A group of us (adults, all between 30 - 60) went in on a Saturday night. I know we weren't regulars but when the four of us order Laphroaig 10yo and you water it down immensely before serving to us at the same 1oz.? That's ridiculous, especially for what we payed you for it.
Yes, scotch drinkers typically add some water to their drink but this was ludicrous.
Never again.
Sarah S said:
"Hanging out with girls that are actual bartenders... The shaking of the drinks was very over dramatic. I mean, after you shake a drink a few times it's mixed. It's not going to become more mixed while you take the extra minutes to shake it with both hands. We left when we witnessed a male bartender carefully choose a basil leaf and start slapping it..."
Hey Sarah, why don't you lend your "bartender" friends some cash to go to bartending school... and I don't mean that one next to the vet in South Hills. Bartending is more than popping open a can of Bud Light (Lite?). If you haven't heard of emulsification or releasing oils from herbs, maybe quit talking and try learning. That 25 year age limit was clearly meant to keep you out, but I guess some people never grow up.
To everyone else: Acacia is quite the find. Just make sure you have the sense to appreciate it, and leave your ego at the door.
I can't comment on the drinks because me nor any of my 4 other friends ever got one. The scene: busy Saturday night, 3 seats at the bar. Hanging out with girls that are actual bartenders. One commented that she felt like we were watching an SNL skit. The shaking of the drinks was very over dramatic. I mean, after you shake a drink a few times it's mixed. It's not going to become more mixed while you take the extra minutes to shake it with both hands. We left when we witnessed a male bartender carefully choose a basil leaf and start slapping it like it owed him money. I get what they're trying to be, but they lost our business because, well, just pour the dang drinks into glasses and help the next waiting customer already. The drama show is unnecessary. The back room still looks exactly as it did when it was Z Lounge, which was a hold over from Zythos. It hasn't changed since the 90s. It was still empty as it ever was.
Review Source:I don't get it. Why are these drinks are so amazing? Apologies to all, but I wasn't impressed. Yes, they had somewhat fancy ingredients, and/or somewhat complicated preparations. So? They're not the only bar in town to have such drinks. They're good; they're not amaaaazing.
More importantly, however, while drinking the "acceptable" drinks, I was uncomfortable. The interior is weird. The front has a few booths and feels really crowded. The back feels unfinished and detached from the front. When you walk back there, it's like you're at a party and you go to some back room to hide away from the pressure of it all, e.g., Jake Ryan in Sixteen Candles.
The bartenders are okay. I thought one of them was nice and one of them was a bit pretentious... as if telling me that their "acceptable" drinks are too "acceptable" for me.
"Madam, you should really have something more appropriate for your unrefined tastes like...water."
Great craft cocktails, featuring a lot of bourbon. Â Drink service is medium-slow, but that's mostly because they spend a lot of time getting drinks right instead of slinging bad drinks quickly.
The door and windows are covered over; you have to look for it. Â That has an enormous benefit; it's intentionally only visited by people who specifically went there, and the hordes of roving drunks in the Southside miss this place entirely. Â They seem to be sacking short-term popularity... for long term lasting power as a terrific little bar.
Great little bar in Pittsburgh. The door is taped with newspaper and windows blocked, so it's hard to find it. But once inside, the vibe is modern but chill. Many special drinks to try, and talking to the bartender was super fun. My friends ordered multiple drinks and swapped around so everyone can try each drink :)
A little gem for people that prefer a more intimite but unique experience.
I went here during a trip to Pittsburgh and it's a pretty cute spot. Â You wouldn't think so just by looking at the front door (looks like an abandoned apartment building), but when you get inside there's a bar with some booth seating on the left and a room in the back with some seats and some arcade games. Â The drink menu is pretty small, but I heard they are talking about making the upstairs a clubby scene... who knows. Â
The drinks were good and it was a good place to sit and catch up.
Went here last night for a yelp event. The theme was most definitely speakeasy. The drinks were fancy and a bit expensive for southside, but I can see what they are trying to do here. I just wonder if southside is the best place to do it. The bartenders were super nice and the owner was willing to be right in there helping the staff, which I always appreciate.
