Pittsburgh's Best Beer: Where To Buy Your Favorite Brews

If you're looking to buy beer in Pittsburgh, you're in luck! The city is home to several craft beer distributors and bottle shops, as well as grocery and convenience stores that sell beer. Here's a rundown of the best places to buy beer in the Steel City:

Beer Distributors and Bottle Shops

If you're a craft beer enthusiast, you'll want to check out dedicated beer distributors like Beer Towne, which offers a wide selection of local and craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, ciders, and seltzers. Other popular bottle shops include the Lawrenceville retail store and taproom, known for its extensive draft selection and knowledgeable staff, as well as Mindful Brewing Company, which boasts a house brew and a selection of over 1000 bottles.

Grocery and Convenience Stores

For a more convenient option, many grocery stores in Pittsburgh, such as Giant Eagle Market District, also sell beer. While the selection may not be as extensive as specialty shops, you can find local and craft beers, as well as six-packs and growlers. Additionally, some convenience stores and gas stations like Sheetz and GetGo have started selling beer thanks to a loophole in the state's liquor laws.

Restaurants and Bars

Lastly, you can also find beer at restaurants and bars throughout the city. Places like Carson Street Deli & Craft Beer Bar offer award-winning sandwiches alongside a wide selection of craft beers on tap and by the bottle. And if you're looking for a unique experience, D's Six Pax & Dogz in Regent Square lets you build your own six-pack from their diverse beer selection.

Beer distributors

One popular beer distributor in Pittsburgh is Beer Towne, located at 619 Warrendale Rd. Suite 2 in Gibsonia. Beer Towne is a one-stop shop for craft beer lovers, offering a wide selection of craft and local beers, including IPAs, sours, ciders, and seltzers. They also have weekly specials and slushies, and customers can order kegs and take advantage of curbside pickup.

Other recommended options for buying beer in Pittsburgh include Giant Eagle Market District, which has a wide selection of local and craft beers, as well as food pairings just an aisle away. Mindful Brewing Company is another great spot, offering house brews, a restaurant, and a bottle shop with over 1000 bottles to choose from. For those who want to create their own six-packs, 99 Bottles has a stock of over 500 different types of beer, and D’s Six Pax & Dogz in Regent Square offers interesting, hard-to-find beers.

Grocery stores

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the U.S., and this is reflected in Pittsburgh's alcohol retail landscape. However, some grocery stores in the city do sell beer.

The Giant Eagle chain of supermarkets has a Market District store in Waterworks, which stocks an impressive selection of local and craft beer bottles, many available chilled, and 18 taps for draft beers and ciders. The Giant Eagle Market District store in Shadyside also sells beer. Other Giant Eagle Market District stores in the city may also sell beer, but it's best to check ahead.

The Whole Foods Market in Wexford and some Wegmans stores (the closest being in Erie, Western Pennsylvania) also sell beer.

For those looking to buy smaller quantities of beer, Giant Eagle offers one of the best deals in town, allowing customers to build their own six-pack for a flat rate of $13, regardless of the brews chosen.

Other grocery stores with beer sections include Sheetz and GetGo.

Pizza shops and dive restaurants

If you're looking for pizza shops and dive restaurants that sell beer in Pittsburgh, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some places you can check out:

Pizza Shops:

• Aiello’s – Located in the heart of Squirrel Hill, Aiello’s offers a large menu with gourmet pizzas, calzones, strombolis, hoagies, and more. They also have a wide range of craft beer options.
• Caliente Pizza & Draft House – With multiple locations across Pittsburgh, Caliente offers a full menu, including appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and, of course, pizza.
• Driftwood Oven – Starting as a food truck in 2015, Driftwood Oven now has a brick-and-mortar location in Lawrenceville. They offer unique artisan sourdough pizzas, with thin, New York-style, and thick, square-cut Roman-style options, all made with a sourdough crust.
• Fiori’s – With locations in Brookline and McMurray, Fiori’s is one of the most popular pizza spots in Pittsburgh. They serve authentic Italian-style pizza and have been a Pittsburgh tradition for over 40 years.
• Iron Born – With locations in Millvale and the Strip District, Iron Born serves a thick, Detroit-style pizza that is unforgettable. They use fresh, homemade ingredients, and their sauce and toppings sit on top of the cheese.
• Mineo’s Pizza House – With locations in Squirrel Hill, Mt. Lebanon, and Allison Park, Mineo’s is a Pittsburgh family tradition since 1958. They are known for their homemade dough and sauce, as well as their signature cheese blend that is hand-grated daily.

