11 Ways to Have the Best Date Night Ever in Downtown Pittsburgh

Once known for its steel mills and sports teams, Pittsburgh is now a bustling cultural hub with plenty of unique venues any couple would love to explore. This guide to date night spots in downtown Pittsburgh has something for everyone, including:

• Date night classics like the theater and opera
• Quirky bars and restaurants that are sure to please your favorite foodie
• High-end steakhouse dinners for when you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy the finer things in life
  

Once you find your new favorite downtown Pittsburgh date night destination, be sure to grab a egift card for your honey. GiftYa cards link with your debit card, which eliminates the need to carry a physical gift card in order to enjoy the gift. Going card-free makes it easier than ever to plan a spontaneous evening out, so get out there and see where the night takes you!

Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts

For a special night in one of Pittsburgh's premiere concert venues

600 Penn Ave. Ste 2
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-392-4900

Since 1929, the gorgeous concert venue Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts has been bringing breathtaking cultural events to downtown Pittsburgh.

Heinz Hall is home to the non-profit Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra.

If classical music isn’t really your jam, you can also catch a wide variety of other events at Heinz Hall-- from comedians to lecturers to more modern musical acts.

Regardless of what show you decide to see, the gorgeous backdrop of Heinz Hall is sure to make your date night feel truly special.

Buy a GiftYa To Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts >

“Heinz Hall is one of my favorite venues of all time. The scale and scope of the venue and ornamental designs is breathtaking. Drinks and theater snacks are a bit pricey; however, the variety of ticket options makes up for it. I've been to concerts, symphonies, and special events - and have a blast whenever I visit!” - Yelp Review

Byham Theater

For some of the best plays, musicals and other entertainment in Pittsburgh

101 6th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-456-6666

‍The Byham Theater is another gorgeous and historic building located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.

When it was built in 1903, the Byham theater was known as The Gayety Theater, but it was renovated and renamed in 1990. While the name of the theater has changed, its breathtaking architecture and dedication to providing an intimate cultural experience has not.

The Byham Theater is your best choice for a classic date night at the theater-- whether you prefer plays or musicals-- in downtown Pittsburgh.

“Byham Theatre in the cultural district is smaller than other places but you get an intimacy not found elsewhere.  The orchestra pit, if you sit close, is available visually. The performers manage an entire show from the sound angle and do it very well. All the attention for plays is on the stage and performers." - Yelp Review

Olive or Twist

Creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere

140 6th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-255-0525

Mon-Thurs 3:30PM-11PM
Fri 3:30PM-2AM
Sat 11:30AM-2AM

If the literary play on words isn’t enough to grab your attention, the food at Olive or Twist should be!

This trendy spot is right in the middle of downtown Pittsburgh, making it a great place to grab food and drinks before a show or an amazing date night destination on its own.

Be sure to sample their creative cocktails-- the Ruby Red Bellini and Chocolate Covered Pretzel Martini are local favorites.

“Last night I was lucky enough to try out many of the new items on their menu and wow! Everything is made fresh and the martinis were yummy‼ The general manager made sure everything was to my liking and I could tell the passion from the chef my favorite was the scallops risotto dish and the mussels appetizer. Looking forward to my next stop at Olive or Twist.” - Yelp Review

Butcher and the Rye

Stop into one of Pittsburgh's favorite cocktail spots

212 6th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-391-2752

Mon-Thurs 5PM-10PM
Fri-Sat 5PM-11PM

Another nod to a great work of literature, Butcher and the Rye is one of a kind restaurant serving up new American cuisine and delicious cocktails.

Butcher and the Rye’s location makes it an ideal stop before a Penguins, Pirates, or Steelers game, or you can simply pop in to try out their amazing drink and appetizer options after a long day at the office.

Pittsburgh locals love Butcher and the Rye’s romantic, rustic feel and creative cocktails. Be sure to try the Salinger’s Sling, created in honor of the author whose chef d’oeuvre inspired the restaurant’s name.

Buy a GiftYa To Butcher and the Rye >

“I can't say enough good things. The funky decor, the waitress was descriptive on the whole menu.  The perfect cocktails and food. True chefs and mixologists there!!!!  We got the filet and the large plate scallops for dinner.  Everything melted in your mouth.  It was amazing. Cocktails we got Hey, The Gardens, and the Salinger's Sling. Amazing experience.” - Yelp Review

Verve 360

Less traditional, more adventurous

142 6th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-471-1575

Mon-Thurs 9AM-8PM
Fri 9AM-7PM
Sat 9AM-6PM
Sun 10AM-5PM

If you like your date nights to be a little less traditional, Verve 360 is the perfect place to start!

Officially a health spa, this place offers everything from relaxing massages to unique fitness classes.

Take some time to unwind with your loved one, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try something new and sign up for an aerial yoga class. Either way, you’ll leave Verve 360 feeling relaxed, refreshed, and much closer to that special someone in your life.

“A friend and I tried out our first aerial yoga class on Tuesday night with Will. It was definitely challenging, but it was also a lot of fun! He was a great instructor. I struggled with some of the moves a bit, and he was very helpful getting me through the class safely :) ” - Yelp Review

Täkō

Creative flavors for a Taco Tuesday date night

214 6th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-471-8256

Mon-Thurs 5PM-10PM
Fri-Sat 5PM-11PM
Sun 3PM-9PM

If Taco Tuesday is your favorite night of the week, then do we have the perfect restaurant for you!

