I've been here several times for low-key drinks and have thoroughly enjoyed my experience. The staff are thoughtful and informative. The cocktails are nuanced, but not in a pretentious way, and the atmosphere is spot on. After visiting the "speakeasy" at the Omni William Penn I have to say that Acacia is ten times better in terms of capturing the spirit of a Speak Easy and goes beyond being a bar with fancy cocktails, but provides an overall experience. I was even able to reserve the backroom for my birthday last year and the staff were very accommodating. I didn't give this 5 stars, because it would be great to have some nibbles available, nothing elaborate, maybe even mixed nuts or pretzels because some of these drinks are potent, in a good way. read more

Acacia - The backroom is great for small gatherings - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I give 5 stars for their cocktails, the concept, and its contribution to Pittsburgh's ongoing culinary and libation revolution. There's an element of grunge here that, yes, actually reflects prohibition era cocktail dens and even more so reflects south side's dirty charm. I would prefer it if there was just a touch more class and perhaps a bow tie, though. Hats off to you acacia, and your amazing chartreuse barrel aged gin and your fantastic bartenders. read more

Loved this speakeasy bar. The bartenders are great, and the drinks are delicious. I came here because my friend had recommended it to me, we ended up coming during Halloweek. We started with some chocolate milk cocktails, which are not on the menu and unfortunately they had to make with a whiskey base because they had ran out of Inferno. They were delicious, but too strong for my fruity, girly drink taste. We then asked the waitress for some cocktail shots. She asked us whether we wanted something with whiskey, we said we preferred something else, and she started making something amazing. I saw her prepare the drinks, and she probably put at least 7 different ingredients into our drink. The result was a "cocktail shot" that came in a classy, cute tiny glass and that was delicious. I could have taken it as a shot, but the drink was so good that I decided to drink it little by little and enjoy it more. The total for the two drinks was $15 -- I could not believe that these high quality drinks ended up being so inexpensive. Will definitely be coming back here with friends. read more

Acacia - Cocktail shot - amazing! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Acacia is pretty awesome if you are in to the pre-prohibition speakeasy cocktail thing. I've gone a couple times now. I've been extremely pleased with almost all of my drinks. Everything is around $10 or so, which is fair considering most drinks have 2 shots or so of liquor. I've only gone during happy hour during the week. At that time, the crowd has been light, a half dozen to a dozen people. If you are looking for fancy drinks and don't mind spending money, I'd recommend this place. read more

A hidden amethyst! I've been frequenting the speak easy's in NYC for a while, and this one is right on par. My first request was for a Chicago flip (introduced to me by Giuseppe AT&T Pegu) and not only did he know it, he added a wonderful twist of powdered sugar! Great drinks. Great atmosphere. If I lived here, it would be my go to bar! read more

If you're looking for a unique place to grab a few drinks this is the spot. The service was nice, the atmosphere is very prohibition era, but the drink menu is select and small. I'm sure you may be able to order other things, but you should try one of the specialty drinks. There are also a few beers that i had never heard of, and the waitress let us sample them before choosing one. It is a little pricey, so expect to pay more than your average south side bar.. but this isn't an average bar. Very cool setting and concept. I would go back again. read more

We absolutely love this speakeasy. The bartenders always have great recommendations and are incredible at their craft. They have also been really great in trying to manage with the food requirements during COVID. Can't go wrong here. read more

My wife and I went here for a quick drink while visiting Pittsburgh, and had a blast!!!! Great cocktails, fun environment, and just a cool place to be. Go, enjoy, and remember to wear something vintage to fit in as the bar keepers are wearing 20's garb -:) read more

I had a great time meeting up with some coworkers at this speak easy in the south side. Although located on the Main Street, true to speak easy form, difficult to find! I walked by this place a couple of times before figuring out where it was. The place has a no discreet sign and the door has posters on it making it seem as if the building is not in use. The place inside is dimly lit with a bar in the front room and a more exclusive back room with small round tables and an electric fireplace for a more intimate setting. The cocktails are unique and delicious! Highly recommend this place! read more

The atmosphere takes you back to a time well before you were born. The lighting is dim, and the music is loud. Everything feels classic. I had a tomatillo tequila cocktail that was just incredible, but fair warning, it was very strong. I also tried their rhus juice. Which is a gin drink, that plays with a lemon egg cream concept. If you're searching for a conversation starter, or to feel like you've travelled back in time, definitely stop in. The service is really attentive, and the drink are equally delicious as they are creative. read more

