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    Pre Amp Coffee Studio

    4.4 (19 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

    Pre Amp Coffee Studio Photos

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    PRE AMP COFFEE STUDIO ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Pre Amp Coffee Studio

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    That wonderful focaccia bread.
    Angie C.

    I'm obsessed with this coffee spot. I was hosted here once for Instagram posting purposes, but have since visited twice more on my own spending my own dollars. The vibes here, as the kids say, are immaculate. Warm lighting, a couple of barstool type areas, small table seating in the back. They make the most out of the space they have in this bustling shady side neighborhood. The folks in charge clearly love vinyl as do I, and there are tunes spinning; they have good taste, with classics from the likes of Amy Winehouse and Jeff Buckley. The coffee drinks are made with first rate equipment and they are thoughtful and unique. You'll find ingredients like smoked salt and peppercorn (Smokey Robinson) and delicious specials like a banana caramel latte. Where they really stole my heart was having a full nonalcoholic bar with complex drinks like takes on an espresso martini and old fashioned made with NA spirits. So so good. They are going to rotate food concepts in their kitchen here but first up was Mortadella and I got a veggie sandwich that might be the best I've ever had. It was on a focaccia bread that was beyond to die for. The next time I came I needed that focaccia again and got it by itself. It looks like they are introducing some pastry concepts which I look forward to trying soon. There are so many places in this general area competing for your business but this is truly a spot worth checking out.

    Iced London fog
    Carlie H.

    Had heard the buzz about a new coffee shop in Squirrel Hill and it did not disappoint. The vibes upon entering were so cool, with the main attraction being the coffee bar right up front. A few steps in, you'll hit the register to place your order, and I appreciated the printed menus that made ordering quick and easy. I stopped by around noon on a Saturday and it still felt smooth and well-organized. I ordered my classic iced London fog and tried the chicken Caesar sandwich. The drink was made well, not watered down like some other shops, with a subtle sweet flavor that hit the spot. The real highlight was the sandwich. I'm usually a baguette-or-croissant person, but their focaccia has officially turned my head. The chicken-to-bread ratio was spot-on, and the whole thing was massive and genuinely filling. I've already been back a second time within the week and I'm pretty sure I'm about to become a regular.

    Brenda Y.

    I love the vibe and ambiance here. They play louder music here so it might make it harder to study here but it's a great place to have a drink with friends. They have a rotating food menu and great pastries if you are feeling hungry. They have seats in the front and the back but some of the seats don't have a backing. The workers are nice and friendly. I would definitely come back to try their sandwiches it they ever come back.

    Bar area
    Ellie K.

    Great spot for coffee, chats, and work. I sat near the opened front of the store and was very happy with the fresh air and breeze. The staff was lovely. My chai tea was perfect (and caffeine free!).

    Quynh M.

    I wanted to like it. The decor and vibe was nice. I stopped in and ordered for to go. The cashier was nice enough but the service was slow. My latte was ok although the blueberry muffin was good. It has potential so I'll give it another try one of these days.

    Menu
    Jason F.

    I stopped by here this past Sunday with my family for our morning coffee. Every weekend we try to visit a new local coffee shop, and on this morning it happened to be Pre Amp Coffee Studio. This shop is located right on Forbes Avenue in the heart of the business district in Squirrel Hill. While it does not look very large from the outside, the space is deeper than expected and offers plenty of seating, including a lunch counter style area as well as standard tables. Near the register, there is a small display case filled with baked goods for sale. For our coffees this morning, I ordered a hot Smoky Robinson with oat milk while my wife chose an iced version of the same drink. The menu describes the Smoky Robinson as a local honey latte with smoked salt, peppercorn, and cinnamon. It was interesting to watch the barista prepare the drink. He measured the honey syrup on a scale and was careful with the number of shakes of the other ingredients. I appreciate that level of precision for the sake of consistency. After a five to ten minute wait, we had our coffees and were on our way. My drink ended up being pretty good. The coffee itself was smooth and rich with a nice depth of flavor. The oat milk contributed its usual taste, while the honey added sweetness and the peppercorn brought noticeable spice. I could taste the smoked flavor clearly at the beginning of the drink, but as I continued, it faded and the peppercorn became more prominent. Since I enjoy pepper and spicy flavors, this was not a major issue for me, but I could see how it might be overwhelming for some people. My wife also enjoyed her drink and especially appreciated the pairing of sweet and savory flavors. The bottom line for me is that I would head back here again in the future. The coffee and oat milk were good, and I enjoyed the sweet and savory combination, though I would personally prefer slightly fewer peppercorns for a more balanced latte.

    Dulce de leche macchiato
    Jack R.

    Cool new spot in squirrel hill. Decor inside gives this a really unique feel. Seating inside is cramped, stools on both sides and the line for the register and way out are the same, it's tight. Food was alright, the Saturday special was French toast sticks. No distinct flavor, which was the same for the dulce de leche coffee. Was hoping for some cinnamon, maybe maple syrup but even the cream cheese frosting was sort of just there. Staff was 50/50 nice and rude. The person who took our order was sweet! Answered a few questions and repeated the order back to ensure it was correct. Woman behind the counter was a bit rude, almost like we should t ask her for anything and she was too busy. Just asked for a cup and went to put the dishes on the counter but was told in a unwelcoming tone to put them on the tray. Which, there wasn't one when we walked out. All in all I want to give it a second shot, but mixed feelings on the first go.

