The Story
Trevett Hooper opened Butterjoint in 2012 adjacent to his acclaimed restaurant Legume in Oakland. The concept was a serious craft cocktail bar with food that went far beyond typical bar fare. House-ground burgers, seasonal vegetable dishes, and composed plates sit alongside one of Pittsburgh's most inventive drink menus.
The cocktail program quickly became one of the most respected in the city, with bartenders who treat their craft with the same seriousness the kitchen brings to food. Seasonal ingredients drive both sides of the menu, creating a cohesive experience that blurs the line between bar and restaurant.
Butterjoint's Oakland location, near the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon, makes it a gathering spot for the city's academic and creative communities.
What Makes It Pittsburgh
Butterjoint helped define Pittsburgh's craft cocktail culture. Before Butterjoint and a handful of other bars, Pittsburgh's drinking scene was dominated by dive bars and beer. Hooper proved there was an audience for sophisticated drinks paired with equally thoughtful food.
The Oakland location anchors a neighborhood that is often overlooked for dining, and Butterjoint is a big reason the area has developed a serious food and drink identity.