Täkō is a unique destination in downtown Pittsburgh, and it’s perfect for a date night you and your significant other will remember forever.

With creative flavor combinations both in their menu and in their cocktails, Täkō has delicious dinner and late night options to fit every palette.

Buy a GiftYa To Täkō >

“Really took me by surprise how good this place is. The tacos are amazing combinations of fusion Asian and Mexican, great flavors really well put together. The atmosphere is also wonderful with it's interior balcony, iron railings and old fashioned dim wire bulbs, almost a New Orleans atmosphere. Definitely recommended If you fancy something just a little different with great flavors and interesting atmosphere.” - Yelp Review

Howl at the Moon

Let loose with your other half

125 7th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-586-5692

Wed-Fri 5PM-2AM
Sat 6PM-2AM

While Pittsburgh has plenty of historic theaters and unique cocktail bars, there are also plenty of places to party!

For a date night full of drinks, dancing, and fun, be sure to check out Howl at the Moon.

Howl at the Moon is only open later in the week (Wednesday-Saturday), and it’s a great place to go let loose with your favorite person at the end of a long week!

Buy a GiftYa To Howl at the Moon >

“Howl at the Moon is on our list of go-to places when we want to dance and have fun drinks! We have gone at various times on weekends and have had various experiences. Each have been enjoyable and tons of fun!” - Yelp Review

Redbeard’s on Sixth

Great food, great sports — catch all the action at Redbeard's!

144 6th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-261-2324

Mon-Sun 11Am-2AM

Like many Pittsburgh couples, you and your date may find yourself in downtown Pittsburgh to attend a sporting event.

Even if you weren’t able to snag those Pens or Steelers tickets in time for the game, you can rest assured that when you get to Redbeard’s on Sixth, you’ll be able to catch all of the action.

Redbeard’s is considered a sports bar, but it’s much more than just drinks and TVs. Be sure to check out their pretzel stick appetizer and fish sandwiches.

“Great food. Great environment. We had a few beers and a bunch of appetizers. We went with the deep fried pickles, chicken quesadillas, buffalo chicken pitas, and pulled pork nachos ... I'd say the buffalo chicken pitas were the best! The pulled pork nachos were good, but nothing special. Kyle was our waiter and provided excellent service. I would definitely come back again!” - Yelp Review

SPACE Gallery

A truly unique experience in downtown Pittsburgh

812 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-325-7723

Sun 11AM-5PM
Wed-Thurs 11AM-6PM
Fri-Sat 11AM-8PM

Pittsburgh is home to several incredible museums, including The Mattress Factory, The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh’s North Side, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History in Oakland-- but it also has plenty of smaller scale galleries to explore. SPACE Gallery is a date night must for Pittsburgh art lovers.

SPACE presents 5 or 6 exhibitions every year, and each one features unique, multidisciplinary pieces that take advantage of contemporary technologies to create an experience unlike any other.

“Space is just that a space but it's what fills this Space that makes it special. Its a large room that hosts some interesting artwork. My favorite is a piece of installation art. It's tree limbs that are in the shape of Guns. Very interesting. The exhibits change regularly and if you like art this is a place to check out.” - Yelp Review

August Wilson Center for African American History

980 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-339-1011

Wed-Thurs 11AM-6PM
Fri-Sat 11AM-8PM

Sun 11AM-5PM

Named after famous playwright and Pittsburgh native August Wilson, the August Wilson Center for African American History is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for the perfect date night activity in downtown Pittsburgh.

The August Wilson Center is beautiful piece of architecture, and you can catch live performances-- often including Wilson’s plays-- as well explore their art galleries.

“I've been a member here for 2 years, and I am proud to support the wonderful programming that takes place ... There's not a bad seat in the theater and I have been overwhelmed by the talent I've seen on display.” - Yelp Review

Eddie Merlot’s

Perfect down to the very last detail

444 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-235-7676

Mon-Thurs 11AM-9PM
Fri 11AM-11PM
Sat 4PM-11PM
Sun 4PM-9PM

Pittsburgh may be known for its casual fare-- like Primanti’s enormous sandwiches and Kennywood’s iconic Potato Patch fries-- but if you’re looking for something more formal, there are plenty of more refined options in downtown Pittsburgh as well.

Eddie Merlot’s is a world class steakhouse located right in the heart of the Burgh. Their mission is to provide guests with the finest service and highest quality foods, so if you’re looking for a date night destination that truly takes care of every little detail for you, Eddie Merlot’s is the place to go.

Buy a GiftYa To Eddie Merlot’s >

“Love Love Love!!! I've probably eaten here at least 10 times and they have yet to disappoint! They're stuffed shrimp is sooo delicious. I've have my filet Oscar Style and it was absolutely delicious! My favorite side is the Lobster Mash and the service is always on point! Would definitely recommend!” - Yelp Review

Downtown Pittsburgh has something for everyone, making it the perfect place for your next date night. Whether your evening out includes a relaxing drink, pushing yourself with aerial yoga, or a fine steak dinner, GiftYa egift cards are a great way to go.

What’s the best date you’ve been on in downtown Pittsburgh? Share your stories in the comments below-- we’d love to hear from you!