A new throwback lounge is open inside the historic YMCA building in East Liberty at the Maverick Hotel.
Called Hey Babe, the location is the brainchild of longtime members of Pittsburgh’s dining scene, Danielle Cain and Rob Hirst, who designed the space in collaboration with Wildman Chalmers Design. Between them, the two have worked at a number of area restaurants including Kaya, Soba, Casbah, Mad Mex Oakland, Sienna Mercato, Round Corner Cantina and Kingfly Spirits.
According to a news release, the concept promises “a craft cocktail-driven bar with zesty seasonal bites, upscale lounge aesthetics, moody lighting, vibey music and a fun atmosphere.”
Cain and Hirst are partners inside and outside of the restaurant — they fell in love when they worked together at Soba in Shadyside.
A full bar menu features classic cocktails, wine, beer, plenty of non-alcoholic offerings and Hirst’s refined but approachable craft cocktail creations. Options include Terms of My Surrender (Old Overholt whiskey, Smith & Cross Jamaican rum, cinnamon and lemon), Bee-Sides (thyme-infused gin, xtabentun, lemon and cadramon), and Flower Child (tequila blanco, Amally mezcal, Bauchant, mandarin and lime).
The menu highlights seasonal and local produce with a variety of bright and flavorful sandwiches, salads and shareable apps. The menu offers delights including harissa-smoked lamb and hummus with pistachio dukka, to kimchi mac and cheese with five-spiced pork belly, an oyster mushroom po’boy and black sesame mochi cake for dessert. Gluten-free and vegan dishes are part of the lively array of options.
“Hey Babe is … well, a total babe: a little bit fancy but never fussy, refined yet chill, sexy and also comfy,” Cain and Hirst said in a news release. “It’s that just-right spot to start or end your night, the third space to meet old friends and make new ones.”
