05/04/2026
When we opened Space Bar we wanted to bring world class mixology techniques to the city, and in the process discovered a bevy of badass cocktail joints worthy of recognition. Why weren’t they already? The curators of lists like 50 Best and the James Beard Awards are never going to come to Pittsburgh by accident. They’re not coming until there’s a reason. So we built one.
This week, , the largest drinks-focused publication in the country, ran a feature on the Foundation and our work with to turn Pittsburgh into a nationally recognized cocktail destination. The article profiles how secondary markets are using cocktail culture to drive tourism, and positions MixBurgh as the model.
“Pittsburgh dealt with a hangover when the steel industry shifted, but the city evolved and now is having this weird, creative renaissance moment. The cocktail scene makes sense as part of that reinvention.”
MixBurgh Weekend lands this November with CEO David Kaplan, head distiller Lance Winters, , and .english headlining. Five days. Two events. State funding. And a city of bartenders, distillers, and creators ready to show the industry what we’ve been building.
We’re just getting started. Come see for yourself.
Link in bio.
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