Pittsburgh

[dadavat]

I really don't understand the social media approach of places like Sharp Edge. They seem so half assed and approach it with what seems like an effort to minimize customers at their events. For instance today they make a post stating "Our Belgianfest has begun". Oh really? Did you just come up with the idea today, because I can't seem to find any previous mention of said fest on your site or twitter account. Is it a one day fest? Week long fest? Month long? I guess they just think that we will all drop what we are doing when they announce something same day so we can go have pours of Kasteel. I might be interested in attending a Belgian beer themed event but giving me a heads up ahead of time might be nice.

I'd probably go to this if their draft prices weren't ridiculous. I love st. louis gueuze and that barista chocolate quad was surprisingly good. I'd imagine any of those drafts are over $10 though (if not closer to $15). I'd rather drink at home for that price.

 

[McMatt7]

Did you eat the Good & Plenty after popping down some Sno-Caps? I didn't know anyone under the age of 70 ate Good & Plenty.

Nah cuz, no snow caps, i was popping root beer barrels and snorting crushed up ribbon candy like an OG.

Trust me it's ok to like the Bruery around here. There are many of their bottles that I don't think would be passed up in this crowd. I think the major problem is the price on the entry level beers.

I knew they were pricey but didn't realize they were THAT pricey i guess, my friend never mentioned how much the stuff cost. He's a baller tho, hollarin money aint a thang all the time. I keep the fridge stocked with pales and pils and he stocks the cellar with pricey barrel aged goodness, on my end it's a pretty sweet deal.

No bad at all, I was just joshin' for the most part.

Right on, and word up, when you said 40 or 45 at Caliente i peed a little, that's waaay out of my wheelhouse. Sounds like the prices at the brewery are still out of my wheelhouse. I have such a small wheelhouse these days.

 

[McMatt7]

They have been doing this as long as I can remember, although I recall it being in the summer. This for me is kind of along the lines as Hell with a Lid Off. Same thing every year. If you've never been probably worth checking out, but after you go once or twice, no reason to keep attending. I have a lot of love for SE as I consider them one of the pioneers of craft beer in Pittsburgh. They have really taken a back seat nowadays with all the new breweries and such opening up. IMO I think they could really benefit from a major overhaul. Still focus on the Belgians and others like they do, but try and get more lambics, gueuzes, and such since that are what most people are after from these places. Maybe drop the american beers at this point and solely focus on Belgiums? That would be pretty cool, but I also like English pubs that focus on those styles, and wish there were someplace other than Hofbrauhaus that focused on German beers and cuisine.

Yup yup yup, i wish the same, Hofbrau is tough, some days i crave some schnitzel and big ass mug of hefe but i don't want to deal with that place, kinda feels like i'm drinkin in a mall or something

 

[troygreer]

Great interview with the guys at voodoobrewery . Cheers guys and keep on kicking ass - http://www.pastemagazine.com/articl...wery-went-from-nearly-bankrupt-to-cult-f.html

Interesting tidbit - Matteo: Yes, we have some big things planned for 2016 including the launch of our second Foodoo truck and more. We also plan to open another pub. We hope to do it this year but we’ll see how the build out goes. Look for that info to drop on Facebook when we know more.

 

[barflybastard]

IMO I think they could really benefit from a major overhaul.

Their food is very not good too.

I'd probably go to this if their draft prices weren't ridiculous.

And this^; unless you find something on their local list (five PA beers), you're going to drop a bunch of $$$ there.

 

[barflybastard]

kinda feels like i'm drinkin in a mall or something

Feel that way too, which sucks--been to a few of them and none come close really try to replicate any of the authenticity of the Munich location. Sure it's a chain and you can't expect to make Las Vegas or Kentucky feel like Germany, but drinking a gallon of beer would be a better experience if every other location didn't feel so sterile.

Edit: Also feel that the main ingredient in every food item is salt.

 

[chefduff2]

Yup yup yup, i wish the same, Hofbrau is tough, some days i crave some schnitzel and big ass mug of hefe but i don't want to deal with that place, kinda feels like i'm drinkin in a mall or something

I actually liked going there with the kids especially At lunch time. They would devour the pretzels, were distracted by everything to look at and no one minded if they made any noise. It's not the best, but if the whole family was happy there and I could have a beer I'm a fan.

