My Best of the ‘Burgh: Kristy’s Picks

PHOTO BY GARY VON PHOTOGRAPHY

Best Brewery: Grist House Craft Brewery

A Cold War relic is now a hotspot for beer lovers.

Last fall, Grist House Craft Brewery opened a production facility and taproom in a former Nike Missile Command Center in Collier. Constructed in 1957 on one of the highest points in Allegheny County, the 55,000-square-foot site known as PI-62 operated from 1960 to 1972 to guard Pittsburgh from potential attacks.

Grist House acquired the property in 2018 and installed a 30-barrel brewing system, four bars each with 24 taps, a full kitchen, indoor seating for 140 and three dog-friendly decks where an additional 300 guests can find incredible views and brews. During its grand opening, local imbibers drank the brewery dry.

Photos, signage and other memorabilia from the site’s historic past are on permanent display in the taproom. Military members who served at the site are encouraged to drop by to share their memories of the place.

Grist House debuted its Millvale headquarters on Memorial Day Weekend 2014. If you’re on a mission for an out-of-the-way pint, the company also operates two quaint locations in Butler County: The Beer Crib at Freedom Farms Farmers Market and The Beer Market at Sprankle’s Neighborhood Market (where you can also grab some amazing Korean food from Pocha by Kye-Won, one of Pittsburgh Magazine’s Best New Restaurants).

Best Farmers Market: Bloomfield Saturday Market

Bloomfield Saturday Market is a microcosm of Pittsburgh; it’s a foodie wonderland filled with friendly folks, live music and good vibes.

The most un-Pittsburgh thing about it is the abundance of free parking in Aspen Garage. Since 2014, West Penn Hospital has donated space in its employee parking to retail therapy. The market pops up at 5050 Liberty Ave., between Gross and South Winebiddle streets, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 2 through Nov. 21. It’s such a popular gathering spot, there’s even a winter edition held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first and third Saturday from December to March.

Jack Frost can’t freeze a yinzer’s burning desire for deals.

In addition to being a city-dweller’s source for fresh produce, the pet-friendly market serves as a business incubator, allowing vendors to test products and build a customer base before they invest in a brick-and-mortar.

Bloomfield Saturday Market introduced me to many local gems, including Kyle’s Cakes N’At, Self-Reliant Seitan, Wise County Biscuits, The Saucy African, Sprezzatura, Chantal’s Cheese Shop and Two Frays Brewery. You can feel the love at this weekly market in Little Italy, as evidenced by the donation board for customers to give or take tokens, which can be used for on-site shopping.

Let’s hope Bloomfield Saturday Market keeps growing.

Best Frozen Treat: Page’s Dairy Mart

On March 9, Page’s rolled into its 75th season on four wheels.

The beloved South Side ice cream institution, located at the corner of East Carson Street and Becks Run Road, debuted a mobile unit for its Diamond Anniversary. Designed by local creator Johnny Pittsburgh, the colorful dairy-mart-on-the-go pops up at various community events and private parties throughout the city.

The family-owned business has been making Pittsburgh sweeter since 1951. It started as a gas station that later fueled locals with soft-serve, milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, shaved ice, smoothies, Arctic Swirls and pies. The menu also includes hot eats such as burgers, dogs and hoagies.

You can take home pints, quarts or gallons of your favorite flavors, but Page’s signature dessert, the Yinzer Sundae, is best enjoyed on-site in the company of your fellow black-and-gold enthusiasts. It’s hard to beat vanilla soft-serve and a warm blondie embedded with chocolate, white chocolate and heath chips, all covered in hot caramel and whipped cream.

The famous dessert even inspired Strip District-based Cinderlands Beer Co. to create Page’s Yinzer Sundae Stout, so Pittsburghers can raise a spoon and a pint. Page’s season-long anniversary celebration will go full-throttle into October. Cheers to that!

PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

Best Garden Center, Best Gift Shop: Peach’s Farm Market

I ran into Peach’s Farm Market to quickly grab a flat of flowers and some mulch; about an hour later, I left with a veritable bouquet of unplanned purchases, including Heinz Ketchup socks, a “Goodfellas” lighter and a resin alien striking a permanent yoga pose.

It’s tough to stick to a shopping list when there are affordable surprises at every turn.

Located on Rochester Road in Ross, Peach’s is the whimsical heart of WMG Garden Supply. It operates year-round, selling local and imported goods, candy, artwork, plants, clothing, statuary, bird feeders, butterfly houses, greeting cards, herbal teas, candles, essential oils and firewood.

You’ll work up an appetite filling your buggy with essentials (plus all the other cool stuff you find). Luckily, you can grab a seat or take-out from the neighboring Jackie Inn, a stellar Chinese restaurant that doubles as a Penn State Creamery location. I recommend ordering the Lemongrass Basil Chicken followed by a scoop of Peachy Paterno.