Black Forge Coffee House

1206 Arlington Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15210, USA

Address:	1206 Arlington Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15210, USA
Phone:	+1 412-291-8994
Site:	blackforgecoffee.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	7AM–8PM 7AM–8PM 7AM–8PM 7AM–8PM 7AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 9AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

Douglas Marvel

Metalhead safe space with good coffee, good music, good snacks, and good jokes. If you cant let loose and take in folks from a different walk of life, stick to Starbucks or their red headed step child, Coffee Tree Roasters, but I strongly encourage you to give this place a try if youre in the area. First of all, the food supports a great cause. They sell Community Kitchen sandwiches and whatnot, and their mission Is really great. You can (and should) read about them. Long story short, they give underprivileged kids and ex-cons a chance at life. I think its awesome. Zekes Coffee isnt the best around, but it is local, and its good enough for the girls I go out with. My espresso was very well pulled. Slighly ristretto, and thats how I like it. As a former barista, espresso is my litmus test for every coffee shop. From my two visits here, Black Forge delivers my drugs deliciously. Super friendly baristas, even when Im wearing normie camouflage (take note 21st Street, Artisan, et al.). Just because Im not wearing the garb of your tribe doesnt mean Im going to order a skinny caramel macchiato... Baristas in other shops in the city either act like a cross between Jasper Johns and John Rockefeller or angsty teenagers stealing Grandmas Vicodin. I digress. These people are cool as hell. Hopefully they arent put off my attempts at humor in my review.... The only drawback for me was the music. Its the only coffee shop in which I dont want to wear headphones. Air drumming to The Sword, Conan, and Red Fang makes it hard to concentrate on anything else. Needs more TSwift so I can get work done. m/ TRIGGER WARNING FOR TRUMP SUPPORTERS: The art and general sentiment does make light of our current whitehouse administration. If youre enough of a "snowflake" to be offended by this, simply do what libtard millenials do to gun shops: nothing. Let them exist. If you truly believe that they are destined to fail as a business because they disagree with your politics, have faith, and let them. Honestly, the crux of the entire Trump campaign was "speaking your mind" and "first amendment rights" and ending "political correctness". How can you then whine like children when BFC has done just that (or perhaps simply allowed an employee to do so)? Are you people honestly surprised that a coffee house, the quintessential epicenter for leftism since the invention of berets and pencil mustaches, isnt on board with our beloved Cheetoh Kremlin? This one is more ironic pentagrams than ironic mustaches, but my point still stands. While were on the subject of the whining Republicans, Eric Petersen sums up the effects of your hate mail and smear campaign pretty well: "For every time your gun goes off, a new rebel is born So when theres 41 bullets Theres 41 thousand thorns in your side" Thanks to the free advertising via Fox News and your collective tantrum, I go out of my to give BFC my money now.

David McCleary

I wanted to try this place out since I live in the neighborhood so I brought my family down on Saturday morning. We arrived at 845 am and they had not opened up yet even though their website read they were open at 8. I peeked through window and there was an employee inside so we decided to wait and wait and wait. I tried knocking to alert her but she continued to ignore us, so we left. I couldnt tell you if the coffee is good because I never got the chance. That is no way to run a business let alone a brand new one trying to gain customers

GAYOFTHEDEAD

A fantastic enlightening small business and coffee house, my favorite coffee house. Owned and staffed by phenomenal people. Fabulous beverages that will definitely have you taking a break from Starbucks, delicious locally made baked goods and snacks as well! Many fun live entertainment shows, from bands, to comedians, to radio shows and discussion groups. Decor is provided by local artists showing and selling their truly exceptional pieces. Its a place you definitely want to try and will then frequent!

Darryl Harmon

Never been there, but while I totally disagree with the politics displayed with their loyalty cards, I will entirely defend their right to do this. Never for a moment does this sort of thing suggest that theyre actually advocating the shooting of any of these people. Its fun tongue and cheek. Its offensive material but Im not offended. Kudos to them for finding an innovative way to promote their business. May the free market decide their fate and not politicians, lawyers, judges etc.

Party Lady34

I had a great experience! Im sure when I came in I didnt fit the heavy metal feel, but let me tell you the Coffee is to die for! Better than Starbucks. I had a girl scout cookie brand cup of coffee and it was delicious! I also purchased a bag of PRITTLE it is ptetzles with a brown sugar cluster of fun in your mouth. I like to walk down in the mornings on my off days, not to mention I live 5 minutes away. Great job guys and great art on the walls , that you can purchase by the way.

Projectile Objects

BFC is a cool neighborhood coffee shop that offers fast public wifi, good coffee, service, and unique experiences to take with you. They have their own in-house video game "Coffee Crisis", events and shows, as well as their infamous return-customer political punch cards. At the end of the day, the people who own and operate this shop are of true quality and offer a great place to come have a cup of coffee (or tea, vegan cookies, lunch, breakfast, etc).

Sean Wolfgang

Excellent coffee and pastries in a really cool setting. The ambiance is great, and they often host different restaurants/caterers for brunch events as well as bands and other performers in the evenings. Absolutely my favorite coffee shop in Pittsburgh! (And it must sadly be said, there are a bunch of fake 1-star reviews from conservative out-of-towners who are mad at the frequent customer punch cards. Ignore them, theyre easy to spot.)

Frank Ralph

Read the recent reviews - theyre hilarious! People from places like Alaska, Arizona and Georgia disparage the coffee, as well as the hygiene of the staff, and insist theyll never go back. Who do they think theyre kidding? My daughter and several of her friends joined me this morning for excellent coffee and other treats at this comfortable neighborhood coffee house. Nice, welcoming people. I WILL go back.

Kimberly Prelosky

The shop is small and intimate but it never feels to crowded. I love the open windows at the front end and typically choose to sit up on the stage for the natural light but the booths are great too. Every drink Ive had so far was perfect just how it was made and Ive not yet needed to add anything to them. Black Forge is cozy and calm but the coffee is more than enough to get me through the day.

Robert Hairston

I will give this shop 4 stars because I cant give it 3.5 stars. The coffee is very good. However, if you arent into metal music, you will be taking your coffee to go. I like shops that arent specific to a genre or specific type of person. But if you like good coffee while listening to metal music, this is the place for you.

Mike Horger

Okay if a business can be sued for expressing their religious views, why cant a business be sued for expressing their political views? View the liberal hypocrisy here. Not to mention most of their 5 Star reviews come from people who have reviewed one thing. This coffee shop. It looks like a bunch of fake 5 Star reviews.