Independent Brewing Company
1704 Shady Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217
Independent Brewing Company Menu
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Address :
1704 Shady Ave
Pittsburgh, PA, 15217 - Phone (412) 422-5040
- Website https://independentpgh.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 11:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual, Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Lucas H.
As a beer place only, I would give 3 stars. While the customer service has improved greatly, the food is still significantly overpriced and the cocktails are unimpressive. Patio seating is comically slanted, and half of the restaurant can't see the chalk menu.
(2)Ellen D.
I came here on a Sunday afternoon with a friend. The bar staff is friendly and they'll let you try samples of the beers. They have the draft list on a big chalkboard. Since all of the brews are not big names, it'd be helpful to have a printed menu with descriptions. The vibe is very hipster for squirrel hill. The bar tender had a big hole in the middle of her shirt, which bothered me a bit since if it is your place of employment put a little more effort into the appearance of your clothes. However it fit into the ambiance of the place. They play records which is unique. I'm glad that squirrel hill finally has a decent bar, but it seems just like another knock off hipster place in Lawrenceville. I live in monroeville so I doubt that I'll ever come back here just for drinks. It just wasn't my scene.
(3)Christina P.
I lived in Squirrel Hill a number of years ago and knew that this neighborhood was lacking in decent bar choices, but also understood that what makes Squirrel Hill so family-friendly is this "lacking." Does every neighborhood really NEED a craft beer bar? Probably not. Does it make it slightly more attractive to come to Squirrel Hill? Perhaps. "Independent" features all PA craft brews and cocktail concoctions. It was nice to see a couple of breweries I didn't initially recognize including Costar (been living outside of PA for 3 years). Their saison they had on tap wasn't half bad and it was served in a tall glass. I did like that they served the beers in their proper glassware for each type. What surprised me the most was that 2 of their cocktails were offered in a draft form, and I almost wished I had tried those instead of having a beer. One was called the Roman Holiday with some kind of blood orange bitters while the other one seemed like a spiced up gin and tonic. My friends that came with me were long-time Fanatics bar-goers so they didn't know what to think of the craft beer bar set up in its place except that it felt "odd." I liked the atmosphere of this place, but I still don't think I would warm up to it being in the more low-key, quiet Squirrel Hill neighborhood. Perhaps a place like this needs to exist in East Liberty (although Kelly's Bar probably has the beer-cocktails thing covered in that neighborhood). I might have to give this place a second try on my next trip to the Burgh.
(3)Lauren S.
I was so thrilled when IBC came to the neighborhood. Local beers and Arsenal Cider? Vinyl spinning in the background and themed movie nights? Right up my alley. I needed a neighborhood bar where I didn't leave smelling like an ashtray [read: Squirrel Cage], and the Independent Brewing Company is a definite step-up from the underwhelming sports bar atmosphere that Fanattics (the previous bar occupying the space) had offered. The beer selection is great -- they always have the seasonal and special session beers. You can sample a few and find a new favorite. The cocktails on tap generally fit in with their weekly/monthly theme nights and can be pretty delicious. I recently tried the unique Spanish Gin & Tonic and was able to try a few gins that I'd never heard of. And yet, I just can't love IBC because of the food. Firstly, the space in the bar/dining area is awkwardly arranged (mostly a holdover of the old Fanattics set-up), and it's nearly impossible to read the beer/cocktail list while seated at one of the tables. The food is also severely hit or miss. I've dined there 4 times (because I love the bar! And so much bike parking!), but this fall, I had the WORST GNOCCHI that I had ever eaten in my life. It was a sage cream sauce, but the plate was little more than orange mush. On another occasion, the deconstructed sandwiches were poorly conceived, and the gumbo wasn't very flavorful or particularly spicy as advertised. Come for the drinks, and skip the food other than the french fries or bar snacks. The portions are also small, so if you have a big appetite, you're likely to leave with a less than sated tummy and a disappointed palate.
(3)Christine G.
Have been there 3 times for Sunday brunch and a couple of times just to sit at the bar. The beer selection is outstanding. The bartenders know the beer well and make great recommendations. They are not at all stingy with samples either! The brunch is fantastic - good selection, tastes good and excellent presentation. This week they had live music which was great. We also sat in the in outdoor seating and brought our dog. The waitress immediately brought over a water bowl for her and she got a lot of attention from the rest of the staff, which of course she loved. I love this place and that it is walking distance from my house and I can bring my dog is a complete bonus. If you haven't been here for brunch, you need to try it.
(5)Sarah A.
In terms of all the other (few) Squirrel Hill bars, this one is by far the best. However, basically my review will be a summary of all the previous reviews. They didn't put a ton of effort into the interior or exterior (since there is no sign). The concept of a chalkboard beer sign makes sense (because the beer is constantly in rotation), but it is so poorly written and dimly lighted that you can't quite read anything. I was trying to read the list of cocktails, which is written at the bottom of the board, and a bartender was standing in front of it; so I had to give up. The fries are great, but the other food is small for the price. Also, I get why their kegs might kick often but for being a beer place, the bartenders, servers, owners aren't totally knowledgeable. When asking for a beer that recently kicked, the owner offered up a beer that was just being added. The newly-added beer was on the opposite spectrum of the kicked beer, and it was overly carbonated. Suggestions: work on service (mainly attentiveness and beer knowledge) and consider a different method of supplying the beer listing. Lastly, don't have a mixologist who can't act as a regular bartender (I think he made maybe one drink while I was there and the rest of the time just leaned on the counter).
