Pittsburgh Brewery Tour: Craft Beer Tasting & Local Breweries

Summary

Hop between Pittsburgh breweries with stories, flavors, and laughter

You’ll hop between three unique Pittsburgh breweries with a local guide who knows everyone by name. Sample up to 12 craft beers (some you won’t find anywhere else), meet passionate brewers, enjoy a snack along the way, and ride comfortably between stops — ending your day feeling like you’ve seen a side of Pittsburgh most people miss.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step off the curb in a new city and the air just smells different? That’s how it started for me outside 112 Washington Place — a faint whiff of malt in the breeze, maybe just my imagination. Our guide, Mike (big beard, easy laugh), waved us over to the beer van. He knew everyone’s name by the second stop. I’d never done a brewery tour in Pittsburgh before, but apparently there are so many breweries here because of all the rivers. Makes sense now that I think about it.

First stop was Inner Groove Brewing out in Verona — not somewhere I’d have found on my own. The inside felt like someone’s living room if their hobby was collecting vinyl records and brewing small-batch IPAs. The owners were actually there pouring samples; Tim grinned when I asked about their weirdest flavor (“Try this one — it’s got hibiscus”). I still remember the tangy smell and how everyone sort of paused after that first sip, like we were all thinking: “Wait, is that good?” It was.

We wound through Lawrenceville next — Hop Farm Brewing Company. Family-run, woman-owned; you could tell they cared about every detail. There was this gentle hum of conversation and clinking glasses under soft yellow lights. Our guide pointed out how they source everything local when they can (even the hops). Someone on our tour tried to pronounce “Schwarzbier” and totally botched it; we all laughed, including one of the brewers behind the bar who just shrugged and poured another round.

Trace Brewing was last — tucked inside an old foundry in Bloomfield with these crazy high ceilings and graffiti tucked between brick arches. Dogs everywhere on the patio (I counted five). The steel tanks looked almost futuristic against all that old wood and neon light. By then I’d lost track of which beer was which but didn’t really care anymore; it felt like we were just hanging out with friends who happened to know a lot about beer. The ride back was quiet in that happy way where nobody needs to say much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pittsburgh brewery tour and tastings

• Pick up at 112 Washington Place
• Visit Inner Groove Brewing in Verona
• Tour Hop Farm Brewing in Lawrenceville
• Explore Trace Brewing in Bloomfield

Top questions

How long is the Pittsburgh brewery tour?

The guided brewery tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

How many breweries do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit three different Pittsburgh breweries during the tour itinerary.

Is transportation included for the brewery tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation is provided aboard a comfortable beer van starting at 112 Washington Place.

Are snacks or meals included during the brewery tour?

A delicious snack is included at one of your brewery stops during the experience.

How many beers do we get to sample?

You’ll have up to 12 different craft beers to try across all three breweries visited.

Is there a vegetarian option available for snacks?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at time of booking.

What should I wear on a brewery tour in Pittsburgh?

You must wear closed-toe shoes for safety reasons inside brewery settings; open-toed shoes aren’t allowed.

What’s the minimum age for joining this craft beer tour?

The minimum age is strictly 21 years old—no exceptions are made for younger guests.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from downtown Pittsburgh, up to twelve hand-selected craft beer tastings at three local breweries (like Inner Groove Brewing or Trace Brewing), guidance from an expert local beer lover throughout, plus a tasty snack at one stop before heading back together at the end.