Concerts are a blast, but they can also leave you hungry, tired, and sore. Two or three openers, then an hour or two of the main act…your ears are ringing, and the only respite available is a $13 vodka soda that’s very heavy on the soda. Heading to a bar or restaurant after a concert can be a nice way to refuel, and to keep the party going into the night. It also runs up against one of Pittsburgh’s greatest challenges: finding good things open late. Most establishments listed here close between 10PM and midnight, leaving you with enough time even if the band does a second encore. If you’re on the hunt for an afterparty spot near Pittsburgh concert venues, look no further.
Find the Afterparty at Bars Near Pittsburgh Concert Venues
Mr. Smalls
400 Lincoln Avenue
Mr. Smalls is one of Pittsburgh’s most unique venues, in a former church space overlooking the Allegheny River. Surrounding Millvale is also home a ton of great dining and drinking options. Poetry Lounge (313 North Avenue) is a quirky local bar with a ton of events that run late each night, so you’re likely to find an actual afterparty there. For a meal or a pre-show coconut cream pie, you can try Grant Bar Inc (114 Grant Avenue), a local favorite. Nearby, Harold’s Haunt (142 Grant Avenue) is an LGBTQ-friendly bar that also has many sober potions, which is useful if you’re the one driving.
The Roxian Theatre
425 Chartiers Avenue
Once, I told a stranger in a bar I was a new arrival from New York and had recently gone to McKees Rocks to see a movie. The bargoer burst out laughing and said “So, city girl, how’d you like The Rocks?!” and continued chortling while sipping his beer. All this is to say that The Rocks has…a reputation. Beyond pre-show pierogies at Pierogies Plus (342 Island Avenue), the late night culinary scene in McKees Rocks hasn’t really blossomed yet. But I’m a believer. You can grab a post-show slice of pizza at Gavino’s (528 Chartiers Avenue) across the street or bar bites at family-owned Rudy’s Bar (107 Island Avenue).
The Pavilion at Star Lake
665 PA-18, Burgettstown PA
If you can ever get out of the parking lot at Star Lake, there are a few options nearby for food and drink. You can head down the road to Richey’s Bar and Grill (1930 Smith Township State Road) for a late-night snack to fuel up for the drive home. The Farm Bar (977 Steubenville Pike) is a local spot with a friendly owner, and further down Rough Cut Tavern (1041 Burgettstown Road) has hefty portions of food and lively energy into the night.
Stage AE
400 North Shore Drive
Stage AE is right near the North Shore, so you have a lot of classics to choose from. Tequila Cowboy (380 North Shore Drive) is, of course, the classic afterparty for both nearby Steelers games and concerts. If you want to get out of the hustle and bustle, however, may we recommend Monterey Pub (1227 Monterey Street) in Mexican War Streets. You’re also not far from Verdetto’s (814 Madison Avenue), a watering hole favorite of local bartenders that will also get you away from the North Shore crowds.
PPG Paints Arena
1001 Fifth Avenue
After a show at PPG, the easiest option is probably to walk to the bar scene downtown. The Commoner (620 William Penn Place) has bar service until midnight. If you don’t mind a little schlep, The Warren (625 7th Street) downtown has great afterparty vibes, as does The Speakeasy in the Omni William Penn Hotel. There’s always divey Forbes Tavern, as well.
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Story by Emma Riva
Photo courtesy of Stage AE
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