Draai Laag Brewing Company / Saints & Turncoats Public House

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

4.29/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4 | $$

It's pronounced "Dry Log".

Public House is, at present, open: Thursday and Friday 5-10pm. Last call 9:30.

Not sure what expectations I had, but whatever they were, they were exceeded. Extremely chill atmosphere with a very mature and knowledgable staff running things.

The place is small, and I would assume it's going to get even smaller once word gets out. I think there are 8 seats at the bar - and they are probably the highest seats I have ever seen. 4 large and 2 small tables, if my memory serves correct, fill the rest of the space. I think there were also a few chairs by the door? I didn't count seats, but I'd say maybe 35 seats on the floor.

All the beers are Belgian. Some of them were heavy to me, but all were consistent and solid productions. So many American brewers put out the lamest garbage labeled as Belgian ales; Draai Laag is not in that category. I think if you liked something less than the others, it might come down to personal taste. I'm putting 4 down for the selection to be ornary and to say that I want to see them go bigger; though I doubt it's possible with their capacity. I do have to note that their beers are much better with some age on them. So the fresh stuff on-tap might not be as interesting as a bottled version from 8 months ago.

Also, worthy of note: someone new in my life doesn't really like beer, and hasn't really tried that many. I took her to Sharp Edge and we tried 4 different brews and she thought 1 out of the 4 was decent. I got her a sample of the Framboise Noir and she liked it better than any of those four beers. I think they were Augustijn, Gulden Draak, and two others of similar caliber.

Love the brewing equipment in clear view of the bar.

This is a must stop for anyone visiting Pittsburgh, as far as I'm concerned. Unfortunately, I will be unable to visit anytime soon as I have taken a job that will occupy my Thursday and Friday nights. So, go and enjoy things on my behalf.

I hope these folks do better than they can keep up with.

02-03-2013 01:11:20 | More by RblWthACoz