Caribbean-themed brewpub Mastic Trail opens in Shaler

Reach the beach without leaving the Pittsburgh area at Mastic Trail Brewing.

The newly opened Caribbean-themed brewpub and restaurant, at 1044 Saxonburg Blvd. in Shaler, is the creation of island aficionado and Robinson Township native Ben Williams.

“My favorite island is Grand Cayman and the Mastic Trail is a three-hour nature walk on the island,” Williams said, referencing his inspiration for the name.

Williams, a food and beverage industry novice, said opening a restaurant amid covid-19 restrictions hasn’t been easy.

“Nothing like trying to open a brewpub in the midst of a global pandemic,” said Williams, 50, a former CFO, experienced homebrewer with an MBA in finance and operations from Cornell University.

The expansive (7,000 square feet) venue occupies what was once the North Hills Moose Lodge 46.

“We’ve made extensive renovations to the building, and it’s no longer the Moose Lodge,” Williams said. “We’re working very hard to get the word that we’re no longer a private club and we’re open.”

Tropical touches include exterior murals painted by area artist Slikar Noci, with a wall-sized projection featuring various Caribbean images such as fish, animals and island sunsets on a loop.

The main dining room custom wraparound bar was constructed with real seashells and sand, embedded underneath a clear top, offering a seashore vibe for bar patrons. They can take a stroll on the faux sand and surf — complete with painted simulated waves on the epoxy floor in the main dining area.

The rear of the building, dubbed “the dock,” features a large U-shaped stone taproom bar and houses an onsite 10-barrel brewpub manned by brew master Barrett Goddard, formerly of Full Pint Brewing.

“We’re going to have plenty of traditional beers like IPA’s, hazy IPA’s and stouts,” Goddard said. “But we definitely have beers inspired by Caribbean ingredients.”

Popular brews among the 20 taps include the St. Thomas Hibiscus Belgian Wit ($6.50) and the Davy Jones Locker Double Simcoe IPA ($8).

“Davy Jones Locker is my personal favorite,” said Williams. “Barrett and I collaborated on the design of that beer and it came out as intended with a great balance between the malts, Simcoe hops and alcohol.”

Tropical handcrafted cocktails ($8) include the Mastic Trail Zombie, Pain Killer, Bahama Mama and Dark & Stormy.

Williams opened Mastic in July and is still adding finishing touches, like new wicker island-inspired furniture. A game room offers pool and pinball.

Mastic Trail Brewing aims to offer guests a friendly welcome and relaxation, all without having to jump on a plane, Williams said. “I want my guests to feel like they’re on a ‘staycation,’” he said.

Chef Justin Lewis, formally of Pie for Breakfast, Legume, Dinette and Verde, has created an island-inspired menu featuring jerk wings, Indian-style curries, beef empanadas, fried plantains, bacalao (salted fish) fritters and Cubano-styled pulled pork.

Menu items range from $6-$35, and seating is available for about 200.

“Justin comes from a fine-dining background, and he’s meticulous about our menu items,” Williams said. “We strive to provide a fine-dining quality meal in a casual atmosphere.”

Gluten-free items and vegetarian options include BBQ tofu with ginger-lime greens.

Live music is offered primarily on Thursdays and Saturdays, with occasional bands booked on Fridays and Sundays.

The Pittsburgh Reggae staple, The Flow Band, plays monthly.

Current covid-19 hours: 4-8 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays; 4-9 p.m., Fridays; noon-9 p.m., Saturdays; and 4-8 p.m., Sundays.