 I have to admit I'm not a big hard cider drinker. It's typically very sweet and it's very filling, BUT Threadbare Cider House & Meadery blew my mind. First off, their ciders are all dry and semi-dry varieties. Which in my opinion also make them a bit lighter and way tastier! Plus, they have some really unique options like the "Dry Hopped", inspired by an IPA beer. And "Bourbon Barrel Reserve Cider", barreled in bourbon whiskey barrels. It's not often you come across craft ciders quite like that. And luckily, Threadbare offers a build-your-own cider flight so you can grab a taste of a few.
At first glance, the location of Threadbare is very unassuming. From outside, it looks like a warehouse. However, when you make your way upstairs into the tasting room, you'll find a super cozy, very inviting space with a bar, dining tables, and lots and lots of bottled cider. I'm a big fan of Threadbare's brand and packaging design! Obviously, cider is the star of the show here, BUT Threadbare also happens to have a pretty bomb food menu. In my opinion, their pizzas are a must-try. I've also heard their brunch menu is delicious. Brunch pizza anyone?! The best part: Threadbare offers some really good happy hour deals. You can snag $5 glasses of cider Wednesday-Friday from 5-7pm. It's a great spot (and time) to catch up with some friends in a casual setting.
0 Comments
 Over Eden: Where do I even begin... I'M IN LOVE. True, adoring love. When it comes to cute, trendy hangouts, Pittsburgh's list is kind of short. But this new restaurant and rooftop garden bar at Tryp Lawrenceville is a game-changer. The views are beautiful, the space is gorgeous, the cocktails were right up my alley, and the mediterranean-style food was delicious. If you're already thinking about making a visit to Over Eden, here's the scoop: To get to the bar, you'll want to head in through the entry at the front of the hotel. (Right off of 40th street across from Rite Aid) You'll run right into a small, modern, and plant-laden entryway. From there, you'll walk down the stairs and past the hotel's new coffee bar and pizza restaurant, Brick Shop, and head toward the elevators. Cruise up to the fifth floor and you'll be greeted with bright, open windows and a super-friendly staff. On weekends, it's pretty likely the restaurant and bar area will be pretty busy. On a weekend when the weather is nice, you can definitely expect a wait for a seat outside. Trust me when I say it is worth it! Those views >>> On a week night, you can expect a little bit less of a crowd and a little more space to yourself. I went on a Thursday evening and it was perfect! My order recommendations: Cocktail 1: "Chiffon" - rum | fresh pineapple | rosemary | pink peppercorn | orange bitters Cocktail 2 : "Lost Time" - vodka | fresh cantaloupe | fresh lemon | thyme simple syrup Snacks: An order of hummus topped with falafel (You're going to want to order an extra piece of pita!) I'll definitely be back to work my way around the menu!    Everything just seems to be better on a rooftop. Yoga, drinking, swimming, you name it. Unfortunately Pittsburgh is really lacking in rooftop options, but there is one spot to get your fill of fresh air and views. Enter: Biergarten. Biergarten is a small, slightly boujee, rooftop beer garden on top of Downtown’s Kimpton Hotel Monaco. The vibe is casual, the drinks are swanky, and the set-up is ideal for a small group of friends. While I’m sure the whole crew would be in a for a rooftop drink, Biergarten isn’t really ideal for large groups. The space is cozy with a few communal tables, smaller private tables, string lights, a walk-up bar window, and games like life-size Jenga, chess, Scrabble, and a giant Connect Four. When it comes to drinks, you can go for a European style beer, ball out with a Frozé, or (a personal favorite) sip on the “There Is No Mike”. This frozen cocktail is sweet, refreshing, and totally instagrammable. If you’re trying to feel fancy, the cocktail garnishes at Biergarten are always a 10/10. And it wouldn’t be a Burghologie post if I didn’t mention the snack situation, Biergarten offers a limited bar menu with German influenced bites like the Bavarian Pretzel, Bratwurst, a Pickle & Cheese Plate, and a handful more. I haven’t personally tried the food here, but the Bavarian Pretzel looked incredible. I’m all about a good soft pretzel.  