Tiki Bar Opens in Squirrel Hill

Tiki Bar Opens in Squirrel Hill

By Meghan Poisson-DeWitt

Squirrel Hill is happy to welcome its newest nightlife addition to the neighborhood: Hidden Harbor! Located on Shady Avenue across from Starbucks, this tropical themed drink destination is well worth a visit. A new project brought to you by the owners of the Independent Brewing Company next door, Hidden Harbor is a premier cocktail bar and snack spot, featuring a collection of warm weather food and drinks.

Inspired by the tiki drink culture created in the 1930’s, their everyday menu features a collection of nine original cocktails, three tiki classics and two large shared drinks, as well as a few beers and wines. The real gem for any adventurer? Their Tiki Time Machine Menu. This menu, available only on Tuesdays, is structured like a passport. As guests work their way through the list of classic tiki cocktails (though “not all in one night,” cautions owner Adam Henry), their menu is stamped. When you’ve tasted all 10 drinks, Hidden Harbor will award your time traveling with a special gift! We won’t spoil it though.

Their shared and small plates menu, created by the extraordinary chef plying her fare at the Independent, has the same equatorial flair as their decor. Options include dishes like lamb curry and pork sliders, alongside inventive takes on the traditional foods like the Pu Pu Platter and Lomi Lomi. While proud of their food offerings, Hidden Harbor considers itself to be a drink destination, a compliment to more extensive meals at other local eateries, such as the Independent.

Much like their neighboring bar, the interior of Hidden Harbor is broken up into two spaces: a main bar with seating and a more enclosed section of booths and additional seating. The rooms each have their own sort of vibe, the bar being a bit more beachy while the dining room is more classically tiki, featuring hand carved wooden statues complemented by a selection of darker wood features. With wall art designed by one of their own employees and furniture designed by James Perry of Lawrenceville, Hidden Harbor is a very locally focused operation.

Hidden Harbor is open on Tuesday to Thursday, 6pm-12am and Friday/Saturday from 5pm-1am. Looking to host a big group or save your space? Both Hidden Harbor and Independent Brewing Company are happy to take reservations. Call in advance at (412) 422-5040.