Coughlin’s Law & Ale House has found its home in the Mount Washington area of Pittsburgh. What used to be an old garage and cigar shop, has now transformed into a hot new spot offering its visitors a vast menu, up to 50 drafts, and a breathtaking view of the city. Coughlin’s is co-owned by Frank Vetere, Brian Vetere and Tracy Molyneaux. Frank and Brian also co-own Carson City Saloon, where Tracy Molyneaux has worked and managed for years. It only made sense that this partnership move forward and create another destination for locals and visitors of the Pittsburgh region to enjoy.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Tracy Molyneaux, who is currently managing this new spot. Tracy was able to discuss with me what went into selecting the location and the menu, along with what it is like to manage a new business. “Coughlin’s was designed as a destination, not just a bar hopping location. It has been such a change from what I was used to at Carson City Saloon," Tracy expressed to me. She explained to me how different it has been for her from going to a late night college bar, to a food-forward restaurant. “I like to think of Coughlin’s as the bar you go to after you graduated college. It is laid back, but still offers that modernized feel," Tracy expresses.
Creativity is what fuels the menu at Coughlin’s Law & Ale House. “Ryan Grace is our head chef, and he has brought so many creative and amazing ideas to the place when it comes to food," Tracy said. Ryan is the mastermind behind the menu, having created a versatile menu that includes ingredients that can be used in many of the dishes he prepares. That creates the freshness within both the dishes and ingredients.
If you are looking for a place that offers an amazing Happy Hour, look no further. Coughlin’s offers some form of Happy Hour every day of the week. Whether it is $5 Moscow Mules on Thursdays, or $4 Grapefruit and Orange Crushes during Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, Coughlin’s has the deals! As far as drafts go, Coughlin’s rotates around 15 beers per month from local breweries. On Tuesdays it is “Brewery of the Month Night” from 5-7pm. “The Brewery of the Month is our selling point. It is nice to work with local breweries and make that a big part of Coughlin’s," Tracy emphasized. But it doesn’t stop there… Coughlin’s has about 50 draft selections all together. 43 rotating draft beers, and 7 wines on tap. Yeah… I said wine! There are 3 Reds, 3 Whites, and a Blush to select from on draft. I mean, how could you not want to try one?
“We have some exciting ideas in the works for the next couple months," Tracy shared with me. Coughlin’s is in the process of building their “Rooftop Garden," which means all the herbs used in their cocktails and dishes will be home grown. “One of the future ideas that I am most excited about is our pop up Christmas bar. We are going to go Clark Griswold on the place. It was such a success at Carson City Saloon last year, that we have decided to bring the Christmas theme to Coughlin’s," Tracy said with excitement. Tracy also shared with me that Coughlin’s will be hosting a BBQ/Block Party sometime this summer, with a roasting pig and all! As far as hopes for the future go, Tracy hopes that they can one day expand to more than one location.
Tracy also was able to share some advice with me about managing or opening a new business. “Patience is key. Patience with staff, patience with renovations, it is one of the most important things as a manager and business owner to have," Tracy expressed. Another thing she stressed to me is the importance of “doing your homework”. It is so crucial to know the costs of everything ahead of time. Never go into any business endeavor without full knowledge of what things may cost or the time it will take. “The best part about working and managing a business like Coughlin’s is the sense of family. We are one big family and I cannot wait to see the growth of this place," Tracy said.
Coughlin’s Law & Ale House is located on the corner of 10 Virginia Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15211. Hours of business are: Mon-Thurs 4PM - 2am, Fri 4PM - 2am, and Sat-Sun 10AM - 2am. Be sure to check out the menu, daily Happy Hour specials, and upcoming events on their website (www.eatatcoughlinslaw.com), Facebook (@CoughlinsLaw10), and Instagram (@Coughlins10).