Just a heads up, those rooftop views, craft cocktails, and European vibes are gonna come with a price tag. Be prepared to pay a little extra for the drinks here. Your wallet may take a hit, but the experience is 100% worth it. Before you head Downtown be sure to check out Biergarten’s hours. They’re somewhat limited. To make it up to Biergarten head to the lobby of the Monaco and take the elevator up to the 9th floor. Make a turn out of the elevator, and you’ll be greeted with a view!    Lorelei is a true East Liberty gem. From the European-inspired beer to the natural light and greenery, everything about this newly opened cocktail bar/beer hall is just stunning! When you walk through the front doors, you’ll first find yourself in the cocktail & wine bar. If you’re in the mood to sip on a fancy mixed drink, grab a table or take a seat at the bar. Lorelei’s signature drinks are truly unique and unlike anything you’ve experienced in Pittsburgh. I would definitely recommend the Friesling. (AKA frozen riesling) It’s a fun twist on Frozé and it’s light, refreshing, and absolutely delicious. If you’re really feeling adventurous, give the Bear’s Knees a go. Yes, egg white in a drink sounds super weird, but it’s oddly good! If you’re more in the mood to sip on a beer, head back through the hallway, past the kitchen, and into the beer hall. Here you’ll find a beautiful open space with communal tables, a colorful mural, and of course a large bar with 14 different drafts. If you’re looking for something a little different, they also have a draft gin & tonic as well as a couple of cider options. Tip: Ask about Kolsch service at the bar! (It’s a pretty neat concept.) To round out the experience, Lorelei also offers some light bites like breads + spreads, pies + tarts, salads, and desserts. In my opinion, you really can’t leave Lorelei without tasting the Pretzel. And if you’re craving something sweet, the Malted Chocolate Mousse is heaven in a cup. Treat yo’ self! Lorelei is great for just a few people or a bigger group. There’s tons of seating. Luckily, Lorelei is also right next to some other really great restaurants if you’re looking to stop in for pre or post-dinner drinks.   Good beer and dogs. Lots and lots of dogs. What more could you ask for? At Grist House, that’s exactly what you get. This craft brewery in Millvale has a beautiful outdoor beer garden where you’ll find picnic tables, furry friends, food trucks, and really amazing beer. Brews range from lagers and kolsches to IPAs and stouts. All of the beer is brewed in-house and it’s all delicious. The menu is relatively small, but it has everything you need. There's a little something for every taste. I highly recommend trying out the Sunshine Rancher or Kolsch on the Run. They’re lighter beers with an awesome flavor–perfect for summertime sipping. There’s usually a food truck on site in the beer garden to cure those post-beer munchies. And don’t quote me on this, but I’m pretty sure you’re also allowed to bring in your own snacks. The last time I stopped into Grist House I hooked up my crew with pretzels, M&Ms, chips, and popcorn. If you plan to post up for the whole afternoon or evening, you’re definitely going to want to plan ahead and hit up the snack aisle or scope out the food truck schedule on Grist House’s site. There’s a food truck available most days, but definitely check in before you head out. You’ll thank yourself when the hunger pains hit. If you’re not much of an outdoor person or you just need to take a break from the heat and sun, there’s also a taphouse situation indoors with air conditioning, bathrooms, and friendly bartenders ready to pour up your brew of choice. If all of that isn’t enticing enough, did I mention the brewery is dog-friendly? No need to leave the 4-legged friends at home. Some tips: I would recommend grabbing an Uber to and from Grist House. The brewery is in a residential neighborhood and sometimes parking can be rough. Save yourself a headache and catch a ride. If you’d like to make a day of it and hit up some more local spots, start at the brewery and then head over to the Pittsburgh Food Truck Park down the road. It’s only about a 10-15 minute walk.  |
drinkWhether it's a craft beer or a boujee glass of Rosé, you'll always find me sippin' on something. Explore some of my go-tos! 
Categories |
