The cocktails here are literally the best I have had in Pittsburgh. The first time I came here, I was blown away by the intimate space, kind and knowledgeable bartenders, and delicious grappa. The LaVanda was incredibly delicious, but some of the others were a bit too strong for me. The space is small, so prepare to wait and I wouldn't recommend going with big groups. However, if you're prepared for a small, cozy space, and potentially waiting, it's absolutely worth it. read more

We were looking for a place to get a few cocktails or a glass of wine. Also we were looking for a new place we had never been to before. We found this place on Yelp and saw it got good reviews so we decided to check it out. We found street parking close by and actually almost walked right passed it. So we found it and walked right in. It was like the reviews said it was a cozy place but not too small. It was crowded but not too crowded. We could have sat at a table but we found two bar seats. We were greeted and looked over the menu. We were thinking cocktails tonight more than wine so we ordered some cocktails. I got the Fallen Angel which is similar to an Old Fashioned. I couldn't tell the difference but it was good. Looking over the menu there were other good things to try but this is what I really wanted. People watching I could see a lot of people stopped by for a drink or two here before dinner at the place next door. I think you can order food from there and eat it here as well. If you buy a bottle of wine here they wouldn't charge you a corkage fee if you go to dinner next door. Sounds really good and this is a great spot in my opinion. We didn't eat here or at the restaurant next door but it was exactly what we were looking for. A good place for a couple of drinks that weren't overly expensive and a good place to talk and hangout. Also the bartenders were nice and made us feel welcomed. read more

If you enjoy Italian Grappa wine, then this is the place for you! Came here the other week with a couple of colleagues and really enjoyed the ambiance, delicious drinks, and friendly staff. They typically offer small plates but for now are providing toasted bread with a particularly delicious humus. If you are looking for a more filling food option, you can order from piccolo forno which is directly in front is this place, and order take out for dining in at Grapperia. Overall really happy with my experience here and would recommend checking it out! read more

When Grapperia first rose from the ashes of those who couldn't survive Piccolo Forno's familiar 2-hour wait, we breathed a massive sigh of relief...and then? Well, then we sipped wonderful cocktails! No longer were people stuck standing on the corner waiting for their table, staring at the dilemma of where to pass the time: Round Corner or Franktuary? The answer, for us at least, became Grapperia. Perhaps we went too often when Grapperia first opened, but appreciation from the staff was obvious from the outset and continues to this day. Bartenders took the time to get to know those of us who pulled up a seat at the bar, and kindly answered questions about the menu, grappa, and everything in between. Granted, these were the days before the hype reached its current level, but upon our recent visit 5 months after moving away from Pittsburgh, I was happy to see that nothing has changed...except for the larger crowds. The bartenders remembered us ("heyyyy, how's Boston?!?"), the service was good, and the drinks were still wonderful. If, like me, you can't handle grappa neat, there are plenty of options for you. From a limited, but nicely-curated list of beers on tap (and bottles) and a solid, ever-changing cocktail program, there's likely something for everyone's palette. I'd recommend exploring the cocktails, though. That's really where Grapperia shines. Obviously, they take pride in their grappa selection, too, so if you like grappa, this is definitely your spot. They offer small bites, but it's clear that, by design, Grapperia isn't there to compete with Piccolo (or any other eatery nearby). It's the ideal place to stop before dinner, after dinner, or just for a few drinks, but don't go there expecting to fill your stomach on charcuterie and cheese. Enjoy your grappa on an empty stomach at your own risk! If there's one down side, it's that the space is small and it can fill up quickly. With that, comes a loud atmosphere. That said, the seat turnover is quicker than you'd think, and I've never had to wait very long to grab a seat or find a spot to hang. The service is surprisingly quick during peak times, despite a smaller team behind the bar, so that also helps. Overall, it's hard to have many, if any, real gripes about Grapperia. It's the perfect place to grab a unique cocktail, while enjoying the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff while you wait for a table next door. So far, Grapperia is one of those places that's maintained its level despite the increasing hype, and that's a difficult thing to do. Hopefully it continues! Cheers! read more

The grappa flight was a 10/10, babyyy!!! We also had an amaro flight which was fantastic. I love that they put thought into selecting a strong collection for you to try, though you can also assemble a flight on your own. The staff was really knoweldgable and *super* attentive. It was small and cozy inside- about 5 tables, ~10 seats at the bar, and a few outdoor tables. It was pretty dim inside which I enjoyed, but it also brings in a lot of light from the outdoors- great for an after-dinner drink, I think! The olives were good, and the cheese was sooooo goooood!! Will definitely be a frequent flyer here. read more

