Me and two friends had an amazing bar experience at Acacia on Saturday, March 25, 2023. We stumbled upon it and couldn't have been happier with the couple hours we spent inside the charming establishment. We sat at the bar and within minutes George, our bartender, became our newest friend. George was informative and very skilled at his craft. He suggested great cocktails that made each of us happy with the drinks he suggested and made for us. I even found my new favorite drink, the Foust's Pact! Acacia was clean and friendly. And, it was a big highlight of our quick visit to Pittsburgh. read more

Acacia was recommended by a well known Pittsburgh blogger who understands and cherishes the steel city. He was right on. Acacia is at the very summit of mixology and cocktail alchemy. Small, with a south side homeyness, Acacia hides its sophistication with that Pittsburgh down to earth wholesome friendliness. But make no mistake, Acacia could hold its own in any city in the world. Acacia stays true to its cocktail mission. You can get decent beer, but there is no wine. This is a cocktail bar, and Acacia is distinctly not a lounge. It's a bar, with no pretense, that just happens to make the best cocktails in Pittsburgh. read more

Can't go wrong with any drink here. The bartenders are extremely skilled and happy to help with any questions you have. Love the speakeasy vibe with boarded up windows and no branding anywhere but the little name on the door. Will def be back read more

Acacia - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Do you like fancy drinks and good talks? If yes, then come on down and plant your butt here because they do those things here and they do them well... actually better than well, very very good read more

The music and vibe are great, and the bartenders are incredibly accommodating and generous. My girlfriend tried a drink she didn't like, and the bartender was pleasant enough to not only make her a new drink but tailor it to her tastes as well! The choice of music here is perfection; the melodies are contemporary yet enhance the calm, underground vibe of an early 20th-century speakeasy. Whoever runs the aux has fantastic taste. The ambiance is unique, the bartenders are exceptional, and the drink variety can satisfy any tongue. Overall, Acacia is the perfect place for a relaxed, chic, and memorable cocktail experience. read more

Adorable yet understated little speak-easy. Bartenders were attentive and kind and recommended such amazing drinks! We tried the spiked eggnog, that chunky monkey, and the mother of dragons. All so unique be delicious, 10/10 recommend! read more

Loved our first visit here!! Delicious, perfectly crafted cocktails and friendly, helpful service. We will definitely be back. Highly recommend if you appreciate an excellent cocktail. read more

Acacia - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The drinks, the staff, the atmosphere- its all perfection. Be ready for amazing drinks and friendly patrons. Try the Cynar :) read more

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Great local bar with top notch bartenders and drinks. My favorite Pittsburgh bar when I am in town.

With the vibe of a 20s speakeasy, Acacia provides a classy environment. The bar fuses Pittsburgh industrial style with Victorian accents. Are those features what made a true speakeasy back in the day? I couldn't tell you; but it's effective. A strong contribution to South Side's bar scene, Acacia is a great place to relax after a long work week with a fine cocktail. It's crucial to emphasize "fine cocktail." Their old fashion is my very favorite. Yeah, this review is pretentious, but Acacia isn't. It's a great, chill environment with great cocktails. Go enjoy this place. read more

Acacia - Acacia's old fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

$17 for a cocktail?! website said $10. waste of time driving here for this. also photos on google make it look so much cuter, in reality it is not a vibe at all read more

Dark, quiet and sexy! Excellent mixologists, excellent drinks, excellent atmosphere! Yes! read more

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An unsuspecting storefront that makes it look like an abandoned store, Acacia is not the place for you if you're looking for luxury and plush seating and an attentive waitstaff. However, if you're looking for the more stellar cocktails in Pittsburgh, for bartenders who are at the top of their game, and a completely unpretentious setting that is reminiscent of hidden bars during Prohibition--this is the place for you. Amanda and Richard were behind the bar the night we went. The cocktails--some from the menu, but most a result of us saying "I love this, and this, and not sweet, but like this..."--were exceptional. The ingredients they have to work with + their knowledge yields things I've never tasted before. So do yourself a favor, tell them your favorite liquors and flavors (eg citrus, smoky) and let them work their magic. Sit at the bar, so you can be front row at watching aforementioned magic. Talk to the people around you, ask what their having. Don't go with a big group--there's not room. Be adventurous and try new things! read more

