Church Brew Works

On the Pubnetwork™

 This site originated at pubnetwork.com

and the barstool of Ed Vidunas

Revised June 2003

3525 Liberty Avenue at the corner of 36^th St
Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville) Pa. 15201
Phone: 412-688-8200

Homepage:  www.churchbrew.com

Owner:  Sean Casey

Brewer:  Bryan Pearson

 An old Roman Catholic Church (St. Johns) converted into a brewpub in 1996.

They are just up from the Iron City Brewery and on the other side of the street.

 Synopsis

This turn of the century church was not used for many years.  Thankfully the new owners kept it intact.  You will see beautiful stained glass and the original wood roof, which was covered many years ago.  The six serving tanks (465 gallon each) behind the bar are glycol cooled.  The beers are very good and are not overpriced.

The outdoor patio is open.

 Bar Hours

Open 11:30 - Midnight, Mon. through Sat.   Noon to 10:00 on Sunday

 Happy Hour

No happy hour to date.

 Holiday Closing

They may be open on the lesser days.  Call to be sure.

 Beer, Wines & Spirits

They brew both lager and ale but the brewer, Bryan prefers lager.  The four regulars are Celestial Gold, Pipe Organ Pale, Pious Monk Dunkel and Bell Tower Brown.  The English Pale is one of the best that I have had, even in England.

They do serve some wines and spirits.  Check their beverage menu.

 Cask ale on a hand pump can be had each Wednesday.  This will be served until it runs out.

 Food

All-American food such as Buffalo steak, pierogies or Pumpkin Seed Crusted Sea Bass.  The wood oven pizza is tops.  The bread and pizza dough is made with the same barley used in brewing.  Any fan of Onion Soup may not want to leave after trying the Seven Onion Soup (3.25 a bowl).  The menu for the bar is not the same as the dining area.  If you plan to have the big meal check with the hostess as to what seats offer the main menu.

 Food Hours

As in every bar (or brewpub) the kitchen closes short of regular closing time.

 Cash Problem?

The nearest ATM machine is the PNC Bank at the corner of Penn & 21^st.  National City Bank has one at Wholey's on Penn Ave. at 17^th.  This is rather far but at least I told you.

 Parking

The church has a parking lot in the rear and there are some free spots on the street. 

 Legal Notice

My visits may be infrequent and the owners may make changes at any time. In as much as they like to see me never tell me what they are doing. Call them or visit their web-site for the latest scoop. Please update me if you see an error or omission on my part.

Now, back to the Pittsburgh page or my Welcome page.

This page was last edited on 06/18/03 10:30:01 AM