Zero-Proof Pittsburgh
This former Rust Belt town has emerged as a leader in the moderation and non-alcoholic movement, and a potential model for others to follow.
Located at the convergence of the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, the beauty of downtown Pittsburgh belies the town’s Rust Belt roots, which are evident in everything from its blue collar spirit to its beloved Steelers football team. As a kid growing up in neighboring Ohio, we can remember driving through the Fort Pitt tunnel on the way to the city, the other side of which offers a spectacular downtown view that rivals any urban setting in the country.
As the town has moved beyond its industrial past and into the present, Pittsburgh has evolved into a modern metropolis on many fronts. One of those being the moderation and non-alcoholic movement, where the city has not only been a leader in the state and region, but perhaps serves as a model for other mid-sized U.S. cities aiming to serve a growing market of those who have either cut back or are eliminating their alcohol consumption.
“The direction that Pittsburgh is heading is an incredible one,” said Katrina Tomacchio, owner of restaurant portfolio the Loaded Food Group, citing a litany of local establishments either producing beverages for, or catering to, those interested in non-alcoholic. She also credited The Open Road’s Mel Babitz, who launched the city’s first and only non-alcoholic bottle shop online in 2020, opening the brick-and-mortar store just two years later. Mel also works with local hospitality clients to help them carry NA options, a list that has grown from just five in their first year to more than 80 at present.
Planning a trip to Pittsburgh and want to know where to go for tasty NA bevs? From our panel of local experts, here are some options to consider:
The Open Road Non-Alc Bottle Shop - The OG of Pittsburgh’s NA movement recently moved into an expanded storefront in the city’s vibrant Garfield neighborhood, with a non-alcoholic lounge space coming soon. Stop in to find the latest and greatest non-alcoholic and THC brands to take home.
Two Fray’s Brewery - Makers of Pennsylvania’s first non-alcoholic beer, their NA program has grown to three NA beers on draft at all times, with robust take-out options as well. You can stop in to sample a variety of pints on draft, then take some with you to go. Visiting on the first Monday of the month? Check out Mod Mondays, where with the help of The Open Road, the NA experience takes over the entire brewery.
Jackworth Ginger Beer - This ginger beer brewery produces two NA versions to complement the original with full alcohol (we’re partial to the Spicy, if you want a little extra kick), and also hosts events with The Open Road.
East End Brewing - Brewery that recently added an NA to its lineup in 2024, which can also be found in cans. Two taproom locations in the city.
Cinderlands Warehouse - Brewery that produces its own hop water, which they incorporate into various mocktail options.
Tina’s Pittsburgh - Bloomfield neighborhood cocktail bar with an extensive NA menu.
Mixtape Pittsburgh - Garfield neighborhood club/bar with an extensive NA menu, and various thematic events.
UPCOMING 2025 EVENTS
Pittsburgh Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Week (July 7th - 13th) - In a city that hasn’t hosted an alcoholic cocktail week in 12 years, don’t miss this first-of-its-kind homage to the non-alcoholic drink.
The Mocktail Mixer (July 28th) - An event that will crown Pittsburgh’s Best Mocktail in the Burgh, you can also support a Pittsburgh non-profit that helps individuals maintain sobriety.
Interested to hear the latest on the Pittsburgh N/A scene? Check out the U.S. of N/A episodes embedded above. Want to hear more about The Open Road and Two Frays Brewery from our June, 2024 interview? Listen to our Season One episode, below.