Cabaret At Theater Square

Really nice dinner/​brunch theater. If you plan on eating try and get to the venue at least 1 hour early for really great table service. The food is a limited menu with cocktails, wine and beer. I had the crab cakes with home made chips which were delicious. The service was wonderful and the entire experience was delightful. Pittsburgh needs more venues like this.
As far as seats go, here is my opinion of the best seats. Obviously all the the front row table seating is the best by far, also the 1^st and 2^nd tables on the left and right wall are just as good. As you get further back on the floor well… just OK however; in the back, the seating is in rows like sitting at a diner counter, the 1^st row there has a pretty good view because it is a few steps up. The second row is another step up so a decent view from there too. This is a small venue so when I say in the back, you are still only about 100ft from the stage.

A first class venue with a second class management team.
The Cabaret at Theatre Square is what this town needs more of. A very pleasant and somewhat intimate venue for world class lesser in popularity acts that have die hard fans, but not stadium capacity followings. It is slightly reminiscent of the former Balcony in Shadyside, where I was able to see acts like Mark Murphy and Jon Hendricks, have a somewhat pricey but fulfilling meal, enjoy a brunch on Sundays that kicked ANYONE’S culinary butt in the burgh, and enjoy time in an old world elegant atmosphere. This is what the Cabaret could be, but only is on occasion.
When CLO isn’t presenting their ‘appeal to the grunting masses’ low brow ‘comedies’, every once in a while, someone steps up with some level of dignity and class and brings in the type of act that SHOULD be presented regularly in the space.
Most recently, Ann Hampton Callaway was presented for an evening that not only brought actual grace and pure talent to the space, but also stepped up the class level of the audience. I do believe that this was one of the rare cases in the burgh that I actually saw people en masse, aside from funerals and fundraising ‘gala’ events, DRESS properly for an evening at the theater. The dignity nearly took my breath away.
In the past, I also saw Jon Hendricks in this space, and again it was a lovely dignified evening of pure talent and class. THIS is what this space should be used for.
The atmosphere is mostly comfortable, though at times cramped when at full capacity. The tables are perfect… for TWO. For four, well, they’re fine for drinks, but actually ordering food can get a bit ‘on top of your neighbor’.
The food is pricey, and ‘just ok’. I wouldn’t call the portions ‘healthy’, more like glorified appetizers, but with a dinner price tag. The appetizers are also pricey, and in this case they live up to their name. They just wet your appetite and make you hungrier. Personally, although I would like it to be different, I’d go to dinner before attending an event here, and save just enough room for coffee and dessert. That would just about balance things out right.
The ‘Cabaret Series’ is a very needed and refreshing change from the usual entertainment presented in this space. The trouble is that it’s being presented by a group of people who serve up more attitude than aptitude, who don’t get ‘out of the box’ enough to know all that is really out there in the real world. There are SO many artists out there who present intimate evenings of jazz and cabaret that could make this space a monthly destination for those of out here who are starved for ANYTHING beyond black and gold towel waving and fart jokes. There are even excellent performance pieces by moving relevant artists that could engage the brain far beyond a trailer park drag queen Tupperware party. But that would require having someone ‘in charge’ who knew about such things and had the chutzpah to go for it. I’ve heard claims of ‘they don’t do that because it’s so expensive’. Between cost of admission, drink sales, and food sales? I think they could MORE than amply cover the costs.
The staff at the Cabaret is very well suited for the space. Helpful and accommodating, well presented, and they know how to get the job done without disturbing the performance in progress.
This really is a fine space. And I have really enjoyed my times attending things that I really wanted to attend. Trouble is that those are so few and far between. I have no problem paying a somewhat higher price for a higher level of quality. But that is the curse of the burgh, and why I only tend to get out once or twice every two years. To make the Cabaret all that it should be would require real vision… and not blinders.
I’d give it five stars easily… if they just did something to make it worth attending more than once a year.

I saw my first show at this venue this past Saturday evening and I was very impressed with both the show and the venue! The show, Boeing Boeing, was just excellent-​so funny, well-​performed, and entertaining in general If you have yet to see this show I HIGHLY recommend seeing it before the run concludes at the end of this month. And, ladies, I brought my boyfriend and he genuinely had several good laughs, so I’d recommend this show as a date night too! As a nice surprise in my email Monday morning, there was a $ 10 off coupon for their next show too. Since we chose to dine and drink before and after the show, I cannot comment on the food or beverage service at the Cabaret except to say that the servers, while still serving during the show, were unobtrusive and not a distraction, in my opinion, at all. They also seemed to be very efficient and attentive since our tablemates (if you’re a party of 2 you will most likely be sat at a table with another couple) ordered both food and wine from the server and seemed to enjoy what they ordered. I found it interesting on both their website and from fellow reviewer’s comments that there is no service during the show… I can only speak for our specific viewing of the show but there was clearly service being given and new drinks being ordered/​delivered throughout. However, as I said, it was unobtrusive and not a distraction. We were seated at one of the tables closest to the «theater seats» in the back and we had an excellent view. It seemed like there was not a single bad seat in the house! I’m looking forward to coming back to the cabaret and next time I will opt for at least getting a drink, possibly an appetizer or dessert (which looked yummy!), so I can atest to the service aspect of the Cabaret myself!