(3)Michael T.
Went on a Friday afternoon/early evening. Small group turned into a medium group of 10 or so. Service ramped up accordingly, and did a great job. Great beer selection. Sometimes places trying too hard on beer end up with a whole set of undrinkable taps, but that is not the case here. Very good range including pale ales, IPS, coppers, and so on. Limited food selection, but the mac and cheese and the roasted brussel sprouts were a bit hit. Good music, and a classy feel. This is a huge addition to the Squirrel Hill scene.
(5)T T.
The space is very inviting and a great place to relax. Very enjoyable beer selection. Ordered the fries, they were great. The big disappointment was the service. There were three servers/ bartenders which is appropriate for the size of the place and they were all super friendly and nice - but incredibly not with it. Our beer glasses stood empty for awhile before anyone came around which is totally inexcusable.also a server would come around to one table and have their back to the others and just walk away without turning around to see if we needed anything, they were most always just out of reach and not paying attention to the tables. We waited an inordinate time for our check as well - no one was coming around. Inattentive and slow service really makes me not want to return.
(3)Iva C.
Go for the beer list. It's extensive and local. Or the cocktail list - creative and fresh. Eat somewhere else - the food was overpriced and not very good.
(3)I H.
Squirrel Hill's only hipster bar. The mixed drink selection is fantastic, as is the beer selection. As for food, I'd stick to appetizers or their international French fries on French fry night. Service can be a bit dodgy as I think the waitstaff is spread a bit too thin, but otherwise everything is pretty good here. It's nice to have a few different bar choices in Squirrel Hill.
(4)Nina P.
WHERE THE BARTENDERS OF THE BURG RECOMMEND YOU GO LATE NIGHT! Hello My Loves! Party night! Party...all...night. Hungry late and still want a good cocktail, Independent Brewing Company is where to be! The bartenders at Tender recommended this place for late night eats and good cocktails in Squirrel Hill. I felt the beer and cocktails were good for late night. The food was only OK, poutine and spicy tacos...tasty and good for soaking up all that alcohol in your stomach. I hate to put this in here but it's true, they had their doors open and people eating and drinking at sidewalk tables and all I could do was smell this trash smell. I surmise it was the exhaust and/or trash from the shitty Chinese restaurant next to the place. Hate to write that but it was a little bit of an appetite killer. I'd go back if I was in that neck of the woods...but maybe only for drinks. Love You, Muah!
(3)Robin A.
So close, but... I've been here several times since it opened. Great spot on Shady Ave, usually 12-14 beers on tap. Nice menu with small and large plates. Food is a solid 4. Service is mediocre, it seems like the wait staff are always overwhelmed. I've been served the wrong beer, waited 10+ minutes for water and been completely ignored when trying to send food back due to a previously discussed allergy. If they could get their service game down, this place would be so much better!
(3)Veronica C.
Drinks Only. First of all, I enjoy the rustic atmosphere and the friendly bartenders. Not everyday I get to enjoy a bar like this in the dc/md/va area. So great job IBC for being creative! AND being creative is definitely shown with their mixologist. The drink menu is displayed on their blackboard. It's uniquely designed based on what they have stocked. What's interesting is that even if something may not be on the board, the bartenders ask you a few questions to match your taste. During my time there, they've been on point. My favorite that I have tried besides the beer is the Roman Holiday. Seems to be a popular and interesting choice. Recommend it as a dessert drink. It's refreshing and mildly sweet. If you don't prefer that, then go for the Blood of the French Revolution (for those into history, Pittsburgh is filled with history). The cocktail kind of taste like chocolate covered cherries. I honestly can't wait to return. Visitors should give this nice little bar a try.
(4)Julia M.
I do like this place - the beer selection is good and they emphasize local beer, and I am always a fan of Pittsburgh pride and supporting Pittsburgh business. So I feel a little bad to write a review filled with nit-picky complaints, but somehow they've just rubbed me a little bit the wrong way. The name is a bit misleading - they don't brew their own beer, but instead serve local independently brewed beer. I feel like a brewing company should be a company that does brewing, but maybe that's just me. If you go to their website, it is actually named after a historical group of brewers that collectively called themselves by the same name in the early 1900s. But still, you can't expect everyone to visit your website to learn about your name before being disappointed to find out you don't actually brew beer. I was also going to complain about the vagueness of their menu, but now I'm looking at their menu and it's different from the one I ordered from not too long ago. This new menu is actually descriptive, without calling things just "Sandwich" and then offering not much further describing factors. The sandwich that I did order was actually pretty good, though. On another plus side, they also have dessert (although I'd never had cheese for dessert before and I'm not sure it's actually my kind of dessert, even if it comes with chocolate). Which as far as I'm concerned should be a legal requirement for all drinking establishments. Because dessert is great and drunk people love ice cream. Really where they lost the most points for me, though, was pretentiousness. I wanted a soda because I had to drive, and the waitress snapped at me that they don't serve that "mainstream" stuff. As if it's a sin to drink a diet coke. When I pressed further for non-alcoholic beverages, the answer was basically "no." I've never been treated like that before for not drinking a beer (especially after I'd already had one). They pitch themselves as a "tavern for independent spirits", when really they seem to only qualify you as an independent spirit if you conform with their feelings about "mainstream" beverage. Rant aside, the food is good and the beer is good and if you're in the market for trying out some local beer and food, you should really go here. Just whatever you do, don't try to order a diet coke. You will be shunned.
