A Church becomes an Alehouse

Business calls, and it is back to Pittsburgh for a meeting. This trip was slightly different because we got to stay downtown at the Hilton, with a great view of Heinz Field and the Mt. Washington Incline. And since we were already downtown, we chose to go to one of the most unique brew pubs in the world, the Church Beer Works (http://www.churchbrew.com/).

The Church Brew Works is a brewpub in an old church, although they emphasize that it is on deconsecrated ground. The place is on Liberty Ave (although not in the best area of town), and we chose to take a taxi there since I had gotten a great parking spot at the hotel (never give up the good parking spots in the city). I got the untraditional pierogies; bacon, cheddar and chicken in a barbeque sauce as an appetizer, kind of how I have mine at home. For dinner I had a filet which was cooked to perfection. I tried their Imperial Pils and their Imperial Irish Red, and both we excellent. I followed it up with their Cherry Quadzilla, although the balance wasn’t there in that it was too much alcohol and not enough cherry. After the Church, I went on a walk (too long of a walk) to Penn Brewing and was disappointed to find that they were closing early. With no new beers, I had a Ruddy Mary, a mixture of spicy tomato juice and their pilsener. Not my best choice to end a day with.

We met again the next day, and stopped at Bocktown for an early dinner. We split some snacks, and I got some bottles to go, including some from Rivertowne and Full Pint. It was a quick trip, but I once again look forward to coming back. - 5566

"We old folks have to find our cushions and pillows in our tankards. Strong beer is the milk of the old." - Martin Luther