Pittsburgh Restaurant Review: Church Brew Works

By Ariel

Monday was my birthday (and I turned a quarter-century old!) so Saturday I got to pick my super special birthday dinner destination. While I debated dragging Justin to a sushi bar, (because I have to face it, this is the only occasion he would go willingly)  I really wanted to try a place I've been hearing a lot about, The Church Brew Works.

This place is literally a late 18th-century former church that is now home to a brewery. A GOOD brewery! The beer was fantastic.

My husband's dark beer on the left was the Pious Monk Dunkel. We both are big fans of the Dunkel and this one was no exception.  Personally I don't usually enjoy a dark beer but I ended up switching to this after my glass on the right of Cherry Quadzilla. The Cherry was also incredibly delicious, which is why I switched. It had a lot more carbonation than what I expect in a beer, and it was almost like a fruity lager and a bottle of champagne had a baby. A delicious baby. I really wish I had tried a sampler, but after trying two beers you start ah, losing focus on the taste.

The food is basically American Style, and it didn't dissapoint either. For an appetizer we got the Spinach, Feta, and Smoked Gouda Dip.

My husband's new food favorite is smoked gouda, so I took his advice on this dip and it was so good that we were scrapping the sides of the bowl clean.  I'm going to try recreating this, but until then I'll just dream about it.

As for entrees, the Church Brew Works is actually really well known for their different pizzas. Neither of us were really feeling pizza, however, so Justin ordered a Philly Cheese steak and I ordered a Crab Cake Sandwich. Justin wouldn't let me interrupt his devotional time to his sandwich to take a picture, but he did pause long enough to tell me it was one of the best he has ever had.  I have to say I agree with that sentiment in regards ot my crab cake.

This was a great sandwich packed with crab meat and served with a spicy coleslaw and pickled red onions for serious kick.  I adore spicy food and this combination was fantastic.  

All in all I really enjoyed the experience and I am sure we will be back. Besides the great beer and food, the entire ambiance of the dining room is incredible (and maybe a little blasphemous).  

I only wish it hadn't been dark out already when I snapped some pictures. All the stained glass windows were breathtaking as we were walking in at sunset.  If you're ever in the Pittsburgh area I highly suggest you check this place out!  It's different enough to be an experience, while the food and drinks are enough to keep you coming back.

{all photos by me}

Comments

[Meghan]

I'm not from Pittsburg but I always tell people to go to this restaurant. They consistently hire people with autism and other special needs and are phenomenal at working with them. Glad to know the food is good too ;)

[Jennie]

Meghan, thanks for sharing that info! What a wonderful company. I need a reason to visit Pittsburgh now!

[Jen]

This place is fabulous! I've only been there a few times, which is a travesty, because I LIVE IN PITTSBURGH. I'll have to get my butt there again soon.

[ariel]

Someone else lives in Pittsburgh?! I thought I was alone and would be writing for the traveling crowd!