Pittsburgh, often credited as the birthplace of the speakeasy, has gained another speakeasy-inspired bar. The Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group opened Vieux Carré speakeasy on Friday in the Strip District.
Meaning “old square” in French, the new venture is billed as a “hidden cocktail destination,” accessible through an unmarked door within another of DeShantz’s Strip District nightclubs, Sea Monkey. According to a news release, the speakeasy and lounge will offer an immersive design on an “intimate scale” with an extensive bar menu.
Classic craft cocktails inspired by New Orleans include the restaurant’s namesake, a Vieux Carré, Sazerac, Hurricane and St. Charles Punch, alongside original creations like Bananas Foster Blue Blazer, which boasts “a dramatic, fire-forward presentation” to add theatrical edge. Food selections include a “playful” menu of small bites, including a signature smash burger with wagyu beef, truffled cheese and caviar sauce, and a “Happy Meal,” featuring ramen chicken nuggets and fries with caviar.
The bar program is led by Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group bartender and Creative Beverage Director Brian Maxwell, a Pittsburgh native with global experience, according to the same release.
Maxwell called Vieux Carré “a love letter” both “to cocktail history and to Pittsburgh,” adding “this city is where my journey began, and bringing something this layered and expressive home is incredibly meaningful.”
Vieux Carré marks the 14th concept from the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group, following Sea Monkey’s opening on New Year’s Eve. Coop De Ville, DeShantz’s Southern-inspired restaurant and barcade, is located next door on Smallman Street.
The speakeasy will operate as a late-night venture, currently open Thursdays through Saturdays starting at 7 p.m. Reservations are available through OpenTable by selecting Sea Monkey and choosing “Experiences.”
