Celebrate Galentine's Day in Pittsburgh

It's February, which means love is in the air around the world and in Pittsburgh. While many are taking time to be with their significant others to celebrate Valentine's Day, I'm here to remind you that not all love has to be romantic.

There are plenty of places around the 'Burgh to get together with your gals and get brunch, mimosas and great quality time with your best friends.

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LocallyUs on Insta

It all started on Season 2 Episode 16 of Parks & Recreation. The infamous Leslie Knope, better known as Amy Poehler in real life, decided to leave the dates behind and celebrate the women in her life who truly make an impact.

Airing on Feb. 11, 2010, the episode Galentine’s Day has become quotable, enjoyable, and influential. Since premiering, Galentine’s Day has become a tradition in its own right, even to those who have never seen the episode! The unofficial holiday is celebrated on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day, to show that all female friendships matter.

2026 Galentine's Day Ideas

Margaux

East Liberty

Inspired by the idea of hybrid European café-bar, Margaux offers specialty coffee, shareable plates, signature desserts, rotating cocktails, a handpicked wine and beer list. Margaux provides a modern and casual space for gourmands and romantics alike.

Margaux is the place I go when I want to sit back and sip on good cocktails with my friends. I dress in my best and arrive early so I can get one of their comfy spots. I usually order a Bargaining Chip, but I don't think you can ever go wrong with an espresso martini, especially from a place like this. And for those looking for some espresso without the martini, Margaux also operates as a coffee shop.

The Yard

Various

Boasting a few locations around the Pittsburgh area, The Yard offers specialty grilled cheese sandwiches with a gastropub atmosphere. While the food is delicious (have you seen that cheese pull?) and makes for perfect takeout, it's their Basically Bottomless Mimosas that have me always coming back for more. You're limited to 15 per guest, which I've never even gotten close to getting.

Pittsburgh Glass Center

East End

Who doesn't love getting flowers for Valentine's Day? The only downside is that they might not last long.

At Pittsburgh Glass Center, you and your friends can take glassblowing classes and make your own flowers that will never die (just don't drop them.) If you're not feeling flowers, there are plenty of other classes being offered that change throughout the year. For Valentine's Day, PGC is offering classes to make charcuterie boards, glass hearts and more.

Palm Palm

East Liberty

One of Pittsburgh's newest culinary establishments, Palm Palm in East Liberty is inspired by the bright, fresh flavors of the coasts and elevated by a thoughtful cocktail program. The menu focuses on small plates that bring people together and spark conversation, whether it is your first visit or your fiftieth.

The décor of Palm Palm is stunning and makes for a great backdrop for any photos you want to take, whether they're just for you and your gals or for Instagram. The cocktails are so delicious that you'll want to try a few, and the same can be said about the desserts. I especially recommend the truffles, since they're small bites but explode with flavor in your mouth.

Credit |
Kelsey Wagner
Credit |
Kelsey Wagner

Mix Candle Co.

Various

Mix Candle Co. offers richly scented, long-burning candles made from a unique soy blend and high-quality oils. You can purchase pre-made candles or work with the experts behind the bar to curate the perfect blend of scents that will have your home smelling like paradise. Pour your candles, then explore nearby Lawrenceville or SouthSide Works while they cool.

White Whale Bookstore

Bloomfield

The cutest little bookstore and coffee shop in the city, in my humble opinion. A family-owned, general interest independent bookstore that aims to be a community hub—a place for engagement, conversation, and sharing ideas, White Whale is the perfect space to browse books and chat over some coffee or tea with your gals. Something that makes this place special is the section dedicated to purely Pittsburgh authors, which showcases White Whale's pride for the city.

The Abbey on Butler Street

Lawrenceville

The original portion of the building was constructed as The Wayne Brass Foundry in 1913 and then later renovated into Henninger Funeral Home during the Great Depression. Hidden for decades, the wood ceilings in The Coffeehouse and The Parlour Bar were uncovered and found painted white as they were original to the original foundry space complete with rusted-out industrial lighting.

This place is an absolute dream. It feels like walking through the epitome of imagination and class. Stop in for a coffee and bask in the warm ambiance, or snag a cocktail or two at the bar. And don't forget to visit when it's warmer so you can sit in the outdoor patio.

More Feb. Fun

Taylor S.

Author

Taylor S.

Content Development Manager

A friendly neighborhood Pittsburgh transplant. Probably at book club, a local coffee shop or thrift store. Tell your pet I said hi.

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