Pre Amp Coffee Studio turns up the volume
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A coffee bar that lives up to the bar vibe. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios
A new coffee bar in Squirrel Hill flips the typical relaxing experience on its head.
The intrigue: Pre Amp Coffee Studio opened last month on Forbes Avenue and it's an instant hit.
The vibe: The narrow space was overflowing with customers when I visited last Saturday afternoon.
- Friends were chatting at tables in the back and strangers hobnobbed at the built-in sofas in the front, all listening to vinyl records spin tunes.
- Baristas worked like an assembly line of coffee efficiency, providing thirsty locals up-close views of their craft.
Bottoms up: I tried the Pappy maple bourbon latte ($8.50), which combines the legendary whiskey family's maple-bourbon syrup with smoked sea salt over a double espresso and milk.
- Decadent, but not too sweet. You can just smell the smoke with each sip.
- The menu also features other indulgent specials — like a dulce de leche macchiato ($6.50) and yuzu espresso tonic ($7.50) — as well as mocktails, Kyoto-style cold brew ($6) and several pour-over coffee options.
Context: It's operated by DeShantz Restaurant Group, known for running several stylish and popular restaurants in the city, including Tako, Golden Gai Izakaya and Poulet Bleu.
If you go: 5840 Forbes Ave. in Squirrel Hill.
- Open Tuesday–Saturday, 7am–6pm.