The Perfect Pittsburgh Bachelorette Kickoff Dinner at Garbarinos

What to Wear: Elevated girls’ night energy. Think cute-but-comfy — a slip dress with boots, leather pants with a chic top, or sparkly accessories that work for both dinner and cocktails. You’ll look great at the table and at the bar.
IG Worthiness:

• 📸 Overall Vibes: 🍒🍒🍒🍒 (4/5) – Old-school Italian charm with dim lighting, cozy booths, and moody bar glow.
• 🍝 Food Aesthetic: 🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒 (5/5) – Golden-brown chicken cutlet bigger than your head, glossy pasta twirls, and that burrata stretch shot your followers need to see.
  Budget: $$ – Expect to split apps, sip cocktails, and still have room for a little dessert or digestivo.

Hi, it’s me, Jessie — your resident cheese addict and proud hater of Bloody Marys. When it comes time to kick off a Pittsburgh bachelorette weekend, I only have one request: give me carbs, cheese, and cocktails (minus the tomato juice). That’s how I landed at Garbarino’s in East Liberty — and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

First thing’s first: the bread and burrata. I swear, nothing makes me happier than a cheese pull moment, and this one was practically begging for its own photoshoot. Pair that with their sizzling roasted garlic butter and I was already in food heaven. Add in the crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with honey and balsamic, plus their famous meatballs, and I was laughing my way through bites like a kid at Christmas.

And by the time the pastas came out, I’ll admit I was a little elevated (don’t judge me, it makes everything taste even better). But seriously, the Rigatoni & Ragu with Chianti-braised short rib? Unreal. And the crispy chicken cutlet? It was so huge it felt like it deserved its own chair at the table. Also, sharing plates is a must — mostly because you’ll want a little bit of everything, and your girls will thank you later.

📍 Garbarino’s | 5925 Baum Blvd, East Liberty

After Dinner Vibes

After dinner, we suggest you hop a few blocks over to Lorelei, this dreamy alpine-inspired cocktail bar where the drinks are just as pretty as they are strong. Or, if you’re a dessert kind of girl, stop into Jeni’s Ice Creams for a sweet ending. Both spots keep the energy going without losing the cozy, celebratory vibe you started with.

Jessie’s Final Word

Listen, I know myself: I’m here for laughs, indulgence, and anything that involves cheese. Garbarino’s delivered all of that with a side of cozy Italian vibes and cocktails that made every toast feel special. For me, it’d be the perfect way to start a bachelorette weekend — giggles, cheese pulls, and memories I’ll still be laughing about years from now.