Downtown Draws: Exploring Cafes, Cocktail Bars, Jazz Joints & Other Enticing Stages

Excited crowds will soon descend upon downtown Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft in late April, but there’s plenty brewing to check out before then. Whether you’re coming for the cultural offerings, new culinary finds or an unexpected moment of restoration, we’ve got some ideas to brighten even the palest of winter days.

Start the morning at the newest downtown location of Ruckus Cafe, where you can cozy into a corner nook with two armchairs, next to a selection of CDs and vinyls playing on rotation. Fuel up with a latte, smoothie (featuring flavors like coco mango and acai blueberry), bagel sandwich, fresh-made salad or toasted sandwich (featuring avo chicken, crunchy veggies and so on). Recently, Ruckus excitedly announced they’d earned a Silver designation as a Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant — an identification that recognizes their commitment to our community, economy and planet. (This means that by visiting, you too can feel good about supporting an environmentally responsible practice.)

Other small businesses have recently opened downtown as well, like Origin Story Coffee and Confleurtti, in the lead-up to the ongoing modernization of Market Square (projected for spring) and the planned Arts Landing park.

Rendering for Arts Landing, scheduled to open in June 2026
Credit |
Renderings by Field Operations

Just a few minute-walk away from Ruckus Cafe, those looking for a pampering pause might consider booking a treatment at the Fairmont Pittsburgh Spa, a third-floor oasis that gets flooded with light even on a gray-streaked day. Their signature scent brings calming energy from the moment you step off the elevator, allowing you to sink into your mini-escape high above the urban bustle. Choose between decadent offerings from customized facials to Thai massages, with optional enhancements ranging from CBD to hot stone. All treatments include use of the sauna and steamroom. (Day passes to use their facilities are available, too.)

Afterward, you can continue to unwind with lunch enjoyed in the spa’s soothing lounge, or grab a bite one floor below in the fl.2 bistro (one of the few spots that’s open downtown at lunchtime on Mondays). Inside an inspired space dreamed up by Barcelona-based designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, Chef Fernando Canales leans into Mexican and Asian influences with his dishes (think filet mignon served with mole sauce, for example). At lunchtime, enjoy selections from French onion soup and Caesar salad to sweet potato flatbreads and lobster rolls.

If you land in the Fairmont’s bustling property later on in the day, take advantage of the bar’s Social Hour (from 4 to 6, Mondays through Fridays) for discounted bites, cocktails, wine and beer. (Keep an eye out for upcoming events at the hotel as well, like a Mix & Mingle: Galentine’s Edition Cocktail Class taking place on February 12.)

The evening hours downtown bring a bounty of arts-centric happenings, all within a couple-block radius. Before seeing a show at one of the city’s many venues, grab a hearty meal at Meat and Potatoes, tapas at Barcelona Wine Bar or scrumptious sushi rolls at Gi-Jin (fine dining) or The Warren (more casual, but delicious nonetheless).

Then check out thoughtful programming at August Wilson African American Cultural Center, a variety of events (from weekly salsa dancing to Edinburgh Fringe Festival acts) at Greer Cabaret Theater or stimulating performances at O'Reilly Theater, such as An Enemy of the People (which runs from February 4 through 22).

The latest Pittsburgh Cultural Trust spectacle to land on the scene — Wicked — will play at the Benedum Center through Sunday, February 15. The Broadway-turned-movie-sensation returns to the stage here for a mesmerizing rendition of this imaginative glimpse into what happened in the Land of Oz. Glinda and Elphaba captivate audiences from the get-go with their talent and wit. And while the storyline and musical numbers (“Defying Gravity,” we’re looking at you…!) prove as captivating as ever, this particular production features impressive special effects, lighting work and acrobatics that give some lucky actors the chance to “fly.” This gives the audience the chance to temporarily suspend their disbelief and sink into the magic, too.

In attending one of the opening nights, we found that several of the lines felt especially poignant in this moment in time we find ourselves navigating. It also seemed particularly therapeutic to sit in community with other enraptured theater goers, as collective laughter (and sometimes sniffles) filled the grand space downtown.

The whole experience proved an alluring escape, as the auditorium filled with a warming green glow, at several points silhouetting the glamorous wigs of dazzling guests in front of us who had dressed the part in glittery pink and green gowns. (Neighboring audience members snapped selfies with them at intermission, to the delight of everyone looking on.) The whole night had the electric buzz of seeing a show on Broadway, with theater attendants even helping the flow of traffic in the women’s restrooms during intermission.

Zoe Jensen as Glinda and Jessie Davidson as Elphaba in the National Tour of WICKED
Credit |
Joan Marcus

Before or after the show, stop into centrally located jazz hub-restaurant-bar Con Alma, which launched a campaign in December to help keep its doors open in the midst of some financial troubles. As Pittsburgh’s only jazz club — and the only nightlife for live music downtown — Co-owner and Music Curator John Shannon, co-owner and music curator, says they believe that Pittsburgh is a better place because Con Alma exists. They know the jazz community here needs a home. (A Fundraising Gala on Sunday, February 1, will be hosted by local comedy hero Bill Crawford and showcase live jazz led by Orrin Evans and.)

“When you walk into Con Alma you realize that Pittsburgh is indeed a jazz city,” he explains. “You are taken with the warm atmosphere and the sounds of jazz. The freshest cocktails and unique cuisine complement the experience of your senses.” The menu features “Latin American cuisine with soul,” and the charming ambiance includes no TV screens — only live jazz and vinyl records spinning, with the walls showcasing black-and white photos that celebrate this city’s 50s golden jazz era.

Credit |
Aaron Jack

Another welcoming venue for cocktails nearby, Space Bar, opens its doors to all. Owner Dale Vaughn explains the aim of their gathering place in Market Square, which shows off “molecular mixology” that translates to innovative drinks with clever monikers like the Espresso Mars-tini, Waffle Crisp Gold Fashioned and Starship (gin, lime and house tonic, served with dry ice).

“We want to transport people to a hopeful future,” he says, “to imagine a time when humanity gets past wars and xenophobia, when we go to the stars.” At Space Bar, they host monthly events like Drag Bingo, Space Trivia and other LGBT community events. On the horizon: a new menu debuts in March, and they’re hosting the USBG Northeast cocktail competition in May.

Vaughn continues, “We welcome people onto the observation deck of the SS Oasis, a warm, comfortable, sleek starship with cocktails that might be reminiscent of Earth, but alien enough for the adventurers inside all of us.” In the midst of these cold and dark days, we certainly love the sound of such open-armed and creative hospitality.

Corinne W

Author

Corinne W

Freelance Writer & Editor

Corinne is happy to be back closer to home (D.C.) after 11 years in the glorious Pacific Northwest. Though she cherishes global adventures, she also lives for discovering local gems, from the best spots for coffee, conversation and soul-nourishing music, to water activities and trails on which to walk a loveable little husky. You can follow her on Instagram at @travelcorx

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