I may have accidentally gotten my entire family drunk by bringing them them here. I came across this place while looking for venues with live music. We arrived here around 6pm on a Saturday, and it was quite full. Don't count on being able to grab a table or even a seat at the bar. They have a respectable cocktail list and a pretty decent wine selection. Two of our party elected to get margaritas, which were served in giant pint-sized glasses and were quite POTENT. Good value per cost ($9) No one was performing for the first 20 minutes when we arrived -- apparently the performers were taking a break. When they finally started up again we caught 2 songs before we had leave. I thought the performers were good but not particularly memorable. Nice spot for a drink, but don't set you expectations too high read more

The Backstage Bar - Note the pint-sized margarita - Lounges Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

I've visited Backstage Bar several times over the years for shows and events. I had a great time at the beer-tasting event they hosted. The staff has been friendly and the prices are on par with other theaters (expensive, but that's on par). Shows have been hit or miss. I've really liked a few and a few haven't been great. But either way, a night out in a decent theater... I'll take it. There were a few hosted events that took place there as well, and that was a great location to have the mingling and then go into the space for the event. Certainly something to consider if planning a large event. read more

The Backstage Bar - The entrance, next to meat and potatoes! - Lounges Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

They need to post on their website that you have to show proof of vaccination. We arrived for a jazz performance and had to leave as we didn't have proof of vaccination on us :( read more

The Backstage Bar is my favorite bar in the city. I love to come here before or after seeing shows downtown. The drinks are good, the food is good (their menu is now presented by Meat & Potatoes. Nom!), and the staff is delightful. I love to come here during off days when it's slow to allow more time to chat with the bartenders, they are quippy and sassy! But even when it's super busy because of something exciting going on in the cultural district, the service is still pretty quick and they can handle a rush. They have a nice selection of wine, which I appreciate, and they offer about eight different draft selections. Their specialty cocktails change with whatever show is going on at the Cabaret Theater, so there is always a nice variety when you go back. Another great thing about their drinks is that lot of their stuff is handcrafted, like house infused liquors and homemade simple syrups. With such a variety, the staff is always very helpful in helping you pick out the right drink for you! I was just here this week with my boyfriend before seeing a show at Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre and had the best time. We had some wine, Justin had a beer (Abita Grapefruit IPA. Grapefruit, yuck! IPA, yuck!) , and I tried one of their specialty cocktails for their show "Judge Jackie Justice." We also shared their House-made rosemary + sea salt chips with their own french onion dip and a margherita pizza. The chips were amazing and the pizza was great, although I didn't care for the extra large pieces of basil. The atmosphere is great. They feature art from local artists along the main wall, the lighting is nice (it's dim, but without being so dark that you can't see the person you're talking to. I'm looking at you MadMex Oakland!), and sometimes they feature live music. If you find yourself downtown with some time to kill or you're looking for a good place for pre or post show food and drinks, give The Backstage Bar a try. You won't regret it! read more

The Backstage Bar - Jackie's Juice. Liefman's Cuvée Brut, Pama liqueur & fresca. Cherry garnish. - Lounges Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

This bar is super convienent if you are attending or performing at an event at the Benedum Center. The drinks are pricey considering the alcohol content is practically non-existent usually. But this bar is great because it's convenient! There isn't a whole lot going on downtown at night, and this bar is consistently clean. They have salsa dancing and some other random events from time to time as well. The atmosphere is cool and laid back. It's a fine place to stop at if you're in the area and want a drink. I THINK it's non-smoking. At minimum, no one has ever been smoking in there when I've gone in. So score!! read more

My H and I stopped at the Backstage bar after seeing a show at the CLO and before reservations at M&P for a drink or two. I don't have a strong opinion on the place. I had a few Troegs IPA's and the H had a Miller Lite. I guess if I had to say anything I thought the place was a little expensive. A domestic draft over $6.00? Are we at the ball game? I wasn't a fan of the prices. Meh, what can you do it was so incredibly convenient to go there in between. We didn't even need to go outside because it's all connected, making the transition simple. The place is modern and clean, service was nice but a tad on the slow side. Not a big of deal in this situation. I would go back if I found myself again waiting for my reservations at M&P. read more

The Backstage Bar - Wall of booze - Lounges Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

