Downtown Pittsburgh is in a moment of flux. But its combination of Art Deco skyscrapers and modern industry has a certain charm to it. The bars and restaurants in this neighborhood are often in ornate hotels and historic office buildings, making them great options both for people who are just passing through on weekend trips and for native ‘burghers in need of a moment of beauty.
Because so many Pittsburghers work in this neighborhood and not as many live there, the restaurant scene mostly starts around happy hour, that late afternoon or early evening swath of the day when the 9-5ers are just getting out of work. Downtown is on the rise, with a lot of discussion around its potential as a cultural hub and a more vibrant neighborhood. Next time you’re seeing a show at the Benedum or any of the other palatial theaters in the neighborhood, linger awhile. Sample what downtown has to offer.
Downtown Pittsburgh’s Best Bars and Restaurants for Happy Hour and Beyond
Downtown Bars
The Warren
245 7th Street
The Warren is one of those bars where you never know who you’re going to run into in. A mixture of business-casual young professionals and charming ne’er-do-wells sit behind its amber-lit bars, united by the deliciousness of The Warren’s cauliflower wings and their extensive list of spirits. You want craft whiskies, amari, or Fernet Branca’s mintier cousin, Brancamenta? The Warren has you covered. It’s my personal favorite bar downtown, and our bartenders were the winner of our 2024 cocktail shake-off.
Space Bar
22 Market Square
This outer space-themed cocktail lounge in Market Square blasted off in 2023 and has been going strong since. It’s a popular spot for décor and lighting, ideal for dressing up for a girls’ night. Why not try to dress to the theme? Their cocktail menu is complex and creative often with colorful libations like créme de violette or orange liqueur.
The Rebel Room
405 Wood Street
Inside of The Industrialist Hotel, this restaurant bar takes inspiration from “the rebels who made Pittsburgh what it is today” including the artisans, builders, and businesspeople that have given the city its character. I’ve heard The Rebel Room described as a particularly nice spot in the winter for its cozy ambiance and plethora of whiskies.
fl2
510 Market Street
fl2 also doubles as a restaurant, with Chef Fernando Canales bringing Latin-inspired fare alongside a creative cocktail menu in the luxurious Fairmont hotel. Why not a book a staycation while you’re at it? fl2 is a sort of all-purpose bar, a great date spot, a fun happy hour, or a pleasant place for a solo cocktail after a long day of work.
Downtown Restaurants
Alta Via
2 PPG Place
Alta Via in Market Square is both upscale and laid-back, a good spot for a post-work catch-up with a friend if you’re sitting at the bar, or a fancy night out if you’re taking a date to one of their rustic tables. Plus, its central location in Market Square makes it easy to find, surrounded by the majestic buildings of PPG Place.
Ritual House
524 William Penn Plaza
Ritual House invites diners to “savor life’s rituals” and slow down and enjoy a meal. Since its opening in 2023, this culinary creation from Herky and Lisa Pollock has become a hugely popular downtown restaurant. It’s also in the Union Trust Building, a beautiful piece of Pittsburgh architectural history.
The Commoner
620 William Penn Plaza
Just down the block from Ritual House, The Commoner offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the glamorous Hotel Monaco. It gets its name from the fact that Wiliam Pitt, Pittsburgh’s founder, was nicknamed “The Commoner,” but there’s nothing common about its farm-to-table menu.
Nicky’s Thai Kitchen
903 Penn Avenue
Let’s say you don’t want a fancy hotel bar, but still want to grab a bite downtown. Nothing wrong with that! Nicky’s Thai Kitchen is a great option for a less bougie downtown restaurant that still delivers. The curries are spicy and the noodles are savory. What more could you want?
Arts and Culture Downtown
Wood Street Galleries
601 Wood Street
Along with SPACE, 937 Gallery, and 808 Penn Gallery, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has a robust program of visual arts spaces downtown. Their bi-annual downtown gallery crawl is a fun time to walk Liberty Avenue and see what’s on display.
Benedum Center
237 7th Street
Whether you’re seeing an opera performance, ballet, or musical, the Benedum Center is a gorgeous venue. Even before the show starts, take in the high, golden ceilings in the theater itself. There’s something uniquely charming and festive about it, as if you’re entering a place where magic is about to happen.
August Wilson African American Cultural Center
980 Liberty Avenue
The August Wilson Center is one of downtown’s greatest gems—and it’s free and open to the public. Its fifteenth anniversary is coming up in 2025, celebrating the Pittsburgh-born playwright’s life and legacy. It also is the force behind Pittsburgh’s jazz festival in September, one of the city’s premier cultural events. If you’ve never been,
Greer Cabaret Theater
655 Penn Avenue
Recently renovated, this little sibling to the Benedum works better for more intimate performances like jazz singers (of which Pittsburgh has many) or comedy shows. They also have a bar and restaurant for pre-show sips and bites.
Story by Emma Riva
Cover photo courtesy of Ritual House
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