Since opening in 2014, Grist House Craft Brewery has consistently delivered delicious beer and a welcoming atmosphere — “Like drinking in your backyard,” as co-founder Kyle Mientkiewicz puts it. Even the brewery’s name was deliberately chosen to convey the warmth they bring to the work. They wanted folks to understand exactly where they were coming from right off the bat, and Grist House perfectly encapsulates it. “Grist” is the cracked grain used in the brewing process, and “House” refers to the family-owned, inviting nature they imbue into their products and the place itself.
And that welcome-to-the-family feeling is no accident! Kyle and his co-founder (and brother-in-law) Brian Eaton shared a deep love of homebrewing that eventually blossomed into their beloved brick-and-mortar location in Millvale. Known for its creative brews and glowing firepits, this spot is a destination for locals and visitors alike.
In 2019, the brewery announced the addition of a new production facility to be housed in a former missile command center in Collier Township. But that new facility isn’t the only expansion effort Grist House is undertaking. This winter, the Millvale location will open a brand new space that builds on their existing taproom and brewery. Keep reading for details on Grist House Millvale expansion.
Grist House Millvale expansion details
Of course, you’ll still be able to enjoy the same great brews and friendly faces at Grist House. But this exciting development means more indoor capacity (with plenty of bathrooms), more open-air seating, and more room for the festivals, food trucks, and fires everyone loves so much. The front of the building will feature a large corner bar and a large seating area, as well as a gift shop to snag Grist House shirts, stickers and other merchandise.
The new space prioritizes a breezy layout and features garage door windows that open to the beer garden. This way you can sit at the bar from the inside and watch the Penn State game or sidle up from the outside so you can enjoy the fresh air and close-up views of Girty’s Run. Speaking of football — as any Penn State fan who visits the brewery knows — the taproom TVs are all tuned in on game days, and that tradition isn’t going anywhere.
In the meantime, as the builders and brewers are hard at work making this new space all it can be, the taproom is open, and, as always, there’s a ton of outdoor seating. If you’re hungry, there’s a star-studded lineup of food trucks that grace the lot nearly every day. If you’re thirsty, you can linger for a few pours of their latest brew or grab a growler or six-pack to go. If you’re just looking for a spot to settle into on a Pittsburgh fall evening, feel free to bring the whole family along to the outdoor beer garden (and don’t forget the dog)!
This expansion is an exciting step for this neighborhood favorite, making room for Grist House to grow its community and deepen its roots. And as they put it: “This is a place where drinking buddies become lifelong friends, and regulars become family.”
