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    Emerson's

    4.3 (134 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    EMERSON'S ATMOSPHERE

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    Hipster
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    Menu
    Karen H.

    We stopped by about 40 minutes before closing for a quick drink at the bar on a Wednesday night. The inside is a vibe as always and we loved our cocktails! The staff was super sweet and offered to let us wait inside while our ride came even though it was after closing.

    Crab cakes
    Kristen K.

    I've been here a bunch of times and it's always amazing. The food they do well they do WELL! I typically get some appetizers, their Ceasar salad, and espresso martinis. Those are always reliable and delicious. This night we decided to try their crab cakes and pork chop dinners. The crab cakes were delicious. They were perfectly crispy on the outside and the sauce that pairs with it is perfection. We were a little disappointed in the pork chop. The carrots and stuffing were both amazing, but the pork chop itself was pretty fatty. The parts we were able to cut off and eat were cooked well, we were just disappointed we weren't able to enjoy all of it! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, I do love this place. It's perfect for a girls night if you want to share a bunch of apps and get some cocktails!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Banana Bread Espresso Martini
    Tiffeny A.

    I came here for with my coworkers for a birthday dinner after work today. The service on point - they had two server checking in constantly which was nice for the size group we had. We ordered a few appetizers, my favorite was the truffle fries and the Brussels sprouts. The truffle fries come with a really large shareable portion ( and I love fries so that was great). [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe was really nice, the dim lighting and the ambiance was nice where one could go there for a date night but it was also really nice to go to with my coworkers to have a conversation where we didn't feel like we were interrupting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I will definitely be back to try their girl dinner with some friends! PS the banana bread espresso martini was 10/10 would definitely recommend

    Vodka penne.
    Angie C.

    I can't believe I haven't been here before. This place is well known and loved among my friend group, yet I somehow had not been. Tonight I was out for a couple of drinks nearby with a friend, we were hungry and she suggested this spot nearby. I was excited to finally check it off the list, but now I fear I have to become a regular. This place is so good! The food here is beautifully presented and upscale, while not being super expensive or pretentious. We wanted to split the grilled Caesar salad, but one of us is GF and the other is vegetarian. This meant we needed a non-anchovy dressing for the vegetarian, both dressings on the side, and the croutons in a separate bowl. Our server couldn't have been more happy to accommodate and I never felt like we were a problem. My friend got a beautiful looking filet with green beans and I got their vodka penne which was creamy and cozy and a perfect fall/winter meal. The portion was large and I ended up taking some home. I liked that I asked our server whether there was anything about the pasta that wasn't vegetarian, such as chicken or beef stock, and she immediately knew the answer. They just seem very thoughtful of all types of diners here. They had a beautiful and long list of specialty cocktails and wine selections, and also had three mocktail options right on that same menu which I as a non-drinker super appreciate as it makes me feel not like an afterthought. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe here is also very cool. Lots of cozy living room types of seating areas to enjoy a drink in addition to the bar and restaurant seating. One wall has an industrial, exposed look.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I just really enjoyed everything about it. Note that there is a big flight of stairs you need to go up/down right at entry; I did not think to ask whether there was another way if someone has accessibility needs.

    Caesar Salad
    Lindsey M.

    I would like to give another five star review to Emerson's since this time I went on a weekend night. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibes are truly immaculate at this place. The lighting is perfect, and the way its decorated gives it a cozy home feel.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was delicious as always and the drinks were perfectly curated. My table got banana bread espresso martinis, dirty martinis, and I got the Irish Maid and every single drink was delicious. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The only thing I will say was the music was a little loud, hard to talk in a larger group and it was very warm in the restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Other than that, I love this place so much and will be back many more times to come! We were also celebrating two birthdays and the handwritten birthday note was such a sweet touch that you dont see anywhere else!

    Caesar Salad with grilled chicken
    Marla C.

    I went for the hot girl combo. Was this my favorite Caesar salad? No, I wish the chicken had been cut into stripes so easier for me to enjoy. I also didn't love the Caesar dressing it felt very thick more like an aioli. I also realize I'm not a huge fan of the grilled lettuce. For apps we got the Brussels sprouts and burrata to share and both were so good. I got the devil went down to Georgia and I liked it. I do want to go back and try the rest of the menu. [[HIGHLIGHT]]And the vibe in there is great. Perfect for a girls night.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Jayme B.

