Best Bars For Networking In Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is pretty well known for being a city where the booze flows as heavily as the three rivers, but not every bar in the city is right for every occasion. There are some that you would never take a date to, and some where you could never watch a football game, while there are others that are perfect for either of those occasions. Just like a date, or watching a football game, taking someone out for a business deal or going somewhere to schmooze with company directors can be all about finding the perfect setting. These are the city's best places for professionals, young and old.

Photo Credit: KDKA

Rivers Casino
777 Casino Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 231-7777
theriverscasino.com/One of the city's newest and largest destinations, the massive Rivers Casino, perched on the bank of the Ohio River, fits right into the North Shore's skyline of architectural giants. Boasting all kinds of buffets, cafes, libations and entertainment, the casino is home to five dining destinations to suit your taste buds, company and style. Almost all of the dining options also offer grand views of either the city or the river. If you're looking to wine and dine a client a la Mad Men's Don Draper, try Andrew's Steak & Seafood for an impressive meal in a more reserved setting. If up tempo is more your network speed, head to Wheelhouse where sports are king, camaraderie reigns and you can strike up a new friendship or business partnership over your favorite teams. Tons of networking events are held on casino grounds, so keep an eye open for those as well.

Related: Best Bars With Bottle Service In Pittsburgh

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Sharp Edge Creekhouse
288 W. Steuben St. Thornburg Bridge
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
(412) 922-8118
sharpedgebeer.comIf you're a man or woman about town, Sharp Edge should be a networking destination. With the Sharp Edge Creekhouse near Crafton, the Sharp Edge Bistros Downtown and in Sewickley, the Sharp Edge Brasserie in Peters Township, and the Sharp Edge Beer Emporium in Friendship, no matter your location around Pittsburgh, there's always a friendly face and a good beer close by. With an enormous and constantly rotating selection of beers from around the world, not only will you impress colleagues and friends with your knowledge of good beer, you'll never have to have the same beer twice. Sharp Edge locations also offer full menus, bar and table seating, and rarely get too rowdy for conversation.

Photo Credit: KDKA

Giant Eagle Market District, Settler's Ridge
Settlers Ridge Center Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
(412) 788-5392
marketdistrict.com/Though not a bar, the Giant Eagle Market District in Settler's Ridge offers a low-key casual meeting place were you may still grab a tasty brew. The centerpiece of the bustling new Settler's Ridge plaza, the Market District is almost always packed with shoppers, but in its cafe area enjoy dine-in options consisting of everything from basics such as pizza, soups and sandwiches to Thai food and sushi, all made fresh in front of you. As you move to the check-out, you'll notice the store's crowning glory: the beer selection. Single bottles or six packs of lagers, ales and ciders may all be purchased for consumption right in the store. Make your way upstairs and you'll find a quiet dining area, removed from the bustling shoppers below. Perfect for a quick after-work meeting, it also features conference rooms on the second floor that may be rented out for private meetings or events.

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Elbow Room
5533 Walnut St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 441-5222
elbowroompittsburgh.comPittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood is home to both the Pittsburgh offices of Google and one of the country's most prestigious universities, Carnegie Mellon, so if you're really looking to schmooze, Shadyside is the place to be. While there are tons of great bars and restaurants in the neighborhood, Elbow Room on Walnut Street is one of the best if you're looking to talk business. Offering a cozy atmosphere alongside a full wine list and seasonal specials, Elbow Room is truly a perfect spot for any occasion. Additionally, if you belong to a networking group, or decide to start one of your own, Elbow Room offers options to host larger events.

Photo Credit: tavern245.com

Tavern 245
245 Fourth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 281-4345
tavern245.comFor awhile, downtown has been seen as a place that closes up shop at 5 p.m. With so many bustling neighborhoods within the city, there seemed to be no need to stay downtown after work. Now, with the revitalization of places like Market Square, the area is seeing a true evening resurgence. And just around the corner from Market Square, on Fourth Avenue, sits a bar with a menu that just saw quite a renovation itself. Enjoy new seafood options immediately, and the newly added third-floor deck. With its downtown locale, it's a great spot for after work drinks in an atmosphere comfortable enough to really unwind. Hang out in the first-floor lounge and bar area for a drink or two, or head upstairs to sample their meld of North and Latin American cuisine from its full menu.

Related: Pricey Bars That Are Worth It In Pittsburgh

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Brooke Keane is a freelance writer who stayed in Pittsburgh after college to explore it's hidden gems some more. She was found, and writes about delicious dishes, brimming boutiques and libations galore. Here work can be found on Examiner.com.