The Hoppy Hiker

Located just two miles from the Pittsburgh Zoo, Dancing Gnome Brewing at 1025 Main St, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 quickly became one of the finest breweries I’ve visited in the Pittsburgh area, and I’ve been to about twenty. As you approach, you’re greeted with tremendous flair, including the 1980s style bus liner The Blue Sparrow, which serves as one of their food trucks.

I immediately ordered food, and it turned out to be truly one of a kind. Their Kaiju bowls are customizable fried rice dishes loaded with kimchi cheese (Korean style, flavorful, and joyfully tongue-coating), shallots, pickled jalapeño chili oil, scallions, sweet soy sauce, and your choice of proteins ranging from vegan options to shellfish. You will absolutely find something that makes your mouth water. I also grabbed a generously sized cheese pizza that tasted straight out of a firebrick oven, crispy, airy, and delicious.

I ordered two different bowls with chicken and a slightly dippy fried egg, kind of like me, and pairing them with the beers only amplified the incredible flavors. You will probably have leftovers to enjoy as a late-night snack with one of the beers you take home.

And the beers… absolute gems. Not that I have ever met a beer I didn’t like, but these are something special.

I started with a flight of four small pours:

• Lustra is an American Pale Ale bursting with flavor.
• Not Always Present is a Kölsch style ale, light bodied, bright, and top fermented, originally crafted in Cologne, Germany.
• Vienna Lager is a moderately strong amber lager with smooth malt character, perfect for anyone wanting something not too heavy and not too light.
• Exquisite Beast is a double IPA that will knock your socks off, toss them in the wash, and have them ready for your next visit.

After the flight, I moved on to a pint of the Kölsch and a pint of the Irish Red, an easy drinking beer with caramel, toffee, and toasted bread notes and a dry finish. It was perfect for washing down the rest of my Blue Sparrow feast. The red ale reminded me of my Scottish lineage, which made it even more enjoyable.

Inside, the décor is artsy and fun, with a true brewery vibe. Large steel-jacketed brewing tanks are visible through the windows, adding to the atmosphere.

There are other charming touches too, like wooden spoons crafted by a local artisan. The business, Bottom of the Barrel, repurposes old barreling casks into spatulas, perfect for stirring your favorite sauce or soup while sipping one of Dancing Gnome’s scrumptious beers.

“Food good. Beer better,” said in my best Boris Karloff’s Frankenstein Monster voice from his 1930s classics.

With plenty of indoor seating, a comfortable pet-friendly outdoor area, and a lovely, knowledgeable staff who clearly enjoy their craft, there is something for everyone. Relaxing and family friendly, Dancing Gnome is the perfect stop after a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo or any of the area’s unique events. I would consider it a must-visit if you love great beer and fun food with flair.

Cheers!