Where does the barber get his hair cut? When mechanics need an oil change, where do they go? Who massages the masseur? If you’re a pro, you want pro treatment from the industry you’re in, because you know how the sausage gets made. Pittsburgh bartenders who know their stuff have shared their favorite Pittsburgh bars with TABLE, so you can drink like a pro for your next night out.
Where Do Pittsburgh Bartenders Go Out for Drinks?
Landon Frame (Lilith) recommends…
“Jackworth Ginger Beer produces Pennsylvania’s only alcoholic ginger beer and they do it well. If I’m not in the mood for a ginger beer, they have a great selection of cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and I also love their ginger back shots.
I go to Kelly’s for cocktails. It’s been a longtime East End service industry hang out, so, I always run into other Pittsburgh bartenders there. Velum Fermentation in the Southside for beer, events, arcade games, and just the general atmosphere.
And lastly, Mario’s Shadyside. It can get busy on the weekends, but it’s hard to beat deals like $2 White Claws on Wednesdays and $3 High Noons on Thursdays.”
Jason Renner (Bar Marco) recommends…
“Take a Break. You could go there in 10 years it’d be exactly the same. Verdetto’s in the North Side has polished up a bit recently. They have a nice selection of arcade games. Grapperia has a lovely selection of Amari and usually has one that I don’t have. My man Chris is great there and I love Dom the owner, great dude. The Warren, ‘cause duh. I can’t think of any other downtown bar I’d spend money at. Michael Marts is so slick back there, man! Shoutout to Spencer and their entire crew.
I think that Le Mardi Gras has a bad reputation and people should give them another shot. Yes, it’s a smoking bar, but so is Take a Break. There’s history to that bar. Did you know that their working everyday cash register is something like 100 years old? There’s only one old guy that can service it, and he’s hours away.
I also love Poetry Lounge. Sean Enright did a great job changing the space into his version place. Killer cocktail list, and their Best Daiquiri is truly great. I’ll close out with Remedy. Great dive bar!”
Grace Emmerling and bar staff (Mixtape) recommend…
“Since we’re in Garfield, we go out at Soju and Brillobox nearby. But also Butterjoint in Oakland and Bar Botanico in Lawrenceville!”
Lex Haynesworth (Fet Fisk) recommends…
“I’d say consistently I’m at Monterey Pub on the Northside. I’m a transplant from NYC, but I’ve spent most of my time in Pittsburgh living on the Northside. And I first discovered this neighborhood spot years ago (under previous ownership), when I heard of their martini/burger night. I was immediately sold. The $10 special is dead, but the dirty martinis and burgers are still very much alive. There are few places I can go where I can be seen if I want to or hide in a booth unscathed from the burden of social interaction. Truly a gem, cherished by many. It’s just a vibe, specifically my vibe.”
Daniel Ball (Hyeholde) recommends…
“I’m only drinking in Pittsburgh if I’m seeing live music, really. Thunderbird Cafe, Spirit and Mr. Smalls are my most frequented spots, they all have great bands on their rotation.”
Shelby Ciarallo (Bar Marco, Union Hall) recommends…
“My favorites are Acacia in Southside for cocktails because they’ve had consistently talented bar team and a great back bar forever; it’s a weekly stop for me. Allegheny Wine Mixer for wine. Great team, incredible wine list by owner Sean. Lastly sitting at the bar at Fet Fisk, smart and playful beverage program and extremely knowledgeable staff but somehow still chill.”
Story by Emma Riva
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