    Chicken parm sandwich
    Steven H.

    Wow, this a great new gem for Pittsburgh. Top notch coffee AND amazing sandwiches! Plus the vibes are incredible with great staff, decor, and music. Don't be afraid of the prices, with this place you get more than what you paid for.

    Hop water
    Ken L.

    This new spot is stunning!!! It is so beautiful inside with awesome lighting and has a lot of booths to chill in. The wood colors and greenery are chefs kiss. I love the bar area and the staff is super nice as well. The coffee is really good here and their specialty lattes are amazing. Definitely get the honey latte and the maple bourbon one! Love that they have N.A. drinks and sandwiches too. The florentine sandwiches are so so good. You have to get the chicken parm. It was good even when it was cold! The chicken stayed crispy. The San Daniele Proscuitto was good too! Love the focaccia they use in the sandwiches. Definitely one of my new favorite cafes in town!

    Amanda D.

    Love this new spot in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood in Pittsburgh. Such a cool vibe inside and staff were all nice. They have coffee options as well as sandwiches. Everything was super good! Great place to work, grab a coffee to go or catch up with a friend! Highly recommend.

    Front bar area
    Kate C.

    Another beautifully executed concept from the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group. The space is stunning, with thoughtful finishes and a relaxed, cool vibe. I stopped in on a Saturday morning with a friend and enjoyed a latte and a Smokey Robinson. Both were well balanced and thoughtfully made. Service was quick and friendly. Definitely worth a visit the next time you're in Squirrel Hill!

    Turkey, egg, and cheese

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    3 months ago

    Incredible atmosphere for feeling fresh and chic meeting up with friends in the Burgh

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    Review Highlights - Pre Amp Coffee Studio

    I'm usually a baguette-or-croissant person, but their focaccia has officially turned my head.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Commonplace Coffee - Best coffee shop in Sq Hill

    Commonplace Coffee

    (242 reviews)

    $$

    Squirrel Hill

    4.5 stars. Commonplace Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster, retailer, and wholesale service…read moreprovider. It has a roastery, bakery, and several cafes in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and it provides training and equipment to other businesses. My husband and I were customers of this cafe in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood one time. The menu listed coffees, espressos, lattes, teas, hot cocoa, cookies, muffins, scones, sandwiches, etcetera. A refrigerator contained yogurts, juices, oat milk, and other bottled beverages. Shelves held bags of coffees and kettles. Employees kindly took my husband's order and payment and promptly made our beverages. Some tables and chairs were inside the cafe, so we sat down to enjoy our beverages. Other customers were using the dining area to read, spend time with family and friends, and work on laptops. I rate the Chai Latte has 5 stars and the holiday Sugar Plum Latte as 4.5 stars. We enjoyed their flavors. Each beverage was 12 ounces, and their total price was $11 plus tax and tip. I did notice that the cafe was very humid because of the cold weather outside and the many customers inside. The windows had much condensation. I wonder if a dehumidifer would reduce the indoor humidity.

    My favorite place in pittsburgh!! I loved coming here to study and grab a drink and sit in a cute…read morelittle shop with friends! I love how sunny it gets here, and how cozy it feels with some of the plant decoration. It's a pretty good place to study, but don't come here if you're expecting it to be super quiet. I loved the employees here and they always made my day so much better when talking to them. Also, I was never disappointed with my drinks, I loved the Matcha, chai, or any of their seasonal flavors. I definitely recommend coming here and I hope to be back if I'm ever back in the city.

    Dobra Tea

    Dobra Tea

    (283 reviews)

    $$

    Squirrel Hill

    I came in to study on a Saturday. The place is packed and continues to see a nice helping of…read morecustomers as the night continues. The set up is very middle Eastern I would say. The front has some wicker chairs and tables which are very small. As you move toward the back there are small sitting rooms where you take off your shoes and sit on a padded "floor". The back has some more chairs and tables. Outlets are hard to find. You most likely will share a sitting area as well. One note is, I think they have a wifi limit where only a certain number of people can connect. I tried all night to get a connection and could not for any of my devices, nor could my friend. Overall the ambiance is catered toward chatting rather than studying as the tables are very small and slow or no wifi. I like the night vibes it has though, we need more late night 3rd spaces like this one!! I got a hummus plate and ginger tea. The ginger tea was just okay. The ginger was overpowering in not a good way. It highlighted the spiciness of ginger without letting any type of "tea flavor" through. It tasted more like ginger water. For a tea house, I thought it would have more depth. The hummus platter was very yummy! The pita was warm and the olive oil on the hummus added a nice touch to it. I think I would have enjoyed the experience more had the tables not been as wobbly, the WiFi worked at any point, the tea had a bit more nuance to it, and the cloying smell wasn't there. It is a very good chatting spot for late night meetings ups with great food!

