Pittsburgh: Sharp Edge Beer Emporium
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Sharp Edge Beer Emporium
Excellent based on 43 ratings
Type: Bar

302 S. St. Clair St
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania United States 15206 [ print map ]
(412) 661-3537
http://www.sharpedgebeer.com


Taps: 50
Bottles: 200+



WiFi
Children
Patio
Seasonals
Real Ales
Proper Glassware
Beer To Go/Growlers
BYO 6-Pack/Singles
Available At This Location (arranged by most recent)
Terrapin Rye Squared 96, Lion Stout 98, Bells Two Hearted Ale 100
More Beers Available Here



43 reviews for Sharp Edge Beer Emporium
 Ambiance 66%
 Service 69%
 Selection 89%
 Food 72%
 Value 9%
 Overall 80%
 Rating 88%
90+
80
70
60
50-
Rating Distribution


MikeF (95), Cleveland, Ohio
  62   Ambiance  Service  Selection  Food  Value  Overall 
3/56/109/15 6/10 4/1013/20

November 14, 2009
Good selection, not extraordinary. Prices are too high. Service is average. The food is pretty good, mostly burgers.

RHeastings (20), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  72   Ambiance  Service  Selection  Food  Value  Overall 
4/57/1012/15 7/10 4/1013/20

November 8, 2009
I have gone to the original Sharp Edge many times, and figured it was time to throw a rating out there. The place is slightly hard to find, if it is your first time going there, or if you are unfamiliar with Pittsburgh. Once inside, you’ll find the atomosphere to be complimentary to enjoying food and drink. It is slightly dark inside, but warm, cozy, and slightly European in its feel. The tap selection rotates, and tends to feature European classics, hard-to-find beers in draft form, and good craft stuff. Their bottle selection numbers in the hundreds, and is more extensive than anything I’ve seen in this area. However, there are two major drawbacks to this: 1. The bottle selection tends not to change. The menu has been the same for at least five years. 2. Beers, whether on tap or via bottle, are prohibitively expensive. I’ve paid nearly twice the going rate for stuff there compared to other places in the area. I’m happy to pay a premium for hard-to-find, old, or stuff requiring intensive brewing practices, but not for something I can get on tap down the street. The food is good, but not life-changing. One really good time to go is during happy hour, when all Belgian drafts are 1/2 price and food is discounted. Overall, worth visiting, but be prepared to get off of your wallet.

branspra (14), Arlington, Virginia
  90   Ambiance  Service  Selection  Food  Value  Overall 
4/59/1014/15 9/10 9/1018/20

August 14, 2009
Excellent place with a massive selection of beers from around the world, and as expected, a concentration on Belgium beers. Food is very good and overall the entire place is a value as you can eat and drink with a group of friends for less than $100. Amazing, and one of the many reasons to love Pittsburgh. Highly recommend this place although there isn’t much to do after visiting so be prepared to take a taxi somewhere else in the city.

CharlesDarwin (144), Point Judith, Rhode Island
  74   Ambiance  Service  Selection  Food  Value  Overall 
3/57/1012/15N/A 7/1015/20

May 29, 2009
This place had a bit of peculiar atmosphere that I wasn’t entirely enamored with. But, it seemed very Pittsburgh. I think the weirdest thing was that they had MANY Belgian beers that I’d never heard of, but that upon further inspection learned weren’t all that exciting. The prices were a bit high and the staff was a little curt. I’d come back here, for sure, because they had a great selection and lots of local stuff.