    A recently met a friend here for dinner and I can't believe I haven't been here before! Emerson's is in market square. The door is a little unassuming. Once you go up a flight of stairs, you enter the cozy space of Emerson's. My friend and I both tried the banana bread espresso martini. It was SO good! We started with the mezze platter which has hummus, grilled pita, cucumber, red pepper, carrots, marinated artichoke hearts, and feta. Not only was the presentation beautiful, but the platter itself was delicious! For dinner, I ordered the salmon which comes with basil lemon risotto, and micro greens. The salmon was booked perfectly and paired so well with the risotto. Our waitress was very sweet and helpful. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This was such a neat place. I can't wait to visit again![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Pilar G.

    I really enjoyed the Thursday special at Emerson's-- this special was a Caesar salad, fries (I upgraded to truffle fries) , and a Diet Coke for $18 or martini for $28. I did the $28 meal and had a dirty martini with vodka. They had a large selection of add ons and upgraded including blue cheese olives. My drink was excellent and so was the food. The shaved Parmesan was so fluffy and I appreciated how the lettuce wedge had been charred. The fries were great too and the aioli was solid. The space was super attractive also-- lots of natural light, exposed brick, and a clean feel. The staff overall were friendly and our waitress was especially nice.

    Taylor G.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Everything from the ambiance, drinks and food was a 10/10.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our serve was so sweet and gave us extra time while we had our first book club meeting here! We had Brussel sprouts and muscles for an appetizer, both very tasty. I split the famous caesar salad and Emerson's burger with one of my friends and both were fantastic. I dream about the truffle fries! Would 100% go back for the Hot Girl dinner special on Thursdays

    Bobby C.

    This is a hidden gem - you'd never know it was there from the street! [[HIGHLIGHT]]They knock it out of the park with a very relaxing, intimate yet lively atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] All of the food was fresh and arrived at the right pace. For starters, we got the burrata and mezze platter and for the entree, crab cakes and butternut squash rigatoni. I've had a lot of crab cakes and I think Emerson's makes the best in the city!

    Pork chop
    Matthew P.

    We stopped in for dinner and were pleasantly surprised by the cocktails -- well-balanced, creative, and genuinely enjoyable. A standout starter was the truffle fries: perfectly crispy with just the right amount of truffle flavor. Honestly, I'd return just to sit at the bar with a cocktail and those fries. The atmosphere was lively, but it did get quite loud at times -- something to keep in mind if you're hoping for a quieter dinner or conversation. For the main course, I ordered the pork chop. While it was beautifully plated and the accompanying carrots were deliciously sweet and tender, the pork itself was unfortunately overcooked and a bit dry. It wasn't bad, but it didn't quite live up to the promise of the presentation. That said, the overall vibe and drink program are strong. There are plenty of other entrées on the menu -- the chicken sandwich, in particular, looked like a smarter pick. I might have just chosen the wrong dish this time. Still, I'd definitely come back for the cocktails and fries, and I'm open to giving the rest of the menu another try.

    Drinks
    Haley C.

    Perfect little girls night! The Thursday night girl dinner deal is awesome, the grilled caesar is one of my favorite caesar salads in Pgh. Our waitress was great and the bartender's choice drink was amazing!

    Lauren G.

    After visiting about 20 times, I still have only good things to say about Emerson's. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibes are immaculate in all corners- cozy and chic.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service is always great, attentive, and a good pace of the meal. I've had almost everything on the menu, but the burrata and truffle fries are a must-order every single time.

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    The Finch

    The Finch

    4.2
    (45 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    Incredible spot to enjoy a nice brunch or just a nice drink with one of the best views of…read morePittsburgh! We last minute decided to check this spot out because the weather was perfect and I am so glad we did The drinks were great. Our server was a little all over the place but we enjoyed our experience regardless. The patio chairs are nice to sit and just enjoy a peaceful time and great view

