With our fifth anniversary just around the corner, we’ll be taking the month of May to share collections of five things that have made their mark on our past, present, and future. This week: five places to BYOGB around Pittsburgh.
Given our limited amount of distribution to local bars and restaurants (a situation we’ll be duly remedying through our upcoming expansion), there is a select list of places you can find Brew Gentlemen beer around Pittsburgh. But, dear reader, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a General Braddock’s alongside some of the best meals in the city – it just means that sometimes, you just need to Bring Your Own General Braddock’s (BYOGB!).
1. Chengdu Gourmet
Whenever we have friends visiting from out of town, we subscribe to a preset group of activities that has come to officially be known as “Playing the Hits”. Towards the top of our list of said Hits is a trip to Chengdu Gourmet, the venerable Szechuan restaurant nestled at the bottom of Squirrel Hill. It’s best enjoyed in groups so as to accommodate a wide range of dishes. Based on the level of heat that some of our favorites pack – a product feature that ranges from extreme at its most merciful to borderline psychedelic at its most potent* – a meal here is best enjoyed with a General Braddock’s in hand.
Our picks: Diced Chicken w/ Dried Pepper Chongqing-Style, Pork w/ Sweet Flour Paste, Mapo Tofu, Beef in Hot Broth Chongqing-Style, Green Beans w/ Minced Pork, Cold Cucumber Salad
2. Piccolo Forno
In a neighborhood that’s been a revolving door of bars and restaurants, Lawrenceville’s Piccolo Forno stalwartly remains. The well-loved Tuscan restaurant has been churning out handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and focaccia panini for over fourteen years, with elegant and uncomplicated recipes utilizing fresh, high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is equally warm and inviting.
Our picks: Pappardelle con Coniglio e Funghi, Molto Stracco Pizza, Lasagna Toscana
3. Noodlehead
Noodlehead clearly revels in its unapologetic simplicity. There’s no phone, they don’t take reservations, they’re cash-only, and they’ll only seat you if everyone in your party is present. But their modus operandi is completely justified: the menu is concise and consistent, turnaround is quick, and the food is marvelous. Their selection of Thai noodle dishes and soups are rich and flavorful, begging to be paired with a hop-forward beer.
Our picks: Chiang Mai Curry, Pad See Yew, Love Boat Soup
4. Gaucho Parrilla Argentina
There’s a reason that Gaucho has held the highest Yelp rating of any restaurant in Pittsburgh. People tend to like places where the team is both dominant at their craft and are having a shitload of fun while they’re at it. This powerhouse of Argentinian food does exactly that, with perfectly executed dishes and a supremely relaxed feel to the space. Bring along a General Braddock’s, and don’t skimp on the chimichurri.
Some of our favorites: Anything involving steak, Rosemary Braised Beef Sandwich, Qui Qui Chicky
5. Nak Won Garden
Authentic Korean food in Pittsburgh exists in the form of Nak Won Garden. Located on Centre Ave right next to the Shadyside Giant Eagle, you’ve likely driven right past it numerous times without ever realizing it was there. Their extensive menu features noodles, soups, stews, and grilled meats – all served with an array of tasty banchan (side dishes). Sure, you could always drink soju, but GB fits the bill, especially with their galbi.
Our picks: Mandoo, Beef Soondubu, Japchae, Galbi
*Potentially resulting in a condition known as “Chengdoom”.