Restaurant Spotlight: Olive or Twist
By Elizabeth Muko
The Pittsburgh-based Martini bar, Olive or Twist, is the perfect bar for those who love live music, great cocktails, and comfortable dining. Since the bar’s grand opening in 2001, Olive or Twist has been serving guests, hosting events, and supporting the community in Downtown Pittsburgh by offering locally sourced spirits and beers on their menu and by featuring local musicians who perform live music for guests.
Located between Heinz Hall and Byham Theater, Olive or Twist, takes advantage of the traffic throughout the year. According to Managing Partner, Richard Bufalini, “Being centrally located, we get to take advantage and serve out-of-town guests that are coming for the weekend… Every day is different.”
If you are looking for a bar with an adventurous drink menu and a rotating menu of Pittsburgh-leaning American cuisine, we recommend visiting during Happy Hour on weekdays from 4-6pm. The Happy Hour menu features drinks starting at $5 and bar food starting at $7. According to customer reviews on Yelp, standouts among the drink menu include the espresso martini, the apple pie martini, and the whisky rebellion. Popular food choices among guests include buffalo dip, crab cake sandwich, and lobster mac. Also, Olive or Twist offers a dinner special menu with entrees like filets and braised short ribs. To see a full menu, visit https://qr.imenupro.com/19ak-b.
Known for their live music from Thursday to Saturday, Olive or Twist is notable for supporting local musicians. “[Our live music] ranges from classic rock, jazz, to current hits,” said Bufalini. Some of the most popular musicians that perform at the bar include Darren Miller, Mike Dunn, Juan Vasquez, Shelly Duff, Billy Schneider, and Katie Simone.
In the future, we predict to see Olive or Twist becoming the go-to Martini bar and restaurant in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. “We will be the place for Cocktail-style receptions that provide a unique and effortless experience for those hosting events,” commented Bufalini. We look forward to seeing how Olive or Twist will continue to support the local community and continue to represent the unique characteristics of Downtown Pittsburgh.
To book an event, contact John Muth at events@olive-twist.com or visit their website and fill out an event inquiry at https://www.olive-twist.com/parties#event-request.
Olive or Twist hours:
Tuesday - Thursday 3:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.
Friday 3:30 p.m.-12:30 p.m.
Saturday 11:30 p.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sundays 11:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