I'd say it's worth it if you have the money to spend, but for the normal, drunken, college student... You might be unhappily surprised when you get the bill.
Very unique and tasty cocktails. Â I sipped on a Makers bourbon Manhattan and then ventured on to an Absinthe concoction created by the bartender. Â I am a big fan of the baseball sized ice rock instead of your typical and numerous cubes. Â They have an excellent tap selection for Dogfish beers, which I will investigate on my next trip. Â Be forewarned, you will pay $10 per drink. Â Is it worth it, I think so.
Review Source:This is a cool place with a great vibe to grab some drinks. Noise level is low, so you are able to have a conversation. The cocktails are all $10. This may seem steep, but after just a few you are good to go. The bartenders are friendly and can sure mix up a great cocktail. I recommend trying "deaths comeback".
Review Source:If I see a noticeable improvement in the service, this place will definitely deserve 5 stars.
Sneaky, sneaky! It's pretty easy to miss this place if you're not paying attention.
Our drinks were perfect. They can make you anything you want. If you're not leaning toward anything on their cocktail list, you can tell them what base liquor you want, what flavor profile you favor (sweet, citrus, fresh, etc), and they'll whip something up. For everyone who remembers Embury, this is the same owner.
Spencer (the owner) didn't seem so keen on our group's arrival, a medium group of Asians on the younger side of the "of-age" spectrum. He was a bit curt with us, but obliged our questions, given the general ignorance of our crowd when it comes to cocktails. Not impressed with his attitude toward us, but definitely impressed with the drinks he made us.
Especially impressive? A three-page whiskey menu, front and back. Amaaaazing. You can order one or two ounce samples, with prices ranging from $6 - $200, depending on what you order. (Cocktails are $10 + tip&tax [basically $15])
The interior is dimly lit, minimally decorated. Dark woods, bare vintagey-bulbs, suggestive of the seductive speakeasy aesthetic... but then the back room has an arcade game and a couple of dart boards...? Haha. A little inconsistent in decor, but unimportant. They were playing funk and soul, which was very welcome.
I will definitely will be back here, since the drinks and the ambiance were definitely a welcome change from the typical Southside bars. Â
However, it'd be nice if the owner would be a bit more courteous to his guests, even if those guests happen to be "fulfilling the stereotype". Those were his exact words to us after we apologetically asked him to take a few pictures of our group. Was he talking about Asians? Students? Southside bar hoppers? Â Not entirely clear at what he was suggesting, but obviously the intention of the remark was to ridicule.
I definitely wasn't keen on the dismissive, "whatever" attitude when one of us asked about which beer to order. Seriously, not cool. Sorry that our German friend prefers beer over hard liquor. Nobody needs their ass kissed. Just turn down the snark.
Ohhhh how I loved it here...I mean I was sold as soon as I saw the boarded up windows. I LOVE a good theme!
I loved my drink, it was a bitter soda, and so, so good!! BF loved his 100 proof whiskey with the HUGE ice cube and my friend really loved her drink the cable car.
I know they're doing construction on the upstairs and back room, I can't WAIT for it to be done, because the main room is amazing. I hope people don't deduct too many points for the back room.
My only complaint, I loved the music, loved the bartenders and their attire, loved the crowd, I just wish the waitress, who was very nice, was also dressed in the theme. It kind of threw the  whole thing off having her in jersey tunic. If they need pointers on what to put her in, I'd be happy to help! :)
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!
We just moved away from the Southside and now I find myself wanting to move back... because of Acacia. Â 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. Â 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. Â 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. Â
We walked in and we were the second customers there (as it had just opened). Â 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. Â It is nice when a bartender wants to engage with the customer and not just get them served and be done. Â
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! Â 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). Â I believe the bartender said they can make over 400 mixed drinks! Â
I like that it is nothing like anywhere else in the Southside. Â I enjoy the music, the darkness, the lower key environment and the service. Â If you like good booze and do not mind a premium price, Acacia is your place. Â The only thing I do not like is that it is not located in my neighborhood anymore!
