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
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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
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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).
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