It’s officially outdoor drinking season in Pittsburgh. After months of less-than-stellar weather, we’re ready to spend some time in the sun, drink in hand. And there’s no better place to do that than at a rooftop bar.
Keep this list handy for when that group text just can’t decide where to go on Saturday night (or for after-work drinks) — you’ll want to soak up outdoor drinking weather while you can.
New Amsterdam
We waited patiently for New Amsterdam’s rooftop bar to reopen and their team made it worth our wait. It’s big enough to spread out and have a little personal space yet intimate enough you won’t lose your friends as soon as you turn the other direction. Plus, their drink specials and music is always on point.
Pints on Penn
Typically bar food can be a little uninventive, but not at Pints on Penn. Rotating all-you-can-eat-tacos are the star on Tuesday. Plan on enjoying on their deck overlooking 36th Street — the perfect place to sip on a local craft beer and hide from the bustle on Butler.
Biergarten
You don’t have to hop on a plane to be transported to a German beer garden (or rather, biergarten). Instead, hop on an elevator and head up nine floors at Hotel Monaco where you’ll find Biergarten. Choose your beverage from an exhaustive list of European beers, wines, or cocktails and pair it with a giant pretzel, bratwurst, or fried pickles.
Il Tetto
Ever since Il Tetto opened, it’s been a favorite for Pittsburghers and visitors alike. They have a list of 36 drafts, wines, and cocktails, bar snacks like dry rubbed ribs, an Italian cheese plate, or hummus and veggies — oh, and a view of the city that can’t be missed.
The Library
Happy Hour at The Library is still one of the best places to be any day between 5pm-7pm and 10pm-midnight. Half-priced drafts, half off all small plates, and a deck that feels like a refuge from the Southside make this one of the best places to meet friends after work — or to start your night out.
Six Penn Kitchen
Boozy brunch on the rooftop of Six Penn Kitchen is a can’t-miss this summer. Their Bloody Marys are made with house-infused vodka (choose from jalapeno, horseradish, bacon, or black pepper) and you can soak it all up with eggs benedict, steak and eggs, or chocolate chip waffles.
BRGR
There’s not much better than a burger on a summer day — unless it’s a burger AND a beer on a rooftop in East Liberty. You can get all three on BRGR’s covered rooftop. We especially like getting our buzz on with their spiked milkshakes.
Carson City Saloon
If you haven’t been to Carson City Saloon since college (no judgment!) you might want to stop by on the next nice day in the city if you’re feeling a little rowdy. They still have those staples of your youth — beer pong and cheap chicken wings — along with a draft list that’s sure to have something everyone will enjoy.
Steel Cactus
Shadyside’s largest rooftop deck can be found on Walnut Street at Steel Cactus. We’re fans of the yinzerita, a frozen margarita topped (yes, topped) with a bottle of beer. We suggest coming in for dinner (chips and guac, anyone?) and staying for the scene afterward.
Local Bar + Kitchen
Even if the weather’s not ideal, you can still enjoy the rooftop at Local Bar + Kitchen. It’s enclosed and has outdoor heaters for those cooler nights. While it’s one of *the* places to be after hours, it also makes a great happy hour or brunch spot
Harris Grill Downtown
Taking over the former Tavern 245 Spot downtown, Harris Grill has expanded out of Shadyside and into the hearts of downtown workers everywhere. Expect all of the essentials Harris Grill has become known for — a great cocktail selection and baskets of bacon, now served on a rooftop downtown.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.