Really enjoy this place. The plays are great and I really like the closeness to the stage. Especially being a little hard of hearing being so close allows me to enjoy the show more.
The wine selection is one of the things we look forward to because of the variety. Not extensive but expansive. Everybody finds something they like.
Then there is the good. My wife and I skipped lunch just so we would be hungry when we got there. The Sassy Steak is worth the money.
We bought season tickets because we are always assured of quality when we go!

This is a lovely little dinner theater! I’ve been here a few times and it is always nice to enjoy a drink and some snacks during the show. We also attended a wined flight, and it was great fun! It is like a narrated experience of the wine (and they were all reasonably priced and available for purchase at the local state store!).
Overall a fun place to visit. Make a reservation at Meat and Potatoes, then catch a show!

This is such a fabulous venue! I was here one other time several years ago when the Backstage bar was served by Café Zao for a late night cabaret murder mystery production. I really enjoy this venue much and I need to make a point of going back to see other shows. I hope that they continue to bring fun productions to this little theater because it really is a fantastic showcase for good food and a show.

Fabulous shows every time! Saw last night’s showing of Murder for Two — it was so clever, funny and diverse — hard to believe that it was only two actors, though two very multi-​talented ones! Totally beats a movie, and the ability to nibble and sip make it superior to a theatre performance.
Drink (dirty martini) was delicious; date had bottle beer. Best to order two, because there’s no service during the show (and you wouldn’t want there to be).
Ambiance is a little lacking — just round tables in a room and a few «pews» on risers in the back, but once the lights go down and show is on, who cares? Servers were ready with the checks a soon as the lights came up, and I didn’t notice anyone having any issues. Restrooms need more TLC — shared with Meat and Potatoes and there were no paper towels in ladies!

We came here the weekend of our honeymoon to celebrate and enjoy a weekend in the city. The backstage bar had great service, and we were looking forward to the late night comedy show. We were the first couple to enter the theatre and chose seats close the the front of the stage. As we waited about 15 minutes until the show began, we witnessed at least four small mice running around the floor, causing both me and my husband to keep our feet up on corresponding chairs. Then, the show began with incredible offensive jokes regarding rape and the comedian continued making light of despicable topics despite a lack of applause. I left quietly, following by my husband a few minutes later. We then informed the manager of our experience, to which he explained there are mouse traps in the facility. We will never return to their bar or theatre.

I usually enjoy the cabaret shows (the food is another story) but «Murder for Two» is one of the cruddiest things I’ve seen. Talented performers but weak noon funny material. You can do better cabaret… You have done better, I think I’ve seen at least thirty performances and this one is the only one that made me cringe.
I’ll give you a second chance once the brain bleach starts working.

This is only my second time to this venue. Went with a girlfriend to see «murder for two». A very funny «who done it» with a two member cast. One person plays the detective while the other plays all the suspects.
The theater is set up table style with 4 to a table. Since we had eaten lunch and had a little time before the show we ordered tiramisu for dessert along with a drink. It was very good. The rest of the menu didn’t appeal to us so we were grateful just to have something to enjoy the show with.
It is located behind the Backstage Bar and next door is the main box office to Pittsburgh trust arts. You can directly purchase tickets for upcoming shows at this place and their other venues.
We probably will return if we find another show worth seeing. It is more of an dinner style seating with a small stage. We loved the performance.

Great seats, good food and strong drinks. Always a plus in the Burgh!

Tonight was the second time that I have been to the Cabaret at Theater Square, and I had a lot of fun! The theater is quite small which gives the show a nice, intimate feel which I enjoy :).
The first time I went it was for a comedy show/​drag show/​burlesque show (I know, awesome right?) My friends and I stood for the show and were able to see everything quite well from the side of the theater. Tonight, my family and I saw Dixie’s Tupperware Party.
We were a party of 7 and had to sit at two separate tables, since the tables only seat 4. We were told that we could not move the tables together because it would be a fire hazard… A little inconvenient but it wasn’t a big deal. We arrived an hour before the show to have dinner. My mom and aunt ordered long islands and I ordered a peach Martini to start. My mom and aunt loved their first round of long islands and I enjoyed my martini– it wasn’t too strong tasting which I liked.
For an appetizer, my mom and I split the spinach artichoke dip. It was delicious! Nothing too out of the ordinary, but very good. I ordered a veggie quesadilla as my meal. I was expecting it to be a little bigger but it ended up being the perfect size. Portabella mushrooms, artichokes, peppers, onions and cheese– yum!
What is slightly a pain is that when the show starts, your server disappears. I understand why– they don’t want to bother you while the show is going on. But if you want another drink that can be rather inconvenient.
Overall, really cute intimate theater. It’s also right next to meat and potatoes– so that’s a really big bonus! I would recommend going to meat and potatoes for dinner over this place though– better food for the same amount of money!