Dive Restaurants and Bars:

• Sidelines Bar & Grill – Located on Evergreen Road, Sidelines is a perfect spot to watch Pittsburgh sports games. They have a great selection of microbrew beer and an awesome food menu, with daily specials.
• The Double L Bar – A dive bar with polished decor, located on Grant Avenue. They have a top-notch beer selection and proudly advertise their fried food menu and karaoke nights.
• Grant Bar – A beloved restaurant and pub on Grant Avenue, known for their coconut pie and fried fish sandwiches. They also have game-day bar specials.
• Riggs Lounge & Restaurant – If you're looking for a classic dive bar with cheap drinks and friendly regulars, Riggs on Brighton Road is the place to go. They have darts and bowling games, and the staff is great for a chat.
• Verdetto’s Bar & Restaurant – This old-school bar, located on Madison Avenue, has a jukebox playing classic hits and a friendly atmosphere. They offer unique specials, like a mason jar full of Yuengling for a great price.
• Stinky’s Bar & Grill – Stinky’s is a dive bar on Hatfield Street in Lawrenceville. They offer cheap drinks and a great atmosphere, especially on game days. They are known for their grilled burgers and selection of beers.

Whether you're craving pizza or just looking for a cold beer at a local dive, Pittsburgh has plenty of options to satisfy your needs.

Mix-and-match six-pack stores

If you're looking to buy beer in Pittsburgh, you're in luck! The city offers a variety of mix-and-match six-pack stores that provide the perfect opportunity to explore different beers and find new favourites. Here's a guide to some of the top spots:

D's Six Pax & Dogz

D's Six Pax & Dogz, located in Regent Square, is a popular choice for beer enthusiasts. They offer a giant beer cave where you can create your own variety six-packs, allowing you to experiment with different brews. In addition to their impressive beer selection, D's is also known for their delicious hot dogs and surprisingly great pizza. It's a perfect spot for a casual meal and a unique beer experience.

McNeilly Bottle Shop and Tasting Room

McNeilly, situated in the South Hills, is a bottle shop and tasting room that offers a mix-and-match option with over 1,000 beers to choose from. You can create your own six-pack or select from their pre-packed variety packs. They also offer alcoholic slushies and an exciting hot dog menu with 1/4 lb. hot dogs. McNeilly provides a comfortable atmosphere to relax and enjoy a few pints, with couches and a TV lounge area.

Liberty Beer

Liberty Beer in Bloomfield is recommended by many locals for its good selection and competitive prices. They allow you to buy single beers, including a variety of local options, and create your own mix-and-match six-packs. Liberty Beer is a convenient choice if you're looking for a wide range of craft beers to choose from.

Bierport

Bierport in Lawrenceville is another excellent option for mix-and-match six-packs. They have a large selection of singles, allowing you to curate your own pack, as well as some pre-made six-packs. Bierport is known for its curated selection, ensuring that each beer is carefully chosen. While their selection may overlap with Liberty Beer, it's worth trying both to find your preferred spot.

Arsenal Beer

Arsenal Beer on Butler is considered by some to be the best option for mix-and-match six-packs. They offer a wide range of beers, including local craft beers, and provide a well-curated selection. If you're looking for fresh beer options, Arsenal Beer is worth a visit.

In addition to these dedicated beer stores, some grocery stores in Pittsburgh, such as Giant Eagle, also offer the option to create your own six-packs. This provides a convenient way to pick up some unique beers along with your groceries.

Gas stations/convenience stores

If you're looking for a gas station or convenience store to buy beer in Pittsburgh, there are a few options to consider. While Pennsylvania has strict alcohol laws, you may be able to find beer at some larger gas station chains, such as Sheetz and GetGo. These chains sometimes offer beer thanks to a loophole in the law. However, it is important to note that the selection may be limited and the prices could be higher than at other retailers.

In addition to gas stations, you can also try convenience stores located near universities, as they sometimes sell alcoholic beverages. However, it is always a good idea to call ahead and check if they sell beer before making a special trip. Additionally, some grocery stores in Pennsylvania have started to annex liquor sections and offer growler dispensaries at affordable prices, so this could be another option to explore.

If you're specifically looking for craft beer, there are a few distributors and bottle shops in Pittsburgh that are worth considering. Beer Towne, located at 619 Warrendale Rd. in Gibsonia, is a dedicated craft beer distributor with a wide selection of local and independent Pittsburgh breweries. They offer a variety of options, including IPAs, sours, ciders, and seltzers, and provide curbside pickup for your convenience.

Another option for craft beer enthusiasts is the Lawrenceville retail store and taproom located next to Row House Cinema. With the slogan "Only Good Beer," they offer 19 beers on draft and a stock of nearly a thousand bottles and cans. Their Cicerone Certified staff will assist you in making the perfect choice, and they can chill any beer for you in just four minutes.

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