I went to a private event at Commerce Bar this weekend, and it was incredible! You walk down the alleyway behind Trim Pittsburgh and go in the unassuming black door on the left. It was very cool. The space is beautiful and is the perfect amount of room for 25 people. The decor is really cute and unique! You wouldn't expect the plants, green velvet, chandelier, and animal heads to all go together, but somehow it makes sense! You can literally rent the whole bar for your group. The bartender Alex was great! She made all kinds of specialty cocktails and was super knowledgeable and friendly. We started with jumbo shrimp cocktail and oysters from their sister restaurant Muddy Waters. Both were awesome, but the oysters were especially savory and delicious. The drink I ordered was called "Smoke and Mirrors". This is where I discovered my new favorite thing...mezcal! I knew I liked smoky drinks, but didn't know what made it taste that way. This drink was made with tequila, mezcal, lime, grapefruit juice and soda. It was like a smoky paloma. I am going to try to recreate it at home! Other guests raved about the Old Fashioned. For dinner they served buffet style: Watermelon salad (so summery), hot chicken, jambalaya, hush puppies, and mac and cheese. I think all of these items came from their other restaurant Bird On The Run. The mac and cheese was soooo creamy and definitely the highlight. It was the perfect place to host an event. I can't wait for the speakeasy to reopen as the bar so I can go back! read more

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I was very excited about this place because it looked so cute in pictures. And yes the place is very cute, good for pictures. And obviously the concept of it being a speakeasy is fun. But the drinks were just not great. I went with a big group and the majority didn't finish their drink. Also fyi, they no longer serve food! It's just some small apps. So don't go hungry. read more

I have been to my fair share of speakeasies and Commerce Bar is by far one of the more legitimate ones I've been to! Such a cool space! I love that you'd have no idea it was there (no signage, nothing) - really feeds into the legitimacy of the speakeasy nature. I've been a handful of times now, including opening night. All wonderful experiences. Great cocktails. Haven't had any food yet (menu items come from Bird on the Run). There was live jazz music the last time I went. Highly recommend! Commerce Bar is located in an alley in East Liberty, behind Bird on the Run. It is up to you to figure out the rest! FYI...this bar is fairly small and is likely to fill up fast during peak hours! read more

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Wouldn't let us in even though half my family was already there and had seats. Very rude, won't be going back ever.

SO GLAD that Commerce Bar is back in action! I visited once with my bestie back before the pandemic, and we checked it out again this past weekend now that it's open for business again. The space remains gorgeous and moody, with a large chandelier in the center of the ceiling, cascading ivy, and eclectic wall decor and lighting. There are small tables on both the lower level and balcony, as well as bar seating. I'd recommend coming with 2-4 people, at most, as the space seems to be designed for smaller groups or pairs. The cocktails offerings are unique and harken back to speakeasy days, though we both opted for the bartenders choice. I do wish they maintained the fun "dice roll" drink option, which I remember fondly from our initial visit. - you quite literally rolled dice with ingredients and then the bar would create something based on the roll of the dice. Please bring that back! I enjoyed a take on a Boulevardier, which was so flavorful and bitter (in the best way). We also enjoyed a strawberry tarte which was so dainty and delicious! I hope they add more food offerings to the menu down the road, though I understand that it is a true bar and not meant to be a place for a meal, per se. I can't wait to return and try more cocktails and enjoy the swanky ambiance! read more

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Friendly staff, good drinks, really cool atmosphere. Limited seating so make sure you get there early!

Classy and elegant! Certainly a hidden gem but it's well worth finding. Drinks and atmosphere are both top notch. Friendly staff as well that are there to assist when needed read more

Commerce Bar - Speakeasies Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What a hidden gem. Came on a Sunday night so it was very empty. The speakeasy had just opened two weeks ago, so it was very exciting to be one of the first to check it out. Definitely check out the Random Dice cocktail that will select your drink for you. Update -- visited against last night (1/31//2020) and had to wait 2 hours from 8-10pm on the waitlist before getting in. There were only three parties ahead of us, so we were getting a bit antsy and had to wait at a bar next door, without any estimate of time or updates of our place in line. This time I was fortunate to get in. I had tried to go in early January but there were 12 parties ahead of me and by the time I got a text at 1am, I was already long gone from the area. I would recommend to use the Yelp feature where customers can at least see their place in line read more

