Mike’s Beer Bar on Federal Street is turning over all 80 of its rotating taps this month to beer produced in Pittsburgh.

By Amy George

Photo courtesy of Mike’s Beer Bar

Over the past few years, the proliferation of craft breweries in Pittsburgh has proven to be part of what’s been referred to as the city’s “third Renaissance.”

Mike’s Beer Bar, previously Beerhead, on Federal Street aims to celebrate this with a month-long Beerfest, turning over its 80 taps to local breweries through July 31. After all, Pittsburgh isn’t rated the “Best City for Beer Lovers” for nothing.

“Our guests can access many different great local beers in one place,” Owner Mike Sukkitch said. “We expect to have nearly 200 different beers showcased during the month.”

Some featured breweries have even concocted special, limited-release craft beers. For those unsure of the distinction between mainstream and craft beer, Brewers Association, a Colorado-based national trade group, defines “craft” as having a flavor derived from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients and fermentation. A craft brewer cannot produce more than six million barrels of beer annually. 

11th Hour, East End, Spoonwood, Strange Roots Experimental Ales, Arsenal, North Country, Yellow Bridge, Levity, Whitehorse, Petrucci Brothers, Noble Stein, Hop Farm, Insurrection AleWorks, Rivertowne, Four Points, Enix, Butler Brew Works, 412 Brewery and Aurochs number among the many craft brew pubs that will be on tap at Mike’s Beer Bar.

Sukkitch, who grew up in the Northside with a family in the beer business, hopes that bringing all these local brews under the same roof will enable people to sample many different flavors and styles—and maybe even convert a few mainstream drinkers to craft drinkers along the way. His event will also promote the countless locally owned pubs in neighborhoods around Pittsburgh and honor the city’s 250-plus year history of brewing. 

“Our event is intended to celebrate the great brewing tradition of Pittsburgh by turning over all of our 80 rotating taps to the great Pittsburgh beers being produced here today,” Sukkitch said. 

“The Pittsburgh area is now home to nearly 60 breweries and brewpubs, numbers not seen here since the early 1900’s. The craft beer segment is growing rapidly and we want to support the small, independent businesses the Pittsburgh brewpubs represent.”

The month of July at Mike’s Beer Barn is a chance to come find your favorite local new brew and have fun. Special events include: “Meet the Brewer” Nights, Pittsburgh Beer and Food Tastings, Pittsburgh Beer University – a “tasting and learning event,” information on the anticipated Museum of Beer, and month-long Pittsburgh Brewery giveaways. Check out mikesbeerbar.com for an updated list of events, participating breweries and variety of beers.