Best bars restaurants and foods in Pittsburgh to watch sports

From Pitt’s campus to the city of Pittsburgh, there is never a shortage of sporting events to watch year-round in the Steel City. Nobody has enough time to go to every game, so what better way to watch than from the comfort of a bar or restaurant in Pittsburgh? 

This article will go through the surrounding neighborhoods of Pitt’s campus to feature the best places with the best foods to watch a sporting event. 

Hemingway’s Cafe

Situated in the middle of Pitt’s campus in Oakland, Hemingway’s Cafe was voted a top 31 college bar by Business Insider in 2014. As a bar and restaurant, students under 21 can dine at “Hem’s.” Hemingway’s Cafe displays over 20 TVs and projectors to give every part of the bar a view of all sporting events. 

“Hem’s” describes their extensive menu as “typical non-typical ’bar food’ and it’s all designed to hit the spot.” Hemingway’s is located on Forbes Avenue under the Litchfield Towers. Its proximity to Pitt’s campus makes for a perfect location to grab a bite and watch a game.

Cappy’s Cafe 

Cappy’s Cafe, located on Walnut Street in Shadyside, is another close spot to Pitt’s campus. Cappy’s features a breakfast menu until 2 p.m. and a typical bar dinner menu, making it a good place for morning or early afternoon sporting events. 

Fat Head’s Saloon 

Fat Head’s Saloon in South Side is a great option for watching sporting events when you’re on East Carson Street. Fat Head’s was named the reader’s best bar food on the Pittsburgh City Paper’s 2023 “Best of PGH” list. 

A key part of their menu are “Headwiches,” which are described on their website as, “sandwiches that are relatively close to the size of your head!” Fat Head’s, as a brewery, has a wide selection of both year-round and seasonal brews. Fat Head’s mix of award-winning menu options and brewery creations makes for a great bar for cheering on your favorite teams. 

Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar 

For those familiar with Pittsburgh, this one is a no-brainer. Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar was founded in the Strip District in 1933 and has since been a household name for those native to the city. However, it is also a great spot for sports viewing as they do not close until 2 a.m. in the Strip. Primanti’s, as a restaurant, is a great place for students under 21 but also has a selection of alcohol for those who like to go that route. 

Redbeard’s Sports Bar & Grille 

Redbeard’s Sports Bar & Grille, located Downtown, is a prime spot for Pittsburgh sports. Not only was it voted a best game day bar by Visit Pittsburgh, but it is also located on Sixth Street — just across the Allegheny River from PNC Park. This makes it a great location to dine before or after Pirates games, especially with Redbeard’s offering no shortage of specials — such as “What the Hell Wing Tuesdays” with 75-cent wings.