    I love this place! It's not always the best to study, because sometimes it can get really packed…read moreand crammed but honestly it's so cozy and the vibes are great here! I'm always impressed with their selection of teas and snacks and I loved trying new things each time! It's such a great experience, you can choose from sitting at a small table or closer to the ground.

    Delanie's Coffee Shadyside - Interior and counter

    Delanie's Coffee Shadyside

    (31 reviews)

    Shadyside

    I have never been recommended a coffee spot by so many people. and yes it is so worth it. That…read morecookie butter latte is literally so delicious, i've never finished a drink that fast. Service is great, staff are kind and very quick. Lots of open seating to get some work done including outside.

    I stopped by here two Sundays ago with my family for our morning coffee. Every weekend we try to…read morehit up a new local coffee shop and on this morning it happened to be Delanie's Coffee in Shadyside. I honestly have not been in the area much lately and was surprised to see its prime location on South Highland in that East Liberty, Shadyside and Friendship corridor. The inside of the shop was packed by the time we got inside so I did not get to see much of it other than the coffee bar and the large selection of baked goods. For my coffee this morning I went with a butter beer cold brew while my wife went with an iced Almond Joy latte. The menu described mine as cold brew with butterscotch syrup and cheesecake sweet cream. My wife's was described as just like the candy bar with dark chocolate and coconut topped with coconut flakes. My coffee actually ended up tasting pretty good. The butterscotch tasted somewhat similar to caramel but the cold brew was definitely the star. It was rich and strong which I always appreciate. The cheesecake sweet cream was also a nice addition as it was sweet like you would expect but also had a bit of tartness that reminded me of actual cheesecake. My wife also enjoyed her coffee and especially liked the combination of chocolate, coconut and coffee flavors. The bottom line for me is that I would head back here again in the future. My wife and I both enjoyed our drinks and I would definitely be interested in trying some of the pastries next time.

    The Coffee Tree Roasters - Italian soda

    The Coffee Tree Roasters

    (225 reviews)

    $$

    Shadyside

    Found a new favorite cafe as I'm new to town. Been here twice in one week. First visit was to try…read moretheir latte which I ordered iced as it was in the afternoon. Loved their iced latte. They have three sugar-free flavors: vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut. Next visit was on a very cold Saturday morning to try Oram's donuts. Those donuts are huge and very flavorful. Got here early to get our choice of the selection. The case was filled with donuts, cinnamon rolls, bear claws, and more. I chose a filled donut with chocolate icing and hubby got a jelly filled donut. Both are very good. Love the friendly, quick service from the employees. They never rush you and are so kind. There is a main level dining area and an upper area (3-4 steps or a lift) with plenty of small tables and chairs, upholstered chairs with tables, and an enclosed room for serious studying. WiFi. Restrooms. They have what you need to relax, meet friends, or study.

    Where this cafe shines is that it's a large space and a favorite spot to do some work with pretty…read moregood coffee and a wide variety of snacks. I especially love when they open the space up with their outdoor seating, lots of space available for mostly students to come and do work in a homey environment. The coffee was a bit cold, but I liked their dark roast. I have tried their specialty lattes and have found them to be okay, not really worth getting again. I truly enjoyed their pecan roll, but all their pastries are pretty solid, especially love that they come from a variety of other local businesses. I think it's not my go to for coffee in the area but pretty reliable for a pastry and one of the easiest places to find a seat to study/do work.

    Pigeon Bagels - Classic Lox Bagel Sandwich

    Pigeon Bagels

    (245 reviews)

    $

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    I traveled back to Pittsburgh for the first time in 5 years. When I lived here, I was surprised to…read morefind a dearth of quality bagel places in Squirrel Hill. The Bagel Factory has a long history of issues related to management, and Pigeon Bagels was relatively new when I moved here. I was struck by the quality of the kosher, hand-rolled bagels. Not needing to be toasted, best complemented with Redhawk drip coffee. Nestled next to a supplies studio off Hobart, Pigeon Bagels is there for you. Tasty bagel sandwiches and amazing Jewish pastries. Must get the Rugelach. My vegan wife agreed with me, and she loved her herb tofu schmear. You wait in a line and the inside is limited in space for customers, so most people wait outside. Not an issue. I love the store facade, very Wes Anderson-inspired. There's a cute mural as well. Pigeo Bagels- I missed you.

    We got the classic lox on plain (4/5) and with herb tofu schmear on marble (3.5/5), a pizza bagel…read more(4.25/5), a plain (4/5), and a marble (3/5). The bagel sandwiches were good; relatively standard for a bagel spot. The pizza bagel was pretty good and unique! It and the plain bagel had a nice slightly crunchy outside. The marble bagel was ok, like something you would get from a grocery store; it was too soft and chewy and had a weird glaze/crust when you bit into it. The service was ok but a bit slow (3.5/5); the line was about 10 people in front of us, and it took about 15-20 minutes.

    Pre Amp Coffee Studio - coffee - Updated May 2026

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