The very best 12 nightlife spots in Pittsburgh, United States

Ah, Pittsburgh, the city known for its steel, sports, and surprisingly vibrant nightlife! If you find yourself thirsty for a good time after a long day of cheering for the Steelers, fear not. The Steel City certainly knows how to let loose. From the lively East Carson Street, where you can bar hop until you feel like a (tipsy) kid again, to the trendy Cultural District where you can catch a show and then dance the night away, Pittsburgh's got you covered. Just remember, drinking is as much a sport here as football, so pace yourself and enjoy the ride!

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1. Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse & Whiskey Garden

4.7 (201)

1055 Spring Garden Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA

Welcome to the Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse & Whiskey Garden, where Pittsburgh's fondness for whiskey meets its love for clever wordplay. Step inside this charming establishment and be prepared to have your taste buds whisked away on a boozy adventure like no other. With its cozy ambiance and a seemingly endless array of potent potions, this place is nothing short of an elixir enthusiast's paradise. Cheers to that! Upon entering the barrelhouse, prepare to journey deep into the alchemic world of whiskey-making. Wander through the maze of ever-so-charming oak barrels, as if you've stumbled upon the wizarding world's secret distillery. Who knows, you might even find yourself imagining what Harry Potter would be like if he drank butterbeer-aged whiskey instead of butterbeer itself. Best to leave that to the imaginations of Pottermore. If you're in need of a breath of fresh air, step outside into the whimsical wonderland that is the Whiskey Garden. As you revel in the beaming sun, it's not just your heart that warms up; it's the congenial conversations floating in the air like intoxicating perfume. Sip your beverage of choice while surrounded by vibrant flora, and you might even spot a gnome or two, ready to share some saucy tales of Pittsburgh's whiskey-soaked past. So come on down to the Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse & Whiskey Garden and experience a concoction of whimsy, history, and, of course, a healthy dose of liquid courage.

www.wiglewhiskey.com

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2. Hidden Harbor

4.6 (611)

1708 Shady Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA

Welcome to Hidden Harbor in Pittsburgh, where you can discover the city's best-kept secret, nestled away like that forgotten sweater in the back of your closet (but way more exciting). This hidden gem boasts a cozy ambiance that will make you want to sink deep into their plushy chairs and sip on cocktails as if time has decided to take a nice extended vacation. Now, don't let the name fool you, because this place is no ordinary harbor - it's a maritime-inspired paradise where the ship of your thirst sets sail towards uncharted horizons of boozy goodness.

www.hiddenharborpgh.com

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3. The Abbey on Butler Street

4.3 (2004)

4635 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, USA

Tucked away in Pittsburgh's vibrant neighborhood of Lawrenceville, The Abbey on Butler Street is a quirkily charming destination that promises to delight all who venture inside. This former church turned event space is a heavenly blend of old-world charm and modern fun, making it the perfect spot for culture seekers and party animals alike. With its stained glass windows, high ceilings, and a bar that could make even a monk break their vow of sobriety, The Abbey is not your average watering hole, but rather a divine sanctuary of good times.

theabbeyonbutlerstreet.com

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4. Acacia

4.7 (461)

2108 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA

Welcome to Pittsburgh, the home of Acacia, a trendy hotspot offering a truly unique dining experience! Nestled in the bustling heart of the city, Acacia surprises food enthusiasts with its fusion of delicious flavors and pop culture references. As you step inside, prepare to be charmed by their whimsical decor, where vintage arcade games and modern art create an atmosphere that will make your Instagram followers green with envy. And of course, don't miss out on their mouthwatering menu, which features everything from deconstructed pierogis to "steel city sushi!"

acaciacocktails.com

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5. Bar Marco

4.6 (585)

2216 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA

Welcome to Bar Marco, a delightful watering hole in the heart of Pittsburgh where trendy meets quirky. Step inside and you'll be greeted by impeccably dressed bartenders who are clearly cooler than you, but in an approachable way. The cozy yet vibrant atmosphere makes it the ideal spot to sip on artisanal cocktails while contemplating life's mysteries, like why they serve sliders on wooden boards instead of plates.

www.barmarcopgh.com

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6. Kelly's Bar & Lounge

4.4 (691)

