I'm heading out to Pittsburgh from NJ in December. I'll most likely be taking 80 then dropping down. I was thinking of hitting Bullfrog on the way. Is there any other spots not to far off the route I should check out? What spots in Pittsburgh should I hit up other then fat heads and east end. Thanks.
As far as breweries, Roundabout is much better than East End, and Draai Laag is doing some interesting funky stuff recently. If you are taking 80 all the way to 79, and.then just coming south to Pittsburgh, I would recommend going the extra 15-20 miles north and hitting voodoo as well. If you are planning on going to Fatheads, there are plenty of solid bars around that area to get some good beer (Smoking Joe's, Pipers, Carson Street Deli), and then there's church brew works if you're in to the whole ambiance thing.
Skip East End, go to Roundabout or Grist House or Draai Laag (or all 3 instead). You're moderately close to Voodoo if you take 80 all the way to 79, but it is out of the way north from there. If you drop down on 28 you'll go right past House of 1000 Beers, which people like because they get stuff that is normally Philly only distribution, so being from NJ that might not be so exciting for you. You'll find the widest selection of local drafts and Pittsburgh-priced* bottles at Carson St. Deli, which is a couple blocks from Fat Heads. (*Pittsburgh-priced is not a compliment)
Not exactly a quick on and off but Selin's Grove is about 30 minutes from 80. To echo what everyone else has said, go the extra couple minutes up to Meadville to Voodoo, Roundabout > East End, and there are plenty of solid beer bars near Fat Head's (Pipers Pub namely). Are you sure about that? Pizza Boy is a solid 2 hours from Rt 80. Bullfrog is only about 25 minutes from 80.
Yes I am sure that from any point in NJ it is faster to either take 78 to 76 or 76 the entire way, both of which put you in Harrisburg. 80 doesn't have tolls though, which is a plus in the Bullfrog column.
If you are taking 79 south there are two brewpubs on the way. North Country in Slippery Rock and ShuBrew in Zelienople. I would recommend North Country especially if you're looking to get a bite to eat.
I just took a trip to Pittsburgh and checked out several of the breweries. I wrote them up in my MN based beer blog if you want an outsider perspective! Have a great time! http://jackofallbrews.blogspot.com/2014/11/pittsburgh-beer-scene-part-1.html http://jackofallbrews.blogspot.com/2014/11/pittsburgh-beer-scene-part-2.html
In response to http://jackofallbrews.blogspot.com/2014/11/pittsburgh-beer-scene-part-2.html Steve Sloan is the owner/brewer of Roundabout Brewing. That in part explains Churchbrews success at the 2012 GABF. (Steve) "Sloan has 17 years of experience as a brewer and a newly burnished reputation after being named the “Large Brewpub Brewer of the Year” at the 2012 Great American Beer Festival, a national designation he won in conjunction with the Church Brew Works, the “Large Brewpub of the Year,” where he worked as brewery manager until January."
Just got back from Pittsburgh and am casting another vote for Roundabout. Very creative brewery and good folks. Didn't hit Carson St. Deli this trip but recommend that as a place to get a good sandwich and a brew as well as to pick up some single bottles. Due to the quirky state laws, single bottle pricing across the state is much higher than in other parts of the country, so be forewarned.
