I went here recently with friends at prime time dinner time on the weekend. We waited maybe 30 minutes or more for seats but we are happy with the delicious cocktail and mocktails they had to offer while we waited. I would def recommend preparing for a wait if you want to eat at standard dinner time on the weekend. The wait for our food once we were seated wasn't too bad maybe around an additional 10 minutes. We ordered varied dishes, peirogies, dill soup, salad, the bread and spreads dish, and a couple other items. To me the winner was the dill soup! It was so good I would go back just for that. I wasn't a fan of the vegan bread - the other food didn't taste vegan but that heavy dirt like bread definitely did. I love having another vegan restaurant in the burgh and hope it only continues to thrive! read more

Terrific food and service. Vegan! But carnivores will also probably like it!

Fantastic place! Great Polish fusion restaurant. Amazing drinks. Love the wildflower with tequila. All the dishes are beautifully prepared. None of my friends can believe that everything is vegan, they love it so. The space is eclectic and wood toned. Love the fresh bouquets of flowers. And the signs on the unisex bathrooms are awesome! One of the top restaurants in Pittsburgh. And super affordable too. read more

The food is amazing, the staff is incredible, the aesthetic is wonderful, and they make great use of the space they have. HOWEVER once it gets dark they set these small skinny candles on the tables in enormous mason jars that take up their already small tables. Love your restaurant, please reconsider your candles. read more

Apteka is stupidly good. All vegan, and really *interesting* food (+ cocktails!). The pierogis are a classic and a must-get, at least on your first time. Trust me, you will come back again. I've also tried the Kotlet Selerowy and would highly recommend. Over the summer they had grilled sunflower, which I'd never seen before but am so grateful to have been introduced to. Hopefully they'll bring it back this year! You order at the counter when you walk in and then they bring your food to your table, but it's much nicer than your standard cafe. Great spot for a date! read more

Spectacular. I'll eat anything. My kids are vegan. None of us could believe how great the food was. We ordered all four small plates and all four large plates and every single thing was terrific. read more

My sister always talks about how great this place is, so when I came home for the weekend I had to try it. And wow, it didn't disappoint. The food was delicious, presented beautifully and was a cool spin on Polish cuisine/famous Pittsburgh pierogi. We didn't have to wait, but my sister said there is usually a line so definitely try to arrive early. :) That evening the weather was nice, so we sat outside which was one of my favorite parts. I found it very decently priced for the quality of food and atmosphere. I loved the energy there and I hope to be back again! read more

Awesome! I grew up with Polish food on Christmas, and have a soft spot for it in my heart, but I've always thought of it as objectively pretty bland and boring. Apteka proves that wrong! This place has a great comfortable and friendly vibe, delicious, interesting, foodie-compatible food, and a nice drink menu (both cocktails and local craft beers were solid). Will come again. read more

Apteka - Menu 4/21/2016 - Vegan Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Very surprised by how much I enjoyed my meal there. Not that I heard poor things about Apteka-- in fact, the opposite as my son has been saying great things about the food-- but, rather, I've never eaten at a vegan restaurant before. A couple of us had the kluski, my wife had the pierogies, someone had a sandwich. The menu is pretty limited but changes all the time-- yet we all left there very pleased with what we ate! Plus I had an interesting tequila-based cocktail that was great. Very surprised how tasty and satisfying vegan food could be (no offense meant to any vegans or vegetarians reading this). The restaurant is Eastern European, so it was nice to hear the gentleman behind the bar pronounce my Polish last name correctly-- then let me know that they do serve stinging nettle (what my name means) tea! We sat in the rear half of the restaurant which had a patio feel. A nice space to eat and talk. Had a lovely meal and look forward to my next visit there. read more

What a remarkable experience! Every dish from wine to dessert was delicious! And such friendly polite and attentive customer service.

I really like this place's gimmick if you call it that. The menu is heavily Eastern European themed. I am not vegan or vegetarian, and was fully satisfied by the menu. The plates are small and good to sample/share with friends. It's pretty easy to get a good nonalcoholic drink as well. I came on a busy night and it was slightly confusing to figure out the food ordering situation with a crowd to the door. read more

What a cool place, simple but clean and inviting decor, and amazing food. I love how casual it is, and yet the food is prepared with a gourmet care that was unexpected and exciting. Cocktails were also quite good. I'm so excited to see Pittsburgh exploring some of its Eastern European roots through its foodie lens! read more

