Home to hundreds of thousands of hardworking individuals, Steel City is often ranked as one of the best places in the United States for foodies, urban hikers and definitely for its craft beer scene.
However, all of those hardworking locals need a haven where they can head to kick back and relax, right? Definitely. It’s why the best bars in Pittsburgh are so bursting with life. They sling craft cocktails and pour beer from the rafters (figuratively speaking, of course).
And, as a traveller, you’ll definitely want to explore the best bars in Pittsburgh during your visit. You can’t not check these places out. And, while there are so many more we could list off, start with these seven…
Float away and off to whatever your version of a tropical paradise is at Hidden Harbor, one of the best bars in Pittsburgh for travellers after something fun yet relaxing. The spot’s especially great for those who love rum as they offer something called a Rum Passport to ensure you keep track of all of their unique offerings. Craving a tasty, creative cocktail? It’s one of their specialties. And, boy are they oh-so-tasty.
Simple cocktails are the specialty at this small Pittsburgh bar. With Eastern European influences, Apteka is a great spot for a dive into unique cultural fusions as well as some of the city’s best vegan food. They stick to the basics when it comes to their world-class cocktails, using homemade syrups and local plants to garnish. If you’re looking for a great place for date night, this is one of the best bars in Pittsburgh for sure.
Speakeasy vibes ooze out of the walls at Acacia, one of the best bars in Pittsburgh if you’re into dark, mysterious spots that serve Prohibition-era themed drinks. Each and every one of the bartenders here knows exactly what they’re doing when it comes time to craft a cocktail. Cosy up into an intimate booth with friends or even a lover and indulge in one of their scotch-based cocktails. You’ll be blown away.
There’s no doubt that Con Alma infuses everything they do with soul. And, it all starts with the impressive lineup of jazz artists that head in to perform nearly every day of the week. Located inside of a historic 1800s building, the exposed brick ensure the atmosphere is charming and unique. Add on some pan-Latin cuisine and lots of well-crafted cocktails and it’s easy to see why the spot has been such an instant hit.
In search of the perfect mixture of class and elegance? Bridges & Bourbon is one of the best bars in Pittsburgh for travellers looking to treat themselves to an elegant evening of elevated craft cocktails and impressively delicious small plates. And, when we say elevated we truly mean it. They play with everything from traditional ingredients to flavoured smoke to create some of the most intriguing cocktails in the city.
Planning a full night out with friends? Head on over to Butterjoint and plan on eating at the attached sister restaurant Legume before treating yourselves to fantastic cocktails. With an emphasis on Pittsburgh brews and local spirits, you’ll find it to be one of the best places to sample some truly local fare. And, the spot itself is fun and relaxing. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the city.
As a whiskey lover, you simply can’t pass up the chance to sample some of the 600 varietals of whiskey they offer at Butcher and the Rye. But, it gets even better. This is both an award-winning restaurant and a bar. So, you can pair your whiskey with one of the spot’s housemade charcuterie boards. It makes for a unique, flavourful way to sample whiskey as you graze your way through the fine food.
Elizabeth has lived and worked in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, all of which have contributed to her passion for travel writing. When she's not writing, you can find her exploring little hideouts in Colombia or watching photography tutorials on YouTube. Contact: [email protected]