Acacia - Across The Border: mezcal and lots of spice - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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The service was great and the bartenders were phenomenal. It was pretty spacious for being a speakeasy. There were a lot of house cocktails that weren't on the menu so be sure to ask your server for recommendations. read more

2 stars because the drinks were decent. I was expecting this to be a trendy, chic speakeasy spot in the south side and when we walked in I felt like I was stepping into a dive bar at IUP for penny wells night. It loud with who I assume were regulars and pretty dingy in the main bar area where service wasn't very attentive. We went just for one drink and of course due to covid restrictions, had to order an app. The ricotta toast appetizer served on a paper plate took significantly longer than it took us to order, receive and finish our one drink. Was disappointed to say the least, but I'd maybe, MAYBE consider giving them another try after covid restrictions are lifted. read more

This is a great trendy spot. I enjoyed trying one of their menu cocktails as well as an off-menu cocktail that was crafted based on flavors I enjoy. The staff were welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable. It is a very cool atmosphere inside. read more

Ashley is amazing- great drinks and vibe! Gorgeous atmosphere! Outside is hard to find (we are from out of town) bc it looks closed up (almost like speakeasy) but just find address And u will be pleased!! read more

I love this place. You name what you want to drink and they make it on the spot. The first time a came here, I came with my two friends and they really showed me a good time! The waiters there were Lucky and Shane. Very sweet people and will always remember them. I had this one drink because I wanted a tequila and it was soooo amazing! Lucky made all my drinks the first time I went and how he made my drinks was absolutely great. I also had this rose drink (and I'm obsessed with roses). My one friend and I loved that drink so much ! The second time I went, I really had fun. I needed to go out after a long week and weekend before. This time Shane and this lady named Danielle was there. Very sweet lady. Shane made our drinks this time (which was amazing of course) and went out with my one friend from before. Great conversations and great people. I will continue to come here because you will get what you want. I recommend this place to people that like things different. read more

Acacia - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A great speakeasy bar located in the Southside area of Pittsburgh. If you are looking for craft cocktails that well made and just delicious Acacia is a bar you need to come by and have some fun. read more

This small speakeasy spot is warm and welcoming. Andrea and Lucky are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Lucky is a wealth of knowledge of cocktails on and off the menu and very accommodating with any drink questions and requests. Highly recommend if you are looking for something off the beaten path in Southside. read more

Acacia - Autumn's Ghost Reloaded - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I came. I saw. I drank. And drank. It's hard not to here! Hearing about this place was almost like I was searching for liquor in the prohibition No hours are posted. The website is broken and no one answers the phone. Throw in boarded up windows that you can walk past without realizing this is the place you wanted and you've really got a secret. Well played guys! So once I finally was able to make my way in (using the info I had on the place from one Ms Linda W), I was happy I had the "secret code word." I've found after visiting some classic cocktail bars I have to stick with what I like. Seems simple, right? But I'd come in and order something super prohabition-y aka something super strong that I just wasn't into. After a while I realized the not so secret, secret. Order a drink based on the liquor you like. Genius! Okay, so it was just really dumb to order things I don't like and pay mucho dinero for it. So bam, first item on the menu that called to me was the Chai Alexander. The description had the word "Chai" and "Milkshake" in it. Sold! It was heavenly! It comes in a small glass and it is disguised as a frou frou drink, but after I was done it hit me. The "this drink is delicious and I can't taste the alcohol and it could end up being an issue" feeling. So... I ordered another drink... The Bees Knees was the actual bees knees! Two ingredients I love, honey and lemon, were included. Again, sold! Not to sweet like you may think, but the perfect balance of tart and sweet. This one I sipped instead of inhaled. So I left with the ability to walk. The ambiance is pretty cool, although you can tell they're still working on things. We sat at a table over in the corner. There were, I believe, around 3 bartenders. They'd come over and check on us, but take one persons order, when someone else clearly had an empty glass, then run away. This happened more than once. Maybe they were more busy than I could see. Maybe taking the time to prepare the drinks takes longer than I think. Or maybe they're just working out the kinks. But in my opinion, if you have a table willing to drink, load them up with drinks! I have a feeling I will be here a lot. I'm interested to see what drinks they'll rotate in and out. I love seasonal menus! They're the bees knees! read more

