Ed and Day in the ‘Burgh: Comedians, podcasters and craft beer enthusiasts Ed Bailey and Day Bracey explore hot spots, hidden gems and the best places to grab a cold brew in the ‘Burgh.

Meet the neighborhood: Millvale

“… it’s that old and new. Like it’s got the spice, but still got the old town feel.”

In this episode, Ed and Day spend the day paddling down the Allegheny River to Millvale. Located just a few miles from Downtown Pittsburgh, the borough of Millvale is home to some old favorites and new breweries. 

Pittsburgh PRO TIP: If you are biking along the North Shore, you can bike all the way to Millvale. Just follow the trail past PNC Park and up the Allegheny River. 

FOLLOW: @millvaleboro and @millvale_community_library.

Paddling Pittsburgh – Dragon Boat Racing

“Technique over strength”

Ed and Day spend some time on the water with the Hearts of Steel dragon boat team. The Hearts of Steel team is for breast cancer survivors. If you are looking to try Dragon Boat racing, check out the Pittsburgh Paddlefish. Both teams are based out of the Three Rivers Rowing Association boathouse in Millvale. 

Paddling for beginners? Pittsburgh Paddlefish are always looking for new team members – no experience is necessary. Send them an email to learn more about the team. Not ready for a race? If you just want to dip your toe in the paddling pool, check out Kayak Pittsburgh, which offers kayak rentals on an hourly basis. 

FOLLOW: Pittsburgh Paddlefish on Facebook, @hearts_of_steel and @3riversrowing on Instagram.  

Let’s gnocchi about local food – Sprezzatura Cafe

“Anyone who walks in this door becomes our family immediately”

Sprezzatura is located in the Millvale Moose. This former Moose Lodge is now a community incubator and Sprezzatura was created as part of Launch Millvale, a project that was created to help start businesses in Millvale.  

Sprezzatura is committed to creating fresh, local food for the community. 

How to dine? Sprezzatura is open for dinner takeout and dining in for dinner. Check their website for updates on hours and menu. 

PAY IT FORWARD: When you order from Sprezzatura, you can order a community meal and Sprezzatura will provide hot food and leftovers to a family in need. 

FOLLOW: @sprezzaturapgh and @newsunrisingpgh on Instagram.

The sweet spot since 1950 – Yetter’s Candies

“About to be a kid in a candy store.”

Opened in 1950, Yetter’s has been the spot for sweets in Millvale for over 70 years. Jeff Carr is the third-generation owner of the shop. Yetter’s has everything from chocolate-covered bacon to nostalgic candy and even childhood favorites like bubble tape.  

A brewery for the whole family and fido too – Grist House Craft Brewery

“Like in life, timing is everything. And the same goes for brewing beer.”

Grist House’s first beer was Camp Slap Red, which is still on tap today. Grist House has expanded its beer offerings and frequently adds new beers to the tap list. 

The brewery’s family-friendly, dog-friendly atmosphere has attracted a loyal following of regular visitors. Grist House started with a small taproom in Millvale and since opening in 2014 and has continually expanded the outdoor space. More space for kids and puppers is coming soon. Grist House is adding a 4,000 square foot taproom and beer garden to the Millvale location.

[Pups and Pints: A guide to dog friendly breweries in Pittsburgh]

FUN FACT: Grist House is also expanding to a location in Collier Township (southeast of Pittsburgh). In 2019, Grist House bought a missile command center that has been unused for many years. According to the Grist House website, they are still working on this location and do not have a timeline for when it will be open to the public. 

FOLLOW: @gristhouse on Instagram.

Meet more of Millvale 

You can watch Ed and Day visit all of these locations and learn more about this historic Pittsburgh town in the Millvale episode of “Ed and Day in the ‘Burgh” on the Very Local channel. If you are headed to Millvale, you might be traveling through the Strip District. If you need a little snack or a spot for a beer. Check out Ed and Day’s guide to the Strip District for some suggestions. 

Here are a few other spots in Millvale that you might want to check out while you are in the neighborhood:

• Attic Records – this record store has been open since 1980
• Maxo Vanka Murals – the interior of this unassuming church has 25 incredible murals 
• Iron Born Pizza – one of the few spots in Pittsburgh for Detroit-style pizza