First look: New pop-up NA bar to combat seasonal depression
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A bevy of non-alcoholic beverages at Oakland's newest pop-up bar. Photo; Ryan Deto/Axios
Pittsburghers tend to hermit in the winter, but a new pop-up bar wants to bring them back out.
The intrigue: SAD BAR is opening a pop-up space on Saturday serving non-alcoholic drinks in Oakland, hoping to provide a bright, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere to socialize during the region's dreariest months.
The vibe: Housed in a former Eyetique storefront, SAD BAR's bright orange walls, desert decor and wall-to-wall windows beckon you to chat with friends.
- It's a far cry from the party store decor of most Pittsburgh pop-up bars.
Bottoms up: All drinks are non-alcoholic and canned, including cocktails, wine and beer.
- BERO — co-founded by movie star Tom Holland and Pittsburgh-resident John Herman — is on tap. The pilsner was crisp.
- The negroni is tasty and the aperitif spritz is effervescent and not far off from an aperol spritz, flavor-wise.
Between the lines: SAD BAR is an homage to both seasonal affective disorder and sans alcohol drinks, according to Bethany Paola of Pittsburgh Innovation District, which is running the bar with the Oakland Business Improvement District.
- The bar has vitamin D lamps.
If you go: 3701 Forbes Ave. in Oakland.
- Open Thursday–Saturday 5pm–10pm, Sunday 11am-4pm.
What's next: The plan is to run the bar through February, but maybe longer if it remains popular, said Michael McAllister Epic Development, who designed the space.