Bars

Editor’s note: The Pitt News does not promote underage or irresponsible drinking. Please… Editor’s note: The Pitt News does not promote underage or irresponsible drinking. Please remember to bring proper ID where required. Always be safe, and never drink and drive.

Boomerang’s 3909 Forbes Ave.

(412) 578-8491

$

For those of us who, for one reason or another, are banned from entering most of the local bars anymore, there’s hope. The new kid in town: Boomerang’s.

Boomerang’s is like a sensory smorgasbord for Oaklanders. Pumping music and wacky lighting give it a little bit more of a club atmosphere than most other bars around campus, but make no mistake. This is a proper place to get your drink on.

The bar offers all the essentials: cocktail specials from 10-midnight most nights, daily dollar pint specials on all the staple macrobrews, and – I cannot stress this enough – $1 Yuenglings all day, every day, all year. Like, even on Canadian Boxing day.

But they have other fun stuff besides booze, too. Like ridiculously cheap wings on Wednesdays, a free buffet for Steelers games and six – count ’em – six HD TVs, and on Monday nights, they’ve got Monday Night Football in one room and Laguna Beach in the other. It’s like a Toys “R” Us, except for drunk adults. Especially those of us who aren’t allowed back in Toys “R” Us anymore.

– Daniel Richey

Bootleggers

403 Semple St.

(412) 682-3060

$

No Panther Funds

When it’s full, it’s a hot, sweaty, somewhat smoky bar. But don’t be turned off: that’s what makes it great.

That, and karaoke specials, pool tables, and drinking, drinking, drinking.

You must be 21 to enter — and the bouncer stationed out front most nights makes sure of it — but once inside, you need only to be having a good time. The main room is consumed by one of the biggest bars around.

Pull up a stool and a brew, and you’re well on your way to experiencing South Oakland’s southernmost bar. These aren’t Tower C dwellers who moseyed into a bar by accident; they’re hard-core South Oakland residents who know where they stand — and that’s usually inside Bootlegger’s.

Go there for the flavor that is distinctly South Oakland, and you’ll come home content with what you’ve found.

— Dave Hartman

Chief’s Cafe

307 N. Craig St

(412) 683-2936

$

No Panther Funds

The sign that hangs outside of Chief’s Cafe, one of Pittsburgh’s oldest bars, features a fireman’s hat. It’s appropriate, then, that the 75-year-old bar was founded by a fire chief, whose name no one knows today.

It’s no wonder that Chief’s Cafe has become somewhat of a gathering spot for firemen. Along with firefighters, one can find a diverse crowd, consisting of many college students and college grads, kicking back at the bar. Chief’s Cafe is also known for its great prices and jumping jukebox. Go there if you’re looking for a cheap, good time.

— Clinton Doggett

Fuel and Fuddle

214 Oakland Ave.

(412) 682-3473

$$

Panther Funds

The definitions on the menu of the restaurant define fuel as something that is consumed, or something that heightens or maintains the level of activity, and fuddle as a state of confusion usually associated with intoxication. Fuel ‘ Fuddle definitely provides adequate amounts of both words.

With a large range of selections on the menu, featuring names like Rosemary’s Breasts and Heartburn Heaven, the restaurant offers unique combinations that fit almost any person’s desire for fuel. The drink selection also echoes the name, with sufficient varieties of alcohol to get even the most tolerant person “fuddled.” There are 10 types of beer on tap and more than a hundred types of beer from around the world offered by the can or bottle.

If food cravings strike late at night, the extensive half-price menu is an option between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. The atmosphere of casual busyness with brick walls and loud crowds is upped on Tuesday nights, when a live band performs in the restaurant, and on Saturdays, when the featured act is live acoustic guitar.

— Lauren Unger

Gene’s Place

3616 Louisa St.

$

No Panther Funds

Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. And they’re always glad you came. Sometimes you want to go where you can enjoy your Yuengling without having to listen to half of the greek community sing along to “Sweet Home Alabama.” Again.

Rookies, you might want to sit this one out. Gene’s place is for the pros.

Cast aside all of the nonessentials. Food? Screw food. We only need beer. Pool tables? Hah! I’m too lazy to stand up. What do we want? Booze. Lots of cheap booze. Son, welcome home.

Saddle up to the bar and order one of the fine local drafts or essential macrobrews. You can have liquor and mixed drinks, too, but don’t get cute. Gene’s has one of every essential and nothing else. Best not to waste our time with trifles anyway.

Highlight specials include $3 pitchers, $2.50 Guinness pints and the infamous $3 Long Island iced teas on Saturdays. But beyond simple economics, the bar itself has an appeal in its unique atmosphere for an Oakland watering hole: It’s a laid-back sort of place with a sold crowd of regulars and a genuinely cool and friendly owner who treats his customers like welcome guests.

– Daniel Richey

Hemingway’s

3911 Forbes Ave.

(412) 621-4100

$$

Panther Funds

For the college student on a limited budget, Hemingway’s is the perfect place for both food and alcoholic relief. A recently expanded half-price food menu is available twice during the day — first from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and then from 9 p.m. to midnight. Hemingway’s also offers drink specials, with a different option for each day of the week. On Fridays, a Yuengling draft is just a buck.

