The Church Brew Works

Located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, The Church Brew Works is a former Catholic Church- turned-restaurant and brewpub. The building is a registered historic landmark in the city of Pittsburgh and its unique transformation is a staple in the local beer scene.

The church, formerly St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, was built in 1902 during the Industrial Revolution and the surge of immigration. As a result of Pittsburgh’s heavy industry during that time many immigrants came to Pittsburgh to find work.

In 1993, St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church closed its doors as the population of the congregation was aging…and dwindling.

On August 1, 1996, the doors of Saint John’s were reopened after an intense restoration, and the building and its story were saved from dereliction. The restoration highlighted existing details of the church while making the space ‘restaurant friendly;’ the bar itself was made from salvaged wood from the old pews.

The food and drinks reflect the food culture of the population that was in Lawrenceville at the time of the church’s erection, all mixed with today’s food culture. The staff has an extensive knowledge of the beers served, and the food menu is as diverse as Pittsburgh itself.

From vegan options such as Buffalo Cauliflower, to traditional Polish and Bavarian faire like, Pierogies, and Braided Pretzels the menu is sure to please everyone.

The beer menu has classics like; the German Hefeweizen, the Belgian Christmas Ale, and Church Brew Works very own Saaz Monster, a crisp, hoppy pilsner. While the cocktail menu is short, it has staple drinks like the Moscow Mule and a seasonal Sangria.