50 Best Cocktail Bars in Pittsburgh

“The food and service was phenomenal! We will definitely be back.“

“I like bourbon, and this place has a lot of it. And some of the bourbons are very reasonably priced for what you might expect, given the swankymodern atmosphere.

A curious interaction with the customer next to me resulted in some laughs with the bartender and genuine recommendations for more, let’s say, “atmospheric” bars to check out in town. So if you need a good jumping off point downtown or a date spot for a society gal I would say this is the place.“

“What a cool place! Thanks for hosting our Robert Burns Night!“

“Outstanding pizza and service“

“Great food and drink! Had the best burger and watermelon mimosa! staff was super friendly!“

“Came here after seeing a TikTok video of a women eating The Summit Burger and had to try it out. It was DELICIOUS!
This is a nice spot to get something to eat after getting off the Incline. The area the place is on is perfect for tourists to get a bite to eat before getting back down onto East Carson Street before their 3 hour PRT pass expires.“

“A new experience for our group. Took the plunge and got 3 grappa's, but couldn't tell you anything about one over another, except they definitely are 10/10 on the hard core scale. Regardless, cozy spot with our the door wine for sister restaurant around the corner.“

“Best cocktails in the city- strong and classic. Love the daily drink specials and the jukebox. Super cool and nice bartenders who really make the experience great. A really good place to drink by yourself or with a friend since it's laid back“

“Con Alma Downtown Pittsburgh is one of a kind! The last jazz club in the city, and it keeps the spirit alive. The incredible Tony Campbell led the band the night we went, and the energy was electric. Tuesday nights are jam sessions, and the place gets packed for a good reason. What blew me away is that the band actually lets people from the audience join in. If you bring an instrument and want to perform, they’ll give you the stage. Where else can you play in front of professionals and a live crowd? That’s rare, and it makes the night unforgettable. This was a surprise date night from my husband, and the vibe was everything! Intimate, soulful, and alive. The tofu dish sealed it for me, perfectly prepared and full of flavor. Con Alma isn’t just dinner. It’s culture, community, and connection. Highly recommend if you want an authentic jazz experience you can’t find anywhere else in Pittsburgh. 🥰“

“Very delicious food every time‼️ Never disappointed...treat us like family no matter when we go their. Hometown bar nothing fancy...but we love it‼️“

“...simply, absolutely amazing. You know what the buzz is about...“

“Easily my favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh. My go to meals there are consistently the same every time. Excellent food and great service, which is hard to find anymore. Eat the best and f**k the rest. Streets On Carson baby!! ❤️🤤“

“It’s a nice place to get a drink. Great dive bar! And the bartenders were friendly. The neighborhood seemed a little sketchy tho. Drinks were pretty cheap! I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit this bar but if I’m in the area I would definitely stop in again.“

“We had the best time here recently!! Food, staff, drinks, all amazing. The courses were fun and they kept things moving smoothly, very organized. We will definitely be back!“

“As long as you answer with respect you will receive it back. If you answer with the attitude don't be upset if that's what you get back. This place is so chill and laid back bartenders are cool the food is good security is cool but does his job“

“One of my favorite spots, great service and the oysters are always amazing!“

“Service was excellent. Food was as well although I will make 1 recommendation - consider serving the Italian pork sandwich on something besides focaccia. The sandwich was delicious, but the juice from the filling made the bread on the bottom turn almost soggy. Something that can better hold up would be an improvement I feel.“

“Here in Pittsburgh for the weekend from Atlanta, Fet Fisk was high on the itinerary. They knocked it out of the park! Everyone was dressed for Halloween. Riley was our server and he was a gem. Attentive without being overbearing. The drinks were lovely. The pate was delicious to start, as was the caviar. The chantrelle mushrooms with the lignonberries? So savory and incredible. Now the standouts.. the rainbow trout and spaetzle. UH-MAZING! The espresso gin and tonic? Killer.

Overall, 20/10 stars! Thanks everyone!“

“Loved everything about it... The food was amazing, and a special drink from the bartender was one of the best I've ever had. The owner came out and introduced himself... And we enjoyed heavenly tiramisu for dessert. All in all a lovely, lovely experience.“

“Absolutely delicious! Everything from the cocktails to the food and atmosphere is perfect!“

“One of our top 5 restaurants in our decades of eating out! Inventive, unique, and well crafted cocktails to the Porchetta and Crab Trophie to the amazing Creme Brulee and affagato...All top notch! These chefs know what they are doing!!! Unfortunately, they aren't open on Sundays when we are normally in town otherwise we'd be here monthly!“

“Always delicious! Meghan and Barry where awesome servers and the food was top notch!“

“My husband and I had a night out and were beyond pleased with the service and food. It was a little loud but there was a wedding going on so there wasn't much the restaurant could do about that. Otherwise the views, service, food were all amazing.“

“This is one of our new favorite go-to places when we're hanging out on Butler. The drinks are absolutely fantastic (and I'm particular when I'm out). We love experimenting with their different specials. And the food is out of this world. Plus, the atmosphere is perfect for conversation!“

“One of our absolute favorites. Great, creative margaritas and awesome food, either dine in or take out!“

“Fantastic tea and hip atmosphere.. A++“

“Awesome food and atmosphere“

“We went to G’s for our anniversary and it was an absolutely delightful experience. Great quiet and cozy atmosphere, stellar service, and incredible food and drinks. Every dish was full of flavor and the textures were all beautifully done. Even the bread basket was amazing with maple butter. It felt like a 5 star dining experience for a reasonable person. Excited to go back again soon.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“These folks are doing some fantastic work with their cocktails. Great flavors, great creativity. Staff is also fantastic. Enjoyed my brief conversations with them around current menu and my particular off-menu order.
5/5 would cuss respectfully at the bartender again.“