Acacia - Faust's Pact - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Right as you walk through the door, you know Acacia is quite the special establishment. Comfortably elegant, warm and friendly, it feels as if it's set in another time, another place. Rich woods, beautiful glassware, shaded chandeliers with beveled crystals hanging beneath...everything works together to draw you right up to the bar. Once seated, take a look behind at the rows upon rows of top shelf liquors that glisten and beckon. Hell, some of the bottles are so top shelf they literally need a ladder to get to them! The gentlemen behind the bar fetching those bottles? Fine cocktail craftsmen - maybe even cocktail artists - clad in proper vests and ties who create magic. Feel confident that whatever you order will be well-made, delicious. The bartenders hands are never idle. While not creating cocktails, they're hand-carving pieces of crystal clear, ice sculpture-quality ice from 300 pound blocks into spheres, cubes, diamonds and columns. The miniature ice sculptures perfectly fit the proper glass for the proper drink. A word of advice...trust the bar menu. You cannot go wrong. If you like smoky and spicy, I highly recommend the Across the Border. It is positively kick ass! Don't be limited to the menu alone...no matter what you order, the creation will be top notch. The not-on-the-list Dark n Stormy I ordered took a little twist with dark rum as a floater instead of the traditional way. Loved it! The hubby enjoyed a few of the selection of 20+ fine beers on tap. Tripel Karmeliet - a caramel-y Belgian brew - was his absolute favorite! Any, and EVERY, cocktail and brew afficianado in the 'Burgh will be thrilled Acacia is here. I sure am. read more

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This quite possibly might be one of my new favorite bars in Pittsburgh. A hidden gem - literally. Boarded windows, and the doors covered with Prohibition era newspapers. I must have walked by this place dozens of times and never new what awesomeness was awaiting... A speakeasy style joint in the Southside! The boys tending bar dressed in their twenties attire (newsboy hats and all), exposed brick walls, really beautiful recreated vintage chandeliers, your option to sit at the bar or an old fashioned booth. I felt like I stepped into a scene from the Great Gatsby! An incredibly fantastic twist on a Southside bar - classy - with fantastic craft cocktails. Exactly what Pittsburgh needs. read more

Acacia - cocktails and mocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

We just moved away from the Southside and now I find myself wanting to move back... because of Acacia. All joking aside, this place definitely would have made our last two years of living down there a tad better! We decided to go as we had time to kill before a reservation at Dish for our anniversary. We had been saying we wanted to go here because we knew it was from the makers of Embury, so we finally made it happen. I have to say this was the best choice we made that night as the dinner after was disappointing and this was a great experience. We walked in and we were the second customers there (as it had just opened). The bartender was kind and attentive and gave us time to figure out what we may or may not want... and he was almost asking us to ask questions. It is nice when a bartender wants to engage with the customer and not just get them served and be done. While I tried a few AMAZING mixed drinks... one of which was on the menu and the other two were not... I said I liked fresh cucumber like drinks and they made me a few absolutely amazing bevvies! My husband on the other hand, was quite impressed with their Scotch and Bourbon list and stuck to that (they even have the Macallan 25 for all of you Scotch fans). I believe the bartender said they can make over 400 mixed drinks! I like that it is nothing like anywhere else in the Southside. I enjoy the music, the darkness, the lower key environment and the service. If you like good booze and do not mind a premium price, Acacia is your place. The only thing I do not like is that it is not located in my neighborhood anymore! read more

