The Library on Carson

? The Library on Carson in Pittsburgh is not your average dining spot.?

With a menu that’s as diverse as its book collection ;) this place is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique culinary experience.?
From inventive dishes to craft cocktails, their menu will satisfy your taste buds and fuel your creativity.✨
And the ambiance? Cozy and sophisticated but with a dive bar comfort to it. It’s the perfect blend ?

… So you should drive down to The Library on Carson and indulge in a dining experience that’s one for the books!?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Small Plates

Came here for my birthday and i’ve never had the brunch before but it is DELICIOUS! They offer bottomless mimosas for brunch and they were definitely worth the money! The breakfast bowl + the cajun ranch wings were also soooo good, I need the recipe for the wings!

Parking: The street that’s the place is on the corner of is one way so it’s pretty easy to find parking on both sides of it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings

Solid bar with some American food options. Nothing too exceptional, but a cool location on Carson and pretty well made bar food. I got to try out their chicken bacon ranch sandwich with their bar chips.

It was very solid. Definitely not anything too special but not bad. The chicken itself was a bit dry and rubbery, but still decent. Not seasoned too heavily. I would have liked some more ranch, but the bacon was very good, and so was the bread.

The chips were solid too. They give you a decent portion. You can also swap the chips for fries for a small upcharge. But, they were crispy and seasoned well, so I enjoyed them.

All in all, a decent bar spot. Solid food and solid place in general.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Sauce

What a lovely, elegant restaurant and bar! I had some amazing cocktails and delicious food. Perfect for all occasions since they have a party room upstairs as well. So aesthetic for pictures as well. My boyfriend and I enjoyed our dinner and date night here <3

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Library on carson is one of our favorite spots in the Southside. The vibes are a little more chill and cozy compared to some other southside businesses. Everything we have had to eat and drink has been amazing as well. This trip we had a Caesar salad, fries, grilled cheese bites, and mussels in a red wine sauce. The mussels were perfectly cooked and everything else was delicious as usual. We enjoyed the Annabel Lee and Catcher in the Rye cocktails. We cant wait to return and try some more fun cocktails and food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Small Plates, Fries

This is a fun spot

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

New I think they really look into getting a monthly Pest Control service at that bar.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Wings

Nice setup. Very nice bartender.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

On my initial visit to The Library on Carson Street in Pittsburgh's Southside neighborhood, I experienced the Latin Night Patio Party on Saturday, June 8, 2024. This three-story building has been transformed into a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, with a dance and social area on the second floor. The interior renovations are impressive, meriting 5 stars for design updates.

The event kicked off at 9 PM, and after ascending a long and narrow stairway to the second floor, we found ourselves in a cramped space dominated by a large pool table with limited seating around it. The DJ, positioned in the center of the dance floor, occupied valuable space, restricting the number of people who could dance at one time, which I felt was worth only 2 stars.

The highlight of the evening was DJ Alex Rivera, whose music selection and mixing style resonated with the crowd, making him my top choice for DJs in the Latin dance scene. His performance deserves 5 stars.

Parking posed a significant challenge. The area around The Library is notorious for its lack of parking and active enforcement of parking regulations, which often forced me to park several blocks away, taking spots in front of residential homes. This aspect of my visit earns 3 stars due to the inconvenience.

Accessibility is a major drawback, as the venue does not support those with limited mobility or wheelchair users, offering no ramps or elevators. This severe oversight earns the venue only 1 star for accessibility.

On a tastier note, the chicken empanadas and dry wing dings served during the event were delicious. The empanadas were notably homemade, compelling me to indulge in more than one. The wings were well-seasoned and cooked to perfection, contributing another well-deserved 5 stars for food quality.

While the venue pulsates with vibrant energy, improvements are necessary, particularly in terms of space management. Relocating the DJ from the dance floor to the area currently occupied by the pool table could significantly enhance the dancing experience. Removing the pool table might also be considered to better accommodate the crowd.

Though I recommend visiting for the music and food, potential visitors with disabilities should be aware of the accessibility challenges. If DJ Alex Rivera returns, I would certainly revisit.

Overall Average Rating: 3.5 Stars

Parking: Parking in Pittsburgh's Southside, especially along Carson Street, can be quite challenging due to the congestion. While it's tempting to park in prohibited areas, be aware that Parking Enforcement actively issues tickets 24/7. Often, I find myself parking several blocks away on residential streets, which might mean taking spots in front of private homes. It's a hit-or-miss situation, so be prepared for some uncertainty with parking availability.

Wheelchair accessibility: The Library on Carson Street, while a vibrant venue for events like the Latin Night Patio Party, falls short in terms of wheelchair accessibility. During my first visit, I discovered that the venue, a converted house, hosts socials on the second floor, which is only accessible via a long, narrow stairwell. Unfortunately, there is no elevator or ramp available at the front entrance, making it inaccessible for individuals with limited mobility or those who use wheelchairs. Additionally, while navigating through the restaurant area to reach the back stairwell, I noticed a lack of signage for any alternative access options. This setup poses significant challenges for guests needing mobility accommodations.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings

Great Food and drinks! Really fun atmosphere.

The best hangout spot ever! My buddy JP and I love this place!! Never fails for a good time!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Haven’t been yet but I think it’s a great idea to put a library in the southside. Very happy for the kids!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food specials and great selection of drafts on tap! The doorman is a gentleman as well.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wonderful place. Good food (even the seafood) and excellent staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Smash Burger

What a place! Went there for a friend's birthday. Great selection of bourbon. Great Manhattan! Service is efficient and friendly. Can't put my finger on why, but this place feels like home!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5