To be quite honest, I've walked by Acacia for the past month eagerly waiting for it to open not realizing it was already serving up cocktails. Â With the boarded wood over windows the outside had done a good job of tricking me into believing it wasn't open. Â Points in my book already.
As I walked in, the ambience was as I expected for a speakeasy-type establishment. Â Although the front of the bar was full by the time I arrived at 9:30, the low lights and an intimate setting made me immediately dig the front of the bar. Â I'm a sucker for these types of places. Â I was promptly handed a menu from the bar-keep and ordered a delicious cocktail which took about 4-5 minutes to be prepared. Â Once I was handed my cocktail, my friends and I decided to walk to the back room where were successfully obtained a place to sit. Â
The back room of this establishment is a complete departure from the front section of the bar. Â Overhead lighting and white walls combined with a dart board and golf video game threw me for a loop. Â This space seemed out of place and not in-sync with the front section. Â Hopefully they will fix this in the near future. Â Also, since there is a touchtone jukebox you always run the risk of hearing crappy pop music. Â Personally, I don't really want to hear Kesha while enjoying a nice cocktail (or ever for that matter) but that's just me and I realize its different strokes for different folks.
That being said, I'm here for the drinks and they certainly didn't disappoint! Â Everyone in my group really enjoyed their beverages. Â Upon finishing our first round, I decided to check out what they had to offer in the bourbon department. Â The bourbon list here is orgasmic. Â Three words: Pappy Van Winkle. Â Not only did they have the 12 year, 20 year, and the 23 year, they also had Pappy's Family Reserve Rye 13 year! Â Pappy is pretty much the bees knees of bourbon in my brain and I'm psyched I can finally get a glass of it somewhere in Pittsburgh! Â I'm excited to return to sample the countless other types of bourbon/scotch/whiskey that they have. Â Hopefully next time I can grab a seat at the bar so I can strike up a conversation with the bartenders to see how knowledgeable they are.
Next to Stagioni on Carson Street and behind the white-washed boards lies Acacia, a small bar that serves up the best prohibition-era cocktails in town (and quite possibly beyond). Â Thank goodness for us that the Volstead Act has long since been repealed, as we can enjoy all of Acacia's offerings without legal repercussion. Â And yet, I don't think it would matter if prohibition WAS still in effect, because Acacia is more hidden than Salman Rushdie! Â According to the owners, this is intentional. Â There are no hours posted, no large sign screaming "OPEN" to drunken Carson Street regulars. One sort of has to knock or test the door on this speakeasy to see if the place is open. Â But if it is? You're in for a treat! Â
Every single cocktail has years of thought and care put into it. Â Hands down, the BEST aviation I have ever had in my life. Â If you're not familiar with negronis or bees knees, then you're still in good shape. Â The wise bartenders will craft a drink around whatever your favorite spirits are. Acacia also has a solid whiskey list that would make Nucky Thompson drool. Â Not in the mood for the hard stuff? Â Their draft offerings are plentiful as well (I counted about 15 various craft beers on tap, plus 8 Dogfish Head). Â
Then there's the ambiance. Â The friendly bartenders dress in 20's garb, complete with vests and hats. The lighting is dim. Â 20's-era jazz plays on the speakers. I absolutely love it. Â
The signature cocktails can be pricey ($10), but their beers and other drinks are reasonably priced. Â Acacia is still under construction and has a ways to go to live up to its former self (Embury in the Strip), but I'm looking forward to great things!
This place and its cocktails are as beautiful as its name! Â We came here on a double date on a Tuesday night and shared the front room with two other gentleman who sat at the bar. Â After an hour or two, we ended up having the whole place to ourselves and had very pleasant chats with both the bartender and the owner (formerly of Embury before it closed in the Strip).
The atmosphere is dim, cozy, and speakeasy-like. Â Cocktails are served in gorgeous and unique old-fashioned glasses. Â For example, my first cocktail came in an elegant champagne coupe with flowers etched into the glass. Â This is testament to the attention to detail that this bar pays to just about everything, from the glassware to the ice to the drinks themselves. Â Every cocktail we had was expertly crafted, even a "personalized" one that the bartender crafted on the spot for my boyfriend based on his requests. Â My favorite drink from this visit was the autumn sazerac, a delicious take on one of my favorite cocktails.