(3)Lisa K.
Just recently discovered this place. Im in love! Awesome selection of all delicious locally brewed beers that upon request you can get canned (their version of a growler is a large aluminum can) to go! Great idea! I hope other bars do the same! I stopped on a Thursday night and they were featuring authentic tiki drinks. Worth a try for sure. We sat at the bar and after a drink or two we decided to try their wings. Now my new favorite wings. They were small but absolutely perfect. They come tossed in a homemade whiskey BBQ sauce and served with a side of homemade gorgonzola sauce for dipping. What a treat! I cant wait to come back to this place!
(5)Linda W.
Why on earth would a place called The Independent Brewing Company be one of my favorite bars/restaurants in Pittsburgh when beer (damned gluten) is verboten to me? Because the expertly crafted cocktails and creative, well thought out food in this warm, comfortable and friendly spot makes for a perfect evening, that's why. Let's start with the cocktails. (One should always begin with cocktails, right?) Adam is a genius behind the stick! Whether one has in mind a classic tipple or one of Adam's own creations, the attention to detail is nothing short of a marvel. His handcrafted syrups, boozy cotton candy, molecular creations of spheres and foams and such are only the icing on the cake of the expertly prepared cocktail before you. Try the London Fog to experience one of his best! Besides Adam, there's a constantly rotating bevy of the best bartenders in the Burgh behind the bar. You'll regularly find talent from Butcher and the Rye, Meat & Potatoes, Butterjoint and the like serving a specially created drink menu for the night. It might be themed - Big Lebowski comes to mind - or not. One never knows what surprise libations might be encountered! Then there's the dining menu. Some of the best fries in town can be found here. Handcut, fresh fried French fries. Boom. Pork belly, shrimp and grits, salads, sandwiches, steaks, desserts...all with an international spin. So good! Last of all, the space is so comfortable and friendly. Bar patrons chat across to one another sharing recommendations...and sometimes even a taste of this cocktail or that particularly delightful dish. Fancy, it isn't. A great place for a casual meal, great drink and a fine, locally made beer it is! Go.
(5)Andy J.
Independent Brewing carries local beers. They don't do any brewing themselves. The beer selection is pretty good. I was surprised at the balance. Most bars are all IPA anymore. Everyone in my party was pleased. The food was pretty good. Service was a little lacking. I was there on a Tuesday. Maybe it was an off day for them. I had to wait a while to get initially served.
(3)Leslie H.
I've liked I.B.C and its focus on local breweries since it opened, but recently they re-vamped their food menu and it's even better! They took a few of the duds off the menu, and the things that are left are really tasty and a fun combination of food types and flavors (halloumi, mac-n-cheese, steak salad, shrimp and grits with Moroccan flavors). The offerings definitely exceed your standard Bar Food menu. They also have a great-looking cocktails and spirits menu, which I never noticed before or they've recently printed. Haven't tried any yet, but other friends raved about how great they were. My only real quibble with this place is that the food portions are off-puttingly tiny. The halloumi, for example, was like the size of a deck of cards, maybe? It was 2 bites for each of the three of us. My salad was also Wee; I probably would have been annoyed had it not also had the steak on it. I am someone used to small plates and fancy food, so I am not expecting giant, American-sized portions that could serve a family of four. It's just that their primary identity is as a beer place. For a place with such an empasis on beer, you'd expect a bit more hearty, satisfying fare. My friends and I enjoyed everything we ate, but were hungry two hours later. Perhaps we just picked the smaller/ less filling items. This place is a nice middle ground between classy and casual; fussy and unpretentious. As much as I enjoy their concept and what they have going on, my only worry is that they will alienate people by serving food that errs a bit on the side of not a good value for the cost. I think they could go a long way to avoid that possibility if they offered more happy hour specials on food and drinks. Regardless, I'm really looking forward to going back soon and trying the sandwich and fries, or possibly the eggplant.
(4)Shannon M.
Let me tell you about my experience-here we go- it's a Sunday evening-six customers at the bar-four customers outside-we were not greeted at all when we walked in the door and sat at the bar-there are two bartenders-one is mixing a cocktail and cannot take his eyes away from making a cocktail for even a second to say hello-the other walks by us twice and doesn't utter a "hi." Interestingly enough, friends of the one bartender come in and are greeted appropriately with an explanation of cocktails and beer that they have available. How nice for them! Since we are just mere patrons wanting to spend some money and drink some good drinks-we are finally gazed upon by one of the bar tenders and we order a draft and a pre-made cocktail. After we finished our drinks-the drinks sat there empty for about five minutes-the bar was still not busy for two bartenders to handle in a timely, efficient manner. We had to flag one of them down to get another round. So I suppose if you are friends of the bar staff or a regular-you will have superb service-if not, then good luck with your experience! We definitely planned to spend a lot more money at the Independent, however the poor service prevented us from doing so and our money was taken to a place with much better service.
(2)Molly B.
