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Bossa Nova
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Best Nights:
- Thu, Fri
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
5 reviews for Bossa Nova
This is a happening joint for happy hour and beyond. I've walked by the huge windows while downtown before and been amazed at how many people were drinking it up inside. Friday night, I finally made it inside.
I was disappointed that they used "mojito mix" for their seemingly very popular mojito - but at least they had freshly mashed mint. The martinis are generous, but you pay the price for them. Enjoy your measly $1 off at happy hour during the week, but I don't blame them. Why have a better happy hour when you're already making money hand over fist?
This is a fun place to hang out but expect to spend lots of money if you stick around. The atmosphere is probably the best for a downtown bar, but the crowd is surely on the older side.
Unfortunately, they still allow smoking, but the place is big and airy enough that it's not so much an issue.
Overall, I will definitely be heading back to Bossa Nova on another night - it has a very nice atmosphere. But I'll be sticking to one drink at a time.
Went here on a Monday at around 7:00. The bar was filled with the usual suspects; guys in Brioni suits drinking away the stress, unfortunate weather and reality they have to head home to the wives who just dropped 3-5k at pottery barn.
The drinks were solid, and very fair priced (based on NY and Chicago pricing) The open(ish) floor plan would accommodate a happy hour very well. The food on the other hand - absolutely horrible.
We had lamb, chili prawns, ahi, chicken (something) and Chorizo. The 'fusion' southern Spain meets some Japanese influenced small plates works, but the execution was deplorable.
Verdict: Drink but avoid the food at all costs...
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
Best night of the week is Friday night where all of the old and decrepit playas of Pittsburgh come out to drink. Wednesday and Thursday happy hours also decent. For Pittsburgh standards, it's a very swanky joint and the drink prices are decent (wait my SF pricing kicked in...ok it's a bargain!) I also agree with the other reviewer's sentiments about the food. Several steps up from your standard bar food in Pittsburgh, and the portions are HUGE for tapas.
To the ladies- this is the best joint in Pittsburgh to get your SATC mode on.
I was here last night for a few drinks and a couple of appetizers. I go here about 6 or 7 times a year. The bar itself is beautiful. The seating is great with a huge circular bar in the middle and a lot of leather seats towards the sidewalk by the open air doors and windows. They also have seating outside which is good for people watching especially when there is some type of event in the city. I've found the staff to be a little above average, but nothing special. By far the best thing about this place is the space itself and its location in the city. The drinks are pretty good, but overpriced. Some martinis are about $10, which is fine for a stellar top shelf martini in Pittsburgh or an average martini in NYC. This is not a stellar Pittsburgh martini. I believe that any bar whether its in your basement or at the "French Laundry" should have guinness on tap (just my personal belief), and this place at least has guinness but serves it out of a can. Another annoying thing is depending on who serves me I pay a different price. Last night I paid $7 for a guinness (which is way too much) and then minutes later I ordered another one from a different bartender and paid $5.25. The food is two stars at best and very inconsistent. They bill themselves as a "tapas" place, but it is obvious to me they don't understand what "tapas" entail. Go to ibiza on the s. side for your tapas. Some of their selections are better than others. I've had the quail before which was seasoned well and cooked perfectly. Last night I tried the AHI tuna which was of good quality, but could have used some wasabi or a stronger flavored sauce to compliment the good quality tuna. I also tried the lobster cakes. The lobster was barely noticable and the cakes had way too much breading. The best thing about the plate was the curry sauce on the side. I'd have to say that the location and space of the restaurant is 4 stars, but the food is 2 stars at best. Another weird thing is that I've been here before on more than one occassion when they simply said they were not serving food (and it was like 8 on a Friday). They need an overhaul of the chef staff.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
great bar for meeting/greeting. lots of yuppies... excellent drink menu and atmosphere. decent drink prices. a little known secret...the food here is awesome. smaller portions, but that means you get to try all kinds of different tastes. the bacon wrapped shrimp with horseradish off the tapas menu is awesome. go for the tomato and mozzarella salad too. we will eat here many times in the future.
