The Top 10 Cocktail Bars In Pittsburgh...

A city of 90 neighborhoods and three rivers, Pittsburgh is a thriving cultural hotspot and the second-largest city in Pennsylvania. Today, those looking for adventure after dark will find many hip watering-holes offering a wide-ranging selection of cold beers, delightful wines and hard-hitting cocktails. We have handpicked the 10 best bars on the Pittsburgh drinking scene.

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Eclipse

The building which houses Eclipse has had a long and vibrant history. Since the 1880s, it has been a pharmacy, a barbershop, a livery and sales stables, a dry goods store and played host to numerous restaurants. Today, the lounge, located in the heart of Lawrenceville in Pittsburgh, continues to provide quality service to its many loyal customers. The décor is modern, the drinks list extensive and the bartenders welcoming and knowledgeable. Alongside the fantastic selection of international wines, imported and local beers, pale ales and IPAs, there are also gluten free and wheat free beverages on offer. Alternatively, the cocktail list is similarly impressive, try the lavender zimlet, a lavender infused gin of yellow chartreuse, St. Germain and a dash of lemon juice and soda.
Eclipse 705 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, +1 412 251 0097

Brillobox

Bar, Pub Grub

Brillobox caters to those in search of a casual night on the town, as well as those looking to go all out. On weeknights, enjoy drinks and a relaxed dinner in the downstairs bar. On the weekends, it gets more upbeat and the bar offers many drink deals, loud music and dancing. Hosting a selection of vibrant events, admission is reasonable and the drinks menu broad. In particular, sample the impressive list of draft beers, including curious concoctions such as the east end chocolate Stout or the ommegang Game of Thrones fire and blood red ale, certainly an interesting choice, regardless of whether you are a fan of the series.

Church Brew Works

This brewpub is located in a turn-of-the-century Roman Catholic Church and serves award-winning craft beers and eclectic American cuisine. Built in 1902, the building was originally used as a place of worship until 1993 and today, Church Brew Works is known as one of the best breweries in Pittsburgh. On the premises, everything is prepared with the finest and freshest ingredients and features a fantastic in-house selection of own-brewed light lagers and English pale ales. The surprisingly mellow Prious Monk Dunkel, a Munich-style dark lager, is also a favorite. Alongside this, sample the rotating Stout options and the cask-conditioned ales.
Church Brew Works, 3525 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, +1 412 688 8200

Gooski’s

Bar, Pub Grub

Gooski’s is a popular punk-rock bar and live music venue in the Polish Hills area that features a jukebox. With some of the best beer specials in town, this rock and roll establishment is a hit with locals and visitors alike. When up for a long night, go for a stiff drink and hit the ping-pong tables at the back. Be prepared, the place gets quite crowded and smoking is allowed here yet, this is all part of the decadently gritty experience and this dive bar certainly deserves high honors. For those in the area looking for an underground playground to misbehave in, this is the place to go.

Bar 11

Bar, Nightclub, American

Appealing to all ages, Bar 11 is a bar that hosts numerous themed nights throughout the year. With an alternative blend of blaring music and a loud, feisty crowd to boot, this is a fantastic spot for an impromptu night out in Pittsburgh. The bartenders are friendly and give out free candy necklaces with drink purchases, which fabulously serve their purpose as great conversation starters. Located in the center of town, this party bar and casual nightclub is a fun place in which to while away the early hours with like-minded patrons.

Belvederes

Bar, Nightclub, Pub Grub

Belvederes is a hip dance bar that also provides many couches for lounging and opportunities to compete against friends at darts or pool. Occasionally, the bar also hosts live music nights, so it is worth having a look at the events calendar, note that during events, the front bar remains smoke-free, giving visitors space to breathe. In this room, drinkers will also locate the two pinball machines, two refurbished pool tables and a dartboard. Pick your drink from a wide-ranging selection of wines, beers, spirits and dizzying cocktails, happy hour is valid Monday to Friday in the early evening, giving visitors plenty of time to take advantage of the drink specials.

Remedy

Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub, Wine, Beer, Cocktails

Remedy is the quintessential local bar that offers drinking and dancing. Come here to play pool and mingle with friends and enjoy the rotating DJ schedule, the bar hosts numerous parties in the upstairs area and a fantastic jukebox selection. Serving some of the cheapest craft beers in the area, there is also a good selection of classic cans and strong cocktails. When hungry, there is a wide-ranging selection of bar snacks and larger meals such as burgers on offer. The mix of patrons ensures a eclectic and alternative vibe.

Kelly’s

Bar, Diner, American, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

Kelly’s carries a traditional Pittsburgh feel with its porthole front door and bright neon signs. Service is attentive and hosts a mix of tourists and locals who come here to enjoy the drink specials and happy hour food offers. As far as beer goes, the selection is very impressive with over a dozen taps and many unusual options, some sourced from local breweries such as the Church Brew Works. The cocktails are also noteworthy and carry many old-school classics that are very strong. If struggling to choose your tipple, go for the drink special which is always a unique concoction that is guaranteed to get your head spinning. When the alcohol takes its toll, dig in to renowned mac ‘n’ cheese or the loaded fries to prevent that dreaded hangover.

Point Brugge Café

Restaurant, European, Belgian

Point Brugge Café is a neighborhood bistro tucked away in a residential area, specializing in casual cuisine and boasting an extensive drinks menu. From brunch, lunch and right through to dinner, the kitchen serves up well-priced Belgian inspired fare with generous portions of succulent meats, vegetarian dishes, sandwiches, soups and salads. In particular, the place is known for their mussels, fresh from Prince Edward Island and prepared with a choice of white wine, red curry or tomato sauce. Pair your moules with the selection of Belgian blondes and golden ales. Triples and wits, as well as pilsners and American pale ales.

Hough’s

A new brewpub in Pittsburgh, Hough’s has an excellent selection of beverages and appetizers. For those looking for a place to watch a match, the place is equipped with numerous screens for cheering on your favorite team. With numerous burger options, sandwiches, jumbo chicken wings and small eats on offer such as crab dip served with pork rinds or the nachos loaded with beer cheese, Hough’s will ensure that patrons do not go hungry. On the weekends, the brunch is sure to cure any hangover, especially when combined with an invigorating Bloody Mary and upon recovery, why not jump back straight into it with a refreshing draught craft beer.
Hough’s,563 Greenfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, +1 412 586 5944

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