It’s nighttime after a concert, a play, or you’re just enjoying an evening out but not ready to end the night quite yet. Where can you go in Pittsburgh for a late night hangout? The pandemic forever changed how we experience night life in the city. It seems nearly impossible now to find somewhere that is actually open past 9 p.m. and is not full to the brim with partying college students. Thankfully, there are still a few spots where you can head out with a partner, a group of friends, or on your own, for a late night cocktail, meal, bowling, or just to simply vibe. So the next time you find yourself wandering around the streets of Pittsburgh with nowhere to go, consider stopping into one of these hangout spots. They’ll be happy to have you spend your night with them.
Late Night Hangout Spots in Pittsburgh
Bottlerocket Social Hall
There’s something happening at Bottlerocket just about every night of the week, usually going till 11 p.m. or 2 a.m. on the weekend. It’s a great place to catch a free show and have a drink. You can also try one of their famous Bottledogs, hot dogs with various toppings. Even if you’re not up to socializing or live entertainment, it’s still perfect for taking a seat at the bar and letting the atmosphere of the 70s wash over you. The bartenders are super friendly and are truly welcoming to new and returning guests alike.
Squirrel Hill Cafe
Looking for fried bar food to finish off an evening of drinking or just for a midnight snack? The Squirrel Hill Cafe has long been a spot for Squirrel Hill residents to gather and catch up in a comforting space. They often have late night specials on food and drinks, plus they are open till 2 a.m. no matter what night of the week it is. So grab a pitcher of beer to share and take in this landmark for late night conversations and fun.
Butterwood Bake Consortium
Nighttime sweet tooths seem to hit the hardest, but Butterwood Bake Consortium is there to soothe you with cakes, pie, coffee, and tea. This bakery is open till 11 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday featuring cozy seats and ambient lighting. Order from cake slices, tea cakes, olive oil cakes, vegan desserts, blondies, special lattes, and even coffee beans to take home for the next morning. Who wouldn’t love to have a tea party at 10 p.m. in their fancy night out outfit?
Umami Izakaya
Open till 10 p.m. during the week and midnight on the weekend, Umami Izakaya serves modern Asian cuisine in a Japanese pub setting. Whether you’re craving ramen, sushi, gyoza, grilled skewers, or just a carafe of sake, enjoy it inside their pub or out on their patio in the summertime. This restaurant even has desserts like a Chocolate Mochi Cake or Taiyaki (custard filled fish shaped waffles. You can also just stop by for a nightcap of sake or for a digestif like Fernet Branca, Averna, and Cynar.
The Warren
Your friendly neighborhood bar in downtown is always open until 2 a.m with a kitchen open until midnight. Choose between taking a seat at the bar or sitting in a booth with friends as you take in their speakeasy-like atmosphere. It’s one of those bars where you just have to order a craft cocktail because they’re so appealing. The bar even recently opened a new tachinomi-ya next door which is a tiny Japanese bar where you stand to enjoy beer, sake, and highballs for a shorter period of time.
Nadine’s
We couldn’t have a late night list without including Nadine’s, one of Pittsburgh’s most popular dive bars thanks to a feature on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. There’s nothing quite like sitting down to munch on hot wings and sip a large glass of cold beer, especially when it’s by a family-owned establishment. You could watch their episode on Food Network or you could stop in one night before 1:45 a.m. and try it for yourself!
Arsenal Bowling
If you find it hard to coordinate after work plans with your friends, Arsenal Bowling has hours from 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays to make sure you can pick a time that works for everyone. This bowling alley even has specials throughout the week such as All You Can Bowl and live bands on Wednesday nights. If you happen to get hungry when you’re there, you can stop by their food stand for sandwiches, various types of potatoes, vegetables, and food trays for sharing.
Rosewater Cafe
If you’re looking to just wind down for the night and relax before heading to bed, Rosewater Cafe is the lowkey hangout you’re looking for. At this Mediterranean cafe you can order a pot of black tea with cardamom or karak tea to share with the one you love. It’s often quiet within the cafe which gives you the perfect distraction away from the busyness that Saturday nights in the city tend to bring.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Michael Discenza
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