    3.5 stars. The Finch is a rooftop bar and restaurant that is named after the Joseph S. Finch &…read moreCompany's distillery that was located in the building in the late 1800s. The bar serves cocktails, wines, beers, and mocktails. For dinner and late-night bites, the restaurant focuses mostly on small plates and shareables, including charcuterie, chicken wings, pizzetta, steak, and salmon. They also have a Sunday brunch that serves lox bagel, shrimp and grits, French toast, mimosa, bloody Mary, etcetera. My husband and I ate one lunch here. The best aspect of The Finch was its beautiful views of downtown Pittsburgh's skyscrapers, Monongahela River, and subway trains. The foods and drink were a mixture of quality, and my husband called them "garbage" (eek!). Here are my ratings for them. Berry Mint Spritz - 4 stars - This mocktail (I could have ordered it with alcohol to turn it into a cocktail) contained strawberries, mint, lemon, syrup, and soda water. All of the flavor had settled on the bottom of the glass, so I could have used a straw to mix the drink, but I did enjoy the flavors. Summer Crab Cakes - 2 stars - I received two crab cakes, and they were some of the worst crab cakes that I have ever received anywhere. They contained too much breading and too little meat. I did not even like the flavor of the cherry tomatoes on the side. I usually love crab cakes, but with these ones, I could take only a couple of bites, and then I had the waitress throw away the rest. Hawaiian Pizzetta - 4 stars - This small pizza consisted of four slices that had cheese but no gooey cheese-pull. Other toppings were BBQ sauce drizzle, pineapple, ham, and red pepper. I thought that it tasted good. Ember Steak Skewers - 4 stars - My husband said that the steak was not the highest quality. At least the chunks of steak, peppers, onions, and mushroom (we counted one piece of mushroom!) were marinated and seasoned nicely. The total cost for this one mocktail, three foods, and one soda was $79 *plus* a 3% credit-card surcharge, tax, and a minimum tip of 18%. We asked the waitress for a receipt, but she did not bring us one, so we walked up to her to ask for it again, and we did receive it.

    Photos
    A new city rooftop bar
    A new city rooftop bar
    Foreground: cucumber mint smash with vodka Background: nonalcoholic berry smash
    Foreground: cucumber mint smash with vodka Background: nonalcoholic berry smash
    View in The Drawing Room

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    View in The Drawing Room
    The Warren Bar and Burrow

    The Warren Bar and Burrow

    4.2
    (329 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    I've worked at and attended shows at the Benedum for years and finally made it in to try the Warren…read morethis past weekend. I've heard so many mixed things that I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed every aspect of my experience. It kind of has dive bar vibes but the food and drink options are definitely on the elevated side. They open at 4 on Sundays and I got there around 4:15. It was already pretty busy (and by the time I was leaving, every single table and bar stool were occupied). They have standard booth seats along the windows, hightop tables in the middle and bar seating along the bar that curves along the back of the restaurant. I chose to sit at the bar since I was by myself. I was promptly greeted by the bartender. They don't hand you copies of the menu, you have to scan the QR code to access. It is easy to read and follow with sections for drinks, specials (this time they were Wicked themed as a nod to the show at the Benedum) and a sushi section. I ordered the street corn dip. The chips were a bit overcooked and the dip was just OK. I thought it was pricey for what you got. The star of my meal, though, was the patty melt. It had the burger, a bacon jam, caramelized onions and was absolutely delicious! It was served with fries. I considered ordering sushi but wasn't sure what to expect. The patrons sitting on either side of my ordered rolls and they were a nice size and looked delicious, so that is something I would consider ordering in the future. It was a place I'll likely be back to because of the proximity to the theater (although their prices definitely reflect that). Just note how crowded it always is and give yourself plenty of time if you plan on heading here for dinner before the show.

    The Warren is literally my favorite place to pop into in Downtown Pittsburgh. Open late, great…read morevibes, and a hell of an awesome bar staff. Whenever I tell people that it's basically a pub with great sushi they are truly befuddled but everything here works (and is extremely delicious) I've had numerous things from the menu but I always go back to the steak sandwich. There are a few staple drinks but I love to have a bar tender make whatever they're feeling. I've had some fun nights with complete strangers while watching Pen's games. This is the place to be.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Sushi
    Sushi
    Inside

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    Inside
    Unspeakable

    Unspeakable

    5.0
    (20 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    We've been here 4+ times now. Unspeakable has such an incredible vibe--cozy, intimate, and dimly…read morelit in a way that feels perfect for a date night or catching up with a close friend. The atmosphere alone is worth a visit. The drinks are definitely crafted with care and have a lot of complexity, but with only two bartenders working, it took quite a while to get ours. Not the place to go if you want quick service or are grabbing a drink before another event. My biggest downside is the price point--most cocktails are around $17. They're good, but at that price I can really only justify having one. Note: They do not have food, just snacks like peanuts. Overall, amazing ambiance and well-made drinks, just expect slower service and a higher bill.