It's worth mentioning that the bartender was extremely accommodating to our group, which was rather feisty that night! Â For example, he let the guys order one Dogfish 120-minute IPA between the two of them and happily split the drink into two glasses for them, and after they broke out into a heated debate about the merits of Dogfish 90-minute vs. Dogfish 120-minute, the bartender offered (unprompted) us a complementary glass of the 90-minute so that we could do a direct comparison. Â This was such a thoughtful and generous gesture that it really left an impression on us. Â In general, he was super jovial, helpful, and patient with our tipsy shenanigans! Â The owner was friendly as well and readily engaged in conversation with us, and the vibe was super laid-back towards the end of the night.
They also have an incredible selection of bourbons, probably the best I've seen at any bar in the city. Â Many of them, like the awesome Willett Bourbons, you cannot purchase individual bottles of in Pittsburgh's liquor stores! Â The beer list is nice as well, and it's supposed to grow in the near future.
I cannot comment on the atmosphere or attention to detail on a much busier night like Friday or Saturday, but my guess is that the quality of drinks would not be sacrificed (you might just have to wait longer to get one). Â But, at least for a weeknight, it was everything we wanted from a classic cocktail bar!
On Saturday night my friends and I were in the mood for a smart cocktail so we headed here around 9:30. The bar is small, but very warm, inviting, and comfortable. The main bar is in the front half of the space and is full of dark wood, low lights, 4-5 booths and a high table or two. There is a second room in the back which is suffering from somewhat of an identity crisis. It's lit by fluorescent lights and the glow from a golden tee machine and electronic dart boards. There are about 4 small tables lining the exterior of the room. Based on the attention to detail the owners paid in the front half of the bar I would imagine that the back half will soon be brought up to speed.
The drinks, which is the main reason we came, are fantastic. I had one of their signature cocktails (all are $10) and an Old Fashion made with Bulliet bourbon ($7). Both drinks were not only delicious, but it was also fun watching the bartenders make them. These guys really know their way around a drink!
I'm torn between three and four stars for two reasons:
1. Due to this bar's small size and increasing popularity it is very hard to find a spot to hang out in the front, finished half of this bar. This causes you to be pushed to back, unfinished half. A large part of the reason to come here is for the atmosphere, all of which is killed if you can't hang with the cool kids in the front of the bar.
2. Something has to be done about the music selection on the weekends. The last thing I want to hear while sipping a prohibition era cocktail is "Call Me Maybe". Now, I haven't been here on a weekday, maybe this isn't always an issue, but I'm sure that none of your weekend patrons will complain if you play a little jazz and make it easier to have a conversation.
I went with 4 stars because if you watch the bartenders make just one drink you can see the potential this place has and the passion of the ownership to turn it into their dream bar.
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!
I didn't even know this place was open when I walked by, but indeed it is, and it is a great spot to grab a cocktail. Not only is their cocktail menu fairly extensive (and quite unique), but the bartenders are great at providing recommendations based on your likes and dislikes. The venue itself is also pretty neat. The prices are higher than you typically see on the Southside, but this keeps out the college students and you are definitely paying for some great cocktails!
Also came here for New Year's, and had such a good time!
Right as you walk through the door, you know Acacia is quite the special establishment. Â Comfortably elegant, warm and friendly, it feels as if it's set in another time, another place. Â 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. Â Hell, some of the bottles are so top shelf they literally need a ladder to get to them! Â
The gentlemen behind the bar fetching those bottles? Â 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. Â 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. Â The miniature ice sculptures perfectly fit the proper glass for the proper drink. Â
A word of advice...trust the bar menu. Â You cannot go wrong. Â If you like smoky and spicy, I highly recommend the Across the Border. It is positively kick ass! Â Don't be limited to the menu alone...no matter what you order, the creation will be top notch. Â 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. Â Loved it! Â
The hubby enjoyed a few of the selection of 20+ fine beers on tap. Â 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. Â I sure am.
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.
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