The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival is happening right now through the weekend of October 4, letting people of all ages live out their childhood wonder of centuries gone by. One of the best parts of the medieval festival is enjoying a mug of mead or beer in the jaunty atmosphere. But where do you go after the festival ends to find that type of vibe? Thankfully, Pittsburgh has a number of bars, taverns, pubs, and cider houses prepared to take the knight in you back to ye olden days. We fully encourage dressing up with a group of friends and making the most of your evening out. In case you’re in need of a heartier dinner to accompany your belly full of beer, check out our guide to Pittsburgh restaurants to find a restaurant nearby, though many of these bars and pubs have their own food menus too.
Pittsburgh Bars with Ren Faire Vibes
Arsenal Cider House
Lawrenceville, Dormont, and Wexford
Mead, cider, and more mead, oh my! Mead is a central part of medieval times and the more mead selections, the better. Arsenal Cider House has a rotating menu of delicious meads, all made in small batches, with a lively venue to match. Their Lawrenceville location even has a bar outside, so you can become one with nature as the leaves start to turn.
Mullaney’s Harp and Fiddle
Nothing screams medieval like an Irish pub. Located in the heart of the Strip District, this hopping pub sets the perfect ambiance with authentic beer, food, and even live music usually twice a week. Stop by in the evening for a pub sing-along with a classic Guinness in hand. Besides the musician nights, they also show Steelers games as well as host Irish folk dance lesson nights with the Pittsburgh Ceili Club every Tuesday.
KingView Meadhouse and Winery
Set back in the hills of Mt. Lebanon, this is the place to feel like a true medieval Viking. Whether you’re enjoying one of their 40 beers, ciders, or meads on tap or digging into a hot bowl of soup, this candle-lit tavern will make you feel right at home and back in the Middle Ages all at the same time. You’ll sit in a style of long bench seating, channeling the energy of mead halls of the the olden days. They even have to-go bottles available so you can take a bottle of mead home.
The Woods House
Hazelwood
The historic Scottish pub vibe is the whole point of The Woods House in Hazelwood’s neighborhood. Built inside the old John Woods House, and one of the oldest standing structures in Pittsburgh from 1792, the pub has various Scottish delicacies and plenty of beer on tap. However, this pub’s decor is the best part, with fireplaces, stone walls, and low lighting to deepen the “olde tyme” atmosphere. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a plate of Fish and Chips beside a cold pint.
The Speakeasy
The closest modern equivalent to a dark dungeon bar is probably a speakeasy, and this one in the basement of the Omni William Penn Hotel is simply gorgeous with flocked walls and cozy setting. The Speakeasy carries a variety of local brewed beers and ciders on tap, and plenty of liquor choices. It’s not exactly ancient, but the low lights, luscious seating, and sophisticated menu will make you feel like a king.
The Storyville Lounge
Walking into The Storyville Lounge of Dr. Tumblety’s takes you immediately back in time to an antique parlor almost reminiscent of what you’d find in New Orleans. This lounge with aesthetic lighting, vintage furniture, and high barback shelves feels like home after leaving the ren faire. Plus, you may even find burlesque shows and other entertainment on specific nights, but act quickly, these performances sell out fast.
Shakespeare’s Restaurant and Pub
Ellwood City
If you’re willing to make a short drive to Ellwood City, it’ll be worth it to drink in the castle that is Shakespeare’s Restaurant and Pub. An old world charm takes over the medieval-esc booths that line their pub where you can play trivia or listen to music on select nights. Here you’re treated like true royalty and can also partake in all-you-can-eat pasta on Thursday nights. Plus, their outdoor landscape and patio leaves you to explore statues and scope out plenty of Pennsylvania woodlands.
Hyeholde
Coraopolis
Every lady-in-waiting should get to experience the fairytale setting of Hyeholde at least once in their life. Down a sprawling drive into the woods, dine beside stained glass windows of many colors, near a comforting fireplace, or on the green grasses surrounded by trees. Under the leadership of Chef Chris O’Brien, Hyeholde functions on farm-to-table values, the preservation of classic culinary techniques, and focuses on seasonality. It’s the perfect opportunity to wear your fanciest dress and treat yourself to your favorite bottle of wine.
The Abbey on Butler Street
There’s an inside and an outside to The Abbey on Butler Street but you’ll want to stick to the interior in either the Parlour Bar or Vesper Room for a renaissance-esc experience. In both spots you’ll find antique, warm lighting, flashes of red in the details, oak wood walls, and cushiony booths. Browse their signature cocktail and mocktail menu to find your vice for the night as you dine on tavern fare like Bistro Mussels & Frites, Fish & Chips, or their Lemon Herb Chicken.
About the Author
Kylie Thomas is TABLE Magazine’s Online Editor, covering Pittsburgh food, drink, and going out, including the Things to Do in Pittsburgh column. A Point Park University graduate, her work has also appeared on The Takeout, QBurgh, and Empire Extreme. She also runs the photography business Photos by Ky.
Photo From The Storyville Lounge
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