Are you cutting back on alcohol? Nearly half of Americans plan to drink less alcohol in 2025, a number that has steadily been on the rise. Whether you’re abstaining completely, or just sober-curious, you won’t be left thirsty at any of Katrina Tomacchio’s favorite Pittsburgh mocktail spots. Pull up a stool!
Relax With a Mocktail in Hand at These Pittsburgh Bars
Space Bar
22 Market Square, Downtown
This out-of-this-world cocktail lounge with space-inspired décor and molecular mixology takes zero proof to another level. Three n/a cocktails and two n/a beers are influenced by the changing seasons on Earth, with new additions hitting every solstice and equinox. “We create our non-alcoholic drinks from the ground up,” said owner Elizabeth Menzel. “We aren’t just taking alcohol away from a drink; every mocktail has at least one molecular element.” Plus, each one is made with fresh ingredients.
Confidant Speakeasy
4517 Butler Street, Lawrenceville
Here’s a hint on how to find this hidden gem: Gatsby believed in the green light, and so, too, do Pittsburghers looking for a secluded sip. This vibey speakeasy features three n/a cocktails, two n/a beers and a regular “weekend feature” that changes every weekend. Confidant remains committed to making all their own syrups and infusions in-house, using fresh fruit and herbs. “We saw a big uptick in customers requesting n/a options this past year, and we really talked with them to find out exactly what they were looking for,” said co-owner Nicole Billitto. Ask for their ever-popular n/a Espresso Martini.
Cinderlands Warehouse
2601 Smallman Street, The Strip
When you’re a beer- focused company, people tend to walk through the doors expecting to find only beer. “We take great enjoyment in showing that we are so much more than beer alone,” said Senior Marketing Manager Mel Larrick. The Warehouse produces and packages their own non-alcoholic product, Hop Run Sparkling Hop Water, which they serve as a ready-to-drink can, but also add as an ingredient to their mocktail lineup. There are always at least three hoppy mocktails on the menu. My favorite? Their Hop Run Mule.
Mixtape
4907 Penn Avenue, Garfield
With help from local artists and Lead Designer Johnmichael Bohach, this bar completely transforms itself several times a year. Brimming with over-the-top decorations and costumed hosts, ticketed guests are offered a truly immersive experience. From “The North Pole” and “Nightmare Before Christmas” to “Alice in Wonderland” and “Studio 54,” there is no shortage of creativity and the imaginative n/a drinks reflect that. You’ll find 5-7 spirit- free cocktails at any given time, with a mix of flavors from fruity to earthy.
Jackworth Ginger Beer
6615 Hamilton Avenue, Larimer
Pennsylvania’s first modern ginger beer brewery has positioned itself as a key player in Pittsburgh’s non-alcoholic scene. “There’s a genuine appetite for thoughtfully crafted, zero proof cocktails,” said JGB co-owner and CEO Jack Smith. With four zero-proof cocktails on their menu, two n/a versions of their house-brewed ginger beer (also available in alcoholic varieties), plus the ability to transform any of their regular cocktails into a non-alcoholic version, this might be one of the most diverse n/a menus in the city. And with regular education and input from non-alcoholic pioneer Mel Babitz, owner of The Open Road, JGB continues to strive for excellence with their n/a program.
Atelier De Fer
2002 Smallman Street, Strip District
With several locations throughout the city, you’ve likely knocked back a cup of their coffee one groggy morning. But you’ll only find their non-alcoholic program at their flagship spot in The Strip, and it is always worth a visit. Headed up by bar lead AJ Arnett, this program focuses on house-made simple syrups that layer flavor and complexity in each thoughtful concoction, producing mocktails that really shine. Offering a seasonally rotating selection of non- alcoholic options, this industrial, art-infused space features 2-4 carefully crafted n/a cocktails, as well as n/a beer and wine.
The Vandal
4306 Butler Street, Lawrenceville
This hip neighborhood eatery with a hyper-seasonal New American menu is easily my favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh. Sipping on a consciously crafted mocktail elevates the experience that much more. With a food menu that evolves daily, the bar program is constantly pulling inspiration from the fresh ingredients that abound, turning classic cocktails into an aesthetically pleasing, and delicious n/a option. You’ll find three ever-changing craft mocktails here, as well as n/a wine, and a menu expansion coming soon.
Two Frays Brewery
5113 Penn Avenue, Garfield
There’s truly “Something for Everyone” at this Garfield brewery with 2-5 non-alcoholic brews on draft. It’s a fierce commitment to inclusivity, one that Two Frays has only expanded on since they first brewed their own n/a beer in 2022. The neighborhood taproom was the first PA brewery to manufacture non-alcoholic craft beer. You’ll find a handful of other non- alcoholic beverages here, too! Once a month, Two Frays goes entirely non- alcoholic for their Mod Monday event. Not a drop of alcohol is served on those nights, giving customers a unique bar experience.
The Commoner
458 Strawberry Way, Downtown
Tucked away inside Downtown’s Hotel Monaco, The Commoner’s dark and moody interior is equal parts sophisticated and sexy. Whether you’re indulging in their locally focused, ingredient- driven menu of classic American eats, or just cozying up at the bar, you’ll find between 5-7 n/a beers, 4-5 dealcoholized wines and 5-7 n/a cocktails. “One word for our n/a program? Involved,” said Blaise Malandra, Director of Food & Beverage for Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh. “We put a serious amount of attention into this critical portion of our beverage program.” Reservations recommended.
Esquina Cantina
3720 Butler Street, Lawrenceville
This festive space for incredible Mexican fare has one of the best patios in Pittsburgh, and an expansive mocktail menu to complement your sun-soaked visit. With more than 10 non- alcoholic cocktails, aguas frescas, non-alcoholic beer, and even an n/a version of a michelada, this program abides by the motto that, “It’s always summer at Cantina.” Inspired by Oaxacan culture, Cantina’s n/a program is as vibrant as they come, with tropical fruits, fresh herbs and bold flavors and colors. Order The Daisy, an agave-based n/a riff on the classic margarita.
Story by Katrina Tomacchio
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Laura Petrilla
On Location at Space Bar
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