Man, trying to find the best bars in Pittsburgh ain't like picking a Primanti's sandwich - there's just so many options. I've been crawling through this city's bar scene since my college days at Pitt (go Panthers!), and let me tell you, what makes a bar "the best" totally depends on what you're after. Are you looking for mind-blowing cocktails? Sports on fifty screens? Hidden speakeasies? Or just cheap beer without the frills? After testing over 50 joints these past few years - some multiple times - I've put together this no-BS guide to Pittsburgh's top watering holes.
Quick heads up: I paid my own way everywhere. No comps or freebies. If a place sucked, I'll tell you straight up. Like that one spot in the Strip where I waited 30 minutes for a flat Iron City - yeah, not making this list.
How We Picked Pittsburgh's Top Bars
This ain't some random Yelp scrape. Here's my ground rules:
- Personal visits: Minimum 3 trips minimum per spot, different days/times
- Atmosphere check: Weekend crowds vs Tuesday vibes matter
- Drink quality: Consistency across multiple bartenders
- Value factor: $5 Iron City vs $18 craft cocktails - both can be great if done right
- Staff knowledge: Can they guide me beyond the menu?
Surprised how many "best bars in Pittsburgh" lists miss basic stuff like parking info or noise levels. We'll fix that.
The Real Deal: Pittsburgh's Best Bars by Category
Top Shelf Cocktail Spots
When I want drinks that make me go "holy hell how did they do that":
| Bar | Neighborhood | Price Range | Must-Try | Why It Rocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Warren | Downtown | $$$ ($14-19 cocktails) | Smoke & Mirrors (mezcal masterpiece) | Secret entrance, vintage vibe, bartenders who actually care |
| Acacia | South Side | $$$ ($16-22 cocktails) | Tom Kha Gai (yes, it tastes like the soup!) | Thai-inspired menu, no reservations needed for bar seats |
| Poulet Bleu | Lawrenceville | $$$ ($15-20 cocktails) | French 75 with house-made cognac | Feels like Paris - minus the flight cost |
Personal take: Acacia's the most innovative, but man, finding parking in South Side on weekends? Nightmare. Go early. The Warren nailed their prohibition aesthetic - walked past it twice before spotting the unmarked door. Totally worth the hunt.
Beer Lover's Paradise
For those who think "IBU" is a sacred acronym:
| Bar | Neighborhood | Taps | Price Range | Vibe Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hough's Taproom | Greenfield | 77 rotating craft + cask ales | $ ($6-9 pints) | Comfy pub with board games, zero pretension |
| Independent Brewing Company | Squirrel Hill | 24 hyper-local microbrews | $$ ($7-10 pints) | Neighborhood gem with killer trivia nights |
| Dive Bar & Grille | Shadyside | 100+ bottles + 30 taps | $$ ($7-12) | Dark, loud, perfect for intense beer debates |
Hough's feels like your buddy's basement if your buddy had 77 taps. Their "Beer School" on Mondays? Genius. Free tastings if you listen to beer lectures. Dive Bar's bottle selection blows my mind - found a 2015 Cantillon there last month. Paid way too much but zero regrets.
Pro Tip: Pittsburgh's breweries rock too. Hitchhiker (Mt Lebanon) and Grist House (Millvale) should be on your radar if you want straight-from-the-source goodness.
Sports Bars that Don't Suck
Where to watch the Steelers lose another heartbreaker:
- McFadden's: Right by PNC Park. 80 TVs, $5 Yuenglings during Pirates games. Gets rowdy - avoid if you hate college crowds.
- Redbeard's: Sixth St downtown. Medieval tavern meets sports bar. Solid wings, never had audio issues during games.
- Carson City Saloon: South Side classic. Saw the Penguins 2017 Cup win here - place exploded. Cheap domestic pitchers.
McFadden's gets packed 2 hours before games. Learned that the hard way trying to catch a Pens playoff game - ended up watching on my phone in the bathroom line. Redbeard's has my favorite bartender, Mike - dude remembers every regular's drink.
Hidden Gems Most Lists Miss
The truly best bars in Pittsburgh aren't always the famous ones:
| Bar | Why It's Special | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Mardi Gras | Cash-only dive with legit Cajun food | Late night po' boys & cheap High Life | $ ($3 beers) |
| Gooski's | Punk rock Polish Hill institution | PBR + pierogies at 2am | $ ($2.50 PBR) |
| Hidden Harbor | Tiki paradise behind unmarked door | Date night with wow factor | $$$ ($15 drinks) |
Gooski's saved me after a brutal Steelers loss last season. Their jukebox has Minor Threat next to Springsteen - beautiful chaos. Hidden Harbor requires reservations (book 2 weeks out) but their flaming Scorpion Bowl? Worth the hassle.
Critical Intel: Navigating Pittsburgh's Bar Scene
Money Talk: What You'll Actually Spend
Pittsburgh's cheaper than NYC but pricier than Cleveland. Real talk:
- Dive bars: $2-5 domestics, $3-6 crafts
- Mid-range: $6-9 drafts, $10-14 cocktails
- Upscale: $8-12 beers, $14-22 cocktails
Tipping: 20% standard. Bartenders remember stiffers.
Timing is Everything
When to hit these best bars in Pittsburgh:
- Happy hour champs: Bridges & Bourbon (4-6pm, half-off apps + $2 off drinks)
- Weekend warriors: Arrive before 9pm or prepare for lines
- Steeler Sundays: Bars open early - be seated by 11am for noon games
Neighborhood Cheat Sheet
| Area | Vibe | Parking Tip |
|---|---|---|
| South Side | College party central | Pay lots off Carson St |
| Lawrenceville | Hipster craft heaven | Street parking after 6pm |
| Downtown | After-work professionals | Garages after 5pm ($5 flat rate) |
Your Pittsburgh Bar Questions Answered
Where can I find the best bars in Pittsburgh for a first date?
Hidden Harbor (tiki adventure) or The Warren (intimate speakeasy). Avoid loud sports bars unless your date's a diehard fan.
What are the best bars in Pittsburgh with outdoor seating?
Rivers Casino's beer garden (skyline views), Over Eden (Lawrenceville rooftop), or any Station Square spot during summer.
Any best bars in Pittsburgh open past 2am?
Limited options: Dee's (South Side til 3am) or Jack's (downtown). Most close at 2am sharp - plan Uber accordingly.
Where to watch Steelers games besides my couch?
Redbeard's (downtown energy), McFadden's (PNC Park chaos), or Mike's Beer Bar (300+ beers + giant screens).
Local Secret: Many "best bars in Pittsburgh" lists skip neighborhood gems. If you see a place with Schlitz signs and duct-taped booths? Probably gold. Unless it's that sketchy spot near the bus station - skip that one.
The Unvarnished Truth About Pittsburgh's Bar Scene
After all those IPAs and Old Fashioneds, here's my real take: Pittsburgh's best bars succeed when they lean into what makes this city special. No trying to be NYC or Chicago. The magic happens in places where:
- Steelers memorabilia isn't ironic decor - it's heritage
- Pierogies are legit bar food
- Bartenders remember your face after two visits
Places I wanted to love but didn't: That overhyped gastropub in East Liberty with $18 tater tots. Or the speakeasy that carded me three times - we get it, you're exclusive.
Final thought? Skip chasing "best bars in Pittsburgh" lists blindly. Your perfect spot might be some unassuming corner bar playing polka music. Mine sure is - but I'm keeping that one to myself.
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