Margaux — Restaurant in Pittsburgh

Today I witnessed the most disgusting and heartbreaking incident at Margaux. My friend and I met up for some tea and a chat. This happened around 4-5 PM and we were already there for at least an hour. As we were sitting, there was a homeless man sitting down in the corner sleeping, woke up to eat once, then went back to sleep. He didn’t speak to anyone, he didn’t bother anyone, he sat peacefully like everyone else. The (what I’m assuming manager) comes over and suddenly asks him to leave. Understandably, the man becomes upset and after arguing a bit the manager calls the police as the man is leaving the building.

I can’t even begin to understand why this happened and how utterly ridiculous it was to kick this man out in below 30 degree weather. It’s not like the place was well heated anyway…The police showed up 15 minutes later and I don’t know what he told them but it was probably far from the truth. I felt so bad and it really put a bad taste in my mouth since I had been to this place before. Won’t be returning and I will be telling my mutuals about this incident because that was unacceptable, the customers were visibly uncomfortable and some even left due to this disruption that wouldn’t have happened had they just let the man sit there in silence.

Do better. It’s already too hard out here for people who are old, vulnerable and don’t have a roof over their head especially during the winter. Their lack of compassion for those in need left me feeling like it’s not as welcoming and inclusive as we had originally thought. That man did not deserve to be kicked out and have the police called on him. It just shows the clear disregard for those who are less fortunate and the elitism of...

There's a new & unique spot on the scene in East liberty!

Margaux is a café & coffee spot by day that transitions into a cocktail spot by night! No matter what time of day you visit, its truly chic all day long!

It's such a stylish space with a center U-shaped bar and cozy seating nooks throughout. You will want to pose for Instagram shots in every corner.

The food is amazing, prepared by chef Zane Thompson. The food menu focuses on small, shareable plates and late-night desserts. My favorite dishes where the cheese plate, smoked salmon rillette, baked ricotta and the seared corn cakes. The cheese plate included something very unique, a formage fort which is whipped cheese combined with seasonings and a creamy fat base to create a delicious spreadable cheese. Both the baked ricotta and the salmon rillette were very well made and and full of flavor. the seared corn cakes are so light and flavorful with just the right accompaniments, a delicious sauce and crispy bacon.

As if that wasn't enough, the chef's wife stole the scene for me. Pastry chef Lisa Wilson of Harrison’s Fine Pastries serves the most epic desserts at Margaux. They are so beautiful and even more delicious. The artistry is apparent at first sight and in every decadent bite. My favorite dessert was the raspberry creation.

Bar Manager Sarah created a drink menu full of classic and European-inspired cocktails. I really enjoyed the Royal Afternoon.

Get your Instagram-ready crew together, you will want to check out this spot as soon as it opens.

I can't wait to see this space full of people when they officially open. Margaux will open daily starting at 8 a.m. for coffee, tea and small-bite...

I’ve been here nearly a dozen times and have previously emphatically recommended it as a hip yet laid back lounge to others but had a strange incident yesterday. I went to the bar to order 2 drinks for myself and a friend. I was asked to provide both our IDs, which was fine. But then I was scolded for collecting and presenting both our IDs when instead, we both needed to be present at the bar to order the drinks. This protocol seems very reasonable to me, yet it was the tone and attitude of the bartender that made me uncomfortable. Overall, the bartender seemed particularly hostile towards me and seemed very reluctant to make my drink. In addition to this, my ID was studied very carefully (I’m nearly 30) and I was rudely asked to lower my mask for comparison. I appreciate that they take the law seriously, but upon observation of this bartender over the next hour or so, it didn’t seem that other (mostly white) patrons received the same treatment. I don’t ever mind getting carded, but the treatment I received seemed a bit unnecessary and unequal compared to how others were treated. They also have a drink called the “Improved Japanese Cocktail” (I know Margaux didn’t name this cocktail, but rather some white dude from the 1800s, but you can do better?) which I find a bit problematic given the AAPI hate that our society continues to reckon with. The rest of the staff here has been incredibly kind and the work they do is exciting. I had the impression that they seemed progressive and inclusive, but I now have serious concerns about racial bias at this establishment and can’t find myself recommending this place...