Braddock Public House opens in former historic car dealership space

There’s a new place to party in Braddock.

Braddock Public House is a casual brewpub and distillery located at 1211 Braddock Ave., across the street from the historic Edgar Thomson Steel Mill, in operation since 1875.

The official ribbon-cutting grand opening celebration is Saturday, with a lineup of beer, beverages, food and Braddock vibes for the entire family.

The event is free and open to all ages.

The historic building was originally was the home of Superior Motors during the 1940s-50s and formerly a restaurant by the same name that shuttered in 2020.

Superior Motors sold Chevys and was one of the first indoor car dealerships in the U.S.

Renovating the leased building proved to be a motivating factor for business partners and co-owners Alaina Webber and Matt Katase.

“That was a driving purpose for us. This building is beautiful and it should be open and be enjoyed,” Webber said.

The duo also co-own BG Brewing (Brew Gentlemen), located at the opposite end of the street at 512 Braddock Ave. and a staple for years in Braddock.

“This historic car dealership across from Carnegie’s first steel mill sat empty for years. The journey to bring it back, to open the doors again, so that the people who embody Braddock and the greater Mon Valley can come together, has been trepidatious, tumultuous and yes, also delightful,” said Webber. “The labor of restoring a building is fulfilling.”

General manager Philip Palmer said patrons love the restored building and adding another dining and drinking destination in Braddock is welcomed by the locals.

“There’s a need in the community for another full-service restaurant in Braddock with the revitalization,” Palmer said.

Courtesy of Braddock Public House

The dining room inside Braddock Public House, a new casual brewpub located at 1211 Braddock Ave. in Braddock.

Renovations took several years. The interior design includes blending industrial elements with wood and leather seats, booths and steel furniture, most of which was made in Braddock.

“We threw in colorful throw pillows and vintage pieces to warm the place up,” Palmer said.

Katase grew up in Hawaii and Webber hails from Carrick.

The menu features Pittsburgh classics such as kielbasa, pirogis, and fish and chips with touches of Hawaiian and Asian foods such as Japanese gyoza (pork dumpling) and pork Tonkatsu sandwich (pork with shredded cabbage tossed in shio koji, a Japanese condiment that’s sweet, salty and umami).

All food items are priced under $20.

“It was really important that everything on this menu stay affordable. As our mission as a company is to brew and to contribute to Braddock, we feel like meaningful experiences shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. We’re really aware of the surrounding communities and the needs of the community,” Webber said.

Courtesy of Braddock Public House

Braddock Public House opened this month at 1211 Braddock Ave. in Braddock.

The Steelworker’s Lunch ($15) serves one and includes a meat, cheese, olives, bread and extras.

Specialty cocktails include the Okinawa Old Fashioned ($13) made with Toki Suntory whiskey, Yuzo Drop ($11) made with vodka, Yuzo and fresh lemon, and the Hugo Spritz ($10) poured with prosecco, St. Germain elderflower, fresh lemon, soda and mint.

The flagship General Braddock’s American IPA has been recognized as a top 25 beer of the decade and is the pride of the restaurant.

Scheduled grand opening events include live music performed by Timbeleza drum line and DJ Sunkist Smith.

Outdoor games and activities will be presented by Sol Patch, Braddock Community Oven and the Braddock Library.

“We’re ready to celebrate Braddock,” Webber said.

To make an online reservation, click here.