Space Bar Now Open in Market Square
By Nick Razum
“Space is a unifier,” said Dale Vaughn, the owner behind Space Bar in Market Square. The unique experience that could only be described as “out of this world” is here in Downtown Pittsburgh.
The observation deck across from the bar. Photo by Nick Razum
Walking into Space Bar is like entering a luxury passenger spaceship that is ready to cater to any futuristic, galactic needs. White panels with neon lights that feel lifted straight out of Star Wars line the walls surrounding a window into outer space creating an atmosphere of just having left the atmosphere. The music playing completes the ambiance with smooth, fusion jazz sounding familiar and futuristic. There’s no need for oxygen tanks, life support systems are always on.
The bar with luxurious seating. Photo by Nick Razum
The molecular mixology is the star attraction in this celestial voyage. There are futuristic takes on classics in the “Universal Cocktails'' section of the menu like the “Old Earth Fashioned” or the “Espresso Mars-tini”, but the true reason to take a voyage to Space Bar is the Space Craft Cocktails like the “Solar Storm”, a rum cocktail with passionfruit, roasted butternut squash and coconut curry foam. The food is all vegetarian or vegan, because it is difficult to get meat in space. Everything is made in house back in the lab where the lead mixologist’s biology degree gets put to good use crafting cocktails and finding new ingredients to introduce to fellow galactic travelers.
Starting in January, Space Bar regulars, science enthusiasts and sci-fi fans can find more than craft cocktails and quality food by joining the Space Bar Society. Members get access to special events like “A Scientist Walks into a Bar” where astronauts and experts mingle. They also get exclusive access to a mixology lesson in the “Cocktail Lab.”
Dale and his partner Liz are excited about unlocking Pittsburgh’s love of space. “Pittsburgh is a space city. It’s starting to realize it, and we wanted to be in the middle of that.” Houston, we have a problem, Space has moved to Pittsburgh’s downtown. Space Bar is open now in Market Square.
