Imbibe Fireside: All the bars/coffee shops in Pittsburgh with fireplaces
Leather bound books. The smell of rich mahogany. Kindle your inner cozy next to one of these fireplaces.
by Lainne Bacharach
March 22, 2019
We are on the final stretch of our “Pittsburgh Winter” and to help get you through this last month, we found some of the coziest restaurants and bars in Pittsburgh. Whether you’re looking for casual vibes or upscale, we got you covered with unique cocktails, delicious food, great atmospheres and at least one fireplace. So slowly step away from your space heater and get out on the ‘tahn, we promise you warmth at these locations.
Carmella’s Plates and Pints – Southside
Tucked among the wild Southside bars is this quiet, dim-lit restaurant with comfort written all over it. The vibe of a country cabin meets a ski lodge best describes Carmella’s ambiance. The fireplace in the back brings the chill level to the max. A full bar, great wine, and drafts selections are all offered but don’t overlook the recently updated food menu.
When to go: Saturday and Sunday brunch. Sunday has Blue Moon $3.50 specials all day. On Sundays from 3-6 pm, Carmella’s has acoustic music from some top local performers like Clinton Clegg, who is the lead singer of The Commonheart.
Fl. 2 The Fairmont Hotel – Downtown
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfQ_tuRnPvg/
At the top of a very long staircase (40+ steps) in the Fairmont Hotel is an amazing gem called Fl. 2. This cool, classy, Art Deco-inspired restaurant captures guests immediately with its posh oval bar. The fireplace, inset in an opulent white marble wall, is located in the back dining area. Seasonal cocktails like Pistachio Coquito and Apple Harvest Old Fashioned make Fl. 2 an easy choice for a winter nightcap.
When to go: Check out Fl. 2 for happy hour Monday – Friday, from 5-7 pm, which features seasonal drink and food specials.
Eighth & Hays – Homestead
Not one but two fireplaces can be found at this newer Homestead restaurant. The chic open interior, with the dual fireplaces, makes for a modern, serene atmosphere. Order one of the flatbread pizzas with a $20 house bottle of wine (happy hour special) and you will find yourself exactly where you want to be on a cold Pittsburgh evening.
When to go: Head to Homestead on Wednesdays for the $30 pizza and a bottle of wine special.
Mansions on Fifth – Shadyside
This old converted mansion in the heart of Shadyside brings its guests back in time with immaculate woodwork, a grand staircase and stained glass. In the Oak Room Pub, you can sit by the wood-burning fireplace while you sip your gin and tonic in the cozy early 1900s interior. Just when you thought this place couldn’t get any better, Mansions is a bed and breakfast, so if you have one too many, there is a room right upstairs.
When to go: Thursdays from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm for Performance Thursdays, live music and drink specials. Check out the Mansions on Fifth event calendar online or their Facebook page for updates on who is performing each Thursday.
Shiloh Grill – Mt. Washington
Shiloh Grill literally has it all: amazing views from Mt. Washington, great food, unbelievable happy hour specials, and it made this list, so it also has a fireplace. If you are looking for a place to go with a group of friends or to bring your out-of-town guests, check it out.
When to go: Happy Hour 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Monday – Friday and Tuesday night is the famous Bacon Night, where you can get a basket of bacon for $1.00.
The Abbey on Butler Street – Lawrenceville
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgmTnB-g1-r/
After extensive renovations, this former funeral home reopened as a bar/restaurant/coffee shop in 2016. The interior of The Abbey on Butler Street is filled with architectural finds, and there are lots of different seating options. While the exterior architecture may look like a funeral home, the interior feels like a 1970s Goth-rock music video. The big fireplace is located in the coffee shop side of the building. You can buy a beer from the bar and bring it over to one of the couches in front of the fireplace.
When to go: Anytime. The Abbey opens early (6:30 am on weekdays and 7:00 am on weekends) and closes late (between 10 pm and 2 am depending on the day of the week).
•
More Local Stories
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Sanford
On this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando explore what’s new in the Northern part of town. Sanford has a plethora of breweries, bars, and delicious dining options to choose from.
Hometown Tragedy: The Pike County Massacre
On this episode of Hometown Tragedy: Missing in Milwaukee, we’ll explore what happened to Jerica Banks, her children, and how it impacted their community.
Six New Orleans parks that are perfect locations to celebrate 4th of July
Head to one of these six New Orleans parks to celebrate Independence Day in the city.
Cheap Date Orlando: Punk Rock & Pooches
Two Orlando couples shop vintage, search for the perfect slice, visit a post-apocalyptic saloon, and take the stage on blind dates in Orlando.
Fit and Fab: Free summer workouts in Boston
Cover photo courtesy Getty Images Looking to get fit for the summer? Still wary of COVID-19 or just looking for some sunshine while you sweat? Here are some Boston free summer workouts across the city so you can keep moving all season long! Seaport Sweat May 2 to Sept. 29 Boston’s biggest free workout series…
What’s On the Menu?: Farm-to-table
The farm-to-table movement brings locally grown foods to your plate. Not only will enjoying farm-to-table meals allow you to indulge in fresh, nutritional, seasonal dishes, but farm-to-table dining helps the environment and supports the local economy. Check out these delicious farm-to-table restaurants in Greenville, South Carolina on the latest episode of What’s On the Menu?. …
A guide to some of the best Black-owned brunch spots in NOLA
Gather the crew together, make those reservations, and celebrate all things Black at brunch.
A guide to Pittsburgh’s summer events must-do list
Check out our roundup below for the can’t-miss events happening in the city over the next few months.
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Tarpon Springs
In this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando you’ll be transported to a thriving Greek community nestled on Florida’s gulf coast. From sponge diving to flaming cheese to a Greek bakery that supplies a ginormous amount of baklava to the entire country, you’re sure to fall in love with Greek culture in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Dorchester doughnuts that pack a paczki
These traditional Polish pastries are the real deal.
A grab-and-go food guide to the MSY New Orleans terminal
Time. Most of us don’t have a lot of that. Even less so when we’re rushing to make a flight. There are still plenty of tasty options for the less leisurely travelers among us, though it helps to know where to find them.
Not your typical Asian takeout — a guide to international takeout food in Pittsburgh
Let’s talk international food from Korea, Thailand, India, Uzbekistan and more! This isn’t your typical takeout box.
Homestead’s Golden Age Beer Co. is ushering in a golden age of lagers
Homestead’s Golden Age Beer Company is in business to shine a light on the time-honored brews.
What’s On The Menu?: Pittsburgh Staples
Pierogies Plus, Salem’s Market & Grill, Big Jim’s, and Max’s Tavern and staples in the Pittsburgh community. Find out what it takes to create a business that lasts in the Steel City.