Hop-forward aleslawrencevilleDaily, see site
Dancing Gnome on Main Street in Sharpsburg brews hop-forward ales near Pittsburgh. A taproom built around big, juicy IPAs with lagers and stouts alongside.
Tip: Hop-forward is the house style; cans sell out fast. The taproom keeps a few lighter pours too.
Classic American crafteast-libertyDaily, see site
East End Brewing in Larimer is one of Pittsburgh's pioneering craft breweries. A taproom with a casual kitchen run with chef Scott Smith's crew.
Order: Big Hop IPA and whatever the kitchen is running in the Larimer taproom.
Tip: The Larimer taproom has a casual food program. East End helped start the city's craft scene.
IPAs and barrel-aged beerssouth-sideDaily, see site
Hitchhiker Brewing in Mt. Lebanon brews IPAs and barrel-aged beers near Pittsburgh. A South Hills taproom with a second spot on the South Side.
Tip: Two locations; this Mt. Lebanon original is the brewhouse. Barrel-aged releases are the draw.
Rotating taproom beersnorth-sideDaily, see site
Grist House Craft Brewery in Millvale brews a rotating lineup near Pittsburgh. An outdoor-leaning brewery with food trucks and a beer garden.
Tip: Food trucks rotate daily; check the calendar. The outdoor patio is the seat in summer.
Lagers and kellerbiersbloomfieldDaily, see site
Trace Brewing on Main Street in Bloomfield brews lagers and foeder-aged beers in Pittsburgh. A community-minded neighbourhood brewery in a historic building.
Tip: Look for the unfiltered kellerbiers and foeder-aged lagers. The taproom hosts local events.
Neighborhood craftnorth-sideDaily, see site
Allegheny City Brewing on Foreland Street in Deutschtown brews neighbourhood craft beer in Pittsburgh. A small North Side taproom in the old Allegheny City.
Tip: A walkable North Side stop near Penn Brewery and the Mexican War Streets. Family-friendly.