When the Ace Hotel closed in 2020, it left a large hole in East Liberty’s food and drink scene. While The Maverick has since taken over the upper floors, those who’ve missed the buzz and energy of the lobby have something new to look forward to: two longtime Pittsburgh restaurant pros are bringing fresh life to the historic space.
Seasoned hospitality pros, fresh vision
Danielle Cain and Rob Hirst are preparing to launch Hey Babe, a new cocktail lounge opening this summer, with plans to expand into the former Whitfield restaurant space later this year or in early 2026.
Cain and Hirst have dedicated most of their careers to management positions at big Burrito Restaurant Group—the company behind Kaya, Soba, Casbah, Eleven Contemporary Kitchen, Alta Via, Alta Via Pizzeria, Umi, and the Mad Mex chain. Hirst also helped lay the foundation for Pittsburgh’s cocktail culture as president of the local chapter of the United States Bartender’s Guild from 2013 to 2018.
The duo met and fell in love while working at Soba. After years of helping others build their concepts—and focusing on raising their now college-aged daughter—they’re turning their attention to a venture of their own.
So, what can we expect from Hey Babe?
On their website, they describe it as “a craft cocktail-driven bar with zesty seasonal bites, upscale lounge design, moody lighting, vibey music, and a fun atmosphere.”
Hey Babe’s opening cocktail menu will feature a well-rounded lineup of draft cocktails, punches, and carefully crafted drinks, alongside a curated selection of wine, craft beer, bottled beer, and non-alcoholic options.
On the food side, Cain is drawing from her wide-ranging culinary background to create a menu built for sharing. Think seasonal small plates, sandwiches, and salads—perfect for grazing with friends around the bar.
“We love sitting at the bar when we go out, and we love sharing lots of little plates with friends,” Cain said in a story for the Post-Gazette. That philosophy will guide the early menu.
Even the name is a reflection of that fun and casual energy.
“’Hey babe’ is what we always say to each other,” Cain explained to Table Magazine. “It’s a term of endearment, the beginning of a conversation, and now a new throwback…”
With renovations in full swing and excitement building, we sat down with the enthusiastic couple to hear more about their vision for the restaurant and what they hope it will add to the East Liberty community.
What inspired you to start Hey Babe and why did you decide to open it in East Liberty?
Rob and I have been friends for 20 years and together for 12 years. We have been looking to open a place together, on and off, since 2008. And despite hitting several roadblocks along the way, it has always been our intention to find a location in the East End—our first love—to serve and give back to our community that we both adore.
How has your extensive experience in the restaurant and bar industry shaped your approach to this new venture?
We worked together for years at Soba, eventually falling in love. Combined, we have over 50 years of experience in the hospitality industry. We understand the difficulties and challenges in running a restaurant, but we also understand the rewards. We intend to provide a wonderful experience for our guests with eclectic food and beverages that they didn’t realize they were missing.
What made The Maverick building and East Liberty the ideal location for Hey Babe?
Rob spent his childhood in Morningside, attending Central Catholic and eventually the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied art and architecture. So, it is only fitting that we are opening our dream restaurant in this historic YMCA building, adjacent to the most gorgeous church, that is the East Liberty Presbyterian.
What do you hope Hey Babe will add to the neighborhood?
Our ultimate goal is to build a thriving and FUN local spot for the neighborhood, as well as our employees. A familiar joint that is committed to excellence without feeling stuffy. We ultimately chose the name because we wanted it to reflect happy energy, comfort, and above all LOVE! (I do realize that this sounds sappy, but I mean it!).
We hope our community knows how honored we feel to create this place for them, for us, and for our little Hey Babe family.
