For most of us, the day doesn’t really start until we’ve had a cup of coffee.
But with temperatures in Pittsburgh soaring into the 80s and 90s, a steaming hot coffee isn’t the most appealing choice. Cold brew, on the other hand, if the perfect caffeinated option. No, we’re not talking about putting ice in your coffee. Cold brew is made using cold filtered water, coarsely ground coffee and a longer steep time. The result is a cold, refreshing beverage with no acidity that hasn’t been watered down.
Luckily, if you’re looking to get your cold brew fix, look no further than this list of local coffee shops are ready and waiting for you.
Blue Canary
Forget regular coffee – how about a cup of nitro coffee to kick off your morning? Blue Canary in Castle Shannon serves this awesome cold brew pressurized with nitrogen that keeps your wake-up cup fizzy and fascinating. It has such a kick, in fact, that people have taken to calling it “morning beer.” This creatively designed shop provides homemade flavor syrups and locally-sourced ingredients, so you can feel good about stopping in for a cup.
21st Street Coffee
The Strip District can be a chaotic place, especially on a Sunday morning. Even if you’re in a hurry to get to work, make sure to stop in for a delicious cup of 21st Street Coffee’s cold brewed coffee. It’s brewed fresh every day, and its full, bracing flavor will keep you going all day long. There’s even a location downtown, if you’re craving the cup without the trip to the Strip.
Constellation Coffee
Constellation earned a spot on our list of every coffee shop worth visiting in the Steel City, and it turns out that their cold brew is just as great as the atmosphere. Tons of specialty coffees are available, including micro batches with notes ranging from cocoa to cherry and seasonal blends. If you’re looking for a spot to get some work done, check out some zines or just catch up with old friends, Constellation Coffee will provide you with the perfect cold coffee. If you can’t make it to Constellation, The Vandal serves this brew as well.
Commonplace Coffeehouse
With locations in Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, the North Side, and Garfield, Commonplace has made itself the go-to shop for all coffee lovers in the East end – and beyond, since many Pittsburghers are willing to travel for its delicious cold brew. Current coffees include a bracing Colombian blend, a molasses-infused tangerine Guatemalan blend, and, of course, a coffee with cocoa and floral notes. If you need caffeine while you study, you can get it cold and delicious at Commonplace.
Biddle’s Escape
What’s better than a refreshing batch of cold brew in the morning? Enjoying it on the patio of Biddle’s Escape with your dog, of course! The Wilkinsburg coffee shop, which allows pets in its outdoor seating area, offers fresh cold-pressed coffee every day. Make time to stop in and try an Ethiopian medium roast or a dark French roast with a kick.
Espresso a Mano
Lawrenceville’s premier coffee shop offers a delicious cold brew. Even better, you can enjoy it along with a cool breeze from the outside world, since the shop’s big garage door is kept open during nice weather. Their brew is always fresh, smooth and worth every penny.
Delanie’s Coffee
Inside this cozy two-story South Side coffee shop, you’ll find a riot of colorful paintings, comfortable seating, and, of course, our favorite summer treat: cold brew. Delanie’s always has a freshly made supply of cold-pressed blends, and you won’t want to miss out on any of them. You can even take your cup outside and enjoy a South Side morning free of bar crawlers.
Coffee Buddha
It doesn’t get much cozier than this West View coffee house — it’s literally operating out of a house. The exterior is certainly charming and unique, and the cold brew you’ll find inside its doors is even better. They only serve their lovingly made brew in the spring and summer, so make sure to grab a cup before it’s too late.
Gasoline Street Coffee
This quaint shop, once a loading dock for riverboats, is a mecca for all things coffee. The aesthetic is cozy and welcoming, and the cold brew is delicious. With coffee beans sourced from local businesses, you can be assured that every cup is a one-of-a-kind experienced.
B52
This spot isn’t a coffee shop. But that doesn’t stop them from whipping up a wicked batch of cold brew. B52 is a vegan-friendly restaurant, coffee shop, and bakery in one. It’s the perfect spot in upper Lawrenceville for a healthy brunch. Better still, you can choose from cold brew or nitro cold brew to go with your meal.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.