Restaurant
Unclaimed profileBrick and Barrel Cross Keys
Pittsburgh, PA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Brick and Barrel Cross Keys skews heavily toward bourbon and whiskey, with a list topping 100 expressions including allocated pours like Blanton's and Whistle Pig Boss Hog. The cocktail menu is equally ambitious—think Peanut Butter & Jelly Old Fashioned and Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martini—alongside a workable wine list and rotating local drafts. Non-alcoholic options exist, from NA Athletic to a Cherry Vanilla Mule.
- What should I order?
- Start with a whiskey flight to sample the range, then a Peanut Butter & Jelly Old Fashioned for something playful. For a classic, the Classic Old Fashion with Jim Beam is straightforward. If you're avoiding alcohol, the Cherry Vanilla Mule mocktail is a solid pick.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Bourbon enthusiasts will find a deep bench of rare and allocated bottles. Cocktail explorers will appreciate the creative variations and seasonal features. The non-alcoholic options make it accessible for designated drivers or those abstaining.
- When should I go?
- Evenings when the bar is active, especially during seasonal specials like Mulled Wine in colder months. The rotating draft list suggests repeat visits to catch new local brews.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $12–$15, beers around $9–$11, and wines by the glass from $11. Whiskey pours escalate quickly, from $10 to over $100 per ounce, with flights around $30. Corkage is $17 if you bring your own bottle.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The whiskey program is the clear standout: over 100 expressions including allocated bottles like Pappy and Whistle Pig Boss Hog, plus flights for tasting. The cocktail menu's playful twists—like the Peanut Butter & Jelly Old Fashioned—add personality, while the non-alcoholic options show consideration for all guests.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Broad and creative menu with many Old Fashioned variations, martinis, mules, and seasonal specials. Prices are moderate.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse cocktail menu with numerous variations and creative features.
- — Seasonal and specialty drinks offered, including Mulled Wine and Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martini.
- — Includes a non-alcoholic mocktail, the Cherry Vanilla Mule.
Standout selections
- — Peanut Butter & Jelly Old Fashioned – peanut butter whiskey, Chambord, black walnut bitters.
- — Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martini – vanilla vodka, Baileys, Kahlua, espresso, graham cracker rim, toasted marshmallow.
- — Classic Old Fashion – Jim Beam, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, orange, cherry.
- — Apple Pie Bourbon Sweet Tea – Two Trees Apple, sweet tea, lemon juice, soda.
Pricing: $12.10–$15.40 for standard cocktails; feature drinks like Peanut Butter & Jelly Old Fashioned and Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martini listed without price.
Wine
A serviceable wine list with red, white, sparkling, and rosé options from multiple regions. By-the-glass and bottle formats available, including premium bottles. No community evidence specific to wine, but the range is adequate.
Menu strengths
- — Wide selection of wines from multiple regions.; Offers both by-glass and bottle options.
Standout selections
- — Root 1 Carmenere – Colchagua Valley, soft spices, soft tannins, long finish.
- — Pianteferro Chianti DOCG – Italy, deep ruby, smoky, cherry.
- — Bodegas Ostatus Rioja Crianza 2021 – dark fruit, licorice, balsamic notes.
Pricing: By-the-glass $11.00–$16.50; bottles $44.00–$125.00; corkage $17.00.
Beer
Rotating draft list with local craft options, plus bottled and canned domestic and craft beers. Includes non-alcoholic choices.
Menu strengths
- — Rotating draft selection with local craft options.; Includes non-alcoholic beer choices.
Standout selections
- — Coven Brewing The Bridge – Pub Ale.
- — Hitchhiker Bane of Existence – IPA, can.
- — 11th Hour Robo Jack – IPA, 16oz.
- — Brew Gentlemen General Braddock – Hazy IPA.
Pricing: Bottled beers around $6.00–$11.00; draft around $9.00; non-alcoholic beers $7.70–$9.35.
Nonalcoholic
A small but thoughtful selection: one dedicated mocktail (Cherry Vanilla Mule), non-alcoholic beers from Athletic and Guinness, and the option to make hot drinks non-alcoholic by omitting spirits. Limited compared to alcoholic offerings.
Menu strengths
- — Includes dedicated mocktail option.; Non-alcoholic beer selections available.
Standout selections
- — Cherry Vanilla Mule MOCKTAIL – vanilla syrup, cherry juice, lime juice, ginger beer.
- — NA Athletic – Non-alcoholic hazy IPA.
- — NA Guinness – Non-alcoholic stout, 16 oz.
Pricing: Mocktail $7.00; non-alcoholic beers $7.70–$9.35.
Spirits
Exceptional bourbon and whiskey program with over 100 expressions, including rare allocated bottles like Blanton's, Pappy, and Whistle Pig Boss Hog. Whiskey flights offer tasting opportunities. This is the venue's clear strength.
Menu strengths
- — Exceptional depth in bourbon and whiskey.; Rare and allocated bottles available.
Standout selections
- — Blanton's Straight from the Barrel – Bourbon, $50.00/1 oz.
- — Whistle Pig Boss Hog – Rye whiskey, $133.00/1 oz pour.
- — Parker's Heritage Double Barrel Blend – Bourbon, $110.00/1 oz.
- — Flights: Bourbons Across America – Breckenridge / 2 Bar 80 Proof / Bowman Brothers, $30.00.
Pricing: Whiskey pours $10.00–$133.00 per ounce; flights $27.00–$41.00.
How it sits with the food
Bourbon's caramel and oak notes pair well with grilled meats or rich desserts; the Apple Pie Bourbon Sweet Tea could complement a hearty appetizer. The wine list's Rioja Crianza or Chianti offer classic pairings for Italian or Spanish dishes. No specific food pairings are documented, but the beverage range supports a variety of menu items.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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