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Y'all know I'm a huge fan of any and all speakeasies and this newest gem in East Liberty surely does not disappoint! We put our name on the list for a party of 2 around 7:30pm and had a spot at the bar by 8:30pm (mind you this was a Friday night) so I suggest you plan accordingly for the wait especially if it's a weekend night (by the way, they're only open Thursday - Sunday.) The minute we entered the bar through the obscure wrought iron door in the alley behind Goodwill, we were transported into a classy and trendy speakeasy with a stellar vibe and ambience. Chris, our bartender, was talented and provided phenomenal customer service! We ordered 'The Cobbler', Commerce's take on the classic old fashioned, and one cocktail that was luck of the roll/ dealer's choice style (this particular cocktail creation was probably one of the best cocktails I've had in the city/ outside of Pittsburgh in quite some time!) If you like taking your chances then I highly recommend just rolling the dice and allowing your bartender to craft something amazing and to your liking! The prices are right on par for a trendy cocktail bar in Pittsburgh; Overall, 5/5 stars - I'll definitely be back! read more

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Hidden in a back street in East Liberty, this place is for sure going to be everyone's favorite little speakeasy bar! We came on a weekend night and was put on the waitlist for 1.5 hours (there's plenty of other bars to wait at nearby so we didn't mind at all). I noticed there wasn't much seating inside but the decor was beautiful. * Food and Drinks: My friends and I tasted all the drinks we ordered and I noticed it was mostly on the stronger side but wasn't bad at all. If you love anything coffee infused, I definitely recommend the Bitter in Havana. If you want something on the sweeter side, order the Clark Bar Clarified Milk Punch- it has Hershey Chocolate in it, what isn't there to like about it? As for food, their items are made at Bird on the Run next door. I ordered the Fish Sandwich and wow, I definitely want to check out the restaurant separately! * Cost vs. Worth: I don't think this place has happy hour and their cocktails are $10+. Factoring in the decor and environment, I say it is worth it! Will I come here again? - Yes! read more

Commerce Bar - Bitter in Havana - Speakeasies Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My friends and I needed a Galentines day out. While planning we decided that the Commerce Bar was going to be one of our many stops. It would be a first visit for all of us and we were incredibly excited about it. It certainly did not disappoint.We got there right at 6p when they opened. To get in - you need to have your ID ready for review. Once you get through the line. There is a gentleman at the door that will let you in and check your ID. There is a few small stairs to get in, and a 2nd door. At the door they meet you to find out how large your party is. Once you finally get inside - you will see how absolutely beautiful the space is. Between the space, service, drinks and I have no doubt the food - it was amazing. We did not order food - but we did partake in drinks. We purposefully all got different drinks so that we had the opportunity to try each others. One of us got the dealers choice (i can't remember the name). She got to roll dice and from that the bartender made a drink. Personally - it was my favorite drink of the night! If you have the chance - definitely get to the Commerce Bar (Speakeasy) as soon as possible. It's such a great little place. read more

Cool, new spot. Creative concept and interior. Very small- maybe 8 tables total. Come during the weekdays (heard of waits upwards of 2+ hours on the weekend) and not with a large party- probably no more than 6 people if you want to sit together. We were seated right away on a Sunday evening. We all loved our drinks. The birthday girl in our group did "Rollers Choice" twice and liked what she got both times. Food was good (from Bird on the Run) but didn't match the ambience. Makes sense, though, based on the set up of the two establishments and it's better than having no food. Definitely recommend for dates and small groups. Based on location of entrance, it's probably not recommended for a first/blind date - you might scare them off read more

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I love speakeasies! I always seek them out when traveling to new cities, so it's so fun to have one close to home. We stopped by on Valentine's Day before our dinner reservations nearby. We arrived a few minutes after they opened and were the first ones inside, but the space filled up to capacity within about 15 minutes. We ordered our first round of drinks - dirty martini for me and an old fashioned for him. Both were great and we loved the fact that the ice molds left a "C" on the ice. We ordered a few more drinks since we had time, this time I told the bartender the flavor I was going for and the liquor I wanted and he happily made several suggestions. All of the staff are wonderful and super dedicated to their craft. Also S/O to whoever runs their Instagram account, after I DM'd them about hours and typical wait times they quickly responded with some suggestions on when to arrive. Another huge plus is that they have food options (nuggets, fries, fish sandwiches, etc.) from bird on the run on the menu. This was perfect to hold us over until our reservations later on. read more

