Forbes Tavern

Pittsburgh, PA

Inebrious

Beverage Program Score

Research completed 2026-08-30 · Based on current public sources

Editor: Micah Rousey

Review methodology and evidence standards

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.

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.

About this review

Research is based on recent public evidence, including official venue materials and beverage menus when available. The review date is the research completion date and does not imply an in-person visit.

Review methodology and evidence standards

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