American Craft Beer The Best Craft Beer, Breweries, Bars, Brewpubs, Beer Stores, And Restaurants Serving Serious Beer.
In the Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh, four very distinct bars seem to share a few things in common. Boasting a combined 88 taps, B2 Restaurant Group is a perfect example of how craft beer is for everyone. Each of the four locations is completely different from the next, and I’m a regular at all of them.
BUFFALO BLUES
My first B2 experience came not too long after moving to Pittsburgh. I was feeling a little homesick and heard that there was a bar – Buffalo Blues – that showed the Buffalo Bills games (along with all other NFL games) every Sunday. I wasn’t expecting much, but I jumped at the chance to watch my game. Not only did they show the Bills game, they showed it on a big screen with the sound on! Everyone was decked out in blue and red and chanted every time the Bills scored; I felt so at home. Though this might be my favorite part of Blues, my second favorite part is the 32 taps (closely followed by the wings). With plenty of craft variety and all the old standbys, the game is always great, even if we lose.
THE ELBOW ROOM
B2’s first location is a bit of a conundrum, in a good way. The Elbow Room is the sort of place I would go with friends for lunch in jeans and have a few beers; it’s also a place that I would get dressed up for a nice dinner with some craft Martinis. Renee, the very cool tattooed pin-up bartender, described the space perfectly, “a laid back atmosphere with a breadth of options.”
BITES AND BREWS
Bites and Brews is one of the best places to get a pizza in Pittsburgh. It’s also one of the best places to get a great taste of American craft beer. Bites beer buyer and bartender extraordinaire Sarah is a fiery female who really knows her beer and described the restaurant by simply saying “we are beer.” Bites and Brews is a niche-y place full of regulars who know better than to order a Coors Light from Sarah.
1947 TAVERN
1947 Tavern is a Belgian beer destination with a huge selection of bourbon and (in my humble opinion) the best Manhattan in Pittsburgh. With an almost rustic atmosphere, 1947 exudes testosterone and well cared for alcohol. 1947’s manager Shawn described the space as comfortable and sexy. “We are respecting those who came before with traditional cocktails. We love our regulars, bourbon, and craft beer.”
B2 BREW
One very cool thing about the B2 Restaurant Group is their connection with Penn Brewery. All four locations always have a “B2 Brew” on draft from Penn and it is alway good and it is always $3. The beer changes seasonally (right now transitioning from an ESB to a Brown ale) so there is always something to look forward to.