Asino Vodka - Limoncello - Ginger Beer - Lemon Juice This drink is amazing. It is poured over ice and in a moscow mule mug. YUM. The ginger beer mixed with the limoncello is really not something that I would have thought about, but boy does it pack a punch. It was a nice fresh lemony mixture that really is a nice end of the evening drink. If you are wanting to drive home I would suggest to NOT pick this drink. I was able to walk home but after one I was skipping! I have had it a few times and the punch to the drink has always varied. BUT this last time it was strong! The ambiance of the place is just so welcoming. In Lawrenceville new and cool places sometimes have a sense of upity-ness that makes me avoid them like the plague, not this place. The service is always on point. They are friendly, they are caring, and they don't ignore you if you only order one drink like a lightweight. Aperitivo Aperol - Prosecco - Blood Orange Soda I also highly recommend this drink. It is not a large drink but it is really good. The blood orange soda mixed with the bubbles in the prosecco is so refreshing. It was a better fuzzy, light drink than the Asino but if you are looking for more of a punch this is not the drink for you. Refreshing but no punch to it. read more

Love their wine selection. The bartenders are so nice and very engaging! Small selection of small plates/paninis but there are a few option around the corner. Is almost always our last spot before we call it a night if we're hanging out in Lawrenceville! A delightful place with nice ambience! read more

We stopped in here prior to going to dinner at Piccolo Forno, and thanks to some unseasonal November weather they had the doors and windows open and a decent crowd. I've never had Grappa before and wasn't really sure what to order... the bartender seemed to be in a hurry and didn't really give many recommendations, so we all ordered somewhat blind. I tried the Dom Collins and was disappointed, which is partially my fault but what can you do. If you're into Grappa, this seems like an amazing spot to stop and have a few drinks and some charcuterie. Next time I go back I'll probably stick to a beer, wine or standard cocktail. read more

WOW WOW WOW! Back in the day I played in pool leagues that often includes halls in Lawrenceville. To say the area was sketchy is putting it mildly, especially after midnight. What an amazing transformation is happening in Lawrenceville! And this place - is a true gem. Located around the corner from Piccolo Forno the owners and staff have put together some truly original and beyond interesting cocktail combinations including the "digestive" liquor grappa. Bartenders were attentive, engaging and informative - the trifecta! We visited on a Tuesday evening - $6 cocktail night! Give it a try - you will not be disappointed. read more

I liked the atmosphere of this sister to Piccolo Forno. There's a lot of potential here. Why stop at grappa though? Increase your wine list, for sure! The beer list (bottles) was respectable, but with two taps in Lawrenceville, you could be teaming up with a local brewery! So much potential to go grappa and full wine bar! The bartender made a great effort to personalize our visit there. He let us know that if we were called by the hostess at Piccolo to let us know our table was ready, we would be able to finish our drinks, and they would still hold the table for us. read more

This was a go-to spot for us for a while. Extensive grappa list, mostly good cocktails (tho with a couple of really big misses), and loved the late night happy hour. Last couple visits have been less than stellar, though. They began a new Thursday night wine night, which is great in theory except it seems in doing so they replaced what was a respectable wine list with a bunch of swill. There's not a drinkable red on the menu anymore, and even the prosecco took a step down. Add that to the regular bartender's condescension and I think most of our reasons for enjoying this place are gone. read more

Try the Italian 75 cocktail. With the balance of sour and sweet you won't be disappointed. Don't let the balsamic vinegar scare you, it makes the drink. The bartenders are great. Very knowledgeable and provide great recommendations. Tell them how you like things and you won't be disappointed in your cocktail. Great for a date night or girls night out. read more

Grapperia - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Super cute cocktail bar! This place is actually owned by Piccolo Forno so you can get pre dinner drinks here and walk next door. You can also bring a bottle of wine with you from Grapperia to Piccolo Forno. The atmosphere is cozy and the service is friendly. They have a nice wine and cocktail selection and of course lots of grappa to chose from. read more

Grapperia - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Great drinks. Great space. We always go here when waiting to eat at Piccolo Forno, the Italian restaurant in the front of the building. We ordered a few drinks including the Fallen Angel, which was spiced and fantastic, and the cheese plate which was delicious. I only wish that it had been 4 times the size because we couldn't get enough of it and ate it very quickly! The prices are reasonable and the drinks are made with lots of care. Shown in the photo is the Above the Clouds from the grappa cocktail menu. read more

