Since we're slowing down on the number of bars/reviews in year two, we're pushing the round-ups to quarterly endeavors.
Bars visited: 25
Reviews Published: 24
Neighborhoods hit: Northside, Greenfield, Polish Hill, Swisshelm Park, Strip District, Shadyside, Regent Square, Lawrenceville, Uptown, Squirrel Hill, Hill District
A:
- Best Bar: Fuck it. I love this place. I know it is smoky,
but it is a really great bar. Murphy's
- Worst Bar: I am going to give this to Conley's. No Jameson’s. There is just
something fundamentally wrong there.
- Biggest Surprise: The inability of the patrons and
owners of The Squirrel Hill Sports Bar to write a
cohesive sentence with even a hint of basic grammar. Also,
their lack of reading comprehension skills.
- Biggest Disappointment: The Shadyside Hideaway. For being a secret
tucked away bar, it sure was bright and deserted and uncomfortable. But
maybe that had to do with the weather. Eh, either way I was disappointed.
- What did A learn: That J won't let me get into internet
fights! She is so mean!
J:
- Best Bar: I'm really torn between Gus's and Independent, but I'm going with Independent on this one because: a) they are closer to my house and b) International Fries Night.
- Worst Bar: This has to go to the Squirrel Hill Sports Bar. Not because the bar was actually bad, it really wasn't. They get this honor by being completely bonkers in the comments of their review.
- Biggest Surprise: This is another close one. I was pleasantly surprised by a lot of bars these past few months. I'm going to go with Verdetto's for the most surprising.
- Biggest Disappointment: Sometimes a totally sketchy looking dive bar turns out to be a fun time (see: Shale's), but sometimes it's just a sketchy little dive bar like Conley's.
- What did J learn: That A really wants to get into pointless internet fights.
Obviously we did not meet our goal of getting to every bar in the city, but we made a pretty good dent! Here are our best and worst of the year.
Bars visited: 177
Reviews Published: 171
Neighborhoods hit: Downtown, South Side, North Side, Mt. Washington, Lawrenceville, Point Breeze, East Liberty, Greenfield, Bloomfield, Oakland, Shadyside, Strip District, Regent Square, Squirrel Hill, Polish Hill, Larimer, Swisshelm Park
- Best Bar: brillobox. Even
in a year where we went to 177 different bars, we still ended up there quite a bit.
- 2nd Best Bar: If we're not at brillo, we may be at Remedy.
It all depends on whether we can deal with the smoke.
- 3rd Best Bar: Benjamin’s was one of the first bars we
went to on this adventure and we’ve been back several times since. They’ve
earned a place in our hearts and bar rotation.
- Best South Side Bar: Birmingham Bridge Tavern has a good space, good beer, and is off the beaten path enough to not be obnoxious.
- 2nd Best South Side Bar: Winghart's on the South Side is a little better than the Market Square location and we liked them both quite a bit.
- 3rd Best South Side Bar: Dee's just doesn't change and we don't want it to.
- Worst Bar: Peanutz. It’s a lesson in replacing S with Z. Don’t do it.
- 2nd Worst Bar: Rumshaker's
- 3rd Worst Bar: Grille on Seventh went from being a
completely nondescript place to being one of the weirdest and worst
experiences we had.
- Best New Bar: Definitely The Summit. It’s a great
space with nice drinks and very little pretense.
- Best Dive Bar: Gooski’s. And by “best” we mean “stay the
hell away, goddammit.”
- Best Sports Bar: In terms of traditional Sports
Bars, Carson City Saloon.
- Biggest Surprise: Brewer’s Hotel has always looked
so terrifying when you drive by, we had no idea such a cute little bar was
inside.
- Biggest Disappointment: We should love The Beer Market,
but we don’t.
- Want to spend more time at: If we worked downtown, we would stop in at the Grant Street Tavern every day.
- Will never go back to: Levelz. It was the worst and has
been shut down, so that’s two reasons we’ll never go back.
- What did J learn: There are way more bars in Pittsburgh than you
realize. Having a good or bad bartender can really change your perception
of a place. There’s a bar out there for everyone, you just have to find it.
