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Best Airport Bars In Pittsburgh

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(photo credit: pittsburghairport.hyatt.com)

There's nothing worse than finding out your flight has been delayed, except maybe ending up at a dry restaurant when you were hoping for a drink. Pittsburgh's airport has the region's widest variety of bars that range from black-and-gold-themed sports bars to chic, casual lounges. Whether you're hoping to waste an hour or two between flights or have an evening to spend at the airport's hotel lounge, don't pass up these five watering holes rated Pittsburgh International Airport's best.

Burgh Sportz Bar
Pittsburgh International Airport Concourse D
1000 Airport Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15108
(412) 472-5176

Whether you're in search of a fun watering hole or are a hardcore fan of Pittsburgh's professional sports teams, if you want to throw back a few beers in an authentic black-and-gold atmosphere, Burgh Sportz Bar is the place for you. Located in concourse D, this Pittsburgh-themed bar is decorated with myriad Steel City memorabilia that pays homage to the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates. Chug a beer, munch on a sandwich, and leave with a signature glass that celebrates Pittsburgh championship sports teams, a souvenir from your visit to the city.

Related: Best Secrets Bars In Pittsburgh

Olive Press Lounge
Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport
1111 Airport Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15231
(724) 899-1234
www.pittsburghairport.hyatt.com

After a few drinks at the Olive Press Lounge, you may very well forget you're in Pittsburgh, and it's not because the drinks are that strong. Blame it on the lounge's swanky international panache that greets overnight travelers with a casual, welcoming atmosphere of light bites and exclusive cocktails. Watch the local sports teams, catch up with colleagues, or unwind after a cross-country flight with a dry sparkling wine such as Jacob's Creek cabernet sauvignon, a bottle of IC light beer or a Diamond coconut lime cooler. Olive Press Lounge is located in the adjoining Hyatt Regency.

Bar Symon
Pittsburgh International Airport Center Core
1000 Airport Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15108
(412) 472-5067

"Iron Chef" Michael Symon recently brought his unique twist on comfort food to Pittsburgh International Airport's Center Core with the 2,500-square-foot Bar Symon that opened in June. Styled on French breweries and cafes, the bar incorporates a touch of Pittsburgh into its cuisine by using ingredients provided by local companies including Paragon Wholesale Foods and Mediterra Bakehouse. Symon's tribute to Pittsburgh carries over in the restaurant's design, which features photographs of the former Pittsburgh Meat Market, the focal point of Bar Symon, and reclaimed sections of a former Pennsylvania bowling alley that now serve as table tops. Among the drinks on tap are locally sourced beers from Pittsburgh that go great with countless varieties of baked mac and cheese, a Symon specialty.

Related: Best Bars For Networking In Pittsburgh

City of Bridges Café
Pittsburgh International Airport Landside
1000 Airport Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15108
(412) 472-3111

This iconic Pittsburgh-themed café is more than just a casual airport optoin. From its steel-crafted front to the downtown-inspired décor, City of Bridge Café proves you don't have to travel The Parkway to get a taste of Pittsburgh. The open-glass front provides a view of passing travelers and the security checkpoint, making any seat in the café a prime spot for people watching. Anxious travelers may take the edge off their nerves with one of the bar's strong mixed drinks or stick to a classic Yuengling, Pittsburgh's go-to brew. If you're hungry, fill up on a hamburger, slice of pizza or a salad, or just grab a bag of chips from behind the bar.

T.G.I. Friday's
Pittsburgh International Airport Concourse D
1000 Airport Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15108
(412) 472-5160

Sometimes it's the familiar you're really looking for before your flight. Not all travelers at Pittsburgh International Airport have hours upon hours to waste at a bar during their layover, but that doesn't mean you have to skimp on service or taste. For some of the quickest service and best drinks in the airport, pull up a barstool at T.G.I. Friday's. With a convenient location in concourse D, this bar is ideal for the on-the-go drinker. The servers are prompt but not pushy, bringing your meal, drinks and checks to help ensure travelers have plenty of time to arrive at their terminal and board their flights. Order the bar's famous ultimate margarita, ultimate Long Island iced tea or ultimate Hawaiian volcano.

Jessica Wasik lives in Pittsburgh where works as a full-time figure skating coach sharing her passion with todays generation of young skaters. A graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies, Jessica is also a contributing writer for Allegheny West Magazine. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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