

Wouldn't call it "must hit" but I've been pleasantly surprised by the selection at the Mt. Lebo Saloon a few times. Spoonwood is a relatively new brewery in Bethel Park and I thoroughly enjoyed the food and beer both times I was there.

 

Agree with @jeevo suggestion of Hitchhiker. And Google will sometimes list two Giant Eagles in Bethel--make sure it's the Market District and on Oxford Drive. Does Fat Heads distro in Lehigh? Don't think they do yet, and I would suggest picking a few four packs from a Giant Eagle if not. Not sure if they still have Hop Stalker there, but did see a bunch of Head Hunter.

Would add that the Korner Pub and Cains are the better bars in the Mt. Lebo area; though Cains is expensive and their beers sit sometimes (but they brunch it up at 8AM on Sunday mornings). If you're staying in the new hotel on Washington Road (Route 19), you can crawl back from Korner Pub.

 

Never thought I'd say this years ago but Saloon is inching towards "must hit" if it's not there already. Went yesterday and they had Duet, Hoppy Birthday, Hop Stalker, FBS. No idea when they changed to be a serious beer bar, but it's definitely a welcome move.

 

Mad Mex Shadyside ‏@MadMexShadyside 3m3 minutes ago
Today's the day! Grab a glass of our @FatHeadsBeer collaboration, #DosDecadas at any Mad Mex. Celebrating 22 years of madness! #drinklocal

 

Over the last 18 months or so they've made a real effort to improve the selection. I selfishly hope it continues to fly under the radar though. Last winter a keg of BCBS lasted 3 days, as opposed to 20 minutes at Caliente.

 

Staying right near the Giant Eagle, so can walk in there and check it out. Hitchhiker and Spoonwood were on my list, and will add Korner, Saloon and Cains. I will have access to a car (though obviously don't want to go too far and have to drive back).

Can hop on the metro around Bethel Village it looks like on the map, so I am not against wandering it towards the city tomorrow night if worth it.

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

If you can make it to the south side on the T, walk down to Fat Head's.

 

FYI that's roughly a 20 block walk

 

Okay then, get an Uber... ha. I know where both are but I didn't think it was THAT far.

 

The response was more directed to our out of town friend, but yes it is approx that far.