33 Best Dive Bars in Pittsburgh

“This place ROCKS. I really can’t pinpoint what it is, but every single time I’ve walked through that door, I laughed till I cried, drank good and danced all night long. Julie behind the bar is a very important piece to this puzzle. Best bartender ever, hands down!“

“My friend Larry, who is a bartender at a Shadyside bar, took me here once when we were in Oakland. LOVED IT! Great atmosphere, great drinks and Gene is wonderful. Interesting mix of Pitt upperclassmen and regular people from the area. Every time I happen to be in Oakland now, I make a point of dropping in for a drink (or five). Highly recommend for a cool bar!“

“Great food and drink! Had the best burger and watermelon mimosa! staff was super friendly!“

“It’s the Grown & Sexy people place wrapped around the Chill Vibes for me✨Food is also on point giving the perfect neighborhood hangout for all around good socialization.👌🏾“

“Great vibes, great staff, best little wacky hole in the wall. So much fun“

“Just started going to the Theme a couple of weeks ago. We were looking for a change of pace and more for our money. The Theme did not disappoint, great drink specials & daily specials. Food is great especially the sandwiches and pizza.“

“Fun group of patrons . Various ages and types, a great place to have a few drinks and mingle with all. Available parking and great Service. No downside“

“Myself and the good ole pals made the endeavor to treck to Gooskis bar 🚶. Would not recommend walking here 🚷. That being said, the pirogies were worthy of my highest applause 👏. It is definitely an “environment”, but a good bite nonetheless 🙂‍↕️.“

“When you’re here, you’re family.
Over ice-cold Yuenglings,
Foes become friends.
Over Slim Jims,
The common man does not suffer.
Over the local nightly news,
Neighbor dogs bark, sometimes bite.
Time passes,
if you’re lucky!“

“Great neighborhood joint. Smoking allowed, cigars are welcome. Try the meatballs! Delicious. Great place to watch a game, with several big screen tv’s. Host Francis Pope will make sure you enjoy your evening.“

“If you're looking for a great neighborhood bar, it's tough to beat Kelly's. The bartenders and owner are very friendly and the prices are reasonable. There are a lot of local regulars who welcome less frequent visitors like myself. If there's a Pittsburgh sporting event, you can be sure that it will be on the TVs. While I haven't eaten there, I've heard good things about the food.“

“I luv The Vibe. And, Vicky has the cleanest glass on the Boulevard... Book It, Dano“

“Garvey's is a fantastic place nestled in Southside slopes.We stumbled upon when we were walking from the slopes to the flats. Bartender James was a lot of fun. They don't serve food but you can order in. I showed up with my whole football crew and we brought snacks and sandwiches. Felt just like tailgate! They have a fun bowling game in the back room. We also bought Garvey's Tshirts and hoodies. What a blast“

“Bar itself is great. Some really nice people at any given time as well. But all that goes from a 5 star experience to a zero whenever the ego maniac Julia happens to be working. She is a very toxic and demanding person hell bent on iron rule. She is the epitome of an overbearing, drama loving wannabe diva. Skip Mondays and Sundays and turn around any other day she happens to be filling in.“

“Good food, strong drinks and awesome staff what more could you ask for. Weekends tend to get busy“

“Great people great place and even better bloody Mary's“

“Great prices for the beer and they have the coolest staff and a pool table in the back! Definitely one of my new favorites!“

“great place to see old friends“

“Most reviews are 1 or 5 which sums the place up perfectly. You either get it or you don't. If you want a good honest dive with 'eclectic' patrons, efficient bar staff, stiff drinks ,.smoking and a jukebox, it's for you. If not,.don't go.“

“Lots of great memories at this local Halloween haunt!“

“Down and dirty. Liquor in plastic bottles. Graffiti on every inch of the bathroom. Respectable beer selection, and a great pinball room. There is a heavy 'locals only' vibe, so behave yourself. Don't ask for an espresso martini. Don't ask for a Cosmo. Do bring quarters so you don't have to bother the bartender for them. Pretty sure you can still smoke here. Bourdain would have felt right at home.“

“Down and dirty. Shots poured in plastic condiment cups. Graffiti on (literally) every surface. It's cheap. Decent drafts. It doesn't smell, which is frankly surprising. I get the impression it gets pretty rowdy at night, just by the evidence. I also get the impression staff doesn't put up with any hassle.This isn't exactly a place for a first date, but it's kind of cozy in it's own weird way.“

“One of the best most iconic bars in the city. There is so much heart and soul in this bar you can feel it from the moment you walk in. Super diverse crowd where everyone is your best friend. I heard they are closing down tho and being forced out of the strip, that's a shame. Mark my words the strip district will start to die when Lefty's gets pushed out, it will never be the same again.“

“I don't like telling people how great this place is bc I don't want all of those Jagoffs in my seat!!“

“Wonderful time with friends, very enjoyable! The food was terrific and so was our amazing waitress Chloe Elizabeth! Most impressed with her kind hearted disposition and attention to our needs! See you soon, thanks!🍺“

“Great local neighborhood bar. Must go for wing night! We live about 30 minutes away and will gladly drive down for food and drinks on a Thursday. One thing to note, food is only served on wing night, but there are several good places on the same street! Gets a bit busy when college is in, but still fun!“

“Where have I been? Came here t on a Thursday night after work and will definitely be coming back next week. Dave is a Rockstar! Lo ed him! 5 out of 5 stars! Highly recommend!“

“Went for trivia with some friends. The boneless wings (yes I’m a boneless guy) might have been the best I’ve ever had - not just glorified chicken nuggets like most places serve. The blackberry bbq sauce was awesome. I’m sure I’ll be back!“

“So much fun!!!! Always have a blast here!!“

“chrissy is the best she makes sure her guest are happy and satisfied her food is really good and she's accommodating if in the area and she's open stop in you'll be hooked ♥️ tell her Nicole sent you 💎“

“Nice spot in Oakland. Fun college bar.“

“I honestly don't get the negative reviews. This was our first visit to Belvedere's and I have to say that I had a great time! It was just a Thursday, so it wasn't crowded, but that's perfect. It's very hard to appreciate a space when it's so crowded and you can't just enjoy yourself. The guy at the door was very kind, scanned our ID's and stamped our hands. The place was empty, but people where enjoying themselves playing pool on one of the 3 tables. Very relaxed environment this day. The bartender was great and we had a good converstaion. The dance floor is huge, but I can see how it can get crowded on the weekends. The lights and staging is amazing, super disco fun! Honestly, I enjoyed the vibe. Will most stop by for casual drinks, pool and converstaion. We didn't try any of the food, so can't share any info on that. Overal a nice, big venue.“