Grapperia - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Great spot to grab drinks! It's a small, cozy atmosphere, dark on the inside, but the outdoor tables were perfect. Definitely a hole in the wall place-- you might not notice it if you walked by but definitely worth checking out. The service was great and the grappa cocktails were amazing, especially the LaVanda! read more

Putting a pin in this one for a return review. They were busy when I got here. The bar is long and narrow. A few tables line the wall, but I found all of them full. The bar too was full. There was a five foot section of wall that had a shelf of sorts on it. I stood by the shelf. It was...awkward. A couple girls who also wanted seating also stood by the shelf. We pretended not to notice that we were all standing at a shelf while we sipped our cocktails. I started with an Italian 75. I love the French 75, so I figured...why not? It's grappa, Prosecco, balsamic vinegar, and rosemary. It was a good cocktail. I started a tab and for my next round got a Nardini Reserva from the grappa menu at the bartender's suggestion. I don't drink a ton of grappa. It was good. Stiff in the way that grappa can be, but good. I ended up getting a seat at the end of the bar and found myself constantly sucking in my breath to make way for the bartenders serving the tables. I seemed like I was..."in the way". I had dinner scheduled next door at Piccolo Forno, and got a bottle of wine to take with me before paying my tab. If you buy the bottle there, they don't charge you the corking fee at PF. That's a nice benefit. Busy night, full house, weird seating, good drinks. I'll try it again if only because it's an ultra convenient waiting area for Piccolo Forno, but also because I have a feeling my next experience will be better. read more

What a great little spot to grab cocktails! Not only do you get a little taste of Italy, but the bartenders will share their knowledge with you as well (and potentially some chocolate they have hidden behind the bar!). I LOVE negroni's, so therefor it's only natural to love the Aperitivo on the menu, which is Aperol, Prosecco and Blood Orange Soda. Once I got through the first delicious drink I went on to my negroni. Both were excellently made! I had a small sip of the Italian 75 from their Grappa menu, which was incredibly different than anything I've had before... Mainly because it includes balsamic vinegar. I love that they're offering cocktails you can't get anywhere else in the city! Im looking forward to getting schooled more on the various drinks and can't wait to be back to work my way through the menu. I am Italian after all... It's my obligation! read more

I have enjoyed this place. It's usually pretty busy when I go, which is on the weekends. Unfortunately, I've noticed that the pours are VERY inconsistent. Not the cheapest place around, so this definitely leaves you feeling a bit shafted sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I will probably be back since: A. it's close to home B. It's convenient when waiting for a table at Piccolo Forno However, it wouldn't be my first choice when looking to enjoy a nice glass of wine. read more

I finally made it to Grapperia (years late to the party!) and I couldn't have been happier with the experience. The space is intimate with communal tables and a cozy bar. You order drinks from the bartender and settle in wherever you can find a spot for as long as you'd like. Nothing feels pushy or unpleasant about the atmosphere or the clientele. It's the perfect start or end to an evening out for those of us who have been avoiding the south side/north shore scenes for years. The cocktails aren't bad either. Try one with Grappa for a unique taste or go with one of the traditional options. Both are well-executed. I'm sure I'll be back in the future. This place is such a gem! read more

One of my favorite places. I love it here! The atmosphere is just right. The staff is very knowledgable and attentive. The drinks are crazy and always delicious. I highly recommend for anyone who hasn't tried it out and is looking for a different feel of alcohol. Highly recommend. read more

Awesome new cocktail bad focusing on grappa and grappa cocktails. They also have a few wines and beers. read more

Grapperia - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Ahh, Grapperia. Where do I begin?! My roommates and I discovered this little gem about a year ago and have been hooked ever since. First of all, the atmosphere is wonderful. It's such a cute hole in the wall place. If you're just walking past, you may not even notice it; it's in what looks like a small renovated garage. I love the tasteful antique touches, such as the large gilded mirror on the far wall and the suspended wooden shelving with old piping that they use to hold some of the grappa bottles. It's a small space, but they've made it work perfectly for them. Grapperia feels exclusive, yet not cramped or overcrowded. The cocktails are phenomenal. Grapperia is my #1 cocktail bar in all of Pittsburgh by a long shot. They have a full menu of cocktails, grappa-based cocktails, and bar snacks (along with wines and other liqueurs, of course). The drinks are STRONG and pack a serious punch, so prepare yourself - aka eat a snack before you come or you'll be out after one drink, haha. The bartenders are extremely knowledgable and will tell you all about the exotic liqueurs on the menu. They change the menu every season which is exciting, but if you find that you are partial to a certain cocktail, the wonderful bartenders will make it for you even if it's no longer on the menu. My roommates and I are obsessed with a drink called the "C+D" which has not been on the menu since early 2015, but they still make it for us from memory every time we come in. This goes a very long way in my book. You don't find this sort of customer service at many establishments these days! The bar snacks are pretty good as well - I've had the cheese plate on a few occasions, and the cheeses and spreads offered are always different and always very interesting. They recently started making paninis too, which are delicious, fairly large, and only $6. If you're looking for a place with a trendy atmosphere, great service, and top notch cocktails, then Grapperia is an absolute must-try for you! read more