Came here for drinks after dinner with friends. The drinks are high-end and designer; actually, I don't even know if a drink can be designer, but these include items like egg whites, lavender, and other ingredients that create concoctions I think of as "designer." The drinks are a little pricey for Pittsburgh and a little strong, but they're also unique and worth it. Bartenders know their drinks. The scene is awesome. Dimly lit, tasteful music, wood paneling, antique fixtures, old school speakeasy feel. You want to make sure you get there before 9 to guarantee you can get a seat at the bar, though. Otherwise there are just chairs and a few tables in a room in the back that doesn't have the same feel as the room with the bar, so you're pretty much left standing for some of the time. read more

After having dinner with my girlfriend, I was looking for somewhere special to take her. I have been here before, but forgot where it was. Luckily, I was able to find it and was happy to take her here. At first the bar was crowded, but what really stuck me was the bartenders were willing to have a couple sit at one of their larger tables. We had an amazing time, with the ability to have a great conversation and have some amazing drinks for a pretty reasonable price. Their cocktails were great for my girlfriend, and their whiskey and rum portfolio worked for my liking. If I am ever in the neighborhood after again dinner, this will be the place to go for drinks. read more

Awesome modern speakeasy with great original cocktails, friendly staff, and 1920's/30's jazz on the speakers. I bring friends here all the time and it has never disappointed. read more

Acacia - Christmas cocktails. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This place is an unknown jewel in Southside - every visit is always a great experience. Drinks are strong and usually $10 so it's great way to branch out and try new cocktails. My personal favorites are Bee's Knees (gin, lemon juice, honey) and French 75 (gin, champagne, lemon juice, syrup). If you don't know what you want, the bartenders and waiters are so helpful in finding something you'd like - my super picky non-cocktail friend was impressed by his drink. If cocktails aren't your thing, Acacia has a vast whiskey and liquor selection, as well as beers. It's a cozy, intimate atmosphere and a great place to spend some quality time with friends or significant others. read more

Acacia - Round of perfectly crafted cocktails (F75, Bee's Knees, and two recommendations from the bartender) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Love, love, love this place! Great & friendly service, unique drinks, extensive selection of whiskey and many other liquors, comfortable & interesting ambiance ... a much appreciated change from other 'younger' South Side establishments. read more

Their soda water is maaaad effervescent. I've had effervescent soda water before but none even came close to their soda water's effervescence. You gotta try it read more

Highly recommend this speakeasy! One of the best bars in Pittsburgh for both selection and service. I had a rare breed Manhattan that was incredible. The atmosphere is fun and laid back the bartenders are pro's and the list of brown alcohol is really impressive. I will absolutely be going back. Do yourself a favor and check this place out. read more

Absolutely LOVED this place. Went in on a Thursday after dinner around 9 or so and it was the perfect amount of busy. Every drink made is perfection! The bartenders were very friendly and the atmosphere was very chill. I forgot I was on East Carson and felt like I was in a real 1920's speakeasy. The windows are boarded and you can walk past the place without realizing it...which I actually love. No TV's or games, just great music, amazing drinks and good company. read more

Acacia - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

There are a lot of things I loved about this place: the atmosphere is great, low light, looks like something straight out of the 1920's. The real draw here is the staff, they take their time making your drink the right way. They focus on the craft and it really is a great experience. I visited with my wife who is not a bourbon drinker and they had a drink that received just as much attention as mine did which I was impressed by. A few college students stumbled in and left shortly after, not their scene...I like that. Pricey? Sure, but for what the bar is, it's not outrageous. You could easily spend almost as much for a much lower quality drink. So if you're a real bourbon fan, this is one place I would make sure to visit! read more

A really great spot in the Southside. The drinks are a little pricey but if you are looking for a night of good cocktails, great whiskey, and a fantastic atmosphere that makes you feel as if you've stepped back in time, this is the place to go. Decked out like a prohibition bar, you'll love what this place has to offer. A hidden haven in the Southside. read more

