Restaurant
Unclaimed profileForbes Tavern
Pittsburgh, PA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Forbes Tavern's cocktail list leans on bourbon and vodka with a smoked-to-order Maker's Mark creation, a brown sugar Old Fashioned, and a lineup of mules and mojitos. Rotational drafts get community nods, and standard sodas cover the non-alcoholic side. A practical stop for a straightforward drink, with the theatrics of smoke as its most memorable move.
- What should I order?
- Playing with Fire, the Maker's Mark bourbon cocktail smoked to order with orange peel and cherry, is the menu's most distinctive pour. Brown Sugar Oldie offers a sweeter bourbon take with Bulleit, bitters, and brown sugar simple syrup.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Bourbon drinkers looking for a smoked cocktail will find a reason to stay. Draft beer fans may appreciate the rotating selection, though specifics are limited.
- When should I go?
- Anytime the bar is open, especially if you want a cocktail with a bit of showmanship. Evenings suit the smoked pour best.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $12 to $14 based on listed prices for the Brown Sugar Oldie and Playing with Fire. Other beverages lack listed prices.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The smoked-to-order Playing with Fire cocktail is the clear centerpiece, setting the tavern apart from typical bar pours. Rotational drafts promoted via Untappd add a tech-savvy layer to the beer program.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A compact house list of five cocktails spans bourbon, vodka, and rum. The smoked-to-order Playing with Fire is the standout, while the Brown Sugar Oldie offers a classic-style bourbon mix. No independent quality assessments exist, but the creative ingredients and smoking technique suggest care.
Menu strengths
- — Creative ingredients and a smoking technique set the cocktails apart.
- — Variety of house cocktails including bourbon, vodka, and rum-based options.
Standout selections
- — Playing with Fire: Maker's Mark bourbon smoked to order with orange peel and cherry.
- — Brown Sugar Oldie: Bulleit bourbon, bitters, brown sugar simple syrup, orange peel, and cherry.
Pricing: Playing with Fire is $14.00; Brown Sugar Oldie is $12.00.
Beer
Rotational drafts are promoted via Untappd, suggesting a changing selection. Specific beers and prices are unlisted, but the positive feedback points to a competent draft program.
Menu strengths
- — Rotational draft selection suggests variety and freshness.; Positive community feedback on draft beer selection.
Nonalcoholic
Standard soft drinks and non-alcoholic options include Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Ginger Ale, Sierra Mist, Lemonade, and Fresh Brewed Iced Tea. No specialty mocktails or house-made non-alcoholic drinks are listed.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a range of standard soft drinks and non-alcoholic options.
Spirits
The cocktail menu reveals a spirits selection including Maker's Mark and Bulleit bourbons, blueberry vodka, citrus vodka, and rum. No dedicated spirits list or pricing is available, but the variety supports a range of mixed drinks.
Menu strengths
- — Cocktail menu features a variety of spirits including bourbon, vodka, and rum.
How it sits with the food
No food pairing information is available, but the bourbon-heavy cocktails suggest they could stand up to hearty pub fare if offered.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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