Acacia - Death's Comeback - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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For former fans of Embury and the modern day laid back speakeasy theme, Acacia isn't a place you want to pass up. Don't be fooled by the look from the outside that has that "nothing to see here, please move on" feel. Once you walk in, you'll realize that you've found a sanctuary for those of us seeking delicious whiskey/whisky and/or unique cocktails in an atmosphere that feels as far removed from Southside as the concept of prohibition is from the year 2013. While Acacia specializes in bourbon, you'll be hard-pressed to ask for a mixed drink that their bartenders can't put together. Not sure what you want? Tell the mixologist what kind of liquor you prefer and they'll figure it out from there. I highly doubt you'll be disappointed. The vibe is dark, intimate, and relaxed. With a reasonably-priced multi-page bourbon list, and a small, but adequate scotch list with some surprising options (Macallan 25? Highland Park 25? Costly, but very nice!), whiskey drinkers won't be disappointed. Not to mention, the service is excellent! The mixologists were great guys to sit around and chat with about anything...especially whiskey. Definitely a great addition to Southside. Cheers! read more

Had a really great time here! The drinks were delightful and service, contrary to some other folks' experiences, was great for us; our bartender was super attentive when we were at the bar, and another came by every so often to check on us once we moved to a table. Highlights for me on this current drink menu (they rotate them every once in a while) were the "Dill Collins," a sweeter gin drink with soda, cucumber bitters and dill, and the last spicier, stronger drink at the bottom of the menu ("yippie ki yay" or something). I was most disappointed by the Boba Fett - I feel like I should know better than to order boba in most places in Pittsburgh, much less somewhere that doesn't specialize in it, but I couldn't resist the idea of an alcoholic milk-ish tea drink. The cocktail itself was ok, nothing to write home about, but the boba was undercooked and v hard. read more

I had a great experience here! It does get busy on weekend evenings, but we had no trouble claiming a table around 9pm on a Saturday. I love the decor - it's very "lodge-like", lots of wood and somehow classy and cozy at the same time. A lot times, when you read a cocktail menu and choose a drink that looks good, the drink does not live up to its description. For me, this place was the exact opposite. When I first read the menu, I was not particularly impressed by any of the descriptions, but by the end of the night my group had tried a fair amount of the menu, and all of the drinks were delicious! Much better than I expected from the descriptions However, they charged my friend's credit card for $75 instead of $25. They have since corrected the charge, but it took my friend several weeks of calling before she was able to get someone on the phone and get the charge fixed read more

I just love this place! It took a little bit to find it because it is purposefully hidden to give it that old speakeasy feel. The bartender was so nice and helpful with drink recommendations. He made the BEST old fashioned that I've EVER had, and we couldn't believe how reasonable the prices were when we got our check. I can't wait to go back! read more

We had a great time here, great drinks and interesting conversation with Lucky about mezcal. Love the speakeasy vibe and unassuming exterior. Great addition to Southside. Also, if you're here with a date, order the mezcal craft cocktail for two on the front page of the menu. It is fantastic! read more

Acacia - Manhattan and an Aviation - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Excellent drinks, great atmosphere and a very chill staff. But this is review is also to express how impressed I am by the courtesy of Shane and others in assisting me in getting a ride back home when my Ride Share didn't arrive for nearly 2 hrs and my phone battery died during the wait. They were kind enough to let me charge my phone well after closing time and in the worst case that I couldn't get a driver, even offered to drop me off at home themselves. With service and a staff like this I highly recommend getting your favorite cocktails here. Will definitely return. read more

