Brillobox ★ 4.0
$$bloomfield{'monday': 'closed', 'tuesday': 'varies by event', 'wednesday': 'varies by event', 'thursday': 'varies by event', 'friday': 'varies by event', 'saturday': 'varies by event', 'sunday': 'varies by event'}
Brillobox on Penn Avenue in Bloomfield runs DJ and dance nights upstairs in Pittsburgh. An art-filled corner venue with cocktails below and a small dance floor above.
Tip: The upstairs room hosts DJ nights and dance parties; check the calendar before going.
Brillobox ★ 4.1
$$bloomfield{'monday': 'closed', 'tuesday': 'varies by event', 'wednesday': 'varies by event', 'thursday': 'varies by event', 'friday': 'varies by event', 'saturday': 'varies by event', 'sunday': 'varies by event'}
Brillobox on Penn Avenue in Bloomfield is a long-running live-music bar in Pittsburgh. Cocktails downstairs and a small upstairs stage for touring and local bands.
Tip: The upstairs stage hosts indie and local acts most nights; arrive early for a good spot.
Gooski's ★ 4.1
$polish-hill{'monday': 'varies by event', 'tuesday': 'varies by event', 'wednesday': 'varies by event', 'thursday': 'varies by event', 'friday': 'varies by event', 'saturday': 'varies by event', 'sunday': 'varies by event'}
Gooski's on Brereton Street in Polish Hill is a dive bar and punk venue in Pittsburgh. Cheap drinks, pierogi and live punk shows in the old steelworker neighbourhood.
Tip: Cash only and loud. Catch a punk show, eat the pierogi and stay late; it runs to 2am.
Spirits & Tales ★ 4.0
$$$oakland{'monday': '16:00-23:00', 'tuesday': '16:00-23:00', 'wednesday': '16:00-23:00', 'thursday': '16:00-23:00', 'friday': '16:00-24:00', 'saturday': '11:00-24:00', 'sunday': '11:00-22:00'}
Spirits & Tales atop the Oaklander Hotel is a rooftop bar with a view in Pittsburgh. Cocktails and small plates on a terrace above the university district.
Tip: Go at sunset for the rooftop view. Reserve a terrace table on warm-weather weekends.
Il Tetto at Sienna Mercato ★ 4.0
$$downtown{'monday': '16:00-23:00', 'tuesday': '16:00-23:00', 'wednesday': '16:00-23:00', 'thursday': '16:00-24:00', 'friday': '16:00-02:00', 'saturday': '12:00-02:00', 'sunday': '12:00-22:00'}
Il Tetto, the rooftop atop Sienna Mercato on Penn Avenue downtown, is a beer-garden terrace in Pittsburgh. Drinks and pizza above the Cultural District.
Tip: The rooftop beer garden fills before Cultural District shows; go early for a table.
Acacia ★ 4.3
$$$south-side{'monday': 'closed', 'tuesday': '17:00-24:00', 'wednesday': '17:00-24:00', 'thursday': '17:00-24:00', 'friday': '17:00-02:00', 'saturday': '17:00-02:00', 'sunday': '17:00-24:00'}
Acacia on East Carson Street in the South Side is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Pittsburgh. Low lights and custom cocktails in a calmer corner of the bar strip.
Tip: Tell the bartender what you like and let them build a drink. Quieter than its neighbours.