A group of 6 of us had dinner here on Friday and were very pleased with everything! Our table was ready as soon as we arrived and service was quick and friendly even though we probably weren't the easiest table. I loved the variety of beers and mixed drinks, most items were things I had never had before or don't see very often. The beers were definitely pricy, but I felt like the food was inexpensive so it balanced out. I really enjoyed the Farm Pasta which that day had green tomatoes and squash. One of my fellow diners love the Kafta Burger, saying it was one of the best burgers he ever had and the taco special, though a bit small, was really enjoyed by the two who ordered it. This was our second time here and we left just as impressed as the first time, can't wait to go back!
(5)Laura M.
TL;DR: The drinks are great--the entrees, not so much. Read on for details... I came here on short notice last night for a double date between CM and I and a couple of friends of mine. The couple we were meeting, who live in Squirrel Hill, didn't feel comfortable driving to Lawrenceville to meet at the Allegheny Wine Mixer, per our original plan, due to the weather. In order to keep the date, I proposed that we meet at IBC for dinner and drinks instead. None of us had visited before, and everyone was game, so we made a reservation. I'm certainly glad we did so, since it was packed when CM and I walked in at 6:30pm. We started off by ordering some drinks. All of us opted for cocktails, since we're not beer drinkers, and my friends didn't notice that Arsenal Cider was on tap until I pointed it out after they ordered. CM and I split the Allegheny Rum Punch, and my friends had the Rust Belt. The Allegheny Rum Punch was on the sweeter side, but not overwhelmingly so, with the flavor reminding me slightly of sweet tea (my favorite non-alcoholic drink). It was sufficiently strong, but didn't taste overwhelmingly alcoholic--it was an excellent, well-balanced drink. I tried a sip of my friends' Rust Belt, which was described as a mash-up of a Rusty Nail and a penicillin, and it was definitely evocative of the former (I've never had the latter, so I can't judge the similarity there). Despite being quite different than the Rum Punch, it was also a great, well-balanced drink--if you prefer a more traditional apertif, you'll probably enjoy it. As for the food, we started off by ordering the haloumi small plate, per the suggestion of my friends, who'd tried this thick, meaty cheese in the UK. Though I'd never had it before, I greatly enjoyed its flavor and texture, though I wish the plate had come with more. Due to the small size of the Haloumi plate, CM and I ordered a plate of the Mo' Fries--hand cut fries with feta, cumin, and garlic to share as well, per my suggestion, since I'd heard good things about the fries. As gourmet fries, the Mo' Fries were decent, but didn't quite reach the level of the truffled gorgonzola fries at Burgatory. While the plate did come with a decent helping of them, two of the entrees came with fries on the side (which I didn't realize upon suggesting them--otherwise, I may have opted for a different second small plate), so we only ended up eating about half of them. For our entrees, we ordered the following: Gnocchi with pork belly (me), sandwich with falafel (CM), sandwich with veal sausage (one of my friends), and wild mushroom risotto (the other of my friends). Given that I'm a huge fan of gnocchi, butternut squash, sage, and pork belly, all of which were ingredients of my entree, I was excited to try it, and it looked promising (see photo). Unfortunately, however, my entree ended up disappointing on several levels. The flavor of the butternut squash sauce was too sweet, monotonous, and underseasoned, and the pork belly didn't add enough saltiness and flavor to complement it well. The addition of some salt and pepper helped rectify these issues, but couldn't fix the texture of the gnocchi, which was irredeemably soft and gooey, rather than al dente, as I like it. I hate to say it, but the other reviewer who pointed out this issue with the gnocchi, saying that it made for the worst version he'd tried, was dead on--even Joe Mama's gnocchi, which was the worst I've had to date, beat this version. The only redeeming feature of this dish was the fried sage, which was savory and crispy, adding a welcome dash of variety in flavor and texture. In addition to my gnocchi, I sampled my friend's risotto, which was quite bland (he politely described it as "very subtle") and texturally homogenous. Ensuring that my sample included pieces of mushroom didn't solve these problems, unfortunately. I didn't sample my date's or my other friend's sandwiches, but they seemed to enjoy them (my date mentioned that the falafel was quite good). Despite that they were one of the the less expensive options on the menu ($10), the sandwiches, which each came with a side of fries, were reasonably sized. On the other hand, both my friend and I felt that the gnocchi and the risotto were undersized, especially for the price ($16 and $12, respectively). While I don't have a problem with the smaller size of entrees at many upscale restaurants, I expect the quality of the preparation to increase accordingly, and these entrees didn't meet that standard. Due to the underwhelming preparation and portion size of the entrees, I was somewhat disappointed in IBC on the food front. Additionally, I was underwhelmed by the service we received, which was rather inattentive (e.g., no quality check, and no asking if we wanted more drinks until we'd finished our entrees). As a result, I'd recommend IBC only for drinks and snacks (small plates), and would avoid coming here for a full meal.
(3)Ashley K.
Tim and I took a brief walk-about Squirrel Hill on a Saturday and stopped by IBC for a quick brew. We arrived about a half hour before dinner, which we were thankful for because we decided not to eat there and the place was calm and quiet. Service was great even though we didn't eat! The servers were attentive, but they also let us chat without disturbing us. Though, I do wish IBC had a print out of their beers for the day - we sat in the dining area and half of the menu was blocked by people in the bar area. All in all, we both loved the beers we had - he had a Grist House that I don't remember the name of and I had a Brew Gentleman White Sky (amazing). I am excited to go back and eat!