I don't get who thought reinventing the wheel on how food is ordered and received was needed. We came on a Saturday night past 8pm with a group of 4. We waited in a line that was to the door for 15 minutes or so. Once we got to the cashier we were encouraged to get food to go instead of dining in as the wait would be 40 min and people didn't seem like leaving (I wouldn't either after knowing the hurdles these people went through just to order food). Disclaimer: we were fine with a wait, we expected one but didn't expect to be met with such passive aggressive attitude that new customers didn't understand how ordering works at this special restaurant. It perplexed me that our options were to either order take out (for a group of 4?) or get a number to WAIT again at the bar area just to order your food and claim a table then WAIT again for your food. If you decide to fate your luck on waiting instead of take out then you must stay in the bar area (which had 15 people already crowding around - there was no place for us to stand so we got corralled like cattle to the corner near the front door with water carafes and glasses but no place to set them on?). It feels like they make the ordering process as onerous as possible to mask the fact that they are a busy restaurant with limited staff. As you can see from reviews here, they haven't addressed this ongoing problem. Truly disappointed as I've been following the owners ever since the pierogi nights at the Stephen foster center and was so excited to eat here after moving back to Pittsburgh. At least the food is wonderful once you get it but maybe it tastes better after fighting through the system. read more

We had high hopes for Apteka, but ended up walking away dissapointed. Their ordering method is wonky; you wait in line, place your order, get a number, then wait for a table to eventually clear up. Our party of four was strongly pushed to order out instead of waiting for a table, as the front staff assured us there were several reservations and groups ahead of us, and it would be 30-40 minutes ~ up to an hour wait before we got seated. We reluctantly agreed, and found a couple of seats at the bar we could sit at while we waited. We were immediately told that we could not sit at the bar, as that was for "sit down and waiting customers only" and that we would have to wait in the corner by the front door (no seats or tables to be had). Strike one. The place cleared out pretty quickly and we noticed several tables opening up. We asked if we could change from "take out" to "sit down" and the mnager was called out. While friendly, it seemed like we were asking for something incredibly exceptional at this point, despite showing zero animosity towards anyone there. During this time, several people walked in from the street, skipped the line at the counter, and sat down at the bar without anyone questioning them (how a bar should work), which irked us a bit, as we were JUST told we were not allowed to at the bar. Strike two. We got our table (keeping in mind we had already paid for the food at this point) and some of our party wanted to get drinks so they headed up to the bar. They were then told that the drinks have to be on the original order, and to order drinks they would have to go back through the main line (10~15 minutes of waiting), order the drinks again, and they would be brought over with the food. They made another "exception" for what should be a standard process (go to the bar, order a drink, pay for drink/start a tab) and we noted that we were not made aware of this when we originally ordered food, else we would have ordered some drinks (probably because we were getting pushed out the door with "take out" for no reason). Strike three. Food finally comes out and it is exceptionally good (per my group's reviews of the food) hence a 2 star instead of a 1 star review. However, we were missing my meal (plate of pierogies) and I was unable to eat anything else that was ordered due to a recent medical procedure. I had specifically asked for those pierogies to be with the nut-free option (and they had already been paid for way back when this misadventure first started). The bigger issue was that despite seating others (even around us), our server (the manager we spoke to earlier) completely ignored every time we tried to flag us down. There was no check up on us, no asking how the food was, nothing. I ended up eating nothing at all while there, and was debating if it was even worth the time tracking down the manager and asking for a refund for the food we never got. We eventually did on the way out, and that was that. Strike four. Apteka really perplexes me; we were not rude, snide, or otherwise deserving of the treatment we got, but some we were treated like we were not wanted there at all. Ironically, there were always a few empty tables in the place after we were seated, and I just found out that their reservations are for parties of 6 or more (we had a group of 4), so it shouldn't have interfered with our seating to begin with. Overall, the very confusing and poor service overshadows what should have been a great experience for myself, my wife, and an out-of-town couple visiting us (including one completely new to Pittsburgh; what a great experience for him!). I will definitely not be going back. read more

Beautiful, delicious, and comfortable--I always feel cozy and sated here. Environment -- casual & friendly. Place orders up front and seat yourself. The space is carefully decorated without being fussy, with fresh and dried flower arrangements accenting simple wood furniture. The lights are often dimmed in the late evening, which can read as romantic or homey, depending on your company. Food & drink -- pirogi are a favorite. I've tried several things on their ever-changing menu, and nothing has disappointed. The cocktails are always a pleasant surprise. I will say, though, I once ordered a whiskey sour without thinking about the egg involved, which makes it off-limits at a vegan bar (they were very kind to make an effort to substitute something, though). read more

The salad... I rave about the salad and I give them 5 stars for just the salad. My friend and I shared a total of four dishes. The only ones I recall is perogies and salad, I also remember killing my low carb diet by eating the sliced bread. The drinks are very tasty but a little in the upper end in cost. I didn't know what to expect, to be honest. But I was attracted by the small and vegan menu. I tried so hard getting the recipe for the salad dressing from the friendly staff. No luck, but I have ideas. Will definitely go back next time I get a loan for the drinks. read more