I typically love 'speakeasy' type bars, but really didn't like the vibe at Acacia. A group of friends and I went around 11pm on a Friday night and the place was decently busy, but not so crowded that we couldn't snag seats at the bar. I immediately noticed that the clientele at Acacia was VERY diverse. One guy was wearing pajama pants (literally), while others were wearing suits and bow ties. The drink menu was decent, with many different beer, wine and cocktail options to choose from, but at premium prices. Because Acacia is the type of place to go for a well-made cocktail, I ordered a tequila-based one that sounded good. I was disappointed that most of the cocktails were whisky or gin heavy since I am more of a vodka/tequila drinker. It took quite a while for the bartender to come over to take my group's order (we were sitting at the bar) and it was about ten minutes after that before I got my drink. I know cocktails take longer to make, but I was watching the bartender and he was just essentially twiddling his thumbs instead of making our drinks. Once I finally got it, I was impressed with the cocktail-- the flavors were balanced nicely and it had just the right amount of 'kick'. Even though I wasn't having a super good time, I was down to have one more drink before moving on to somewhere else and spent 20 minutes trying to order another drink by doing that awkward stare at the bartender (My group was still sitting at the bar and we all had empty drinks). After witnessing the bartender (a different guy than the original one who served me) speak rudely to other customers (statements such as 'Don't you know it is rude to close your tab then order another drink fifteen minutes later?'), it became clear that Acacia is full of pretentious staff members who think they are doing you a favor by serving you. I was fed up with the terrible service and generally obnoxious atmosphere and decided that despite wanting another cocktail that I would settle for beer at a bar down the road. If I'm paying $12+ per drink, bad service is just something I refuse to tolerate. read more

Wow, Acacia. Way to go from my favorite bar in Southside to one that I hate. This place used to be cool and unique with awesome, friendly and creative bartenders. Now the newer bartenders are just straight up rude and miserable -- one named Shane (I think) was such a jerk my entire group wanted to leave. I don't think it is "cool" or "hipster" to charge a lot of money for a drink that takes 10 minutes to make by a sour and grumpy bartender. Save your money, your patients, and your evening and don't waste your time here anymore. read more

Been meaning to get here for a long time and now I feel really very dumb for not making it earlier. Two minor gripes: 1) No food service. I don't care that much because I like having a place committed to doing a single thing at a high level, but I imagine it would make it tough to stick around for hours putting down cocktails and then have to find a way home. Even a charcuterie & cheese board would go a long way, but then they'd need more staff since these drinks are not of the "free-pour-then-blast-of-soda-gun" variety. 2) It's won't win Design of the Year awards. This wasn't a million dollar renovation. It's not Versailles. It feels sort of like a house in declining condition that just happens to have a bar stocked with rare whiskey and even rarer bitters. I also don't love the location (but really mostly because I don't live there). But so what? They give a damn about technique. Juice is as fresh as it gets. Nice glassware. They respect garnishes. They take risks on recipes and actually pull them off. The truth is that more often than not a drink with a lenghty ingredient list is probably going to be terrible. Wasn't the case here. The One for Angus was a striking negroni variation with black pepper. That aggresive but balanced note of savoriness is simply not something that most places can pull off and have it be palatable. Ditto the cayenne and ginger in the Autumn's Ghost. And if you are in the mood for a classic they aren't about to make a mess of those either. Oh and they don't price gouge. On top of all that the beer list is impeccable. Rare DFH stuff, choice seasonal picks and simply way more draft lines than a cocktail bar needs. I'm not seeing a downside here and I hope this place is a raging hit. read more

Initially, I thought this place was going to be fun. My girlfriends and I found seats at the bar. We all ordered a drink and they were very good (hence my one star). We tried for about 20 minutes to get the bar tenders attention to cash out. We all had our credit cards out and ready. After he finally noticed us, he brought over one check. Obviously, with multiple cards out we are paying separately. Additionally, we are a group of women and so, not together. After another 20 minutes I was able to get his attention and tell him we needed separate checks, he responded that it was going to be a while. So we waited, and waited, and probably another 20 minutes later, our very sober group paid for our drinks. We traveled to the next bar over and had much better service. There, we saw a group that was also at Acacia when we where there. They said they felt the bar tender was very rude to them as well, but they noticed how particularly rude he was to us. She said he definitely heard us trying to get his attention and purposely ignored us. The awful bar tender's name is Shane. Perhaps he should be put on trash duty or some other task where he does not have to deal with people. read more