I was not sure what to expect of Dixie’s Tupperware Extravaganza. Walking in to the intimate Pittsburgh CLO Caberet Theatre and seeing the stage and live energy around the room told me I was in for a treat. Fully interactive theatre at its best, I attended with two friends while celebrating one’s birthday. A frequent attendee of the arts along Penn Avenue, one friend knew most everyone and got us the coveted seats ON THE STAGE. You see, this show takes place as a Tupperware party in one’s living room consisting of: two couches, coffee tables for REAL drinks, and… a large table of… TUPPERWARE.
90 minutes of nonstop fun, Dixie brought laughter to the audience through jokes about growing up and living as Tupperware salesperson in the south. I walked away with so much knowledge (there was a light feminist edge) about the history of how the «party» came about in the 1950s. Dixie had an uncanny way of building relationships with a few select audience members that kept everyone howling via her flirtation, frustrations and annoyances all in one breath. As mentioned, our seats were planted on the stage as «real-​life» attendees to the Tupperware party. Such great seats had us watching Dixie’s every move up until the finale which was a competitive game (no more spoilers) that saw your’s truly on the winning team. #Rim
Would you know, at the conclusion of the entire show, Dixie walked out to the lobby and welcomed everyone to a picture AND real life Tupperware (legit) order forms. She is making some DOUGH! To fill theatre of seats and finish the interactive experience with actual orders being placed by up-​to-​date catalogs was just uncanny and well, GENIUS. Dixie, you were definitely not a DRAG. Many of the local queens (and national) could take a lesson or 2 from you. You provided the perfect mix of raunchy but not over-​the-​top humor that left (at least me) everyone with a smile.

Nice theatre. Service was great food was good. Doors opened late staff at the door has MAJOR attitude. How about some smiles and friendly greetings to welcome your paying guests?

I love going to the Cabaret at Theater Square! The tables are very close to each other, creating an intimate environment. I went to a Burlesque show and Dixie’s Tupperware Party and both experiences were slightly different. The Burlesque show, my friends and I had to stand because there were no more seats. I would have appreciated if we were told this before we bought the tickets and knew we wouldn’t have seats ahead of time. The overall ambiance is great! It is a darker room with the main lighting centered on the performers. The service at the second show I went to was much better. We had assigned seats and a waitress came up to my friend and I and asked us if we wanted to order anything. Both shows were great, the crowd was in the mood to laugh and enjoy themselves and the entertainers were wonderful!

Really nice venue for a show! Intimate environment. Not too large. Not a bad seat in the venue. Food was good! Prices were good. Service was good until seats started filling up, then it seemed as if they could use another server or 2.

Cool place. A small theater with table and chairs instead of rows and rows of auditorium style seating. Waitresses come around to take food and drink orders before the show and during intermission. The place is rather small in comparison to a normal theater so you get to be quite close to the action. In the back there are the long tables the are the entire width of the room with chairs behind them. The rest are all 2 – 4 person tables and chairs.

The Cabaret is one of my fav theater venues in the ‘burgh!
I love the intimate vibe of the theater, and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. I’ve seen a wide variety of entertaining shows here (Forever Plaid, 8-​Track, You Say Tomato), as well as attended Late Night at the Cabaret features like The Gong Show hosted by fellow Unilocaler @Aja J.
The performances feature many local actors, and the ticket prices fit well within a Pittsburgh budget. The Pittsburgh CLO run specials and Groupons, too. Shows are produced by the CLO and many of the Late Night events are presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Food and drinks are available to order before and during the show. With so many great dining options in the Cultural District, I recommend eating before or after your show, but enjoy the small plates and cocktails that the Cabaret offers.
There are always themed drinks for each show and the bar has lots of craft beers on tap and in bottle. They also have a nice little seating area right outside the Backstage Bar.
Garage parking is right next door and discounted in the evening. Parking is free on the street after 6 if you can find a spot.

Marvelous venue for Cabaret style shows and musical events. Somewhat small seating, but this allows for a nice connection to the performers. They have Salsa Dancing here on Friday nights, wine or beer tastings some Tuesday nights, the space is programmed by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. The Cabaret is directly behind the Backstage Bar, so dining and bar service is available.