I recently visited Apteka, and I thought the food was great! The kanapki was the star of the menu for me. Each tartine had a distinct flavor palette and was delicious in its own way. Oh, and the pierogies weren't bad either! Check out my full review with pictures! http://veganhostess.com/2016/03/25/restaurant-review-apteka-pittsburgh/ read more

Apetka is a great little space with charming decor. However, when I say small it truly is. To the point that a line goes out the door for folks waiting to get in. I understand the European concept of ordering at the bar and having the food brought to the table. But again, there's just not room. Ok with that small little negative comes the big, big positive. I am over the moon with this menu. Love that they offer small and big plates as well as fantastic cocktails. And the black pepper soda, you guys, OMG. I need that bottled for home: it's so good. Went with friends and had tartine and pierogis. I'm a meat eater but can throw down on some good vegan. The food is absolutely divine. The vodka black currant and rum plum wine juniper cocktails are so refreshing and appealing. Just a quick walk from home, I'll definitely be a regular. This is one of those spots we'd walk by anxiously awaiting their opening. Wow it was worth the wait! read more

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My partner and I went to Apteka on a Saturday night. It was about 8:00pm and there was a line out the door, which moved relatively quickly. The menu is posted on the wall as you enter and you order everything (drinks and food) at the counter when you walk in. You can choose to leave your check open or close it right then. From there, you take a number and find an open table. Being 8:00pm on a Saturday, it was pretty packed and we came pretty close to having our food arrive before a table opened up, but it worked out after all. For drinks: - vodka - whiskey/fernet - gin/celery - whiskey/prune Verdict -- All of the drinks were REALLY good except the whiskey/prune drink. It tasted like a flat jack and coke and the prune juice was more like syrup at the bottom. No bueno. For food, we shared: - kanapki - pierogi - horse & pepper sandwich Verdict -- Kanapki were very good and each were unique. Both of the pierogi were really good. The horse & pepper sandwich was good, but probably wouldn't order it again. I'd rather try the other good looking dishes they had! Overall, I would highly recommend giving this place a shot. I think the creative dishes would leave even the most devout carnivores satisfied. My one real gripe is how the restaurant is set up. I get that they want to have a relaxed vibe by having you order and pay for everything at the front, but if you want to order more drinks or to close your tab, you have to get back in line (which can be long depending on when you go) to do so. I would think having the servers handle additional drink orders and the check at your table would have been a better set up, but maybe I'm wrong. read more

My favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh. Everything here is amazing, I usually get the special sandwich and an order or pierogies -- if I could eat Apteka every day I definitely would. read more

I just came back from Apteka really upset, so I decided to write this review. My bf and I went there after a long hard working day to treat ourselves. I wanted to drink, but I forgot to bring my ID, so I was told by the girl at the cashier that I was not allowed to order alcohols. Then my bf ordered a cocktail and she still told us that I was not allowed to drink...Ok... I got it. It's a low. And I didn't order a drink!! But what pissed us off was that the girl moved other customers and made us sit in the place where they can watch us, so I don't touch the drink. I found it WAY TOO MUCH!!! You guys told me I can't buy a drink and I did NOT!! So why did you still have to keep your eyes on us!? I felt so uncomfortable and disrespected for the whole time and we couldn't enjoy our meal at all!!! We just felt like we were treated this way because we are Asians and look young. I'm 36 years old and have never treated this way in any restaurants before. We work hard and totally deserved a great night out. So disappointed. We wasted money and time at Apteka. read more

Snitzel and potatoes pancakes were my favorite (after eating there two nights in a row). I find vegan cuisine usually boring, but Apteka's is certainly not that. read more

I was skeptical of the food being Vegan - would it be filling? but the food was absolutely delicious - we got several dishes to share. The flavors were amazing and we will definitely be back! read more

A vegan delight! Wonderful food - reasonable price. Great taste in unusual dishes for Pittsburgh. Where chefs come to eat on their day off.

I love the pirogies here. The environment is so relaxing and beautiful! I am giving 4 stars because one of the dishes I got was a bit over cooked and burnt. Don't know if it was intentional but I didn't like it that much. read more

The food here is incredible! Met a vegetarian friend here for dinner and drinks, and I was not disappointed. I had Pierogies and Borscht, both were fantastic and I would not have known they were vegan if nobody told me. It was difficult to get a table, but once we found one it was a great night. read more

Vegan Polish food? What?!?! This place is a gem. Cozy decor, friendly & non-pushy service, and delicious food. The pierogis are everything that people say they are. I especially liked the ones with smoked mushrooms-and that's saying something because they have sauerkraut in them and I'm not a sauerkraut fan. Everything was delightful. It was crowded but they manage to get people seated and served in reasonable time without making you feel rushed at all. I will most definitely be returning...this is a new favorite for me! read more