I've been to many of these Speakeasy/ Prohibition style cocktail bar across the country and what immediately sets Acacia apart from the rest is its lack of pretentious. The staff was very approachable and eager to assist with service and recommendations. We visited Acacia at 9 pm on a Saturday night. The front room and bar was full. An astute employee promptly informed us we can take a seat in the backroom. After going over the menu, my friend ordered the Bee Walker (Johnnie Walker Red, honey, lemon, boston bitters) from their cocktail menu. It was a well balanced cocktail, but being not a fan of any Walker not blue, I couldn't escape the taste of middle-shelf scotch. My friend liked it so much, he ordered a second. I did my usual "I like whiskey, bourbon, rye... make me what you like." I need to start amending that request cause lately it's been fetching me the Boulevardier. It's a fine cocktail and the staff nailed it, but Campari is a little too bitter for my taste. My second surprise cocktail was the renowned Sazerac; one of my favorite cocktails!! The execution was perfect. The tumbler was chilled in a fridge! The only minor grip was the bartender used a simple syrup, not a sugar cube. Overall, not much ingenuity, but I can appreciate the purist aspect of their cocktail program and their focus on execution. As far as price goes, it's pretty standard. 4 cocktails = $50. The environment of the bar is standard. I worked at that space years ago when it was Zythos and besides some paint, the layout was the same. The background music was uninspiring. On this night it was generic, modern jazz. For this kid of establishment, I'd expect a more swampy, outlaw blues or primitive dixieland. I can see myself frequenting Acacia on Sundays in the early evening or after a nice supper in the South Side. read more

A place like this was much needed in Southside! I'm a SS resident, but I am really not into the SS vibe at all! I always drive downtown or Lawrenceville for good cocktails and good food! Acacia has a very retro yet cool vibe. I found it by coincidence and was amazed by how great the cocktails were! The bartenders were very knowledgeable and nice. I didn't try their food but I am planning to next time! read more

Great spirits. Horrible bartender who talked over me. Get more professional mixologists.

This long-awaited cocktail lounge has opened on the South Side, and is definitely living up to its high expectations. Currently, the bar has a low-key atmosphere, dim lighting, and lots of seats for enjoying top-notch beer on draft, a select collection of wines, and out-of-this-world cocktails. The bartenders can make any drink you want, or give them a few tips and put yourselves in their capable hands to create a concoction of top-shelf liquor, bitters, and fresh juices. read more

Unbelievably delicious & unique cocktails with exceptional bartending and service. Our bartender gave us special attention, coming tableside to explain the history and qualities of various tequilas & mezcals. Provided a delicious range of spirits with an unforgettable drinking experience! One of my favorites - the awning / door is not very noticeable, so keep your eye out for the logo on the assuming door - but once you're inside, you'll always know where it is ! read more

This place has the smallest pour of wine I've ever seen, and I lived in New York for years. $10 a glass. Then as I was leaving the bar tender asked me where I was going, and I told him a restaurant close by. He then asked me to take a saran wrapped glass of whisky for his friend that worked there with me. When I told him I was walking (7 minute walk) and I had to stop somewhere on the way he was visibly annoyed and rude. The other bartender also seemed annoyed and I explained to her again that I as walking, and did not want to do that. I apologized and asked if this is a regular thing and he said 'yes everyone does it, and he'd really appreciate it.' I'm not doing you favors to bring your buddy a drink, in what world is this appropriate behavior? Very unprofessional and complete disregard that I was a paying customer. I'm a local and it was a first time. NEVER going back. read more

Love this place, though its kind of hard to find! i used to walk by and miss it because of the unassuming facade. it is truly a speakeasy in south side! they have amazing, creative cocktails and the bartenders are dressed in prohibition era garb. be sure to order the absinthe (its worth the $15) they serve it in the traditional style by melting a sugar cube through a slotted spoon. super cool to watch and super tasty. read more

Stumbled across Acacia through Yelp. I love speakeasy type bars and I was excited to see one in Pittsburgh. I never knew that Pittsburgh had any speakeasies. I frequent many speakeasies in Chicago, NYC, and every other city that I travel to. So walking into Acacia, I had high expectations. I decided to take my fiancé here for drinks on a Friday evening after dinner. I loved the atmosphere and the super chill environment. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and I enjoyed having a conversation with them about the top speakeasies throughout the country. The drinks were delicious and made very well. I thought the price was very reasonable, considering the quality of the drinks. I will be returning to Acacia for some cocktails in the future. read more