Grapperia - A couple of original C+Ds in the front, and the new Winter C+D Punch in the background. - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Place has a great date night vibe. Nice decor, good hip hop playing, and well made cocktails behind the bar. Came on a Friday night and the place was dying down. But we saw groups of people having a good time as they wrapped up the night. Started chatting to the bartenders and they were pleasant. Not a bad spot for a Friday night. read more

Grapperia is my favorite addition to the Lawrenceville selection of bars and restaurants. It adds depth to the Lawrenceville roster in a way that none of the other recent additions has been able to, with a truly unique concept. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable in the world of grappa and when they're not totally swamped, will spend the time to explain the differences between them all and guide you through a few options to help guide your grappa journey. At my last visit, the bartender asked me how adventurous I wanted to get, and after hearing that I wanted to dive right in, he smiled and started pouring a few small tastes of grappa and told me how they were each made and how they differed from each other. They were each quite unique, some tasting sweet with notes of maple, and others being closer to what I'd imagine paint thinner tastes like. With my head swimming from all the grappa, I moved onto a grappa cocktail and ordered a LaVanda, which was pleasantly tart and herbal; just the thing I needed to clear my head from the intense flavors of all the grappa. When the time came to pay the tab and move over to Piccolo Forno for dinner, the bartenders were quick with producing the check and sent us off feeling like we were old friends. Perhaps at some point we will be, because I'll certainly be going back often. read more

Italian aperitifs? YES PLEASE! Modern, chic, classy and sassy! This bar is spectacular in every way! The staff is extremely knowledgeable about their menu and what they offer. Love that you can order simple appetizers (which we usually do while we wait on our table at Piccolo Forno!) Very unique cocktail menu, fun and different place to try! You wont be disappointed! read more

Stopped by for a quick drink and had a very enjoyable time. The waiter was super friendly and helpful considering we had no idea what grappa even was. We ultimately settled on some cocktails and I enjoyed the Dom Collins ($10) very much, not too sweet and not too alcoholic tasting either way, just well balanced. We shared the charcuterie and cheese plates ($6 each) which were quite tasty. Their housemate mustard, pickles, and such were decent but far from the best we've had. Their selection of meats and cheese were solid stand-bys with 1-2 more exotic salamis and cheeses. Overall we'd gladly come back and think you can easily find something you'd like here. Just be warned the place is relatively small with only 3-4 tables, 2 booths, and some standing room. read more

For what this place seems to be striving for, it's perfect. Piccolo Forno is absolutely one of my favorite restaurants in the city. Grapperia seems to be there to pad their no reservation policy (unless you're a party of 5). My lady and I enjoyed a great cheese and meat tray while waiting for our Piccolo table. Friendly & helpful bartenders. Solid beer and wine selection. Couldn't stand as a bar on it's own, but could also be great for a quick meeting. read more

A decent hole-in-the-wall cocktail bar. Not an exceptionally comfortable or well decorated place. But good drinks, good service, and typically not too crowded. read more

Great drinks (some of the best in Pittsburgh) and super friendly staff! This was a awesome place to have a beverage on date night and we will absolutely be back! read more

Perfect spot to get a drink before or after eating at Piccolo Forno. The bar is small but has a warm feel and the staff is very friendly and funny. The LaVanda is one of the best cocktails in the city and there are other great cocktail options you can enjoy without having to be a fan of grappa. read more