    This is my new favorite cocktail bar in Pittsburgh. Every single drink I've had here has been…read morefantastic. I've been twice so far, I've tried six different drinks. Very impressed by their craftsmanship and experimental flavors. There's not many places in this area that even attempt to do that. I love the speakeasy vibe. Super cool entrance and fun comfortable lounge upstairs. It's a fantastic place to go as an intimate group. But it's kind of small to take a group of more than 4 friends. Cocktails were made surprisingly quick even on a busy night. Everything is just really great about this place. Except for maybe the price lol but at least you're getting what you pay for in a good way

    Photos
    Upstairs fireplace
    Upstairs fireplace
    Violet desert
    Violet desert
    Unspeakable

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    Cocktails From The Crypt

    Cocktails From The Crypt

    4.4
    (9 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    This appears to be a duplicate for the business but, I'll bite and write another review here…read more Spencer & his team do it again and again every year. This Halloween pop-up bar is hands down one of the best in the country. Themed, creepy, spooky, & ghoulish craft cocktails beyond your wildest imagination. Always spot on. Always delicious. And as always, a portion of sales are donated locally. Serving cocktails & the community. Bar staff and mixologists are some of the best in the business. Service is always stellar. Always. A lot of the drinks come in super fun themed cups & glasses. Don't be a D & steal them. This is a small business giving back.

    I have an end of October birthday so I'm a sucker for all things Halloween…read more This place is so much fun. Every square inch is covered theme Halloween/spooky decor. Thankfully nothing is overly gory or too creepy. To avoid a line, it is best to go right at opening or about an hour before it closes. There is a list of fun themed drinks served in quirky glasses that match the theme of the drink (a mummy, for example). I visited three times and tried a different drink each time. One thing is that they can (and often do) search your bag to make sure you don't steal the glassware. Sad that they need to so that, but I guess I understand why they need to check. If you are looking for a quirky, fun experience while downtown, definitely check it out.

    Photos
    Jeffery Doll-mer - Apple Cider, Pear, Wine, Lime, Brandy, Cinnamon - It comes in a doll head
    Jeffery Doll-mer - Apple Cider, Pear, Wine, Lime, Brandy, Cinnamon - It comes in a doll head
    Screaming Skull - Reposado Tequila, Lime, Passionfruit, Honey - Served in a SKULL!
    Screaming Skull - Reposado Tequila, Lime, Passionfruit, Honey - Served in a SKULL!
    CFTC Old Fashioned - Old Grandad Bonded Whiskey, Pumpkin Spice, Bitters

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    CFTC Old Fashioned - Old Grandad Bonded Whiskey, Pumpkin Spice, Bitters
    Ritual House

    Ritual House

    4.3
    (490 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    If you wver want a quick lunch, with no reservation for a party of 5, please RUN to Ritual House…read more Lets chat about it. Ritual House is located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. I had to travel there for work. Lunch wasnt provided for us that day so we took matters into our own hands, Lol. Ritual House staff was extremely friendly and we joined the 5-10 minute wait list because we didnt have a reservation. We were seated within minutes. Our waiter was a young man who didnt miss a beat. We were greeted by him and he immediately took our deink orders. I opt for a ginger ale. For my lunch, I ordered the GREEK PANZANELLA with grilled chicken- garlic croutons, feta, cucumbers, olives, red onion, roasted heirloom tomatoes, red wine vinaigrette. $18. The chicken was tender and the salad was so good. I can see myself coming back here for sure. Check out these photos.

    Okay, this place is so over-hyped. It's all style and no substance, as Paul Hollywood would say…read more The cocktails were good, I'll give them that. But the food and experience seemed like they prioritized the Instagrammability over actual quality. The bruleed oranges were... basically just cooked oranges. Burrata nothing to write home about. My miso black cod, it was almost like they ran out of whatever sauce they normally put on it and instead just drizzled teriyaki sauce from their salmon entree. I'm not exaggerating. Two others at our table ordered the same and were underwhelmed. Honestly, look at my photo in this review and tell me what on that plate is "black miso"??! The cookie table had some decent cookies (I can make better at home). The tiramisu was DRY (you're supposed to soak the ladyfingers!) and among the worst I've had. One plus I'll give them was that the strawberry salad was very interesting visually and quite tasty, though it needed about 4x more of the pretzel mixture to balance. This must be a birthday attraction too, because they were bringing out a dessert with cotton candy and a literal firework about every five minutes and it was so distracting and embarrassing. Cannot recommend coming here unless it's maybe for dessert and cocktails. It's just not worth the money.

    Photos
    Upstairs dining area
    Upstairs dining area
    Salad with Salmon
    Salad with Salmon
    Martini Tree $30 - mix and match three martinis, we got a Beanitini and two Lavender Lemon Drops

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    Martini Tree $30 - mix and match three martinis, we got a Beanitini and two Lavender Lemon Drops

    Emerson's - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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