WARNING, strong drinks are the best drinks. If you prefer your typical cocktail please stay away. They only serve drinks and if you can't handle your liquor consider staying at home. This place gets creative by adding ingredients such as curry or milk tea along with others out of the norm. One drink may do the trick if looking to get in a happy state of mind. I usually never know what to get so asked bartender for recommendation for a fruity drink they suggested shine on pt II that definitely was something I would order. Id like to thank the mixologists for doing such a great job! read more

Acacia - Shine on pt II Maggies farm spiced rum, jagermeister, absinthe, lemon, honey - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I can not believe it's taken me this long to check out Acacia. I am not sure I could have found it on my own so I am glad I went with someone who has been there before. We found a table for our group of four, the staff was super friendly and helpful. The drinks were wonderful. They were interesting but well executed. Props to the mixologists on staff. What a gem of a place on Carson Street. read more

Acacia - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The place to go after work Monday-Wednesday, sit at the bar and enjoy food cocktails and conversation. I don't recommend the booths for shorter people, I'm 5' and I feel like I need a footstool or booster seat. read more

Acacia - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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My favorite bar in Pittsburgh. They put every effort into making the best drink possible, and the final product is impeccable. Most cocktails seem to be $10, so reasonable for a craft drink. They also have some great dark beers and an extensive whiskey list. My personal fav is the Ramos gin fizz. I've ordered it in a few other places but none have ever been as good as this one. The bartenders know their shit, so if you aren't sure what to order just ask! They can pick apart your palate and make up a drink on the spot that won't disappoint. Keep in mind it's a small bar so if you want a bigger table for more people show up early. read more

Acacia - Ramos gin fizz - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Location: Where the wild things are. 21st Street is just far enough off for you to catch fresh breath outside of that Southside smell of ruined nights, low expectations and coming-of-age debauchery. Facility: Wait, is this the place? If you move too fast, you may walk right past it. I wouldn't have reviewed this, but the cat's out of the bag. This bar is one of the finest drinking establishments in the city. You want old, aged and rare whiskey/scotch? Welcome to heaven. Drink: Come here first before your palate is destroyed and you can still appreciate the craft of both the making distillery and the bar keeps. These guys take it to a new level. Think Employees-Only (NYC) mixology. Expect to spend money and if you don't have a heightened sense of curiosity and/or taste, don't come in! Service: If you are a loud obnoxious wreck, do everyone a favor and go anywhere else. These guys will and do deal with too much nonsense and be a respectful patron. This being said, these guys kill it. Mixology is a science and these guys have obtained their PhDs. Expect and intellectual experience and admiration for how far we have taken the craft to get to this point. Conclusion: This place is worth it every time. By far the best bar in South Side, now about adding a cigar room....... read more

When ever I visit Pittsburgh I make sure that I come to acacia and have a cocktail. Its apretty small bar they have like 5 to 6 tables and 8 seats on the bar. They have amazing cocktails and the bartenders mix them so well.. They change there cocktails menu constantly and they have 6 or 7 beers .. they don't serve any food but I think you can get food from outside but I am not sure .. If you are a fan of cocktails this is your stop !!! Amazing service !!!!! read more

Well kept secret in the heart of South Side! I stopped in for a drink and got more than I bargained for! Outstanding drinks, exceptional service, and a very interesting knowledge from the bar tender. Highly recommended. read more

Acacia - Mojito and Lions Tail, both to die for! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Good speak easy vibe without being pretentious. Good when it's busy or empty, good whiskey selection, and great cocktails read more

Acacia - Wednesday night, slow but still good - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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This is my favorite place to go for specialty cocktails. All the flavoring components they use are made in-house. They have a VERY extensive whiskey menu & the staff is very knowledgeable about everything they have. My favorite drink right now is Hysops Fables. It has gin, lime, & lychee and is super refreshing. They aren't cheap, but you really get what you pay for in terms of flavor, quality & service. read more

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Drinks were overpriced, staff was snooty, and the vibe was so uptight I could've made a diamond in my jeans. There's much better options on this street with much better people. Thank U Next read more