(4)Jim H.
I like it hear. Great craft beer (I usually start with the $4 Daily Special), great custom cocktails, I liked all the food I've had so far (plenty of vegan too), and the record player is a nice touch. Obviously, it is what it is, you won't get a basket of wings and a Wild Turkey with a Yeungling back here. Not that kind of place. At first I thought the place might be lousy with hipsters, but most of them hang out at the Cage, so they can smoke,
(5)Jacob A.
Independent Brew Company ia great in every way. All local, small, wonderful selection. Done.
(5)George M.
They have the best on tap beer selection in the city and always have at least one tasty beer on special for cheap. But the friendly bartenders and waiters and awesome Vinyl collection make this a Pittsburgh watering hole necessity unless you like Tom Brady style "uppity" bars with no character. Also, bring along your favorite Vinyl album and definitely check out their special events they host. They're unique, fresh, and fun.
(5)Tanya N.
Ok, let me start by eating a banana and saying that I like this place. However....they can be very pretentious, and even be very passive aggressive. Today's, my friends and i were celebrating an event, and maybe we're being a little loud. Instead of saying, hey you guys are being a little loud, the hipster wanna be cool bartender in the drivers cap said...."did I hear somebody fall? Did something bad happen?" Because of attitudes like that, our return is questionable.
(3)Joe S.
Get in here now. IBC is a wonderful addition to squirrel hill! The selection rotates all the time and the beer is always fresh. The record selection is great too and the bartenders are always pleasant.
(5)C L.
Love the atmosphere, the beer list, and the location. The lamb burger with Indian spices is amazing! Juicy and flavorful. The macaroni and cheese entrees are very small and lacking in the flavor that you expect for the price tag. The beer selection is never disappointing as there is something for everyone. From delicious stouts to sweet ciders. I highly recommend this casual and fun restaurant.
(4)Geoffrey H.
The beer selection is great. The only "complaint" is that if you find something you like, it may not be back in a few weeks. They also let you have "tastes" if you'd like to explore or simply unsure of what to order. (And of course they have great "sampler" flights.) We've been very pleased by the food. There's a mix of bar food appetizers and some really nice entrees. Saturday, I had one of the best pork chops of my life (only slightly behind Casbah's) and I order them quite frequently. It was cooked to perfection, with a great beer-mustard sauce. The potatoes had a hint of middle eastern seasoning and there were some great brussels sprouts. I've had food here 4-5 times now and it's ranged from good to excellent. I think they're just starting to hit their stride, and I look forward to what they have planned for the space next door.
(4)Anne C.
High price, average beer. While the decor was "trendy" and "hip" I just didn't buy it.
(3)Steph M.
I love Pittsburgh, one reason being that it doesn't have many pretentious over-priced places like this one. Beers are $6.50 and up, usually $7-$8. We ordered fries (a tiny portion) and they really weren't good but limpy and greasy, but, hey, they serve them in a cute little metal bucket so I guess it's worth it. We also had a brussle sprout appetizer which was a greasy charred mess drowned in blue cheese which was unfortunately the only spicing. Ok, 2 beers, 2 small appetizers $30! And to top it off gratuity was conveniently already added which of course most people at our table wouldn't have noticed which is what they are clearly counting on so you end up tipping double on already ridiculous prices.
(2)Bri M.
The Independent Brewing Company is one of my favorite dinner spots. They have a wide selection of beer that changes often. If you're looking to expand your beer horizons, look no further. Their food is eclectic and delicious. It's very vegetarian friendly as well. I tried their beer ice cream sandwich on a whim recently--it's phenomenal! The mo'fries are delicious. My biggest complaint about the food is a lack of consistency. The brussels sprouts were one of my favorite items on the menu, but after ordering them multiple times and receiving wildly different dishes each time, I'm now wary. At their best they are crispy and flavorful. At their worst they are soupy and swimming in mustard and cheese. The mac and cheese is a similar story -- very different dish on different days! I wouldn't mind the inconsistency so much if it weren't for the price. Nothing irks me like a lackluster dish with a high price tag. I definitely recommend the IBC for dinner or snacks and a beer. Just be prepared for some variability.
(4)Mara K.
I came here for brunch on a Sunday afternoon with six friends. We had a reservation but certainly didn't need it - besides our group there was one other table with two people. I guess the word isn't quite out yet that Independent Brewing Company is a brunch destination? I liked the decor - simple wooden tables and chairs and decorated with cool posters. LOTs of great local beer selections and a full menu for mixed drinks. I was there for brunch and only had coffee so I can't comment on the Bloody Marys this time. I was a bit disappointed with my meal. I chose the whiskey shrimp and grits and while it is served beautifully with nice spring greens on top and grilled shrimp it was fairly bland. I even made it "hipster" by adding some Siricha sauce. That didn't do the trick - it was still really bland. My fellow diners ordered mac-n-cheese (must have been good because it disappeared quickly) and omelets. No complaints, but no, "oh my God is this good" coming from my friends. I think I'll try again but will come for dinner and a beer (or two) next time. So far, I'm not that impressed with brunch, but am not ready to throw this place out based on one meal.
(3)Michael T.