 

[dtx00]

I actually liked going there with the kids especially At lunch time. They would devour the pretzels, were distracted by everything to look at and no one minded if they made any noise. It's not the best, but if the whole family was happy there and I could have a beer I'm a fan.

Afternoons are definetly the time to go there, and early evening I would say, before the crowds get there. I actually really enjoy the South Side location. Even when I am dragged there late night, I always try and make my way out to the beer garden. I think its a really cool, chill location next to the bike trail and riverfront. I could think of a lot worse places to have a beer. I would say food is ok as is the beer. There used to be this awesome German restaurant in Wheeling when I was in college. Little place with delicious food, downfall was only good beer you could get was Lowenbrau. I would think that a place like that located in Pittsburgh would do wonders, especially if the beer was expanded upon. Think Pipers except all German instead of being English/Scottish. Hell they could even broadcast Bundesliga games instead of BPL. Just imagine if Penn would embrace this. I think their atmosphere is way better that Hofbrau, but they lack in all other areas.

 

[Stigs1]

If you don't find a way to have a good time at Hofbrau, you are probably the problem.

 

[dtx00]

I have no problem with them doing it but have a problem with their lack of communication about it. Let us know what is going on ahead of time if you would like us to attend.

Thats the thing I dont know if they do want you to attend. SE seems to exist in its own little world now. Honestly how often do you hear about anything happening there, yet they still continue to press on. I would almost bet money that they dont want the Belgium beer fest to turn into Big Pour. If they did you are right and they would probably advertise/promote it more. We just wrapped up PCBW, does anyone know if SE even acknowledged it took place? Like I said SE used to be a staple when it came to craft in Pittsburgh, now they are an afterthought to most I would imagine. Yes their prices are ridiculas, but most are quick to point out that their prices during HH are still very reasonable. Bet its way easier to get a seat at the bar at any SE location during HH than it is at most other places around town.

 

[barflybastard]

I actually liked going there with the kids especially At lunch time. They would devour the pretzels, were distracted by everything to look at and no one minded if they made any noise. It's not the best, but if the whole family was happy there and I could have a beer I'm a fan.

The Hof played its largest role for us when the kids were younger--like that the loud din can drown out my kids and everyone can relax for a bit. Find that they usually push us over to the--there's a word for it, German for "baby pit" or something, but in addition to being near the family restroom, there is access to the patio and it overlooks the river, both of which are cool.

Edit: Stammtisch. Just means "informal group meeting," nothing to do with kids. My bad. My grandfather would be so mad that my German is now so poor.

 

[preluderl]

I haven't been to Hofbrau in a long time. Need to check it out again.

 

[chefduff2]

The Hof played its largest role for us when the kids were younger--agree that he loud din can drown out my kids' and everyone can relax for a bit. Find that they usually push us over to the--there's a word for it, German for "baby pit" or something, but in addition to being near the family restroom, there is access to the patio and it overlooks the river, both of which are cool.

I will add for those who may work for UPMC, there is an Ortho Surgeon who is German and awesome to drink with there. He would drink a mix of beer and Sprite just in case he was called. He also gathered all the other German fellows or residents and just made this large social gathering. Definitely miss those events.

 

[OneDropSoup]

troygreer dtx00 I think you guys are mixing up this "Belgianfest" thing with the Great European Beer Festival, which usually happens in June. Belgianfest at Sharp Edge is akin to Shrimpfest at Red Lobster, just a week of special menu items & maybe some deals on Belgian beers. The GEBF is the actual beer festival.

 

[barflybastard]

Belgianfest at Sharp Edge is akin to Shrimpfest at Red Lobster, just a week of special menu items & maybe some deals on Belgian beers.

 

[OneDropSoup]

Ha! Wasn't a diss, just saying that it's not really a beer festival.

 

[barflybastard]

Ha! Wasn't a diss, just saying that it's not really a beer festival.

Then I challenge you to compare anything to Red Lobster in a way that doesn't come off as pejorative.

Edit: Recalling the Lobsterfest commercials, where essentially every deep fried item they have is splashing around comically in gigantic ramekins of butter. Not sure if this was taking smack on SE's tap lines, but now can't help picturing all their beers being thrown into vats of butter.

 

[OneDropSoup]

Then I challenge you to compare anything to Red Lobster in a way that doesn't come off as pejorative.

Dem Cheddar Bay Biscuits, man...