6012 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA

Welcome to Kelly's Bar & Lounge, where the drinks flow like a cascading waterfall and the atmosphere is as cozy as a penguin wearing a tuxedo! Nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh, this hidden gem boasts a quirky ambiance reminiscent of a '70s disco ballroom, giving guests a chance to bust out their best dance moves or simply unwind with a beverage in hand. Prepare to meet Pittsburgh natives who embrace the Yinzer spirit, as they welcome you with open arms and a catchy yinzer accent that's as sweet as freshly baked pierogies.

kellysbarlounge.com

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7. The Commoner

4.4 (1659)

620 William Penn Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA

Welcome to The Commoner, Pittsburgh's quirkiest hangout spot that's as unique as its name! Tucked away in the heart of downtown, this hip eatery flaunts a menu that's a pleasant blend of trendy and traditional fare, ensuring even the pickiest eater finds bliss. With its rustic-chic ambiance and woodsy aroma, The Commoner instantly transports you to a hobbit's cozy abode, minus the need for hairy feet or riddles with Gollum.

www.thecommonerpgh.com

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8. The Independent Brewing Company

4.5 (355)

1704 Shady Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA

Nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh, The Independent Brewing Company is a craft beer haven that will leave you hoppy and giggly. This whimsical spot boasts a vibrant atmosphere where you can sip on local brews while playing a rousing game of "spot the hipster beard." The beer selection is as diverse as the city itself, with options ranging from classic IPAs to experimental concoctions that will make your taste buds dance a jig.

www.independentpgh.com

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9. Butcher and the Rye

4.6 (1194)

212 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA

Welcome to Butcher and the Rye, where your taste buds embark on a swashbuckling adventure in Pittsburgh's culinary wonderland! This trendy gastropub is a whimsical hideaway that will transport you to the land of scrumptious satisfaction and boozy delights. With their impressive selection of meaty morsels, handcrafted cocktails, and an ambiance that screams "industrial meets playful," this joint is a must-visit for foodies and thirsty travelers alike.

www.richarddeshantz.com

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10. Grist House Craft Brewery

4.7 (626)

10 E Sherman St, Millvale, PA 15209, USA

Welcome to Grist House Craft Brewery, where beer flows like a river of pure joy straight into your pint glass. This rustic gem nestled amidst the bustling streets of Pittsburgh is the answer to all your hoppy dreams. With a taproom that feels like a log cabin's chic cousin, you'll find yourself sipping on delicious craft brews while pondering life's most important question: How did they manage to make beer taste even better than squirrel sightings?

gristhouse.com

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11. Soho

Uptown, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Welcome to Soho in Pittsburgh, a neighborhood that's so cool, it doesn't even need more than one name. Prepare yourself for a delightful blend of hip sophistication and quirky funkiness. Take a stroll down the streets and you'll be greeted by a unique mishmash of art galleries, trendy eateries, and fashionable boutiques that will make you wonder if you've accidentally ended up in the fashion capital of Pennsylvania.

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12. Smallman Galley

4.5 (2169)

200 Children's Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA

Welcome to Smallman Galley, Pittsburgh's foodie haven housed in a converted strip club. This culinary playground is where four aspiring chefs showcase their skills, making it the perfect spot for indecisive eaters who can't pick just one restaurant. Step inside this remarkable foodie incubator and indulge in a gastronomic adventure that'll leave your taste buds dancing like nobody's watching.

www.federalgalley.org

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Pittsburgh by plane is to fly into Pittsburgh International Airport from your departure airport. There are multiple major airlines that service this airport making it a convenient option for travelers.

Car

Driving to Pittsburgh is an option for those nearby or looking for a road trip. Major highways leading to Pittsburgh include I-76, I-79 and I-376. Once in Pittsburgh, it is recommended to park in one of the public parking garages located throughout the downtown area.

Train

Unfortunately there is no direct train service to Pittsburgh. However, Amtrak has stations in nearby cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. which offer connections to Pittsburgh via bus or rental car.

Boat

While there are no direct boat routes to Pittsburgh, it is possible to travel by boat on the Ohio River which runs through the city. There are various boat tours and rentals available for those interested.

Bus

There are several bus companies such as Greyhound and Megabus that offer travel to Pittsburgh from various cities. The main bus station in Pittsburgh is the Pittsburgh Intermodal Station located in the downtown area.

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