Game Day Bars in Pittsburgh

One of the best sports cities in the nation has some great sports bars to go along with their teams!

From tailgates to office potlucks to spirit days and the Steelers chant, there is no doubt that football season is one of the most anticipated seasons of the year. Steelers fans come from every edge of the country just to get a piece of the action, and who can blame them? Steelers games are an experience like no other and, without a doubt, are one of the most highly coveted sporting events in the city to attend; those with tickets have often had them for generations, and the rest of us are left fighting over what’s left.

Good news, though: You don’t have to be live to love the game. What’s more: Even if you don’t have tickets, Steeler Nation will make every bar and restaurant in every neighborhood on Game Day feel as though you are sitting in Acrisure Stadium.

Whether you want to hit the bar to catch one of our black and gold teams, or any other sporting event, we have some great spots around the city for you. Check out our top 13 picks for where to watch the game:

Southside

1. Local Bar + Kitchen

Located at 1515 East Carson Street, Local is great for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch. They have a heated, enclosed roof-top deck and a main dining area inspired by vintage Pittsburgh scenes. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick bite or enjoy a drink at the bar while watching the Steelers, Local is a staple in the Southside bar scene.

2. Piper's Pub

Footie fans, rejoice. Piper's Pub reopened early in 2023 to the delight of soccer fans in the Burgh. Piper's opens early on weekends so fans can watch the best Premiere League and La Liga action with a fantastic pub menu, fan-friendly vibes and an expansive list of drafts, whiskey, scotch and more. Rugby fans: check out Rugger's Pub in this same neighborhood for your sports fix along with Pirates and Steelers game specials.

3. Mario’s Southside Saloon

A Pittsburgh favorite, Mario’s was brought to life in 1982 by Pittsburgh native Bob Pessolano, who created a bar that has a unique blend of a neighborhood, college and sports bar rolled into one. A popular Southside game-time destination, you can also find a Mario’s in Oakland and Shadyside.

4. Carson City Saloon

The self-proclaimed “#1 sports bar in Pittsburgh” is in the heart of Southside. With three floors to find the perfect spot to camp out and watch the game, it’s no wonder that Carson City is so popular among the natives. With a menu full of game-time staples and specials every day of the week, Carson City is worth a stop.

5. Cupka's Cafe II

Unassuming, Cupka's Café II offers a nostalgic sports bar atmosphere. College football fans in particular love the traditional bar with the weekly Pat Narduzzi show being hosted there and a variety of college teams decorating the walls. Not only is Cupka's Café II a welcoming environment for you, but your dog is welcome to join you on the outdoor seating patios.

North Shore

6. Voodoo Brewing Co. - Pittsburgh Pub

You love their Homestead location, and now Voodoo's newest location (right next to Shorty's) makes it the perfect place to grab a beer before or after the game. All of Voodoo's favorites are on tap and available in cans, plus their gigantic menu is a mix of pub favorites and upscale Asian fusion noodle bowls and South American entrees to please any palate.

7. Tom's Watch Bar - NOW OPEN

All sports, all the time is the promise of Tom's Watch Bar, just opened in Aug. 2023 between PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium. Hundreds of screens provide a great view of the action no matter where you sit, with personalized audio at each table and sports shown from the biggest events to the most obscure sports.

8. McFadden’s

Close in proximity to Acrisure Stadium (just a few steps away!), McFadden’s is the ultimate pre-game destination. Opening four hours prior to kickoff, McFadden’s is a great place to set up shop.

9. Tequila Cowboy

Tequila Cowboy offers great dining and “a revved up nightlife.” With four venues under one rock’n rooftop, Tequila Cowboy is a great place to stop by for the game – and remain afterward. The 17,000-square foot facility also includes Little Red Corvette for all of your ‘80s and ‘90s favorites plus a jammin' karaoke bar.

Shadyside

10. William Penn Tavern

A Shadyside staple located off of Walnut Street, the William Penn Tavern, or just “The Tav,” is a great place to watch a game whatever day or time it is. With a “hometown bar” vibe, a kitchen that’s open until midnight each night and an indoor/outdoor bar, there isn’t a better place to join your friends.

Downtown

11. RedBeard’s

RedBeard’s has two locations: one on 6th street downtown, and another at Shiloh Street on Mt. Washington. Both locations are lined with TVs, a large beer selection and gameday specials for any Pittsburgh sporting event. Their 6th street location is also a great pre and postgame spot for Pirate games because of it’s walkability to the Roberto Clemente Bridge.

12. Primanti Bros.

With locations throughout Pittsburgh, you're never far from this famous restaurant where the fries go on the sandwiches. A Pittsburgh classic, it's not a trip to the 'Burgh without a trip to a Primantis. Choose from locations in Downtown, South Side, Oakland, The Strip District and more! Yinz may even start talking Pittsburghese after this formative 'Burgh experience.

Oakland

13. Hemingway’s

For those of us who still like going to college bars to watch games, Hem’s is a great spot. They are located on Forbes Avenue in the heart of Pitt’s campus. They have been recognized as Pittsburgh’s best college bars and one of the best in the nation by multiple publications. They have over 20 TVs, over 40 beers on tap, and plenty of specials for Pittsburgh’s sporting events.

Mt. Washington

14. Bigham Tavern

With 18 HD TVs and 10 huge screens, there's no such thing as a bad view at Bigham Tavern on Mount Washington. Bigham Tavern boasts all the amenities of a big city sports bar with the charm of a small town where friendly competition is welcome. While you're there, you'll enjoy an extensive beer list and food crafted from fresh ingredients that elevates their cuisine way above typical bar fare.

Credit |
Bigham Tavern Facebook Page

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