“There is no “secret knock” or guest list. All are welcome. Just look for the green light.” -Adam Kulik, owner of The Goldmark and The Confidant

 

Located directly behind The Goldmark in Lawrenceville is a subtle, subdued speakeasy bar that’s been flying under the radar.

Open since March 2019, The Confidant is a tropical-themed, cocktail-forward bar concept that is tucked into an alley that runs parallel to Butler Street. With space for exactly 30 guests, the cozy, dimly lit bar does not have an address, but can be accessed via Eden Way, between 45th St and 46th St.

How to Locate The Confidant

If you’re at The Goldmark (4517 Butler St.), walk out the front door and toward 46th Street. Turn left, so that No. 14 Boutique is on your right. Walk half a block and turn left into Eden Way (it’s an alley). Continue forward til you see a green light illuminated directly above the black door.

There is no sign, no posted address and The Confidant is only open on Friday and Saturday nights.

What Inspired The Goldmark to launch The Confidant

Per owners Nicole and Adam Kulik, The Confidant was launched as a true Pittsburgh speakeasy.

“While The Goldmark is definitely known as more of a party bar, the vibe inside The Confidant is way more chill,” Kulik explains. “The Confidant has no website, no social media and there’s really no trace of us online. We told a few regulars and friends of The Goldmark and word slowly spread from customer to customer.”

Kulik, alongside his wife Nicole, says that he enjoys visiting bars and speakeasy concepts when traveling.

“We were on a trip to Costa Rica when we came up with the idea of a secret, tropical-themed cocktail bar,” Kulik says. “Back in 2015 – when we bought the building that houses The Goldmark – we had talked about doing a speakeasy in the rear alley space. Now that it’s all come together, we think it’s a great addition to the neighborhood.”

The Confidant: a Look at the Drink Menu

First time visiting The Confidant? We suggest popping in for an after-dinner drink. Expect to see eight cocktails and eight rotating beers on the drink menu.

“It’s a great place to start your night, whether you’re on a first date or with a small group,” Kulik says. “I highly suggest trying our Mezcal cocktails but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.”

Every week, head bartender Jill DaVern showcases two new cocktails and a “shot of the weekend” on a small chalkboard on the bar.

“Jill changes those features every week so there is always something new to try,” Kulik says.

Ready to take the party up a notch? Walk around the block and head into The Goldmark and enjoy some of Pittsburgh’s best DJs.

Know Before You Go: The Confidant

The Confidant is open on Friday and Saturday nights (8 pm to 2 am). Max capacity is 30 people; there is a unisex restroom and a coat rack available in the rear.

Expect to hear lounge vibe music with a heavy focus on tropical elements. As the evening progresses, the soundtrack has been known to incorporate reggae, classic soul and deep house.

Separately, The Confidant space is bookable for private parties.