Independent Brewing Company knows how to make a drink! Cocktail lovers should not be turned off by the misconception that this establishment only caters to brews. Nice bourbon and whisky selection as well as flaming drinks on Tiki (thurs)night.
(4)Shawn O.
Eh. I had high hopes for Independent Brewing Company. A bar that only serves local beer, has some great small bites and that is forging some great relationships in the community... awesome. Unfortunately, we had a mixed experience. On a random Thursday night we decided to grab a drink after dinner at Umi, managing to catch the tail end of happy hour. We were greeted by a pleasant bartender and the owner, both of which seemed thrilled to have the bar full and people having a decent time. From there though, I just felt somewhat underwhelmed. It seemed like half the drafts they had were either kicked, over-agitated (they had moved the kegs and kicked up too much yeast/sediment) or over-carbonated. After two requests for beers on the board being turned down, I finally settled on a nitro brown and was greeted with a, "sure thing!" By this point, we weren't really feeling a bar snack anymore, so we skipped on that option. Maybe it's a symptom of catching the tail end of what seemed to be a bumping happy hour, or it's just a new business working the kinks out, but I'm willing to give it another try the next time I'm in the Squirrel Hill area.
(3)Scott E.
I really have enjoyed all of the western PA beers that I have tried at Independent Brewing company. They seem to rotate their draft list frequently and have many beers on tap that I have never seen before (an accomplishment considering how many beers I have tried). A great beer spot within Squirrel Hill.
(4)Melissa M.
I've only been here once to get drinks, so I can't rate the food, but here goes: Atmosphere is nice. Bartenders are nice, although we did wait 10 minutes to get our check.The vinyl records are cool for ambiance but seem really inefficient since the poor bartender had to change the record every 2 songs. BEER: disappointing. I really want to like this neighborhood bar and I like the idea of only local beers; however, the beers they had on tap the night were not good. We ordered a taster with three beers and a pint from Brew Gentleman and East End. I couldn't finish the beer- even the tasters because they were just not good. I feel like out of all the local beers they could choose, there are so many better ones. Pittsburgh does have good beers, just not the ones on tap the night we were there. Might give it another try to see if maybe it was just a fluke....I hope so!
(2)Christopher W.
I was glad to see another non-smoking bar option in Squirrel Hill. The beer selection, as others have mentioned, is focused on local or regional brewers. This generally means a good selection of tasty beers. I haven't seen the situation that other reviewers have mentioned in terms of running out of beers but that would seem to make sense given the above. The food was indeed the biggest disappointment. The portions are very small, the options are limited, and I didn't find them all that great. Good, just not great. It seems like the owners are envisioning this as a beer/cocktail bar with some side to munch on while enjoying the drinks. Unfortunately for me, I was hoping for something a little different. If they improve the food situation, this would vault into my top 3 bars in the city. Until then, I'm still very happy to have this option in Squirrel Hill.
(4)B N.
My husband loves the beer selection - I take issue with the fact that they don't have diet soda. They don't have a very unique cocktail menu, which we enjoyed. We went with another couple and we all agreed that the food was delicious, but the portions were TINY and much too expensive. We would go back if we just wanted to get a few drinks, but we won't go for dinner again.
(3)Ashley I.
This is the best place for great food and great drinks. It's a nice atmosphere with good service. Highly recommended.
(5)Lauren P.
I wish I could give this 3 starts as the service was great (quick and friendly) and the place is neat. I love the idea that they only serve local brews however they should just forget about serving brunch. Went with a group of 6 on a Sunday afternoon and we were the only people in the place. Totally fine but was expecting much more from the menu as they only had 5-6 options to choose from. I went with the omelet of the day which was tomato, arugula and mozzarella. It came with toast (they had no jelly) and a small salad. Everything was just ok and for $10 I left still hungry. Others in my party would not even eat their meal (the shrimp and grits was tasteless and over priced at $12). You know it is bad when half the people leave and head to Dunkin Donuts afterwards. I do hope to go back (probably hard to convince my friends) and try the beer and regular dinner menu.
(2)Danielle G.
If ever there is a magical place where delicious food, flavorful cocktails, delightful and friendly service existed, my friends, this is it. I will continue to return time after time. You can't go wrong here.
(5)Kostas P.
This is a fairly new addition in the neighborhood and we were very excited to visit this place. It is a very nice small bar/restaurant, with a great selection of drinks and a nice food menu as well. The ambience is very nice, perfect for a relaxing hung out (but also for a date). Be aware that the place is fairly small, so you will either have to wait for a table (during the rush hours) or you can sit on the bar and have both drinks and food. This is actually what we did and we both tried their sandwich. Both versions of it (with falafel and with sausage) are delicious and so is their chaloumi (this nice Cypriot cheese :)) appetizer that we also ordered. We will be definitely going back to that place to try out more of their menu and drinks!
(4)Lucky T.