What a discovery! Now being that it was a discovery, I was not aware of the entertainment or anything about what this place had. Next time I come back, and see a show, I will update my review. We stumbled upon this fine place while trying to find a place to eat before a show at the Benedum on a Friday evening. They had outdoor seating, that required you to go in and order from the bar for food and drink. The indoor seating is what we chose. It was self seating and we still ordered from the bar, but more convenient as our table was right next to the bar. There was a gentleman playing acoustic guitar, very pleasant. We ordered our drinks, I ordered some fancy special drink with whiskey, not a usual on the menu, but was very good! I can't remember what it was called, but will guess on saying it was the Dutch Queen? I also ordered the side size Caesar salad and a personal pizza with roasted red pepper. Now let me tell you about this side salad I ordered. It had to be the FIRST time I had ever ordered this salad with actual anchovies in it! I about died when I saw it, but wow was it good! The pizza was also very good! The crust was soft and fluffy. The sauce was a good sweet. The cheese was not shy! The service was also very quick and was served to the table. The bartender that ran our food was also very nice. I think she was new and training, but she was doing a great job. I will be returning! And looking forward to making it to a show! read more

See all

Absolutely loved the bar itself. Such a fun, relaxed vibe - outdoor seating in the Katz plaza is awesome! We live downtown, and this really is the very best place to sit outside in the city. Our bartender, Brian, was as good as it gets. Great drinks, spot-on recommendations, and such a blast to hang it with! The only downside, and it's a big one, is a decision the manager chose to make. We have a small, adorable dog who kept looking for a little water (it was warm tonight)! Brian came out to check on us, saw our sweet puppy sitting underneath the table, and asked if he wanted a little bowl of water. Seriously, how cool is that? Unfortunately, the bar was about to close, and the manager on duty chose to prioritize shutting down the bar. Feels like a pretty simple gesture, but I guess closing and going home was more important. Anyhow, we loved this place because we could sit outside with the dog. Starting to realize that management might be a bit less pet-friendly than we thought...disappointment. read more

Has anyone ever seen that episode of Portlandia where Andy Samberg plays a mixologist (or "bartender" however you look at it) and ends up quitting to move to California? My experience at The Backstage Bar was very close to that entire episode (YouTube it if you have to, it's a great sketch) and I mean that in the most endearing way possible. When we arrived, happy hour was going on. Sadly, there wasn't really anything that I wanted, so I had a hard cider. There were tons of signs on the wall about all of their signature cocktails, so I knew I had to try one. Some girl sitting there was having an orgasm at the drink that the bartender made her saying it was the best drink she ever had. I asked the bartender what he made for her that she was freaking out about and he just looked at me deadpan and said "I have no idea." At that moment, I knew he was going to be my favorite bartender ever. I asked for one of the drinks on the wall and he said "You don't want that one. It's not that good." I appreciated his honesty, because who wants to spend $7 on a sh*tty drink? He told me he could make me something better and he did. He made me some sort of pomegrante martini with juices and liquors that I can't recall. It was divine -- absolutely perfect. After the bar cleared out, we got to talking to Kevin and we told him we were from Chicago. We started talking about different things to do in Chicago, Lollapalooza and the music scene. He made me laugh all night and was such an expert on Pittsburgh history and culture. Seriously, he made me ashamed that I don't know just as much about my own city. In the episode of Portlandia, Carrie ends up following the bartender to California. This is exactly how I feel. I mean, how crazy would I be if I went back to Pittsburgh just to have Kevin make me a drink again? I don't know but don't think it hasn't crossed my mind at least once. read more

For being such a tiny bar, it packs a lot of punch. And by punch, i mean beer! I was surprised at the fact that they have many different variates of beer on tap as well as bottles. I wouldn't expect that from a bar connected with a theater (CLO Cabaret). It's a very pleasant surprise to also find seasonal pumpkin beer on tap (yay!). It's always a downer to go somewhere and they have the usual on tap. They also have live music nights, where they feature acoustic sets and jazz. It's just a nice place to head into before a show at the CLO or in the Culture District. They also have happy hour specials and nice outdoor seating in the little park next door, they has a great view in the summer for people watching! I can't really speak to the food as being the best (hopefully they'll have Meat n' Taters catering at some point), but the atmosphere makes up for it. Just a tiny, dimly light place to mix and mingle for a bit pre-show. I can dig! read more

