Summertime in Pittsburgh is full of life and activities, including countless breweries that offer outdoor seating and patios, so you can soak up the sun while enjoying a refreshing beer (or three).
Sly Fox Taphouse- Downtown Pittsburgh
Overlooking Point State Park, Sly Fox Taphouse is in the perfect location to grab a beer before a sporting event, concert, or for a happy hour. Their outdoor patio gives a gorgeous view of the park, and is dog-friendly. Be sure to try Alex’s Raspberry Lemon ale to go along with one of their wood fired pizzas.
Burgher’s Brewing – The Highline
Burgher’s Brewing has many locations around the city, but The Highline location has plenty of outdoor seating, giving another beautiful vantage point of Pittsburgh’s skyline. The smash burgers are legendary and alarmingly good, with so many types of burgers to choose from, including a build your own option, and even patties for well-behaved dogs. Be sure to try their mac and cheese or fries as a side. Burgher’s beer variety has something for everyone ranging from classic pilsners to peach-ring flavored IPAs.
CoStar Brewing – Etna
CoStar recently opened its doors to the public and is nestled in the heart of Etna, a 10 minute drive from Downtown Pittsburgh. Their slogan says it all: Get outside and drink beer. CoStar has a lovely outside patio that overlooks the hustle and bustle of charming Etna. There are so many delicious beer styles to choose from, like West Coast IPAs, kolschs, pilsners, and cream ales, all exploding with rich flavors and freshness. You’ll need to taste them for yourself.
Hitchiker Brewing- Mt. Lebanon and Sharpsburg
Hitchiker has been a Pittsburgh staple in the beer world for 10 years. With two locations, one in Sharpsburg and the other in Mt. Lebanon, Hitchiker has a nice outdoor seating area for their patrons to enjoy some tasty beers. When it comes to summer beers, Hitchiker cranks out some of the best sours that are so refreshing on a hot summer day. They also have an assortment of beers like IPAs, smoothie-styled sours, and milkshake IPAs. Be sure to try their sour beer ice cream too.
Grist House – Millvale
Grist House is the king of outdoor breweries in Pittsburgh. Boasting an enormous outdoor seating area, Grist House is perfect for outdoor beer drinking. All year round, the outdoor area is open, whether it’s gathering around a warm cozy fire in the fall, or catching some rays during the summer. The brewery is dog-friendly and has quite the selection of food trucks that go perfectly with their beers. Grist House’s must-try summer beers include sours, hazy IPAs, and pilsners.
Hotel Monaco Biergarten – Downtown Pittsburgh
While the Biergarten is not necessarily a craft brewery, this rooftop bar at Hotel Monaco is a gem. The Biergarten speaks for itself and offers so many versatile types of beers that are local, and imported from all over the country and world. Their giant soft pretzel is a must while sampling beers. Since the Biergarten has a stunning view of Downtown Pittsburgh, try going around sunset for a perfect photo opportunity.
Mike’s Beer Bar
Prepared to be overwhelmed (in a good way), because Mike’s Beer Bar has over 1,000 craft beers at their tap house. Located right across the street from PNC Park, Mike’s is perfect to enjoy a brew before or after a baseball game, or if you are looking to sit outside and enjoy the nice weather. They have a beer for everyone, whether you’re playing it safe and sticking to an IC Light, or feeling adventurous and want to try a beers from all over Pennsylvania and the country.
Voodoo Brewing Company, North Shore
Voodoo Brewing opened its North Shore location a few years ago, and has such a nice outdoor patio. With Adirondack chairs and fire pits accompanied by a beautiful view of the city, Voodoo is another perfect outdoor brewery to visit in the Burgh. Their White Magic of the Sun Belgian beer and Key Lime Kolsch are perfect brews to sip on while enjoying summertime in the city. Check out their pizzas and appetizers too, to pair with your beers.
Local craft breweries rotate their taps seasonally, so availability and variety of their beers will vary. Be sure to check in regularly on the brewery’s website or social media page for their latest draft list.
As you embrace warm weather and enjoy outdoor activities, please be sure to drink responsibility and be safe. Cheers and happy summer!
