travelling to both cities next week, not as well versed in these metro areas for great, decently available beers that I can't get In Chicago. What should I be looking for in stores to bring back home?
Cleveland White Rajah and Black Rajah by Brew Kettle Columbus IPA or Bodhi anything hoppy from Fat Head's anything from Jackie O's anything from Rockmill Pittsburgh hoppy Voodoo offerings if you can find them anything from Draai Laag pilsners from Pennsylvania Brewing LaGrave or most anything from Tröegs a stop at Brew Gentlemen for whatever is on or whatever bottles they have (it's growlers mostly here) anything hoppy from Roundabout (it's growlers only here)
Oh wait, what days are you in Pittsburgh? The 19th? For your sake I hope you are. http://www.houseof1000beers.com/events/2015/6/19/jacks-abby-tap-takeover
You shouldn't drink on an empty stomach, so it's a good thing Cleveland has amazing food options. Brew Kettle has the killer Triple Pig sandwich. Happy Dog is a pretty amazing place. And there's the whole Melt thing. Sorry I said amazing twice. Now three times.
I've been to melt....you're right, that place is great. Didn't realize brew kettle has great food as well. And they sell white rajah daily? I'd be disappointed if I can't find it anywhere...
You can get White Rajah and any decent bottle shop or Heinen's grocery, that should be your main priority. Black Rajah is also delicious. Grab Fat Head's Head Hunter, Sunshine Daydream (personal favorite session), and Trailhead Pale. If you can still find Bonehead Red, that was amazing. Fat Heads is in Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Columbus IPA is great, as is most Jackie O's, including Mystic Mama. What part of Cleveland will you be in? If East, I could recommend some nice bottle shops.
Second the nod to Market Garden, they make great beer (especially CitraMax). In Solon, I don't think you have a ton of options. They do have the Giant Eagle Market District Grocery which has a pretty large selection, you should definitely be able to score the locals listed above. I would add the recently released Brew Kettle "Awesome IPL" to your list. Not always my favorite style but it's really delicious. If you plan on driving to Brew Kettle from the airport, Fat Head's production facility in Middleburg Heights (and tasting bar) is en route and you can buy to go bottles. In reality, the restaurant is probably slightly closer but it's the opposite direction of Brew Kettle. As indicated before, the food is legit.
Awesome, thanks. Does fat heads and brew kettle only do growlers to go or are they actual 12 or 22oz bottles? I try to avoid growlers in my checked luggage....
Fat Heads and Brew Kettle do almost all of their beers in 12 oz. 4 or 6 packs. Fat Head's Trail Head and Brew Kettle Awesome are 12oz. cans, the rest are bottles. Brew Kettle sells all of their beers at the brewery/restaurant in bottles to go. Fat Head's, for some reason, does not sell bottles to go at the North Olmsted (restaurant) facility.
No, they fill growlers at both locations. I just know they don't sell bottles to go in North Olmsted. If you're worried about it, I would call the Middleburg heights location. Also, check hours. They're not open every day or at lesat didn't use to be.
Fat Head's bottles are easy to find at literally any decent store. I've found The Brew Kettle to be pretty attainable in the few times I've been in OH as well.
Bocktown beer is a great place if staying near PIT airport. If staying downtown go to Carson St. Fat Heads has awesome sandwiches and drafts and can make a mix six of fat heads bottles. Then walk two blocks down and go to Smokin Joes, always a top notch beer selection, both bottles and draft. Oh yeah, house of 1,000 beers and Caliente Pizza are amazing too. Enjoy!
