Watch CBS News

Best Summertime Bars In Pittsburgh

Good watering holes are as inherent to Pittsburgh as lawn chairs reserving on-street parking spaces. Of course, with summer just around the corner, locals thirst for the places with the best drinks in the perfect scenery. Whether it is a mountain-top martini or a riverside party, these summertime bars are sure to impress.
Nightlife & Music Summer Time Bars
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

The Library
2302 East Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 381-0517
thelibrary-pgh.com

Known not as a bookworm's paradise, but as a stylish place to shoot pool or enjoy the company of friends, The Library is one of the South Side's most understated bars.  Their back patio is tucked away from the noise of the main bar and is dressed to the nines with party lights and water features. You won't have much of a view from here, so it is the perfect place to inspire intimate conversation over the huge menu of food and drinks. Try one of The Library's signature cocktails, all named after famous novels like "James and the Giant Peach" (a Long Island made with peach vodka) or "Where the Red Fern Grows" (Absolut Ruby Red vodka, Triple Sec, pineapple and cranberry juice).

Nightlife & Music Summer Time Bars, Cheers
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Girasole
733 Copeland St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 682-2130
girasolepgh.com

This swanky Shadyside grill has one of the most beautifully landscaped terraces in the city. Nestled just around the corner from the hustle and bustle of Walnut Street, Girasole offers a huge selection of wine that will impress even the most refined palate. A favorite among Pittsburgh's women, Girasole is where the best heart-to-hearts happen over delicious food and endless glasses of wine. The menu is seasonal, which means the food is as fresh as it can get--the summer dishes include potato gnocchi, spinach and ricotta ravioli and brodetto, an Italian fish stew with sausage and saffron.

Nightlife & Music Summer Time Bars, Boys Drinking
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Round Corner Cantina
3720 Butler St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
(412) 904-2279
roundcornercantina.com

When Pittsburghers crave margaritas, there is only one bar that can satisfy. Nestled in the heart of Lawrenceville, Round Corner Cantina has its design in the details. A park-like patio is surrounded by trees and landscaping that blocks the noise of the traffic outside. In addition to the perfect scenery, Round Corner Cantina has a long drink menu that never disappoints. The Bloody Marias come highly recommended, as does as a pitcher of Sangria to share with friends.

Related: Pittsburgh's Best Wine Bars 

Nightlife & Music Summer Time Bars, Parents
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Sandcastle Sandbar
1000 Sandcastle Drive
West Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 462-6666
www.sandcastlewaterpark.com

Native Pittsburgh children know Sandcastle as the go-to waterpark for hot summer days; adults know Sandcastle for the Sandbar. Located along the banks of the Monongahela River, Sandcastle can be accessed by land or water and features a bar, dance floor, and live music all summer long. What the Sandbar lacks in drink selection, it more than makes up for in ambience. Patrons can sit by the fire, take a dip in the pool, or relax in the hot tub.

Nightlife & Music Summer Time Bars, Toasting
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Bado's Pizza Grill and Ale House
307 Beverly Road
Mt. Lebanon, PA  15216
(412) 563-5300
www.badospizzagrill.com

Just a stone's throw from downtown Pittsburgh, Bado's is a sizzling suburban pub. A hot spot for live music, Bado's also features an outdoor deck for great summer weather.  Boasting a wide selection of drinks, Bado's is also known for another Pittsburgh favorite: pizza. Every day of the week offers something new and exciting from trivia to fantastic drink specials, even entertainment for the under-21 crowd.

Related: Best Pizza In Pittsburgh 

Gabrielle Bovard is a fun-loving, paint-covered architectural designer. After spending some time living in and loving New Orleans, she has returned to her roots in fantastic Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here, she enjoys spending time with her soulmate Mark, her two orange cats, and finding fulfillment in random acts of kindness. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.