A Local’s Go-To Bars in Pittsburgh
Last Updated on April 3, 2025
Whether I’m meeting friends after dinner or capping off a shoot day with something strong, these are the bars I keep coming back to. Some are cocktails-first, others are beer-soaked and buzzy, but they’ve all got one thing in common: good energy and even better drinks. I’m not here to list every bar in the city—just the ones that hit right. No gimmicks, no loud club scenes, just solid spots where you can actually hold a conversation and enjoy whatever’s in your glass. I'll keep updating this as find new favorites. Cheers.
Bar Botanico
Bar Botanico is one of those spots that just makes you feel better the second you walk in. It’s bright, full of plants, and carries this calm-but-buzzy energy that makes you want to stay for more than just a drink. It’s a pretty popular spot—especially on the weekends—so yeah, it fills up fast. I’ve been a few times and couldn’t snag a seat, but honestly, that’s not a complaint. If a bar is packed, it usually means it’s doing something right.
The bartenders are always super chill, and the drinks are consistently delicious. I forget the exact name of my go-to (pretty sure it has bitter orange and rum in it), but I order it on autopilot at this point. Botanica doesn’t really serve food aside from a few small bites, so I usually end up here after dinner. Pro tip: if you’re a popcorn fan, order the Cinema cocktail—it comes with a little side of it. Just try it.