After opening just 5 days after buying the building, the bar was sparse at first. It was, however, filled with delicious food that is ever changing, a draft selection that is also always in rotation, barreled and bottled cocktails during the week, and always some fantastic and inventive cocktails on Saturday nights, when their "Cocktologist" is in. Now, a few months later, the remnants of the previous bar are all stripped away, and the walls are filled with classic records, and wonderful prints by talented and local artist Matthew Buchholz of Alternate Histories. I love this place. To address some previous reviews: Local Beers The taps change constantly, because there are a TON of breweries within 150 miles of Pittsburgh. And there's NOTHING wrong with featuring only local brews. To the guy that's posted on here, and their Facebook, and everywhere else that they should have a guest brewery: If you want beer from outside of the local area, go to any other craft beer bar in Pittsburgh. There are tons of them. The Independent Brewing Company is the ONLY bar in Pittsburgh that features ONLY local beers, and even offers ALL the locally produced spirits. The Food v Cost Are you people insane? Look at the various menus they've posted online on Twitter and Facebook. The cheapest thing on the menu is about $5, and the most expensive has been about $15. And this is too expensive for you for fresh made food that doesn't use frozen or manufactured food?!? Really? Everything is made fresh. By hand. No frozen fries, no prepackaged crap. And the most expensive dish I've seen was $15. You can pay more than $15 for an entree at TGIFridays. Decor They opened 5 days after taking control of the bar. It's previous incarnation, Fanatics, was the embodiment of every trashy Pittsburgh sports bar, with nicotine stained tin signs, neon signs, TUBE television sets hanging from the ceilings (Yes, TUBE television sets, multiples), and 30 years of dinginess. They reopened 5 days later...FIVE. No contractors, just the owners and the helping hands of close friends to make it presentable enough to open. This included a handmade mosaic with the IBC logo, great chairs, and some other minor renovations. Now the joint is covered in prints from Alternate Histories, which are hilarious. Take the time to look at them. Totally cool. And a huge selection of records....because iPhones and digital playlists are verboten. Cocktails v Cost Gone are the days of $6 cocktails with rubbing alcohol quality booze, that are overly sweet, and come in a pint glass. Deal with it Pittsburghers. A good bar means good cocktails, and not just good cocktails, but inventive cocktails made with only the best ingredients. The resident Saturday night bartender, Adam Henry, has done a damn fine job of creating a cocktail program for the bar. Not only can you get delicious bottled and barreled cocktails during the week, but he's there every Saturday with some of the most interesting cocktails in the city. Dry ice, emulsification, liquid nitrogen, obscure ingredients, and some really great presentation. Don't believer me? Order the London Fog, or the Sex Panther. Even if you don't see it listed on the chalkboard. Just make sure you're sitting at the bar. And for those of you wondering, I'm not an owner, or friend of the owner put up to writing this review. I've just gone enough to write a proper review, and thought it might be helpful to have all the info. Thanks for taking the time to read it!
(5)Lauren B.
Love this new place right in my neighborhood! I love their focus on local craft beers, so it gives me a convenient opportunity to try a lot of the new great beers from local breweries without having to travel all over town. The servers and bartenders also are always very knowledgeable of the beer in case you have any questions. Besides beer they also have some interesting cocktail options but I haven't tried them yet. Service is always very friendly and efficient. When they first opened they had a very limited menu but they seemed to have expanded recently. Their food also tends to focus on local products. I've enjoyed several options there including their cheese plate, mac-in-cheese, and shrimp and grits (not the traditional southern kind, but it had sort of an indian or middle eastern flair to it with curry flavors, but still quite good). It has a nice artsy atmosphere with some interesting artwork and vintage items, with seating both at the bar or tables and outdoor sidewalk seating.
(5)Alex W.
I'll definitely be coming back to Independent Brewing Company. I met some friends here on a Friday night and we all had a great time. They have about 6-8 rotating drafts all sourced by local breweries, a great looking cocktail menu which included house bottled cocktails, and a short but creative menu. I liked all of the beers I tried and I thought they did a good job of providing a mix of styles. I also ordered the fried brussel sprouts tossed with a mustard vinaigrette and blue cheese, it was killer. That dish made me want to come back and try other menu items. A few things to note: This is not the place to come watch a Pens or Steelers game. Actually there are no TV's in this bar, you have to talk to people to be entertained. The horror, I know. There is no juke box, instead there are stacks of records that you can thumb through. When you find the perfect one you hand it to the bartender and he puts it on the record player for you. I ordered a Four Seasons Get Down Brown which prompted the bartender to ask me "Can you find me some James Brown in that stack over there?" Overall, great bar, great concept, great people.
(4)Edouard M.
The best bar in Squirrel Hill imo and the first non-divy place in the neighborhood (nothing against dive bars really, but diversity's good). Also patrons don't smoke inside and it's nice not to stink when you exit the bar (just my personal taste - no offense, smokers). The space is lovely, with space to stand up, a few high tables, and tables to sit smaller or larger groups. A few tables outside for warmer nights. It does not feel crowded, even when a few more people come in. It was not packed saturday evening (go there, help it thrive!), but neither was it empty. People were coming in and enjoying themselves. Great cocktails and a wonderful list of beers, many of which (all of which?) were local. We'll be back!
(5)Matthew W.
To paraphrase the great Beano Cook, "Even Nero, the Roman emperor would be impressed. He almost certainly not want to burn it down. If I could be buried anywhere, it would be the Independent Brewing Company."
(5)Amsul K.