Grapperia is a great spot for a date night, or just a fun place to grab drinks with a buddy or two! It's certainly a bit small for a large group - I was shocked at first, but I grew to love the intimate space. It was quieter than many bars in Lawrenceville, which was surprising but welcome. I went on a "friend date," first to Piccolo Forno, then here, and we had a total blast! The food at Piccolo is of course amazing (see my review for them separately), but the follow up of a grappa flight at Grapperia was perfection. In fact, the two pair perfectly (almost like they planned it that way). I'm always a sucker for a flight, especially when its a beverage I'm less familiar with. We got the basic flight to share. I've tried grappa before (and my husband even makes it intermittently), but it was great getting to taste the "good stuff." I don't know that I have quite the appreciation for grappa that my dinner partner did, because he seemed to enjoy all of the offerings. I found that one of the barrel aged options reminded me most of turpentine, but the others were full of evocative flavors - vanilla, smoke, pine, leather... I especially enjoyed that I could compare several options head-to-head, since this allowed for a better overall understanding and appreciation for Grappa. Will I be back? Absolutely, likely for another flight. However, their cocktails looked amazing as well, so I might just have to try those out while I'm at it! read more

Got the grappa flight with 3 cheese plate. Bread was stale, cheese bland. Grappa was good though, 4 types. 2 flights, veggie panini and cheese plate for about $60. read more

Grapperia - Flight - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A few friends and I stopped in here before a yelp event we had later that night. We all had it on our list of places to try and it was right around the corner so it was the perfect opportunity. This place is awesome. While the staff definitely gave us a hard time for being on our phones and being yelpers (which is so silly since I'm here writing this great review for them! lol) they were definitely awesome. The bartender was very attentive and helpful. We didn't know what all of the cocktails on the menu were so he helped explain it a little better, offered sampled, and gave suggestions. I'm very surprised that in the 2 hour window we were there no other customers came into the bar. While the drinks may be a little pricey it's definitely a great little place to hang out. Every single one of us commented on how much we loved the set up of this bar. All of the decor went together so well and it was all so pretty. If I lived out this way I would definitely be stopping by more often. read more

The Grapperia is a nice addition to Lawrenceville. The space itself is very rustic tavern looking. I like it. A lot of wood. It has a nice amount of light between the bar lighting and the windows. They really pulled off the decor. The bar is great. I just wish I had a taste for grappa. They have a nice mix of cocktails, straight grappas, and infused grappas. I tried a little of each and was thoroughly impressed. It really fit in with Piccolo as my after dinner spot. I only wish I could get Piccolo's deserts. I'm going to have to take a desert to go and eat it there. read more

This is my favorite place to chill and have a drink in Pittsburgh. The cocktails are delicious and elegantly crafted and the people that work here are so cool and so friendly, down to earth, and good to talk to. Lou and Chris are usually behind the bar when I'm here and I hope they always will be. The owner, Domenic, I also met once. He's the nicest guy and he clearly loves grappa - He had with him a bottle that he discovered on the trip to Italy that he had just come back from. The place has a great atmosphere. The design is industrial and at the same time, warm and comfortable. Lots of metal, creatively installed pipe, nice hardwood tables and cool use of cork. It's a great date place and always nice to hang out, with a couple of tables outside for when the weather is nice. So many great places to go in this area too. It's always a good time read more

beautifully prepared cocktails, wonderful bar and warm lighting, great for a nightcap or to start the evening's lville adventures. Warm, professional bartenders are good at figuring out what drink you'd enjoy if you're stumped. read more

we finally made it! we talked about going, many times. all it took was showing up after 5 at piccolo forno! there was an hour wait. what to do, what to do. nice little place, not too busy. the wine list made picking a red kinda easy as there weren't many to choose from. what we got was delicious! we ordered the fegato con crostini aka chicken liver pate. it was so good! so smooth! so yummy! it was 1 of the best pates i've ever had. there was a little dance happening in my seat! i know it's a small bar, but a slightly bigger wine list & food menu, would probably go over well. I'll be back, but hopefully, not from waiting on a table at piccolo forno! read more

My mom and I stopped last month on a gorgeous, sunny day and sat outside sipping a glass of rose. The wine was very nice and the server was sweet. We were there earlier in the day, around 4:30 or 5 as we had dinner reservations that evening. They have all types of Italian inspired wines, spirits and maybe a few Italian beers too? The bartender knew the whole back story to the family's ties to Italy as well. I would recommend this place! read more

It was ok until bitch ass bartenders took our drinks without a to go cup. We paid highly for service and that was end!!?! Disappointed. Took glass with nothing to compensate for $14 drinks. Sad. Go elsewhere. read more

Great bar with killer unique Italian drinks, delicious finger foods. Well worth the visit!