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| - Local coffee, done right. This is the sister shop to Cannon Coffee in Brookline. Thick as thieves they are. So much so that they share staff! But they also boast the same high quality coffee beverages, inviting and warm atmosphere (a bit too warm at times this summer, before the HVAC was installed), and bohemian flare that separates Brew from the big chains.
Nathan, the man behind the Cannon, is the operator of this shop, which was built on a cooperative effort with the Pittsburgh Department of Urban Redevelopment. And while Nathan doesn't own this site, he still gives his heart and soul to the shop, and the hope of using the shop as a way to stimulate the depressed Beechview business district.
With a wide selection of flavored lattes, espresso drinks, chai teas, and some baked goods to boot, this little coffee house that could has surmounted the mountain of legal wranglings, funding issues, and political double speak, to become a bright spot in Beechview.
Free wifi is a about the only think that Brew has in common with its Seattle-based corporate brethren. During October, customers were greeted by a shrine to the recent and not-so-recently deceased, complete with prayer candles. There is a tall wooden cabinet filled with mugs brought in by loyal customers, which is filling up fast. Trivia night is a new addition, complete with BYOB shenanigans. MC'd by Ben, it is easily one of the most well organized, fun, and challenging trivia nights I've taken part in, with gift cards going to the winners.
Brew is out to not only be part of the community, but to make the community better. Taking part in community events and leading in activism is second nature to the Brew Crew, and the love they have for their shop is obvious from the second you step through the door.
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