If you’re craving some tropical fun, you don’t have to head quite as far south as you’d think.
The Bridge Gastropub, a newly rebranded space in Bridgeville’s Great Southern Shopping Center, includes a 15,000-square-foot outdoor space with two cabana bars, lounge chairs, fire pits and a waterfall. Even as autumn begins, you can sip frozen cocktails while listening to a live band on the pub’s stage.
Local legends Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers will play the venue’s grand opening party on Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. The free, all-ages event features performances, food tastings, giveaways, games and drink specials (including a tequila-based concoction called The Houserocker).
Oakmont resident Ken Cuccaro, one of five partners in the venture that used to be Rumfish Grille, says the new interior is warm and inviting for families.
“We want people to feel comfortable when they walk in the door,” he says.
Though the official grand opening doesn’t happen until next week, the restaurant quietly opened its doors in April, giving bands a place to rock out and locals a place to unwind.
In addition to the 300-seat dining room, the interior includes a small stage and a private event room for 50 that’s sectioned off by sliding barn doors.
Open seven days a week, The Bridge offers a menu of upscale bar fare, including a charcuterie sampler, short ribs and a 70-day dry-aged Delmonico steak. There are 24 beer taps with an emphasis on local brews. Specialty cocktails — such as The Bridge Berry Smash made with Smirnoff vodka, fresh berry puree, soda water and a splash of clarified lemon juice — pack a punch.
Cuccaro hopes to use the elaborate patio for as long as Mother Nature allows this fall.
Every Sunday afternoon is B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Dog) in the upper cabana area. Eat lunch, make your own Bloody Mary or have a $3 Dogfish Head can while your pooch scarfs down homemade dog treats. Also coming up: a Gears & Beers car show, a Bikes & Bands night, outdoor yoga classes and a Boos & Booze Halloween party.
And on Fridays and Saturdays, Bridge After Dark will feature DJs and drink specials catering to the late-night crowd.
Cuccaro and his partners are focused on bringing in local and national acts and on making The Bridge Pittsburgh’s go-to spot for live music, family fun and tropical vibes.