The first thing I noticed here is that the staff are SO friendly and attentive. Not to mention they have great memories! I went there for the first time in months tonight and the bartender remembered my favorite drink. The atmosphere is classy but they know how to have fun. The food is a bit pricey but good. Love the tiramisu! The last thing I'd like to mention is that Backstage Bar is a great supporter of local talent. They bring in local acts to play in the bar and entertain the patrons before/between CLO Cabaret shows. It's a great way to support the arts and help young acts establish themselves. read more

First of all, I have to say that the bartenders are knowledgeable. Slow working, but knowledgeable. We ordered proper martinis and sidecars and our bartender didn't even blink for classic drinks off the menu full of musical-themed drinks. Prices are high, but we weren't surprised by that. Food was great, portions were kind of off - the brie and olive dish was great but we only got one and half delicious tomatoes. The bar itself is nice - dark, but clean. Small tables, so don't bring a group much larger than 4 I would say. There was some GOOD live jazz (very amplified). Service was lacking, so don't expect anything too quick and snappy if it's busy. We waited a long time for our check, then after asking for it, we waited even longer before we had to say something again. A very. Long. Time. That knocked off a star. read more

If you're looking for a swanky place to lounge before or after your theater trysts, consider popping by The Backstage Bar at Theater Square (across from Heinz Hall on Penn Ave) in the heart of Pittsburgh's Cultural District. These folks keep things moving along (since most patrons have show times to make), and the food (from Cafe Zao) is delicious. Although the live entertainment is free (no cover) expect to dish out a tad more than usual for anything you put to your lips. Weekdays it is also a decent place to stop for Happy Hour with your office posse. You might want to check their website for entertainment schedules and current menu when making your theater plans. read more

Oh how I do enjoy The Backstage Bar before or after a performance. They have so many selections for wine, cocktails, and beer; not to mention a delicious food menu. Reasonably priced for a spot in The Cultural District (it connects to the CLO theater). I have been here several times after going to CLO Cabaret, Heinz Hall, Benedum, etc and the service has always been great. This place can get really busy and it's the quality service that keeps me coming back. The staff are always attentive no matter how slow or busy they are. read more

Seems like a pretty fun place--but when my wife and I sat outside, we saw our waiter very rarely. Just enough to get one round, and we never saw him again. Thought his shift might've ended but when I went in to close my tab, I saw him hammin it up in the lounge. They didn't even have a tab for us, so I guess we could've walked away. Anyway, I had a beer so no comment there. Wife had the special--some kind of blueberry lemonade deal. It was good. But pricey. read more

This is a hidden treasure downtown and great place to go before a CLO show. It is not usually very crowded and you can get a drink quickly. They have a decent draft selection and fun cocktails-usually named after the current show going on. My favorite is the craft beer case which always has a ton of great beer-this past visit they had pumpkin, blueberry and banana bread beers. The servers are friendly and the prices are very reasonable. It is small but if there isn't a seat at the bar they have small tables around the sides. Happy hour is actually late night from 9-11. read more

Brian the Bartender is a whirling dervish of a man! This is a friendly bar that is a very nice place to have a cocktail either pre or post show. There is no shortage of interesting people to talk to and there are late night drink specials. I will definitely be back. read more

Amazing service, cool craft selections, great service and a show right after your drinks ! I loved this place, the Caberet was an added bonus and it was superb overall. Anyone looking for a cool atmosphere and a neat drink list (craft beers included), this is your place! read more

We visited briefly and have decided to revisit during a play event in the cultural district. More later after we have some actual time there. We have booked into a play for the next week given the overall presentation of the building, entryway, people... read more

Okay, Backstage Bar and Meat & Potaotes, and Cabaret at Theater Square (Katz Plaza)...I wrote a review on the foulest restrooms we have ever enountered. Others at the venue have complained each week have visited for the past several years. Nothing has changed. How much is a gallon of bleach or some Pine-Sol? You guys are charging top dollar for us visiting these venues; the least you can do is clean a bit between shows---or weeks! Shame on all of you. read more

