The Library on Carson — Restaurant in Pittsburgh

On my initial visit to The Library on Carson Street in Pittsburgh's Southside neighborhood, I experienced the Latin Night Patio Party on Saturday, June 8, 2024. This three-story building has been transformed into a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, with a dance and social area on the second floor. The interior renovations are impressive, meriting 5 stars for design updates.

The event kicked off at 9 PM, and after ascending a long and narrow stairway to the second floor, we found ourselves in a cramped space dominated by a large pool table with limited seating around it. The DJ, positioned in the center of the dance floor, occupied valuable space, restricting the number of people who could dance at one time, which I felt was worth only 2 stars.

The highlight of the evening was DJ Alex Rivera, whose music selection and mixing style resonated with the crowd, making him my top choice for DJs in the Latin dance scene. His performance deserves 5 stars.

Parking posed a significant challenge. The area around The Library is notorious for its lack of parking and active enforcement of parking regulations, which often forced me to park several blocks away, taking spots in front of residential homes. This aspect of my visit earns 3 stars due to the inconvenience.

Accessibility is a major drawback, as the venue does not support those with limited mobility or wheelchair users, offering no ramps or elevators. This severe oversight earns the venue only 1 star for accessibility.

On a tastier note, the chicken empanadas and dry wing dings served during the event were delicious. The empanadas were notably homemade, compelling me to indulge in more than one. The wings were well-seasoned and cooked to perfection, contributing another well-deserved 5 stars for food quality.

While the venue pulsates with vibrant energy, improvements are necessary, particularly in terms of space management. Relocating the DJ from the dance floor to the area currently occupied by the pool table could significantly enhance the dancing experience. Removing the pool table might also be considered to better accommodate the crowd.

Though I recommend visiting for the music and food, potential visitors with disabilities should be aware of the accessibility challenges. If DJ Alex Rivera returns, I would certainly revisit.

Overall Average...

Had such a nice time at the Library on Carson to catch up with a friend. The library vibes made the ambiance so cozy and intimate. The food and drinks were wonderful. Cierra was our server and took great care of us during our visit. Emily stopped over at our table as well during our visit- the staff was so friendly and helpful. We started with 2 glasses of Prosecco that were a special that evening ($4 each), shrimp cocktail and oysters. Everything was SO good and so fresh. After our starters, we had truffle fries with parmesan, Brussel sprouts, garlic, grilled cheese bites and the honey pig pie.

Their menu had a variety of options that anyone can find something good. They have daily specials every night: Monday: Wing Night - $0.75 Cent Wings Tuesday: $1 Oysters $1 Shrimp $4 Prosecco Wednesday: Half-Off Burgers Thursday: College Night $3 Wells/Claws $10 Select Pizza Saturday/Sunday: Brunch $15 Bottomless Mimosa

They have happy hour specials and are available on Uber eats and takeout. There is a perfect space upstairs for private events and also have pool and darts! I would highly recommend the library on Carson to all! Will definitely be back again. Thanks for the...

Adorable bar / restaurant right on East Carson St in the South Side.  The menu is compiled of American fare and the dishes are named after books & stories which is super cute!  They have daily specials, offer lunch & dinner as well as weekend brunch!  The menu is very diverse and has a ton of options, good for a group with different tastes.  They have beer, a full bar and a specialty cocktail list.  Tried the Don Quixote (choice of tequila or mezcal, lime, honey syrup, bitters & a Tajik rum) and the War & Peace (their spin on a Moscow Mule). For food, had the Crab Rangoon Dip from their prologue (appetizer) menu, the wings & garlic grilled cheese bites from their table of contents (small plates) & the Pittsburgh salad from the epilogue (soups & salads). The ambiance is very cozy and intimate with amazing décor.  The entire staff was extremely friendly and helpful with picking the best menu items (it was so hard to pick...