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An awesome experience. Went there for drinks prior to a dinner reservation. While finding it is fun, especially in the dark and rain, once inside you won't be disappointed. This is not a place to have beers with your friends. This is an intimate spot for well crafted cocktails made by some of the best bartenders in Pittsburgh. The details are what impressed me most- metal picks for the cherry or olives in your drink, ornate glass wear, the bar tools appear to be expensive. Everything about this place was perfection. One tip- it opens at 6. We arrived around 620 and it was already crowded. We immediately were seated at the bar, but within 15 of our arrival there were no seats. Seems like you'd want to come early. I had two Manhattan's that were exceptional and my better half had a French 75 and a mystery drink (it's a thing). She loved both. We had a half dozen oysters as well, that were very good. Highly, highly recommend. read more

Commerce Bar - Manhattan - Speakeasies Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Commerce Bar is a new speakeasy in East Liberty that really goes all in to commit to the theme. The door can be found in the back of Commerce St. with a big knocker. When you knock, someone will answer and either seat you or put you on a waiting list. Given that it was around 9 on a Saturday night, we had to wait awhile, but it was worth it. Once we got a text that our table was ready, we were seated inside and ordered cocktails. The bar is dark, featuring a beautiful chandelier and just has a really cool vibe. Our cocktails were beautiful, delicious and strong. We also ordered fries from Bird on the Run (a sister restaurant) and they were amazing. The bill comes in a cigar box, and it's the little touches like that that made visiting a very cool experience. Will definitely be back! read more

Commerce Bar - Speakeasies Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Anytime I feel I've been transported to another era is a win for me. Commerce does just that. As soon as you step through the door you feel as if you've traveled back in time. The decor is stunning. Velvet covered chairs, chandeliers, candle light... it sets the tone for the night. From the bar to the table seating, there isn't a bad seat in the house. However, the space is small so be prepared to wait if you go on a weekend. I promise it's worth it. You can also put your name on the list then visit another near by location while you wait. The drink menu is extensive. To no surprise your cocktail will be stunning. Almost too pretty to drink, but then what's the point! You can also order anything from lobster tail to Bird on the Run! It's really like nothing else in Pittsburgh. If you're a cocktail lover, this is a must visit. read more

Commerce Bar - Speakeasies Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Great atmosphere, friendly bar tenders and a unique and fun menu of bar snacks, including caviar! What a treat!

Good vibes all the time we visited. Love the hospitality of the hosts. Great for cocktails. read more

Commerce Bar - Speakeasies Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Such a cool spot! Great drinks and ambiance! Love the mysterious entry. They had a wait list ... very organized so it wasn't jam packed! Can't wait to return on our next visit to Pittsburgh! read more

The coolest! We loved the drink menu, atmosphere, and the idea that you could order from Bird on the Run. Our favorite was the fact that you are put on a waiting list and then seated -- so convenient and not typical of a bar. Must see! read more

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Read about this place in an article and decided to check it out. Party 2, we arrived at 9:50 PM and placed on a waiting list. The space: Small. 2 or 3 small tables by the bar and about 3 or 4 on the other side. Bar seat is about 10 or 12. So maybe almost 30 seats. Ambiance: Dark, soft sounds, conversation doesnt travel. Drinks: had the milk punch, delicious. Dirty martini was good but, felt there could be an additional level of flavor. The oyster brine was very very subtle so could be a tad amplified for a bit more saltiness. Food: fish sandwich was a good size and chicken strips were tasty, comes with ketchup. Things to know: wait was 2 hours. But after, we noticed nobody was coming in after midnight. So not sure if the rest of the list didnt show up, because there were people after us. I think they should put the waitlist online through Yelp so you know much time you have wondering around the surrounding area rather than keep knocking and bothering the host. Also some guy was trying to order a vodka soda... this isnt the place for well drinks. He was told. If you like craft, artisan level cocktails then this is the place but prepare for a long wait. Be patient. read more

As longtime fans of Muddy Waters and Bird on the Run, we were thrilled to see this speakeasy open up in our neighborhood! We booked tickets for the NYE party, thinking it would be a fun time to try it out. The experience was less than ideal, however I'm hoping it was due to being newly open and that they can course correct in the future. Our tickets were for unlimited drinks as well as a midnight champagne toast and apps. We were seated and given Commerce Bar menus with food and an array of cocktails. It wasn't clear if the whole menu was part of the NYE drinks and apps deal, since zero explanation was provided. We enjoyed our drinks immensely, but before we could really settle in we were unceremoniously given plates of cornbread and charcuterie without a word. (Spoiler alert: We never ordered these items and they weren't on the menu.) I recognized both items from past dinners at Muddy Waters, and given that their dinner service was wrapping up next door I'm fairly certain we were just being served whatever they hadn't sold. Now I'm all for free treats, however we didn't order either of the apps and nobody told us what was going on. Furthermore, if I'm at an event that cost me $125 a head I expect a menu for that specific event (or an explanation that I can order whatever I want off the regular menu) and I certainly don't want leftover food from another establishment. It felt tacky to be frank. After sitting for over an hour with dried out, uneaten cornbread in front of us, we decided to wrap it up and head home to ring in 2020 in a more festive environment. Nobody seemed prepared to have a toast or MC the evening (was someone going to set an iPhone alarm for a "countdown" I wonder??) and the elevator jazz music was getting to be a downer. Commerce Bar is a gorgeous, sexy space with delicious drinks. That almost made our experience more upsetting, because I really saw the potential. Might I suggest more attentive, charismatic service and a three piece jazz band for future events? Also a printed menu for said event so it feels like guests paid for something? We'll be back for drinks at some point, but we plan to give this place the time and space it needs to grow a little first. read more

