In January we brought you the news that Bonafide Beer Company would be opening sometime in 2021. We now have further details for what beer fans can expect, after speaking with co-owner Travis Tuttle.
Bonafide will be located at 155 21st Street, in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Strip District. This 1,600 sq/ft building was previously the Chicken Latino restaurant. They will operate on a “small batch” business model, utilizing a 2BBL brewhouse. The brewery will use serving tanks in the cooler, and will not be sending kegs out from this location.
When asked what style of beers he wanted to make at this space, Travis told us “lots of easy-drinking lagers, sessionable IPAs, and some international styles such as dry Irish stouts. Basically, beers that make you want to buy a case of them. We won’t be swearing off certain beer styles, but we will focus on those easy-drinking ones.” Travis went on to say, “We will have two staple or core brands, a lager, and an IPA, and these will be brewed on a larger scale and sent out for distribution.”
The taproom will be able to fit about 50 people total, with the bar seating roughly 12. There will be 8 taps for Bonadfide beer, 8 more possibly for mead, cider, and guest brewery taps. For food, there will be some charcuterie boards, but they won’t have a menu. Instead, they are encouraging beer fans to order from the many local restaurants nearby.
(Photos courtesy of Bonafide Beer Company)
While this is a brewery and taproom, there will be a big focus on local whiskey, as well as other barrel-aged cocktails. Travis Tuttle’s Partner Christian Simmons owns PA Libations, which supports and sells the largest portfolio of craft libations in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They sell only PA-made spirits, wines, ciders, meads, and beers.
Travis called the theme of the space “Retro swank” postmodern, with the idea to do something a little different with the taproom. There will be dim lighting, with a somewhat “speakeasy-vibe”. We even learned there would be a “Mob-Boss corner” booth up high as a special area to gather and see the entire space.
We are looking forward to visiting the new space that Bonafide will be opening, and given both of the owner’s history in the industry, we think fans are in for a great experience.
But that’s not all! Bonafide has another space under construction with a 10 barrel brewhouse that is expected to open in 2022. Look for more details on that location very soon!
Keep up with Bonafide by following them on Facebook and Instagram, and be on the lookout for their grand opening!