Not bad, not bad I must say. No smoke anymore, plenty of place to sit, even outside. The beer selection is great. I really really do like the atmosphere there, and I will definitely be coming back. As far as the food goes, we only had the fries so I can only comment on them, and they were pretty delicious, maybe nothing absolutely off the wall spectacular but delicious nonetheless. The place was pretty crowded so I can understand the servers being slammed (it was a little slow). Huge props to the guy that walked a block to give one of us, his card back - great dedication right there. The signature cocktails are only till 11? I'm not just sure why. I wouldn't mind the kitchen being open a bit later. Nonetheless, an excellent place sq. hill oh so needed. I actually have a reason to visit sq. hill now, and not smell like smoke (double yay!).
(4)Amanda W.
Finally a non-smoking bar in downtown Squirrel Hill! The beer selection is great (yeah Arsenal Cider!) but the food is eh. Small portions and high prices. The atmosphere is quite sparse -- plain old school brown tables.
(3)Casey D.
I had a really nice experience when I went here for the first time a few weeks ago. The beer selection was fabulous - they had a beer for everyone. It was very crowded - seating is limited, so you really need to be careful about when you go, but luckily, I got a seat at the bar. I ordered a small appetizer (fries with spices and feta), and it was not that great.
(4)Dan M.
A taproom serving only local craft beer is a nice concept, but it would work a lot better in a city with a better brewing scene than Pittsburgh, which has plenty of decent breweries but no real standouts. I found nothing exciting on the list when I visited, and several of the better local breweries (Full Pint, Draai Laag) were not even represented. Don't get me wrong; IBC is a classy bar and a huge improvement over Fanattics. If you're looking for a place to discover local craft beer, you can do no better. As a hardcore beer nerd, however, I want something special if I'm going to pay upwards of $6/pint.
(3)Britt R.
Always a surprise what will be on tap. That means no counting on your favorites, but it's a great place for beer lovers and foodies who appreciate a little culinary adventure.
(4)Alan B.
Finally, a bar for adults. No smoking. No TVs. No internet jukebox. Just all the taps pouring local beer, which gets to highlight the terrific microbrewery renaissance happening in SouthWestern PA right now. Outdoor seating and the doors that open outside are great on a pleasant night. Service is friendly, if a bit disorganized when they first opened - but it's gotten great. The food has also gotten really good - props to the grilled romaine salad, and I love their barreled cocktails and innovative guest bartender nights. Plus the $4 nightly beer keeps things on the cheap, no-frills (in a good way) side. I don't understand anyone who is upset that there are no TVs here. Almost every other bar in Pittsburgh (Kelly's is the only exception I can think of) has a TV, often gigantic TVs that are always on, no matter what is happening. If you want to watch sports, great - go to every other bar in Pittsburgh! If you want to have an evening of fun conversation with adults, come to the Independent. Now if we just had 5-10 more bars like this in Pittsburgh...
(5)Emily C.
Met my boyfriend here for a drink on a Thursday night around 10:45 - apparently just in time for last call (BEWARE! THEY CLOSE AT 11 PM!), which I wasn't expecting! I had an Arsenal Cider - one of my faves - but was fairly unimpressed by the lack of decor. There just really wasn't much goin' on inside - or outside. I don't think they have their outdoor signage up yet. I know they're just starting out, so hopefully there are some fun improvements on the horizon! I'm not a big beer drinker, but their selection seemed pretty good with a varied mix of local brews. Looking forward to going back in a few months!
(3)Lee M.
If you are not friends of the bar.srvice is a joke. Don't waste your time, Better service serving the same. Is close by try silky's. Food is non existent and little consideration of customers. Save your money and certainly your time
(1)Leanne L.
Yeah!!! You have to get the Roman Holiday. It's a bottled drink and tastes just like Italy. Very bitter and lemony fresh. I haven't had the food yet because it seems overpriced, just like the drinks. The atmosphere is great and I would give it 5 stars if they would just drop the prices down like $2. I got two drinks this weekend: my staple Roman Holiday, of course, and some Fish House Punch, which was good, but now AS good as my Roman Holiday... and I spent $22!! I'd go here every week if it wasn't so crazy expensive, but next week I'll be shopping around for another delightful brewery environment.
(4)Christina L.
Great new spot in squirrel hill! Loving it so far!! Fresh beer, tasty food, awesome staff & owners. No Smoking & loved the Vinyl records playing :)
(5)Tom S.
Very good beer selections along with liquor/ cocktail. Like the flight options. Will come back again when in town. Good job.
(5)Julien D.
What becomes one of my favorite spot in Pittsburgh! The server, the owner are great folks! The beer selection changes regularly and provides only local AND great brews you do not see in other places. Why only 4 stars? Well, the food is not great and clearly overpriced. I loved the place but I avoid to eat there regularly. This is not terrible and is still good but for this price, you can get better elsewhere ... or just at home!
(4)Alexander W.
I'd love to review this place but my friends and I went in, sat at one of the booths for 15 minutes, the waiter walked by twice and never asked what we wanted. Would have liked to have tried a beer. We left and went elsewhere. Didn't want to put any stars.
(1)Ross K.
Really cool place. Good drinks and just a good vibe. Went with a group, but really think this place has the perfect ambiance for a date. Planning to go back for an international fry day (Tuesday french fries). It's all drinks from Western PA. Arsenal Cider=delicious.
(4)Christopher A.
Great atmosphere and people. Only down side is that I wouldn't mind a "guest brewery" outside of their 150 mile radius.
(4)