- What did A learn: Sometime it's really Jameson and sometimes it's not. They are betting most people can't tell the difference. Also, don't be scared of places, they are mostly just normal bars. Additionally, there is a huge difference between getting eye-fucked and getting the stink-eye. Finally, as J said, holy crap are there a lot of bars!
Bars visited: 17
Reviews Published: 11
Neighborhoods hit: Downtown, South Side, Mt. Washington, Station Square
A:
- Best Bar: I had the most fun at Saloon 941. It had everything a good bar should be without any of the crap.
- Worst Bar: I almost feel bad for them but I would never ever suggest anyone ever go to Red and Irene's. Ever.
- Biggest Surprise: The Hut. Can't believe this place is still open. But it is for sale! Go start a bar!
- Biggest Disappointment: Acacia. Out of all the fancy new cocktail bars that are out there, this one has been the most underwhelming.
- What did A learn: That I do not understand what a Ultra Lounge is. I thought I did, I thought it was like Elixer, but then we went to There, which was kind of a dive. So now everyhting is upside-down. Any input and clarification would be appreciated.
J:
- Best Bar: I'll go with Meat & Potatoes because the drinks and food are so consistently good that I'm not even mad about how pretentious it all is.
- Worst Bar: We went to some sub-par bars this month, but I'll give the worst to Red and Irene's.
- Biggest Surprise: What are all of those people doing in Dirty Harry's?
- Biggest Disappointment: The Hut, just because it was so depressing.
- What did J learn: That there's a fine line between a quaint little neighborhood bar and a depressing hole.
Bars visited: 8
Reviews Published: 10
Neighborhoods hit: Downtown, Strip District, Lawrenceville, Polish Hill
A:
- Best Bar: Ummm....geez, given the options, I'll say...Seviche.
- Worst Bar: The Grille on Seventh. It might even make the top 5 worst bars we have been to.
- Biggest Surprise: Running into an old friend at August Henry's. Looking forward to seeing what they do with the place.
- Biggest Disappointment: 31st Street Pub. What happened to the rock mecca this place was? The owner's need to take a good look at themselves and get their act together.
- What did A learn: That underwear afternoons are a lot sadder than they sound.
J:
- Best Bar: Man, pickings are slim this month with the holidays and both of us travelling. I guess I will say Rock Room?
- Worst Bar: Definitely Grille on Seventh. Nothing like a homophobic and racist bartender to set the tone.
- Biggest Surprise: Brewer's Hotel. So scary on the outside, so cute on the inside!
- Biggest Disappointment: Teabags. Another one that is super sketchy from the outside, but is pretty tame on the inside. Tame to the point that we were disappointed.
- What did J learn: Fall is a very busy time for us and we need to get to more bars, dammit!
Bars visited: 14
Reviews Published: 14
Neighborhoods hit: South Side, Bloomfield, Oakland, Lawrenceville
A:
- Best Bar: Remedy.
- Worst Bar: As much as I WANT to say Hemingway's (because of my irrational hatred of it), I am going to say that Tad's was just that much of a hell-hole that it beats out my irrational hatred.
- Biggest Surprise: Blue Moon. What a great little bar.
- Biggest Disappointment: Stinky's. I was expecting so much more than the normal to small sized bar it is. I wanted three levels of bar fortress!! They need a serious renovation.
- What did A learn: You can never go back, and when you visit sometimes you are like....huh, really?
J:
- Best Bar: I am obligated to say Remedy. I also want to give some love to Allegheny Wine Mixer, though.
- Worst Bar: Also Tad's. It is all of the things that I hate in a bar.
- Biggest Surprise: I'm going to give this one to Stinky's, but it was not a good surprise. It was a very disappointed surprise.
- Biggest Disappointment: Bar11 just because it was completely empty and the bartender had zero interest in engaging with us. Not a total disappointment, though, because dinosaurs.
- What did J learn: All bars should give you toys.
