Penn Brewery Tour — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Discover the Pennsylvania Brewing Company Tour in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Brewing Company Tour—better known as the Penn Brewery Tour—in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city’s most historic and distinctive craft breweries. This guided brewery tour takes visitors inside a working production facility housed in a former 19th-century brewery complex, where traditional German-style beers are brewed using classic techniques. Ideal for craft beer fans, history lovers, and visitors to Pittsburgh’s North Side, the experience blends brewing education with deep local heritage.
Why it’s special:
Penn Brewery operates inside a restored historic brewery site, making the tour as much about Pittsburgh’s brewing past as its modern beer culture. Visitors explore real production spaces while learning how Old World brewing traditions are kept alive today.

History & Story of Pennsylvania Brewing Company

Pennsylvania Brewing Company was founded in 1986, reviving brewing at the historic Eberhardt & Ober Brewery site, which originally opened in 1870. The brewery helped lead Pittsburgh’s craft beer revival by focusing on authentic German beer styles such as lagers, pilsners, and bocks. Today, Penn Brewery remains a cornerstone of the city’s brewing scene, combining historic architecture, traditional recipes, and modern brewing operations.

What You’ll See & Do on the Pennsylvania Brewing Company Tour

• Tour a working craft brewery inside a historic building

• Learn how traditional German-style beers are brewed

• See brewing kettles, fermentation tanks, and cellaring areas

• Hear about lagering, yeast management, and classic beer styles

• Learn about the site’s 19th-century brewing history

• Visit the biergarten and restaurant after the tour

Hands-On Elements: Educational explanations; tastings available separately.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout the brewery and public areas.
Souvenirs & Extras: On-site restaurant and biergarten, branded merchandise, and packaged beer to-go where permitted.

Pricing of Pennsylvania Brewing Company Tour

• Guided brewery tour admission

• Adult price: $0 per adult (tour is free)

• Beer tastings and food are purchased separately

Visiting information

Tours typically last 45–60 minutes and are offered as guided experiences on select days, often Saturdays. The tour is suitable for adults and older teens; guests must be 21+ to purchase or consume alcohol and must present valid ID. Accessibility is partial due to the historic building layout, and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Brewery working hours vary; tours are usually offered midday.

Nearby

• Pittsburgh North Shore

• National Aviary

• Allegheny Commons Park

FAQs About Visiting the Pennsylvania Brewing Company Tour

Do I need to reserve a brewery tour in advance?
Yes, advance reservations are recommended, as tour sizes are limited.

Are beer tastings included in the tour?
No, tastings are not included, but visitors can purchase beer in the biergarten or restaurant afterward.

What types of beer does Penn Brewery produce?
Penn Brewery specializes in traditional German-style beers, including lagers, pilsners, bocks, and seasonal styles.

Is the tour suitable for non–beer drinkers?
Yes, the tour is educational and focuses on brewing history and process, not just tasting.

Can I eat at Penn Brewery after the tour?
Yes, the on-site restaurant serves German-inspired food and beer in a historic setting.