My mom and I had a great time! Wonderful drinks and energy. I look forward to coming back soon read more

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The team behind Muddy Waters, Kahuna and Bird on the Run have done it again. From the back alley entrance to the effortlessly sophisticated, intimate atmosphere inside, Commerce boasts a cozy, yet upscale ambiance that rivals top cocktail bars in bigger metropolitan areas. All the cocktails are meticulously crafted and delicious, but do yourself a favor and finish with the milk punch. The delicious concoction featuring peanut butter whiskey and graham cracker milk is to die for (and curiously clear). The pièce de résistance is definitely the gigantic, sparkly chandelier hanging above the bar. Space is tight, as the whole place only seats 30-some people, so keep this in mind when planning a visit. All in all, it's a cant miss spot for a delicious drink and awesome vibe. read more

Commerce Bar - Speakeasies Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Really cool place. Great drinks, we tried 3 different ones and were pleased with all of them. Fish sandwich and the chicken tenders are also delicious. But overall just a really nice place to go have a drink. read more

We recently had our rehearsal dinner here back in November 2020. They did such an incredible job making the night so special. They were so helpful in planning the night and help us create a custom menu for the dinner. We also hand the chance to create custom bride and groom drinks. Honestly working with Diana and everyone at Commerce Bar/Muddy Waters was one of the highlights of wedding planning, they were so attentive and willing to work with us to get everything just right. When the day of the event rolled around we were taken away with how gorgeous the space is. Previously we had seen it during the day but there's something about the bar at night that is just magical. For our group of 25 people the space worked wonderfully. The food was delicious and came in large portions. We had a cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres, and that probably could've been the whole meal, there was so much and it all was so good. Then when the entrees arrived we were all shocked at how large the portions were (again they were all so good)! We had a lot of food to take home with us! We had incredible service during the event. Our bartender and serve were so charismatic and caring all at the same time. At one moment my now wife and I decided to step out for a little bit to get away, and both came out to check on us to see if we needed anything. Commerce Bar did a truly incredible job and we were so lucky to have our rehearsal dinner with them. The only thing I hope they might change is lighting up their entrance hallway a bit as some guest had trouble with the dimly lit stairs. read more

So cool! Loved the drinks. Great vibes. Great service. Recommended! Go go go! Now! Woop!

I came to Commerce Bar during opening weekend and was thrilled to see a spot that offers such a unique experience in Pittsburgh. We need more places like this! Commerce Bar offers a superb speakeasy experience. In the alleyway behind Bird on the Run, this bar is hidden behind a black, unmarked door. Once you knock, a host answers and can put you on a waiting list (there are no reservations). Most folks leave and come back rather than waiting due to the small space in the stairwell area (a crowd would also defeat the purpose of a hidden bar). Once inside, you are met with a dimly lit, classy, and intimate environment. The space holistically is rather small, fitting in tables close together near the bar and another lifted space up some stairs for a few more tables. There is a large crystal chandelier in the center of the bar, which will draw your eye immediately. The music reminded me of the jazzy instruments of the 1920's during the heat of prohibition. This is a very fun theme for a bar! The drink menu is expansive and all well made. My boyfriend and I are whiskey lovers, so I got a classic whiskey sour and he got a manhattan. There are also some small plate options from Bird on the Run. The next time we visit Commerce, I'm looking forward to snagging a spot at the bar, enjoying their beautiful green velvet bar stools, and rolling the dice to have a unique drink made with the ingredients they determine. read more

Commerce Bar - Whiskey Sour - Speakeasies Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

this bar is not worth your time. they were very disrespectful and we left within 10 minutes. not a good time.