Bars visited: 15
Reviews Published: 16
Neighborhoods hit: South Side, Mt. Washington, Greenfield, North Side, Oakland
A:
- Best Bar: The Summit. I really, really like this bar. I know it is on Mt. Washington and all, but it reminds me of bars back in Brooklyn, just affordable. I highly recommend you check it out next time you want to feel adventurous.
- Worst Bar: RumShakers. Just...never go. That is all.
- Biggest Surprise: Bootleggers. I was really shocked with how nice they made this place. My memories are fuzzy at best, but it used to be pretty nasty. If it wasn't for all the college kids, I would go here.
- Biggest Disappointment: Packs and Dogs. I don't know, I might be being to harsh on this little place, but I heard it was the Mt. Washington D's. It is no where close.
- What did A learn: When you are an observer who is observing and the observed suddenly really you are observing and announcing that you are observers....things get weird.
J:
- Best Bar: I'm going to go with Gene's for just being the same laid-back bar it has always been. Sometimes that's all you need. Most times, really.
- Worst Bar: North Shore Saloon and its dead skunk toilets.
- Biggest Surprise: The Summit was a complete surprise to us, we didn't even know it was there! It was a pleasant surprise.
- Biggest Disappointment: As much as I love beer, I wanted to like The Beer Market a lot more.
- What did J learn: Journey cover bands are never the answer.
Bars visited: 16
Reviews Published: 20
Neighborhoods hit: South Side, Swisshelm Park, Swissvale, Downtown
A:
- Best Bar: Grant Street Tavern. We are both in agreement. This is one of the best secret bars in the city.
- Worst Bar: Andy's. Eff this place. Seriously. Eff it.
- Biggest Surprise: Big Jim's. Not what I was expecting at all. I am already plotting my return to get another Two-Bill Sandwich.
- Biggest Disappointment: Mario's / Blue Lou's - This is more of me being disappointed with myself. I feel like I should have hated it so much more than I did. I was disappointed with my level of hate. I can do better.
- What did A learn: That even though it is 7 effing 30 on a Friday night, some stupid places downtown shut down their effing kitchens! We still blame them for all shenanigans that night. Shenanigans, Easy Street! (Throws shenanigans flag at the ground and blows the shenanigans whistle in their ear.)
J:
- Best Bar: Grant Street Tavern, easy. It made me want to work downtown just so I could go to Happy Hour there.
- Worst Bar: I guess I'll have to go with Levelz on that one, since it was so bad that it was actually shut down.
- Biggest Surprise: SkyBar. There's a pool bar up there!
- Biggest Disappointment: Walker's Pub. It really looked like it would be a great stop on our tour. They just hated us, though.
- What did J learn: You really can't take me anywhere.
Bars visited: 20
Reviews Published: 24
Neighborhoods hit: South Side, Shadyside, North Side, Bloomfield
A:
- Best Bar: I think my best bar expirence in July was at Park House. Still waiting by our phone.
- Worst Bar: Funnilly enough the very next bar, Peanutz, was the very worst bar, maybe ever. We left beers people. Beers!
- Biggest Surprise: Social. New bar in Bakery Sqaure! Smart people drinking!
- Biggest Disappointment: Armand's. That place is nasty. Eat the famous fish sandwich at your own risk.
- What did A learn: When people warn you that it is probably ok to go somewhere since it is daylight out, be ready for anything.
J:
- Best Bar: Best might be pushing it for Lou's, but I have a lot of good memories there.
- Worst Bar: Margaritaville was by far the worst. Neon green ecto-cooler flavored margaritas are not okay.
- Biggest Surprise: Coppertops was quite a pleasant South Side surprise.
- Biggest Disappointment: That Ms PacMan wasn't working at Mardi Gras.
- What did J learn: Sometimes you need to substitute quantity for quality in these things.
Bars visited: 19
Reviews Published: 13
Neighborhoods hit: Bloomfield, Point Breeze, Shadyside, Downtown, South Side
A:
- Best Bar: 5801. We are both in agreement on this, what a great bar.
- Worst Bar: The Pleasure Bar, this might be one of my least favorite bars ever. Bloomfield is striking out.
- Biggest Surprise: Tender. If you have some extra cash go check out this amazing space.
