Pittsburgh's Best Beer And Wine: Where To Buy?

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the US, with the government maintaining a monopoly over the sale of wine and spirits. This makes buying beer and wine in Pittsburgh a little more complicated than in other cities. Beer can be purchased at distributors, some grocery stores, and certain gas stations, while wine and spirits are sold at state-run liquor stores. Monthly discounts and sales are offered at these stores, and some locations have a better selection than others. For beer, it's recommended to sample at mix-and-match shops and then buy in bulk from distributors to save money.

Beer distributors

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the US. The state has a monopoly over the sale of wine and spirits, and beer is also tightly regulated. This means that buying beer from a distributor is often the best option for those in Pittsburgh looking to purchase alcohol.

Mellinger Beer Distributor

Located in Oakland, Mellinger Beer Distributor is highly rated by customers, who describe it as having a "great selection, good prices, [and] nice people."

Buddy's Brews on Carson

Located on Carson, Buddy's Brews is described as "the nicest beer distributor in the city, and one of the best businesses on Carson."

Save-Mor Beer & Pop Warehouse

Despite the inconvenience of Pennsylvania's alcohol laws, Save-Mor Beer & Pop Warehouse in Hazelwood is a popular choice for those in the south of the city. One customer notes that "I would be happier if going out to buy beer wasn't like a full day's errand, but that's PA's fault..."

Black & Gold Beer Warehouse

Black & Gold Beer Warehouse in South Side is praised for its "wide variety of beer".

Liberty Beer

Liberty Beer in Bloomfield is recommended by several customers, although one notes that it is "not the cheapest."

Grocery stores

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the US, with the government maintaining a monopoly over the sale of wine and spirits. Beer, wine and spirits cannot be purchased at convenience stores or corner shops.

However, some grocery stores in Pittsburgh do sell beer. The Giant Eagle Market District in Shadyside and Waterworks has a surprisingly good selection of local cans and one of the largest arrays of wine in the area. The Giant Eagle in Waterworks has an impressive selection of local and craft bottles, many available cold, and 18 taps for draft beers and ciders. The Whole Foods Market in Wexford also sells beer, as do many Wegmans.

In addition to grocery stores, beer can be purchased at beer distributors, such as Pistella Beer on Penn, Liberty Beer in Bloomfield, Savemor in Greenfield, and Buddy's Brews on Carson.

Online

If you're looking to buy beer and wine online in Pittsburgh, there are several options available to you.

Firstly, you can try the Fine Wine and Good Spirits website. They offer free shipping on orders over $99, and you can also buy online and pick up in-store. However, this website has been known to be unreliable, with a narrow window to make purchases before it gets overloaded.

For local options, try Pittsburgh Winery, which offers curbside pickup and local deliveries of 12 bottles or more. You can also try Wigle Whiskey, which offers drive-thru pickup and shipping within Pennsylvania and DC. If you're a fan of cider, Wigle Whiskey's sister cidery, Threadbare Cider & Mead, sells its products for pickup or shipping to over 40 states.

For beer, there are several breweries in Pittsburgh that offer online ordering with curbside pickup, including Cinderlands Beer, East End Brewing, Grist House Craft Brewery, Hop Farm Brewing Company, and Strange Roots Experimental Ales. If you're looking for a wider selection, try beverages2u, a local delivery service with over 700 beers available, offering delivery across Pennsylvania.

Finally, you can use a third-party delivery app such as Instacart to get beer, wine, and liquor delivered to your door from a store near you in Pittsburgh.

Local breweries

Pittsburgh has a wide variety of local breweries to choose from. Here are some of the top spots to check out:

Brew Gentlemen

A small craft brewery and taproom located in the historic steel town of Braddock, PA. Brew Gentlemen was founded after a successful Kickstarter campaign, which allowed them to invest in stainless steel brewing equipment and renovate an old electrical supply store. They believe in beer as a "medium for flavours, stories, celebrations, and more." They offer an ambitious variety of beers with a focus on balance and complexity. Although they don't serve food, food trucks are usually available outside the bar. They are also one of the most award-winning breweries in the region. Be sure to try their flagship American IPA, General Braddock's, named one of the 25 best beers of the decade.

Church Brew Works

This unique brewpub is located in a restored Roman Catholic church in Lawrenceville. Formerly St. John the Baptist Church, built in 1902, it operated as a church until 1993 and is now listed as a historic landmark. Church Brew Works is frequently listed as one of the best breweries in Pittsburgh, offering award-winning beer, eclectic cuisine, and decadent desserts. Their large capacity makes it perfect for group events, happy hours, and brunch.

East End Brewing

East End Brewing has been Pittsburgh's home for fresh local beer since 2004. They distribute kegs, cans, and bottles throughout Western Pennsylvania, and also offer pints, tastings, growlers, and growlers to go. They brew about 35 different beers throughout the year, including year-round beers, seasonal offerings, recurring favourites, and unique creations. The best way to experience East End Brewing is to get your growler filled at one of their two locations in Pittsburgh.

Velum Fermentation

Located in the South Side, Velum Fermentation is a community-focused brewery with a large indoor space. They host a variety of activities, including indoor pickleball courts, free yoga, pinball leagues, skate nights, and vendor market events. You can sip on their expertly brewed IPAs, lagers, and porters while enjoying time with friends and family. They also have a permanent on-site food truck, Love, Peace & Grilled Cheese.

Grist House Brewing

Grist House Craft Brewery is a family-owned and operated brewery located in the heart of Millvale, just minutes north of downtown Pittsburgh. They strive to produce high-quality, delicious, and easy-to-drink beer. The brewery has a taproom overlooking the brew system, an all-season deck, and spacious outdoor seating. They also welcome dogs, so you can bring your furry friend along. Grist House is known for its character, with tap handles handcrafted by a local blacksmith.

Dancing Gnome Brewery

With industrial-chic interiors and a lively atmosphere, Dancing Gnome Beer has been cultivating a community of local beer lovers since 2016. They offer refreshing hop-imbued IPAs and hazy pale ales, along with a variety of traditional brews from around the world. Their journey began with Lustra, an American Pale Ale with a hint of citrusy fruit. Visitors can enjoy their beers in a vast area that showcases part of the production space.

Convenience stores

However, there are some options for convenience stores that sell beer in Pittsburgh. One option is to look for larger convenience store chains, such as Sheetz or GetGo, which are known to sell beer and even some wine. These stores have taken advantage of a loophole in the law, and as of 2016, you may find some luck at these larger chains.

Another option is to look for convenience stores that are licensed as restaurants. As of December 2024, restaurants with the proper license are allowed to deliver up to two six-packs of beer. While this option may be more limited, it could be a convenient way to get your beer delivered right to your doorstep.

Additionally, some pizza places and dive restaurants in Pittsburgh stock six-packs of beer. While these may not be traditional convenience stores, they can be a good option if you are looking for a quick beer purchase. However, keep in mind that these establishments often have a significant markup on their beer prices.

Lastly, it is worth noting that Pennsylvania's alcohol laws are subject to change and can be confusing. What is legal in one neighbourhood may not be allowed in another, so it is always a good idea to check the local regulations before assuming that a convenience store will sell beer or wine.

Frequently asked questions