Beer garden, workspace opens in Downtown Pittsburgh

Summer is nearly here and the U.S. Steel Tower Plaza wants residents and workers to enjoy the nice weather with some outdoor office spaces and some drinks after work.

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) announced last week the opening of three outdoor workspaces and a new pop-up beer garden at the Steel Tower Plaza located at 600 Grant Street in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Braddock-based Brew Gentlemen is operating the beer garden serving a variety of craft beers, including a mix of easy-drinking lagers. The beer garden is Tuesday to Saturdays from 3-8 p.m. throughout the summer.

Brew Gentlemen Matt Katase co-founder said the beer garden is part of an effort to support workers and visitors returning to Downtown after pandemic closures.

“More and more people are making their way back Downtown. We hope to continue that energy and momentum by providing a reason to extend time downtown and make plans to visit – whether that’s hanging out for a beer after work or spending a Saturday afternoon with friends,” said Katase.

According to PDP’s metrics, Downtown visitors have rebounded well since the pandemic began, with 87% of visitors returning to Downtown compared to 2019. However, only about 40% of office workers have returned Downtown.

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Three outdoor workspaces at Steel Tower Plaza are hoping to change that by offering free space for desktop working, client meetings, or business gatherings. They are open through September 2022.

Spaces are free to reserve on a first-come, first-serve basis in four-hour blocks. The workspaces were developed with the PDP in collaboration with office furniture companies Workscape and MillerKnoll. Workspaces are available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Jeremy Waldrup, CEO and president of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, said he hopes the lure of shaded and comfortable outdoor workspaces will bring back more workers to Downtown.

“You’ll find comfortable seating and a colorful environment with trees and the nearby fountain to ease that transition back to in-person work,” said Waldrup. “It’s also wonderfully easy to shift from your ‘work’ day, over to ‘play’ with the beer garden for a drink and conversation before you head home.”