One of my favorite flavorful places in Pittsburgh restaurants. Enjoyed eating lots of flavorful dishes with my close friends. Would definitely recommend for the vibe of the atmosphere and excellent unique dishes. read more

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The food was great, amazing what they can do and still be vegan. The atmosphere was awesome, and one of the best order at the counter restaurants I've seen. Some of the waitstaff need to relax though. Was here with a larger party- someone was giving a hug bye and the waitstaff rudely told them to get out of her way. First impressions last. Would return for the tasty food though! read more

We went in on Wednesday night based on Yelp reviews and the fact that it's a vegan restaurant. Holy moly was it busy! We got lucky and didn't have to wait for a table, but the place was packed and for a good reason. Both food and cocktails were amazing! We had pirogies (you have to) and golubki. It hit all the right spots! I'm not a vodka drinker, but vodka, black current and burnt lemon was refreshing and very tasty. Whether you're vegan or not, give this place a chance - you will not be disappointed! read more

Apteka - Pirogies and vodka+black current+burnt lemon! - Vegan Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

You wouldn't think vegan and Polish go together, but they do. This is one of the unique food spots of Pittsburgh. I bring friends here when they are in town because this is something they won't find at home, no matter where they're from. Quality ingredients and freshly prepared. Even a meat-eater like me does not miss meat when I'm here (for one meal). read more

Delicious Eastern European style vegan food. I've been here twice now and enjoyed everything I tried both times. The pierogi and the tartines (both seem to rotate depending on seasonality/chef's inclination) are must haves every time. Most recently, we went on a Friday night and there was a short line at the door, but we didn't have to wait long and it was definitely worth it. I'm looking forward to going back when the weather is nicer and we can sit outside. read more

This place is insanely good. If I lived here I would come all the time. Don't miss the poppyseed cake with apricot and 'yogurt' dessert.

The food was pretty good. It was new and different. So I liked that aspect of it. There was not too many options though. The food is decorated nicely, so it also looks appealing. But what turned me off is the customer service. Most of the employees were not very pleasant. You could tell they were just waiting to get off. One in particularly was rude to me when I asked to sit outside. She said she would clean the table off then let me know when it's ready while I sat inside. I asked here a few minutes later if it was ready and she said... "ohh yeah someone sat there already" to which I replied with, " ok I thought you told me you'd let me know when it's ready" and she rudely expressed her annoyance when saying that she never said that. Maybe I did mis hear her, but she still played a great role in losing my good experience. Overall, food was good, but more attention needs to be focused on the employees attitude. read more

Delicious food that will make anyone happy, regardless of whether they're a vegetarian/vegan or not. The food presentation is a little unusual and may take a little while to get used to it, but trust me, it's worth it! read more

We recently went to Apteka with visitors from out of town and had a poor experience. First off- they don't have highchairs. What restaurant does not have a highchair, especially when they don't designate that the restaurant is "no children". We had to hold our 9 month old the entire time. We told them how many of us were in our party when ordering and they sat us at a table with one less chair than we needed. When we asked for another chair they told us that "they may not have one". They pulled a dirty, flimsy, folding chair out of the back for us. The addition in the back was extremely cold. Everyone dining in the area had their coats on. The servers were very short with us when asking for simple things like water. We had one person in our party with allergies, and the servers were unsure which food was the allergy safe food when they brought our dishes out. They seemed annoyed when we asked them to confirm. We most likely will not be back as there are many other restaurants in Pittsburgh with better service, customer focus, and hospitality. read more

My vegetarian sister was in town, so we decided to try Apteka. She was delighted to have something other than a Caesar salad, hold the chicken, on the menu. We got the pierogies to split, and she got a beet sandwich and I got the salad. The salad was great, spicier than I thought it would be (but fine by me), and just super flavorful. The pierogies didn't disappoint either, especially the smoked potato. I was actually a big fan of paying first and then finding a table, because we were trying to make it somewhere else quickly afterwards and it was nice to be able to just get up and go when we were finished. We both ordered drinks, which were interesting and delicious, and not terribly priced. I would go again in a heartbeat. read more

Definitely worth a try. High points for originality and fresh ingredients. I have to admit I'm not necessarily a vegan kind of guy, but with the sky high ratings, I was hoping for the best pierogies of my life. Didn't get the best anything of my life, except polish beer on draft. We interacted with three servers. One very nice, one indifferent, and one a little unfriendly. Price was reasonable. read more

Apteka is seriously all around the best vegan joint in the burgh. Great food, great drinks, greater staff.

Ate here again for the third time this past weekend and as with the previous visits before, a few of the plates were misses for me, but for the most part, delicious and unique food that's highly recommended visiting. It's pretty much common knowledge regarding Apteka, but the pierogies are fire as well as the cocktails. Cool atmosphere, and a very relaxed dining experience. read more