- Biggest Disappointment: St. James Place, I don't think it is South Side's best kept secret, I think it is just a shitty bar.
- What did A learn: Watching old music videos from the 80s is surpringly entertaining! Also, hipster writers like fancy expensive bars, but only sarcastically.
J:
- Best Bar: 5801 has always been a Shadyside stand-by, but it is even nicer now
- Worst Bar: Local looks like it should be awesome and then it sucks
- Biggest Surprise: The Evergreen Cafe is not nearly as shady as I remember it and is actually just fine
- Biggest Disappointment: The Pleasure Bar is just plain disappointing all the time
- What did J learn: Don't judge a bar by its cover. Sometimes the sketchy looking places are fun and the nice looking places are terrible.
Bars visited: 11
Reviews Published: 10
Neighborhoods hit: Oakland, Bloomfield, Southside
A:
- Best Bar: Dee's You can never go back, but it is nice to visit every once in a while.
- Worst Bar: Chief's. Avoid at all costs.
- Biggest Surprise: Partner's I always wondered what it was like in there, and now I know, and knowing is half the battle. (What is the other half? Is it brutally killing your enemies? They never talk about the other half.)
- Biggest Disappointment: Not going to Costa Rica with J and C.
- What did A learn: The difference between getting "eye-fucked" and getting the "stink-eye".
J:
- Best Bar: Butterjoint. I am obsessed with the Tequila Penicillin cocktail.
- Worst Bar: Oh Chief's, it pains me to say it, but your divey charm is gone.
- Biggest Surprise: I had no idea that I would have such a good time at Sonny's!
- Biggest Disappointment: Can I just say Chief's again?
- What did J learn: That I'd rather be in Costa Rica. There are bars there, I could just review them instead!
Bars visited: 16
Reviews Published: 18
Neighborhoods hit: Strip District, Bloomfield, South Side, Lawrenceville
A:
- Best Bar: Winghart's SouthSide - Great food, great bourbon, great atmosphere, great bar.
- Worst Bar: Elixir Ultra Lounge - I'll take dive over douche any day.
- Biggest Surprise: The Smiling Moose. Now with breathable air and sandwiches!
- Biggest Disappointment: Harp and Fiddle - I had always wanted to go there...now I don't.
- What did A learn: J is very sweet and will help puking strangers; way more about Luke Wholey than I should ever know ; certain colors make people angry; there are two giant statues of Captain Morgan's in Pittsburgh, one is in 1311, can you find the other one?!
J:
- Best Bar: I have to pick my favorite bar for this: brillobox
- Worst Bar: Gotta be Sloppy Joe's. I love a dive, but this was a step below.
- Biggest Surprise: Fishbowl. Apparently we were the only people who didn't know about the secret bar above Qdoba.
- Biggest Disappointment: Industry.
- What did J learn: Oh god, the Southside really is going to be the death of us.
Bars visited: 11
Reviews Published: 12
Neighborhoods hit: Lawrenceville, East Liberty, Oakland, Mt Washington
A:
- Best Bar: The Garage Door.
- Worst Bar: Pollock's. It was just...there are no words.
- Biggest Surprise: $6 Riley at The Garage Door.
- Biggest Disappointment: Butterjoint was too crowded to eat there, but we will return!
- What did A learn: There is a bartender’s guild! A wants to join, go on quests, level up and finally get the hat of drinking +3 that the elf from the armor shop casually mentioned to him in conversation after asking A for help retrieving his family beer stein which has been stolen by an evil weasel who loves oysters.
- J:
- Best Bar: Harvard & Highland - Even though they tried to kill me.
- Worst Bar: Pollock's - So much worse than I remember it.
- Biggest Surprise: Belvedere's - So much cleaner than I remember!
- Biggest Disappointment: Garage Door - I really wanted to hate you.
- What did J learn: Even if the chicken liver has one type of nut clearly listed, never trust that there aren't secret death nuts hidden inside. Heh, nuts.
Bars visited: 29
Reviews Published: 23
Neighborhoods hit: Squirrel Hill, Greenfield, North Side, South Side, Downtown, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield
A:
J:
