New cocktail lounge, Emerson's, opens in Pittsburgh's Market Square

A new cocktail bar and restaurant in Downtown Pittsburgh, Emerson’s, will let patrons get warm on the inside and the outside: It features a fireplace.

“This cold weather is the perfect time to come here,” said David Priselac, who owns Emerson’s with his wife Rachel, Mimi and Ralph Falbo and the chef, Chad Rapp. “The fireplace will be going so it will be warm and cozy.”

Creating a warm and cozy feeling is the goal of the place, where guests can gather for a cocktail and enjoy light bites. It was a pop-up bar during the holidays and officially opened Jan. 3.

Courtesy of Emerson’s

Emerson’s, a cocktail bar and lounge, opened in Downtown Pittsburgh on Jan. 3.

Emerson’s is named after the 3-year-old daughter of David and Rachel Priselac.

The bar sits above Market Street Grocery, which they opened in 2015. They sell Italian wine and Pennsylvania spirits in the market and have a wider variety of wine and cocktails in the bar. A third floor is available for private rentals.

“We say the market and Emerson’s is the bridge between Market Square and the Pittsburgh Cultural District,” David Priselac said. “Emerson has been along for the ride through everything. I have been bringing her to work since she was a baby.”

Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Emerson’s is closed on Sunday. They offer a wide variety of spirits and beer choices. Cocktails include a Manhattan made with Bulleit rye, sweet vermouth, bitters and a cherry, and a sparkling Negroni comprised of prosecco, Campari and sweet vermouth.

Cody Baker, courtesy of Emerson’s

Emerson’s, a cocktail bar and lounge, which features light bites opened in Downtown Pittsburgh on Jan. 3.

The menu is limited, but Rapp said it should expand by Valentine’s Day.

“This will give the kitchen staff a chance to do individual dishes and a chance for them to shine with food choices,” Rapp said. “We will be trying different things.”