With Pittsburgh's recent ascension to the top of the 2015 Zagat food city list, you might not be surprised to learn that this city also has a great selection of bars. Whether you're in search for a classy place for a romantic evening or a straight up dive bar to get wasted at, Pittsburgh has it all.
Refined palates and low price tags come together at the Allegheny Wine Mixer. This establishment offers wine by the glass or bottle, a good amount of craft beer, and delicious cheese and meat plates to accompany your beverages. Don't forget to try the unique wine cocktails.
5326 Butler Street
(412) 252-2337
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 86 reviews
Some people just love drinking beer, and for those people, there is Fat Head's Saloon. With 42 different craft beers on tap featuring a lot of local favorites, you'll never run out of choices. Fat Head's also makes its own beer, making it a delicious choice for those who want to try something new.
1805 East Carson Street
(412) 431-7433
Yelp: 4 stars, 486 reviews
With three major league sports teams, Pittsburghers have unlimited sports bars to choose from - but Cupka's Cafe II might just be the best. It boasts 15 TV screens to keep you aware of the score at all times and even hosts a live broadcast of ESPN Radio 970AM on Wednesdays.
2314 East Carson Street
(412) 431-9691
Yelp: 3 stars, 10 reviews
Butcher and the Rye has an entire wall of rare and obscure whiskeys that reaches all the way to the ceiling. Not only that, but it offers an intriguing variety of whiskey-inspired cocktails and "thinking drinks." Try a whiskey flight to sample a bit of everything.
212 Sixth Street
(412) 391-2752
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 352 reviews
If you've had a rough day at work, The Library has one of the best happy hour specials around, with half off drafts between 5 to 7 and 10 to midnight. Whole bottles of wine are also half price on Mondays and Tuesdays if you really need to eviscerate your day.
2302 East Carson Street
(412) 381-0517
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 145 reviews
A popular hangout for University of Pittsburgh students, Hemingway's can get crowded and dirty. But drinks are plentiful with 42 different taps and inexpensive with pitchers starting at $5. Try their infamous mason jar cocktails or delicious shot pitchers.
3911 Forbes Avenue
(412) 621-4100
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 82 reviews
Bar Marco is the place for the perfect cocktail. It's fine dining atmosphere translates well into the bar menu. Each cocktail is inherently unique, such as the interesting Sombreroland.com (think Mexico, in a glass). In addition, the bartenders are always happy to make you something new based on your tastes.
2216 Penn Avenue
(412) 471-1900
Yelp: 4 stars, 172 reviews
James Street Gastropub and Speakeasy completely owns its prohibition atmosphere with 20s style swing dancing and jazz. This bar also features musicians every weekend, ranging from hip hop to hard rock. Prohibition-themed cocktails and 15 rotating craft drafts give everyone something to sing about.
James Street Gastropub and Speakeasy
422 Foreland Street
(412) 904-3335
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 165 reviews
Everyone's heard of Hofbrauhaus - but did you know they have a location in Pittsburgh? Order a giant liter of beer and lounge outside in the beer garden overlooking the Monongahela River. Sit on the elevated patio for a more formal evening or venture down a set of stairs to a wide open beer garden space.
2705 South Water Street
(412) 224-2328
Yelp: 4 stars, 423 reviews
Perle is a champagne lounge with a wide range of wines, beers, and cocktails. Though the prices are a bit on the higher side, it is a fantastic opportunity to try things you can't find at other bars. Order a VIP bottle to relax the night away or try a champagne cocktail.
25 Market Square
(412) 471-2058
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 34 reviews
Jack's is one of the most infamous bars on the Southside, and that's saying something. A steadfast tradition for years, Jack's is known for its smoky atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and cold drinks. It's also a hangout for local sports legends like Ben Roethlisberger.
1121 East Carson Street
(412) 431-3644
Yelp: 4 stars, 35 reviews
Since Sienna Mercato is three restaurants/bars in one, it's the perfect place to spend an entire day drinking. Start at the bottom floor, which is home to 32 draft beers and cocktails. The second floor is more wine-centric and you can buy it by the bottle or glass. Finally, the rooftop beer garden has 32 more drafts to sample.
942 Penn Avenue
(412) 281-2810
Yelp: 4 stars, 366 reviews
First dates are awkward, but The Summit helps alleviate your anxiety. It features tons of delectable cocktails to chill your nerves as well as board games that you and your date can play together. It's also on Mt. Washington, which means you can go for a romantic walk afterwards.
200 Shiloh Street
(412) 918-1647
Yelp: 4 stars, 48 reviews
Okay, this might not be what you think of when you hear "bar," but the Pittsburgh Juice Company has a fine selection of healthy drinks to restore you to normal when you have a hangover. Each juice is crafted fresh each day and made with only organic and raw ingredients.
3418 Penn Avenue
(412) 586-5060
Yelp: 4 stars, 18 reviews
The Pittsburgh gay scene is thriving, and the Blue Moon is one of its hotspots. Come in to enjoy drag shows and karaoke, play a game of pool, or relax on the outdoor patio with a drink in hand. Drinks are known to be generous in portion and cheap on the price.
5115 Butler Street
(412) 781-1119
Yelp: 4 stars, 23 reviews
Smallman Galley is an intriguing concept - four restaurants in one, fronted by four different chefs. Along with this premise comes an excellent bar. Each drink is specifically tailored to the dishes concocted by the chefs. They also feature 20 local drafts, top-shelf local spirits, and exceptional wines.
54 21st Street
(412) 315-5950
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 26 reviews