“Great atmosphere, very friendly workers and great food!!“

“My experience with Hysyde was very wonderful. They’re very professional, wonderful vibes and good food. I want to say that I tried their sour cream and onion chicken and it was delicious. I plan on coming back again. This place deserves 5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Pearl was outstanding and very accommodating. Definitely a great asset to the establishment.“

“Cool for breakfast. Great location and atmosphere.“

“Porky's is a hidden gem in PGH. The BBQ is fantastic. The smoked wings are some of the best I've ever had and the atmosphere is exactly what you're looking for in a relaxed yinzers bar. It's a great spot to watch sports and the staff is very accommodating to most requests.“

“I recently reserved the confidant (the speakeasy connected to the Goldmark) for my proposal to my now fiancée. The entire process was incredible. Nicole and the staff are kind, responsive, accommodating, and went above and beyond to help make the night go just as planned. Nicole helped me plan every detail, including personalized drinks and coordination with a photographer. I would definitely recommend the Confidant if you are looking for great drinks, a cozy atmosphere, and amazing service. Our time there could not have been better!“

“Good food… no, great food and awesome drinks. I love Mexican food and this hit the spot!“

“Drinks are amazing! 10 for 10 no notes!“

“I want to like this place so badly. It has a cool vibe. It feels like a real, homespun venue. Sound is decent if not the best upstairs. Staff is friendly. All good things.

But Ticketmaster/Live Nation ruins everything it touches, and the last show I went to didn't have paper tickets, couldn't buy them, and tickets were not available at all with cash. Credit card only. The person literally just enters your credit card manually into whatever live nation/tm site they're using.

Tickets often have about 40% in fees added to them because of this. Most venues make it easy to get paper tickets to avoid the fees. I buy tickets without fees at Mr. Smalls and with very low fees at the bar at Thunderbird. And they always have paper tickets for their shows.

I realize the venue gets bullied into this, but this isn't very punk or homespun. Not allowing cash for cover/tickets let's the government monitor everything we do. Again, that's not punk.

We need venues to push back because us, as fans, have no voice. Ticketing scams are ruining live music and every venue needs to do their part.

I hate leaving negative reviews for music venues due to ticketing because I know they don't like it either.

Edit: I'm updating my review because of the heartfelt response from the venue and by realizing that they can't control a broken ticketing industry. They seem to be trying, and in a world of chain venues I have to support the independent ones that are doing their best to navigate this awful reality of Live nation/AXS.“

“Cool for breakfast. Great location and atmosphere.“

“Food is amazing . Staff is friendly .“

“best lil pinball cocktail lounge dance floor in da 'burgh! 🖤“

“Awesome little speakeasy in east liberty. I have tried to get in a few times but it is always super packed! They have very few tables but it is definitely worth the try. The atmosphere is fantastic, beautiful chandelier, candlelit tables, very romantic vibes. We got the fig balsamic cocktail and buffalo chicken dip. The cocktail was different than anything I’ve had before. It had a Smokey flavor which I usually do not enjoy but it was delicious. They have a decent sized food menu, mostly dips and small snacks. The buffalo dip was good but very blue cheese heavy.“

“We went to @ritualhousepgh tonight and it was one of the best freaking experiences I have had very long time! Liam was our waiter and did a phenomenal job at anticipating any need we would have, had insighful recommendations, and even surprised us with a dessert experience to end our night. The attention to detail with the food all the way to management was top tier. If you’re in the Burgh make yourself a reservation (request Liam- we promise you won’t be disappointed) and enjoy some hella yummy food and a great experience.“

“I am a foodie for sure and this experience was a flavor explosion!! The beets were a texture fantasy with a crunch and sweet savory home run. And the Striploin?!!!!! Filet tenderness with a better than NY strip flavor (how is it possible?). Second only to my NYC Wagyu A5 favorite. I was a little hesitant when I first saw the menu, but nothing disappointed at all! Would definitely recommend and return with friends for that steak!!! Chef Dave is a Master of flavors. Shame on me for reviewing before dessert. COME FOR THE DESSERT!! SMH. Creativity of the highest order. I can see why this place is packed tonight. Bring a date, bring your family, impress a client. You will not regret it. And ask for Crystal! She loves representing this food. You can feel it!“

“🌟 A Sushi Delight in Downtown Pittsburgh! 🌟 If you’re a sushi lover, you absolutely must try the Spider Roll at Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille. This incredible roll is a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy USDA soft shell crab, complemented by the fresh crunch of asparagus and cucumber, the creamy richness of avocado, and the delightful pop of masago. This roll is huge and too big for our chopstick skills, so we used our fingers! Each piece is generously topped with a luscious combination of eel sauce, spicy sauce, and a sprinkle of scallions, adding a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. For just $19, you get 10 pieces of this culinary masterpiece, making it not only a delicious treat but also a fantastic value. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or just looking to try something new, the Spider Roll at Luke Wholey’s is a must-try experience in the heart of Pittsburgh. 🍣✨“

“I came here with my dad and got the chicken piccata, which was delicious! It was served with assorted vegetables which I actually liked versus the pasta. We will be back!“

“I can’t say enough great things about this place! They invited our specials needs kiddos in and not only made us the most wonderful, delicious pizzas but it was all on the house! They treated the kids so well! Highly recommend this place to everyone!! Thank you so much for donating lunch to us! The kids absolutely loved it!“

“While in Pittsburgh for a conference, I came across this place with the groups of ladies I was with. The food was AMAZING!!! I have been dreaming of the roasted carrot taco ever since! My husband asked to plan a trip to Pittsburgh next year for the NFL draft- I only agreed because he promised me we could eat at this restaurant! Looking forward to that a year from now!!!“

“Odd 90s music or a cigar bar but I really liked it there“