The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating. When I pointed out that my drink came in a cracked glass, the bartender apologized immensely and threw the glass away immediately. She then comped my next drink. My food came out quickly and was delicious. I came for a jazz performance which didn't disappoint! Although at 32, I was one of the younger members of the crowd, I didn't feel out of place. Would highly recommend this as a place for jazz on Tuesday evenings! read more

I'm only giving three stars, and this is why. I didn't have anything to eat here and really only came for part of the late-night happy hour, which was draw enough itself. They have craft beers for only $2.50 every Friday from 9-11pm. Not only is a late happy hour awesome for those of us who can't make it out immediately after work, but anytime I can grab a Brooklyn Brown for under $3, I'm a happy guy! The outdoor seating is also nice, especially during downtown events such as the gallery crawl. read more

This place is amazing for plays but omg. First my wife and I sat down to get a drink right before a show and the woman (moo moo with braids and a bandana) clearly saw me sit down and didn't come over to greet me for 3-5 minutes and there was only two or three other people there. She continued to put away glasses unapologetically until she HAD to come over. Then we went back for a second round and she must have got "busy" and told us and another couple to go and get our drinks inside the theater. Very poor customer service! read more

Although the menu was fairly limited, the food was excellent. I had a shrimp wrap with chip, delicious! The bar tenders are great as well.

(I didn't go there to see a show, but if the Backstage Bar is any indication, the show, with a meal and drinks there would be a wonderful evening out) Stopped in for a bite during the jazz festival, to get out of the hot sun and rehydrate. Met Ace, the Chef, while he was welcoming the diners. Ace took a minute to answer our questions about the menu, and made a recommendation, which I ordered - perfect. Very refreshing tarragon chicken sandwich. Just what I needed. The bar tender came around to check on us and the drinks were very good. Go there if you like great food and drinks, nice atmosphere and excellent service... they really made us feel welcomed. Left very satisfied - definitely will visit again! read more

This place is a great little place for a pre-show drink or after-show cocktail. I love the bartenders who are generous and knowledgeable. They always have some cool drinks to mix up! After two times there, the young male bartender remembered my husband and I were O'Reilly subscribers and asked us about the show while getting us drinks. Music is a nice addition when they book small bands, and I love that they support local artists by displaying their art on the walls. Great place, convienient location, nice people...way to go Backstage Bar! read more

Liked the ambiance. Disappointed, Tuesday night jazz performer (FEB 17, 2015) did not show up. Website did not provide an update and staff could not provide an explanation. Enjoyed the selection of wines. Food was not up to the quality I anticipated. Margarita Pizza had flavor but lacked a traditional, thin,quality crust. Crust was soggy and thick. Hummus was a bit bland but I enjoyed the quality and variety of olives served with the dish. read more

This was the perfect place to end the evening, My wife and I got lucky and won 2x25$ tickets to see "The Book of Mormon" after the show let out it appeared everyone was walking over to the Backstage bar. They had some drink specials going can't recall the details, but it was like 3 or 4 bucks a beer located on the first two rows of the display... Not many jumped out to me and I know why these were picked as the discounted choices, but its a nice spot to get cheap drinks. and they have TONS of beers in bottle and on TAP, I decided to drink more local and went with "monkey boy" it was a great wheat beer from a Pittsburgh native brewery - East End Brewing Company, it hit the spot. My wife on the other hand decided to have the bartender Kevin who FYI was amazing whip up some kinda of pomegranate thing with lots of booze, she said it was wonderful and enjoyed it greatly. I would go back to this place it has a great atmosphere darkly lit and the soundtrack in the background was great. read more

Went here last night for Jazz on Tuesdays , the atmosphere is nice, my drink was made correctly, and the food wasn't bad. I would recommend this to any jazz lovers , the show is free , just buy a drink or two while u watch read more

Great place to go meet up with friends downtown, have a drink and eat some food if the kitchen is open. I like their mac n cheese. Mostly, though, I like their wine selection. A great place to stop by after a show. read more

The Backstage Bar is a wonderful place for pre-theater drinks or a post-theater nightcap. The food is just fine- a small but well-chosen menu. The drinks are great and the bartenders are friendly and attentive and can really mix up some great concoctions. I especially like that they feature live, local musicians and hang local artists' work on the walls. Bravo! read more