Spinshag (11), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  88   Ambiance  Service  Selection  Food  Value  Overall 
4/57/1015/15 8/10N/A18/20

February 12, 2009
I love this place so much, that I now buy kegs from their suppliers. It is dangerous to go here without a DD since the great Belgians on tap are high ABV. That is a warning to those who want to frequent this place. The wait staff is nice for the most part... go during happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30pm M-F for 1/2 off. And try the European Beer Festival during the end of June each year. It is worth it!

dmtroyer (23), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  76   Ambiance  Service  Selection  Food  Value  Overall 
3/57/1013/15 6/10 6/1015/20

October 6, 2008
I am really torn about this place, and as I move to Pittsburgh look for me to frequent the establishment and hopefully re-rate. We were there on a sunday afternoon, and it was fairly empty. Selection is absolutely wonderful, but little that is completely unseen. I am fairly new to the Pennsylvania beer scene, but the prices seemed a bit painful compared to what I am used to in Virginia, but there were some other affordable but tasty options available as well. We only got appetizers, and they left something to be desired. I’m pretty sure the guacamole was from a powdered or frozen mix and the croquettes, while tasty, were a bit pricey as well. All of these things said, I can’t wait to go back!

MrChopin (19), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  80   Ambiance  Service  Selection  Food  Value  Overall 
4/58/1012/15 8/10N/A16/20

September 28, 2008 [ Updated January 17, 2009 ]
Been here a handful of times, left inebriated nearly each time. Old arcade games dot the dimly lit arena of booths amidst ample wood. I’ve always had friendly service that’s willing to recommend. A lot of taps, 20+ Belgians, but none of the taps are super high-end and most can be found as bottles at D’s. Lots of nice bottles, both foreign and domestic, including some rarities like Weyerbacher Riserva, but these are even pricier. I’ve eaten their pita and dip (all varieties are good, including the beer+chedder one), and I always get the buffalo bites as they’re great (ask for the blue cheese with hot, they will do it). The main drawback here is the price, so go for happy hour and get 1/2 off Belgian drafts plus $0.40 bites. I’ve dropped at least $20 every time I’ve gone, but it’s hard to say no when you’re drinking oud bruins for less than $4. Nice place, but don’t expect Belgian Heaven despite the prices: I didn’t catch one Struise, Rochefort, or De Dolle beer last time I was there. But don’t

CMUBEERMAN (49), Madison, Wisconsin
  80   Ambiance  Service  Selection  Food  Value  Overall 
3/58/1012/15 7/10N/A17/20

May 13, 2008
This place is awesome and awful at the same time (I went here about once a week from 2005-2007). Service can be the best or mediocre. Some of the staff is among the best/friendliest I’ve encountered...others not so much. Beers selection is pretty impressive as far as tapped belgians go...but don’t expect many of them to knock you socks off...also the pricing is a bit harsh. Go during the week day happy hour to get half off belgian drafts. Food is also hit or miss...if you splurge it is pretty great, but a little over priced. I am going to over rate this because of nostalgia, but it truly is a great beer bar...compared to many that rank higher on this list.

LinusStick (29), Moon Twp, suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  74   Ambiance  Service  Selection  Food  Value  Overall 
3/57/1012/15 7/10N/A15/20

April 2, 2008
Finally visited the original. Nice atmosphere, just a little sterile. Waitress was somewhat knowledgeable but very helpful and very quick. Food was good (I always get the Buffalo Bites). Just wish it was a little cheaper. Ended up paying about $50 for an apetizer and 4 beers. Not the Creekhouse, but good.

hiddenvariable (9), pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
does not count - explanation
  78   Ambiance  Service  Selection  Food  Value  Overall 
3/57/1014/15 7/10N/A15/20

January 4, 2008
best belgian beer bar in the pittsburgh area, and rather easily. huge tap selection and an impressive bottle selection (which might be more or less impressive if they kept their available-at-the-bar lists updated). sometimes takes a while to get a beer when there are more than three people at the bar, but the staff generally knows their stuff. decent food, and they recently went no smoking (great for an ex-smoker and avowed beer snob). as with most pittsburgh bars, a bit on the pricey side, but definitely worth a stop.

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Scene
Friendly regulars

Staff
Friendly, very knowledgeable

Music
Jukebox

Food
Pub food

Parking
Adjacent lot

Events
Beer fest in summer: Fri. happy hour- free pizza