Hello dear
Welcome to The Speakeasy
The Speakeasy, nestled in the basement of the Omni Hotel in Pittsburgh, whisks you back to the Prohibition era with its cool, dim ambiance. This hip bar is known for its unique cocktails, like the Prickly Bootlegger and Manhattan, crafted by knowledgeable and friendly staff. Patrons rave about the vibrant atmosphere, exceptional service, and delicious food, with standout dishes like Scottish roulette and Beef Wellington egg rolls. The charm of The Speakeasy lies not just in its drinks but also in its rich history, creating an inviting space for memorable conversations and delightful experiences.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Bitter Fizz Mild
Bitter Fizz Very Bitter
Moscow Mule
Pimm's Cup
About
The Speakeasy
Welcome to The Speakeasy, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Pittsburgh, located within the historic Omni Hotel at 530 William Penn Place. This establishment is more than just a bar; it is an immersive experience that transports guests back to the days of Prohibition, replicating the allure of secret speakeasies that once thrived in the shadows of prohibition-era America.
The decor is a nod to its storied past, creating an ambiance that is both cool and inviting. Customers rave about the unique cocktails that grace the menu, including classics like the Moscow Mule which is expertly crafted with local Boyd & Blair potato vodka. Another fan favorite, the Prickly Bootlegger, showcases the bartenders' exceptional cocktail skills, earning high praise for both taste and presentation.
Not only is the drink selection impressive, but the food offerings are equally delightful. Patrons have enjoyed a variety of dishes, from the playful Scottish Roulette to the savory Beef Wellington egg rolls paired with meatballs and sweet peppers. These selections promise a culinary adventure that complements the drink experience beautifully.
The Speakeasy's staff has become known for their warmth and extensive knowledge about both the cocktails and the history tied to this location. Guests like Nick Sumpter have remarked on the excellent service and thoughtful recommendations provided by bartenders such as Ian, enhancing the overall dining experience. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance of chill elegance, inviting patrons to linger and unwind while enjoying a conversation with the friendly mixologists.
What truly sets The Speakeasy apart is its ability to create a connection with its visitors—whether through the rich storytelling of bartenders, the intricate flavors of bespoke cocktails, or simply the ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era. As noted by frequent guest John Richter, it's a place that ensures you never feel snubbed, where the staff is always eager to share their insights on drink options and history.
So, if you find yourself in Pittsburgh, make sure to venture into the basement of the Omni Hotel. The Speakeasy awaits with open arms, offering an unforgettable blend of history, exceptional service, and cocktail artistry. Grab a drink and let the story unfold!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Scott was fantastic and shared so much history about the hotel! ”
“ Excellent service Great food very chill atmosphere.Our server Ian was extremely polite and made very good suggestions on drinks and food. Highly recommend the Scottish roulette and Cirque Du Flamme as well as the Beef Wellington egg rolls and Meatballs with sweet peppers ”
“ The Speakeasy inside the basement of the Omni Hotel is a cool, dark, hip bar not only reminiscent of the secret speakeasy's during prohibition, it actually existed during prohibition! Check it out. The cocktails are unique and delicious and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The Prickly Bootlegger was delicious and the Manhattan was spot on! ”
“ Lovely place with good drinks. Enjoyed conversation with the bartender. ”
“ Only been to one speakeasy in my life and i'll keep coming back. Some friends brought me here while we were in Pittsburgh for a convention and i'm to this day, 11 years later not sure if i was being complimented by the wait staff or insulted as they did not check my ID until I begged them to (I had just turned 21 recently so either they knew i was of recent drinking age or I look OLD) Every time I get the chance to go the environment is amazing, drinks are good and staff is ALWAYS polite, we never feel snubbed and the wait staff is always willing to tell you about certain drinks, offer recommendations and even make substitutions in your drink upon request. I enjoy going here and will gladly keep going back ”
“ My husband and I were enjoying a night away in Pitt. We stayed at Omni WP and decided to go to The Speakeasy. At the entry, a gentleman named Mark or Marcus was standing guard which I originally thought was just part of the charm of the idea of a Speakeasy. After an awkward conversation about wanting to make sure it was just a place for drinks (we didn’t want to take up a seat if it was more for food since we had just had dinner) and M attempting to direct us away to the other hotel bar, we did make it inside. The bartenders were working their tails off and really put the most craftsmanship into the drinks I’ve possibly ever seen. The distracting part of the evening was the doorman who kept coming in to verify with the bartenders he could send new patrons in despite the fact groups had just left, which would obviously show there’s capacity left inside. It was comical to us (a few drinks in and with it not affecting our lives) but I truly did feel for the bartenders. Knowing the tips are likely highly important to them, then having to distract themselves by verifying M didn’t have a line waiting while there were empty seats inside... I personally can’t give them enough credit for not losing their cool entirely. So I would say, GO. Don’t be deterred if the doorman is a bit odd. It was a wonderful environment once inside, only comparable to other speakeasy’s I’ve been to in Denver and Chicago, but I would say even better than those. Thank you to Stacey and the other gentlemen behind the bar on Black Friday night. You deserve a raise! ”
“ Great craft cocktails in downtown Pittsburgh! The menu has a wide variety of cocktails sure to please anyone’s pallet. The service was prompt and attentive, even with a larger crowd. I highly recommend the smoked Old Fashioned for a novel cocktail and All That Jazz for gin lovers. ”
“ This place was awesome!! 7:30 on a Friday evening we were able to get a lounge table no problem. We learned that this place was an actual speakeasy during prohibition that had been closed off for decades. The drinks were truly unique and delicious. Why aren’t more places bruleeing fruit to garnish? Delicious!! ”