Since we live just a few blocks away, I was really excited to try this place, as I've only heard wonderful things. Completely nondescript from the outside, it reminded me of one of my favorite speakeasy bars in Chicago, the Violet Hour. Once inside, the room had a very romantic feel. We sampled three each of their cocktails, and although now I can't remember the names of these masterpieces (I account this to the 3 cocktails), everything was beautifully crafted and absolutely delicious. SO happy that I live so close to this place, I'll certainly be back soon! read more

Add this to the list of cozy Pittsburgh bars! From the outside it doesn't look like they are open-you can't see inside as the windows are boarded up. We had stopped in before late on a Saturday night and it was packed so we decided to try again as it looked like such a great place to grab drinks. We went at about 6 o'clock on a Saturday and were one of a few people in the place. Got a nice spot at the bar. The bartender was super friendly and let me sample a few of their draft beers. They had a lot of unusual drafts to pick from including many Dogfishhead as well as Victory. I went with a Rogue wheat. They have a great list of cocktails and next time I def. want to try one out as it looks like the bartenders put a lot of time and effort into each one. I wish this place was a little bigger! read more

Nice speakeasy vibe and excellent service! Try their version of gimlet with St. Germain liquor. You won't regret it!!

I not sure if this place has closed or not but I was soooo disappointed after reading many great reviews about this place and their amazing cocktails that I told my girl to get all dressed up because I wanted to surprise her and take her to this unique speakeasy. We went on Saturday night Feb 1st around 10pm after a long drive to get there and the front door was locked. We stood there for a while because I was pretty irritated and in disbelief about making the journey just to try this place out and not one sign on the door or anything on their website whatsoever about being closed for whatever the reason may be....A few other people tried getting in as well while we were standing there in awe and we all were wondering why it was closed even though their window lights were still on. Maybe their website should actually have some information about the place and weather or not it is closed or open. I spent my money elsewhere on the south-side this night.... Your's truely...The Shaw read more

We like to find interesting whiskey bars when out of town and this one came up on our radar. We didn't see anything interesting in they way of whiskey (to us) but they do have an extensive selection of mezcal so we settled in there. It was very loud in the bar and we had to sit in the overflow room in the back. Not as much excitement out there but it also allowed us to have a conversation. There is a slight antiseptic smell in the back though. Service was very good, no complaints. read more

What a cute, new and hip spot to grab a drink in the Southside. To be honest, I was surprised that a place like this would even make it in the Southside, given that cheap drinks and young crowds typically prevail and are so pervasive in the neighborhood. However, I consider this place to be a diamond in the rough, beautifully and rustically decorated and doting as much character as most of the bars on Carson Street put together. Stop in here if you're looking for more of a quiet experience with great (albeit pretty expensive) cocktails. I had a key lime cocktail that was to die for. And the bartenders are great. I continued to be surprised by new places in this city. read more

Very unique and tasty cocktails. I sipped on a Makers bourbon Manhattan and then ventured on to an Absinthe concoction created by the bartender. I am a big fan of the baseball sized ice rock instead of your typical and numerous cubes. They have an excellent tap selection for Dogfish beers, which I will investigate on my next trip. Be forewarned, you will pay $10 per drink. Is it worth it, I think so. read more

Wonderful atmospheric, speakeasy-esque bar on the South Side that is nothing like the rest of the South Side. It's sophisticated, laidback and outstanding. Been here quite a few times and always impressed and satisfied. Drinks are creative and the menu is ever-changing. They employ local ingredients where possible and excellent, well-regarded spirits at all times. The drinks are perfectly balanced and not the saccharine mixer-prepared drinks of others. It has a wonderful clientele that is not pretentious, is fun but nice and quiet. It's the kind of bar that plays good retro jazz music and allows people to actually enjoy their company without being drowned out by loud music or debauchery. In addition, the bartenders are the best - they are knowledgeable and can create a unique drink to your tastes. For one of our companions, they prepared a fantastic non-alcoholic drink. This is one of the true gems of Pittsburgh and great place to take good friends to have a good drink. read more