A Very Happy Hour

A cocktail from Bridges & Bourbon in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Two people walk into a bar…and celebrate the holidays over a glass and a nibble.

Eighth & Hays

Picture this: you’re sitting at a table at Eighth & Hays in Homestead gazing out their wall of windows. Snow is falling onto the moonlit city streets while you slowly nurse a glass of bold, red wine or festive, sparkling prosecco. Eventually, a wood-fired pizza joins the mix. Sound perfect? We agree. Eighth & Hays is meant for winter happy hours, trust us.

The Summit

Get cozy in a booth at The Summit, known for their top-notch cocktail program. Their drink menu is well worth climbing Mount Washington, with whiskey and bourbon warm-ups to chase off the winter chill. Add some fries, popcorn, and some friends and you’ll want happy hour to go on for hours.

Emerson’s

Situated on top of Market Street Grocery Downtown, Emerson’s is a snug winter hideaway, set just enough above the city that it feels like a vacation. Their seasonal drink menu will settle you in, and rustic blankets, cushy couches, and a roaring fireplace will keep you there for a long talk.

Kelly’s Bar & Lounge

Unassuming – like a hometown diner -- Kelly’s Bar & Lounge is the perfect place to take refuge from the holiday hustle. For classic cocktails, beers, and vodka sodas alike, Kelly’s offers a welcoming, warm spot for winter drinks. Don’t forget to indulge in a bowl of their famous mac ‘n’ cheese! We promise you won’t regret it.

Bridges & Bourbon

It feels like anything could happen at Bridges & Bourbon, a cocktail bar in the heart of Downtown and the city’s home for modernistic, experimental cocktails. You might find a flaming pile of woodchips next to your drink, offering the smell of a campfire with each sip, or a billowing cloud of dry ice to give your glass a misty, spooky feel. Whatever it is, we guarantee it will be delicious.

STORY BY MAGGIE WEAVER/PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIDGES & BOURBON