Over the past several months, we’ve featured happy hour specials in different neighborhoods around Pittsburgh. For our final happy hour tour in this series, we’ll be visiting Shadyside!
Mad Mex Shadyside
The Deal: 4:30-6:30PM, Monday-Friday, half off drafts and wings, $7 Big Azz Margaritas, $3 12 oz and $5 16oz House Margaritas
What to Expect: Mad Mex on South Highland Avenue is almost always bustling at happy hour, so try to get there early to grab a seat! This casual local restaurant chain calls its cuisine “Funky Fresh Cal-Mex.” The wings include some unusual sauce options and are half off at happy hour, and the margaritas are excellent and generous on the size for the price. It can be tough to find parking in the area, so take advantage of their valet parking, available at Casbah across the street.
The Urban Tap
The Deal: 4:30-6:30PM, Monday-Thursday, 1/2 off drafts, $2 off glass of wine, cocktails and small plates
What to Expect: After you have a marg at Mad Mex, hop next door to their neighbor, The Urban Tap! The beer steals the show here, with a large wall behind the bar featuring just about everything imaginable on tap. The U-shaped bar with swivel seats makes this a great spot for meeting people, and there are big screen TVs for sporting events. There is also a dining room in the back of the restaurant if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.
Stack’d
The Deal: 4:30-6:30PM, Monday-Friday, 1/2 off drafts and appetizers, plus daily food specials
What to Expect: Stack’d recently relocated, but don’t worry—they still have a location in Shadyside! At their new spot on Ellsworth Avenue, they have the same made-to-order burgers, wings, and beer that you know and love. With half off both appetizers and drafts at happy hour, it’s no surprise that this is a popular weekday hangout for graduate students and young professionals. Grab a table indoors or sit outside on the dog-friendly patio while you chow down on your burger!
5801
The Deal: 6-8PM, every day, $1.50 off all liquor, $1 off all beers, buy one get one free appetizers (Classics), 25% Off All Dips, Sticks & Wings (Eat-In Only), plus nightly drink specials
What to Expect: 5801 is a staple of the LGBTQ community in Pittsburgh. The buy one, get one free apps are a real steal, and the slightly later start time on their happy hour means you can keep the party going further into the evening. Their incredible back patio may be one of the best outdoor spots in Pittsburgh, but if you prefer to stay indoors, you can play darts or sit at one of the inside bars.
Soba
The Deal: 5-7PM, Monday-Friday, $5-6 cocktail specials made with Absolut, daily wine and beer specials
What to Expect: Soba is another genius restaurant concept from the Big Burrito Group, who are also the owners of Mad Mex. This gorgeous lounge is a great date spot for Asian fare. Happy hour here is centered around amazing cocktail creations that feature Absolut vodka. Try a Bangkok Tea or a Sobatini to step out of your normal weekday routine!
Steel Cactus
The Deal: 5-7PM, Monday-Friday, $5 Apps, $10 Margarita Pitchers, and $2 off Specialty Cocktails
What to Expect: Steel Cactus is a go-to spot on Walnut Street for Shadysiders in the summer. There’s a roof deck with a giant fan to keep you cool, as well as open windows surrounding the second floor that let you look out over Walnut Street. $10 Margarita Pitchers that you can share with your pals are the highlight of this happy hour, but you certainly can’t go wrong with the $5 nachos either!
Mario’s East Side Saloon
The Deal: 5-7PM, Monday-Friday, half off beer bottles and select drafts, half off mixed drinks (except top shelf), and $5 for select happy hour appetizers. Wednesday night $5 burgers from 5-10PM
What to Expect: On weekends, Mario’s in Shadyside can get jam-packed and caters to a slightly more boisterous crowd, but on weeknights it’s much more low-key. The half off mixed drinks deal makes for an affordable happy hour, and the appetizers that are on special are super hearty. This is also a good spot to catch a game on TV, and the large roof deck has plenty of tables and bar space.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.