Worth checking out but definitely pricey. $16 for a drink, come on that's ridiculous for Pittsburgh. This place isn't even downtown, it's in east liberty so not worth the prices. read more

Loved all of it! It's small, it's cozy, the ambiance is perfect. Drinks are spot on. The bookcases and the chandelier make it. Snacks are good, need just a minor tweak to serve oysters - that would be perfect. If there isn't a seat for available, then no more guests can come in. If you don't want to fight for a drink, push through a crowd, or yell to your server, then this might be your bar. (I think the guy below complaining that it's pretentious missed the whole concept - our group of 4 was neither hipster nor in our twenties...) read more

On Friday night I tried to go to Commerce Bar around 10:00 PM. Mind you I am on crutches right now unfortunately. We show up and there are 6 seats open at the bar and two 4 seat open tables. I say to the guy, I'd like 2 spots please and he looked at me like I was some idiot and he goes "oh no no no there's at least an hour wait!" And I said "well I see six barstools and two tables completely empty, I don't see anyone outside coming in, I'm on crutches, could we please just grab one of those?" And he then said "we can't do that, we allow people 15 minutes to get to bar once we send them their table is ready notifications" and i reiterated the fact, I saw absolutely no one outside relatively close to the bar and that I was on crutches. I reluctantly added my name to the waitlist and walked around the corner to another bar. About 15 minutes later just when I received my first drink at the other bar, I received a notification saying my seats were ready at the bar. I obviously DID NOT crutch back. What an absolute joke though. I'm not going to sit here and tell someone how to do their job, but if I see someone on crutches and I see 6 barstools and 2 four top tables available and I'm in that guys position, I'm giving someone who is IN MY ESTABLISHMENT WILLING TO SPEND MONEY two of those spots. I get it's a cool place but sometimes common sense is lost whenever you have an establishment making overpriced cocktails. Sorry for the bad review but just speaking the truth. read more

Such a cool concept and atmosphere, but the drinks are terrible. We've tried them twice, hoping the first experience was just a fluke, but both times we were served unbalanced cocktails that just don't make sense. This past time we "tempted fate" and had our bar tender make us something based on our alcohol of choice. We asked for bourbon and were given a rye whiskey, which any good bartender should know are not the same. Other ingredients were Aperol and Campari (these are basically the same thing - you shouldn't put both in a cocktail), ginger, and grapefruit juice. It was terrible as were their crafted cocktails on the menu. Heavy pours, still not worth the price, but heavy pours nonetheless, but disgustingly unbalanced. read more

Great new speak easy in East Liberty! I've now been here twice. First time the wait was an hour and second time the wait was over 2 hours. I'm a big fan of their "Putting on the Spritz" cocktail while my boyfriend typically opts for their "Henry Clay Frick" beer and shot option. You also can order some foods options from Bird on the Run and Muddy Waters. Their beignets are delicious from Bird on the Run! Love the decor and their presentation of cocktails. Your bill is even presented to you in a wood cigar box, which is clever. Commerce bar is a great drink spot! read more

Commerce Bar - Bar area - Speakeasies Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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so i ordered whiskey and i "tempted my fate" and i got bourbon . that blows !!!!!

It's Saturday. I am bored so I decided to check out the speakeasy. I went to the alley and saw a few people leave. And I've heard that spacing is limited and didn't expect to be sat quickly. After giving the doorman my information,I went of to Ace to grab a drink. Was there for about an half hour until I recieved a text that I should start heading over. It's worth the wait. Beautiful inside. Great service. Now I've heard that some nights can be a longer wait than others.I got lucky. Inside was everyone from all walks of life. Young,old,hip, people wearing sports attire to those wearing suits. They have live jazz Sunday nights. I may come back tomorrow for that. read more

The owners are super nice and gracious and have been here a few times. Love the variety of the drinks menu and the quality is top notch. Highly recommend to go with a small group or a first date. read more

What an incredible experience!!! From the el Camino in the alley to the heavy knocker on the door this place takes you back to an era of class, civility and classic drinks. The atmosphere inside is bathed in a historic vibe while the music sets the tone. The bartenders are true "artists" of mixology and are a pleasure to watch as they display their craft. Can't wait to come back and try another Commerce Classic! read more

Cool new place and addition to Pittsburgh bar scene. Easy process to put down name and leave to go to nearby bars (namely Lorelei) while waiting. Party of 4 on a Friday night took over an hour's wait but the drinks were delicious and the atmosphere good. Not too loud or crowded, can hear our table's conversation and not the one next to ours. Not too many seats inside, so can see how the wait can get long in a short amount of time. Left around midnight and there was a long line out the door. Likely to come back! read more

Awesome place, great atmosphere, fun "secret" location. Nice to have an experience here, classy and cool.