Pittsburgh Breweries

Two Sour Beers From Hitchhiker Brewing Co.

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Pittsburgh’s brewery scene is booming, blending the city’s industrial heritage with a fresh, creative energy. Taprooms often take over old firehouses, garages, and warehouses—stripped-down spaces that keep things simple but stylish. The beer is almost always brewed on-site, with tanks often visible from the bar, and served fresh on tap: lagers, ales, IPAs, sours, and stouts are the staples. Most places don’t have full kitchens, just light snacks like chips or pretzels, but there’s usually a rotating food truck parked outside to round out the experience. It’s local, laid-back, and full of character—just like Pittsburgh itself.

Below are some of the best breweries I have visited in Pittsburgh that are definitely worth trying!

Allusion Brewing

Allusion Brewing Company in McCandless, PA offers a welcoming neighborhood vibe with a cozy interior and laid-back atmosphere perfect for casual gatherings. Their beer selection leans toward lighter styles, with standouts like the balanced American Pale Ale “One Inning More,” the vanilla-kissed blonde ale “Tallahassee’s Quest,” and the boldly sour “Intrinsic Field,” which even comes garnished with a blue sour patch kid. Service is friendly and unhurried, with bartenders giving guests space to explore the draft list at their own pace. The space features lounge seating, local artwork for sale, and a community bookshelf, making it feel more like a living room than a taproom. With its quiet ambiance and flavorful brews, Allusion Brewing earns top marks as a go-to spot in the North Hills for good drinks and great conversation.

Hitchhiker Brewing

Hitchhiker Brewing in Sharpsburg, PA stands out for its inventive approach to craft beer, offering a wide range of experimental flavors brewed entirely in-house. From hazy IPAs to a nostalgic PB&J ale and even beer-flavored soft serve, the drink menu is full of surprises that push the boundaries of traditional brewing. The staff are warm and welcoming, making first-time visitors feel right at home with helpful guidance and cheerful service. Housed in a repurposed car shop, the brewery features a rustic interior with exposed brick and brewing tanks, plus a charming outdoor courtyard with picnic tables and greenery. Whether you're stopping in for a quick pint or settling in for an afternoon with friends, Hitchhiker Brewing delivers a memorable experience with bold flavors and a laid-back vibe.

Dancing Gnome Brewery

Dancing Gnome Brewery, located on Main Street in Sharpsburg, offers a vibrant and spacious setting with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a prime spot for relaxing with a craft beer. Their in-house brews span pilsners, IPAs, sours, and ales, with the Porcellino Italian Pilsner standing out as a crisp and refreshing choice. A major highlight is their resident food bus, Blue Sparrow, which serves consistently excellent fare like the McCallister and Heart of Te Fiti pizzas, and the standout Lieutenant DanDan noodles with tofu. The bartenders are attentive and friendly, ensuring cold drinks and quick service at the well-decorated bar. With its modern feel, expansive tap list, and reliable food options, Dancing Gnome is a cornerstone of Sharpsburg’s thriving brewery scene.

Four Points Brewing

Four Points Brewing, located on Pittsburgh’s Northside, delivers a well-rounded experience with inventive beers, tasty pop-up food, and a laid-back atmosphere. Their tap list includes creative brews like the tart yet smooth Sour Cerveza and the hop-forward Blue & Yellow West Coast Pilsner, offering something for every palate. Instead of food trucks, they host rotating vendors in a courtyard setup—on this visit, Muns Pizza impressed with perfectly charred cheese and tomato pies made from high-quality ingredients. Inside, the brewery features a cozy mix of booths, lounge seating, TVs, and even pinball machines, creating a fun and relaxed vibe. With friendly service, cool vinyl-spinning DJs, and a strong lineup of beers, Four Points Brewing is a standout destination in the local craft beer scene.

Acrospire Brewing Company

Acrospire Brewing Company in Shaler Township blends craft beer excellence with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. Their tap list includes well-balanced options like the Honeycomb Oat Honey Ale with notes of orange and honey, and the punchy Cherry Cherry Sour Ale, both showcasing their attention to flavor. Food trucks like Pastrami Jack’s add to the experience—especially with standout items like beef tallow fries that elevate the typical brewery snack. The space itself is bright and open, with retractable windows and a visible brewing area that adds a behind-the-scenes charm. With friendly service, frequent events, and a clear passion for quality, Acrospire Brewing is a standout destination in Pittsburgh’s North Hills.

Old Thunder Brewing Company

Old Thunder Brewing Company in Blawnox, PA transforms a former post office into a stylish and inviting taproom with both indoor and outdoor seating. Their diverse beer menu includes standout options like the “What We Know” wheat ale with citrus and floral notes, and the crisp, clean “340 Lager” made with German Pilsner malt. During the visit, Off The Press Burgers served up delicious fare, including the Shroomsburgh burger and OTP chips topped with patties, onions, and city sauce. Bartenders were friendly and accommodating, offering samples and quick service in a relaxed setting. With its thoughtful decor, rotating food trucks, and high-quality brews, Old Thunder Brewing is a must-visit for anyone exploring Pittsburgh’s vibrant craft beer scene.

CoStar Brewing

CoStar Brewing in Etna offers a laid-back, garage-style atmosphere with a small but well-crafted selection of in-house beers. The cream ale, with its sweet malt backbone and crisp hop finish, was a standout, and other options, such as IPAs, sours, and kolsches, round out the tap list. Food trucks line the street throughout the week, and on this visit, 77 Club Pizza delivered exceptional pies with perfectly charred crusts and top-tier ingredients. The space itself is cozy and industrial, with brewing tanks on one side, open garage doors, and a mix of indoor and patio seating. With friendly service and fun extras like yoga events, CoStar Brewing is a hidden gem for craft beer lovers in the Pittsburgh area.