 

[Calcifer]

Yep, JVR says don't call it lambic...

A little late, but...

http://www.notlambic.info/

 

[Matthouse3]

Ok so 2 things.

1. During the Voodoo takeover at Ho1kB, Uncle Jacobs was 24.99/bottle. GEMDRFL had it for 13.99/Bottle yesterday. That is all.

2. I never heard of Space Juice before seeing it at GEMDRFL yesterday. I asked what it was since it was behind the counter and the guy told me it was "one of those energy drinks with a bunch of alcohol in them. That's why you can only get 2. See the rocket ship on the side? That's what they say will happen to you" It was definitely not a joke as I asked a few times if he was serious or not. That is all I needed to hear to not purchase any. And now I am hearing from you guys that that is definitely not the case? Kinda ******, I must say.

TL/DR

1. How can you justify a price gouge of over $10 per bottle when it obviously gets limited distro here? Not that it's a new thing for Ho1KB..

2.
Giant
Eagle
Market
District
Raging
Four Loko
Lies

 

[mikebezek]

2.
Giant
Eagle
Market
District
Raging
Four Loko
Lies

They had Oskar Blues Hotbox Porter or whatever it was behind the counter a couple of months ago. Asked one of the guys working what it was because I didn't recognize and couldn't read the can from the distance and he wouldn't show me, just kept repeating "a coffee beer." Just a really weird experience.

 

[OneDropSoup]

During the Voodoo takeover at Ho1kB, Uncle Jacobs was 24.99/bottle. GEMDRFL had it for 13.99/Bottle yesterday. That is all.

This I don't understand. They had it for $21, maybe $22 a year ago when I'm pretty sure they were self-importing it, so that price now is strange.

 

[Beerwanderer]

I never heard of Space Juice before seeing it at GEMDRFL yesterday. I asked what it was since it was behind the counter and the guy told me it was "one of those energy drinks with a bunch of alcohol in them. That's why you can only get 2. See the rocket ship on the side? That's what they say will happen to you" It was definitely not a joke as I asked a few times if he was serious or not. That is all I needed to hear to not purchase any. And now I am hearing from you guys that that is definitely not the case? Kinda ******, I must say.

Giant
Eagle
Market
District
Raging
Four Loko
Lies

They had Oskar Blues Hotbox Porter or whatever it was behind the counter a couple of months ago. Asked one of the guys working what it was because I didn't recognize and couldn't read the can from the distance and he wouldn't show me, just kept repeating "a coffee beer." Just a really weird experience.

This is hilarious. Was it Alex (blonde kid) or Maurice? I'll bug the **** out of them for this.

 

[kbuzz1]

All kidding aside (like their beers), was surprised of their pricing at the brewery itself; thought they'd be less expensive at the source.

This comes up from time to time and someone once debunked this notion stating the breweries will always charge more so that they don't undercut their retail customers...

 

[mikebezek]

This is hilarious. Was it Alex (blonde kid) or Maurice? I'll bug the **** out of them for this.

I know it wasn't Alex, I don't think it was Maurice. Some guy that I have never really seen there before and don't know if I've seen since.

In hindsight, he probably just took my money and gave your beer away.

 

[Matthouse3]

This is hilarious. Was it Alex (blonde kid) or Maurice? I'll bug the **** out of them for this.

I'd lean towards Maurice, if you know what I mean. He was definitely not blonde.

It was also not the foreign guy who makes fun of me for asking about KBS at 5pm when it drops at noon. Just giving you some process of elimination fuel.

 

[kbuzz1]

Did you eat the Good & Plenty after popping down some Sno-Caps? I didn't know anyone under the age of 70 ate Good & Plenty.

I eat them all the time. My candy of choice.

 

[barflybastard]

This comes up from time to time and someone once debunked this notion stating the breweries will always charge more so that they don't undercut their retail customers...

Have heard this too. For instance (locally), Troegs is often more expensive at brewery than as compared to bottles/cases here in the 'burgh. But, pulling into The Brewery parking lot, was hoping to fill my suitcase with cheap beers.

 

[jeevo]

I eat them all the time. My candy of choice.

I thought that Good n Plenty were kind of like black licorice and candy corn. They still seem to make these products despite not a single person liking them.

 

[preluderl]

I eat them all the time. My candy of choice.

This is the least surprising thing I will read on the internet today.