Another popular choice is the 20-ounce mixed drinks, such as the Jolly Rancher and Bahama Mama, that come adorned with a candy necklace. Hemingway’s is also appealing because, with its spacious back room, it is one of the few places that can accommodate a large group.

— Karen Bielak

Luna Bar and Grill

304 N. Craig St.

$

No Panther Funds

Located on the pleasant Craig Street strip, Luna Bar and Grill is one of the older bars in the Pittsburgh area. Although the establishment was never technically a part of the legendary amusement park LunaPark, it is said to have gotten its name from it.

Students have been going to Luna Bar and Grill for years. With a quaint atmosphere and low prices, Luna Bar and Grill offers a good, inexpensive time to anyone who walks through the door.

— Clinton Doggett

Mitchell’s Tavern and Restaurant

4632 Centre Ave.

(412) 682-9530

$

Panther Funds

There is very little you need to know about Mitchell’s, except that every Wednesday night includes karaoke and $3 pitchers of Yuengling.

That wasn’t a typo.

But there’s more to be had than good beer and bad music. They also have quality live music playing. The Attendants and Drastic have played there in the past. Throttle Audio has also played there.

Besides music, one could find tasty food, but not all night. The kitchen does close, so be sure to get there early enough to enjoy your beer with high-quality munchies.

Perhaps the most distinct aspect of Mitchell’s is that it is neither “college-kid” bar nor “locals-only” bar. It is a hybrid of the two. On karaoke night, you’ll no doubt watch fledgling fraternity guys sing just after die-hard Oakland locals in their 40s and 50s. But the cultures collide without catastrophe, and the result is a bar with a true diversity of clients.

And let’s not forget the $3 pitchers of beer.

— Dave Hartman

Oakland Cafe and Deli

219 Atwood St.

(412) 682-0488

$

Panther Funds

Pizza, salad, beer — whatever the craving, the Oakland Cafe and Deli can satisfy it. The menu’s diverse selection has something for almost everyone at an affordable price. The made-to-order hoagies, sandwiches and salads are ready in minutes for pickup. Order more than $8 worth of food and have it delivered to your door for free. The Oakland Cafe and Deli also offers soups, appetizers and oven-fresh pizza. Sit inside the cafe and enjoy one of the daily drink specials, or pick up a six-pack to take home. This restaurant is perfect for a student looking for a fast meal or an enjoyable place to relax after a long day. — Rachael Coup

Panther Hollow Inn/ Pizza Paul

4611 Forbes Ave.

(412) 682-9999

$

No Panther Funds

Panther Hollow Inn looks to the newcomer like an average bar, but it has a special place in the hearts of the locals.

Located between Carnegie Mellon University’s campus and Craig Street, the bar has a tendency to house non-Pitt regulars.

Known as “Phi-bar” or “P-H-I,” Panther Hollow Inn has a dartboard, several televisions to broadcast every Pittsburgh team, and a jukebox filled with classic rock. The booths that line the wall are accessible even when there’s a crowd and are perfect for eating the pizza, which, of course, goes well with beer. The pizza is made in the back of the bar in a small Italian kitchen known as Pizza Paul. — Erin Brachlow

Peter’s Pub

116 Oakland Ave

(412) 681-7465

$$

Panther Funds

When Friday night rolls around, Pitt students with proper ID typically grab some friends and head out to hop among the many area bars. Some are too trashy, some are too classy, some are too crowded, and others are painfully empty. But every now and then, you’ll find a bar that’s just right.

At the top of this category sits Peter’s Pub, located conveniently within walking distance of the greater South Oakland residential area. If college bars released a brochure, Peter’s Pub could grace the cover. Its classy but not over the top atmosphere is ideal for hanging out with friends, and it’s also a nice place to swing by for a sandwich. Whether you want to drink or just get some quality food, Peter’s Pub deserves consideration.

— Eric Miller

Pittsburgh Cafe

226 Meyran Ave.

(412) 687-3330

$

No Panther Funds

For a relaxed atmosphere with reasonably priced food, Pittsburgh Cafe is a safe bet for students looking for a new place to eat or drink. The menu consists of items ranging from hoagies and cheese fries to chicken salad and nachos. And don’t forget the Cafe’s famous 32-ounce iced tea.

Pittsburgh Cafe is open every day until 2 a.m., and with outdoor seating and drink specials every day of the week, you can’t go wrong.

— Karen Bielak

Spice Cafe

328 Atwood St. (lower level)

(412) 682-1900

$-$$

No Panther Funds

This “global cafe” below India Garden is a newcomer to Oakland, and a welcome one.

The food spans cultures across the world from America to Italy to the Pacific Islands. Try a delicious Tandoori chicken wrap or a sizzling fajita, then spice it up with a dash of their house hot sauce.

One of the few good places in Oakland to catch the game, Spice has a massive television in its bar area. That goes especially well with its excellent beer selection, which includes rare draft beers like Stella Artois and Arrogant Bastard.

In addition, Spice has a great half-price menu from 4-6 p.m. and after 11 p.m. The low lighting and chill atmosphere are sometimes vitalized with techno music or live jazz, making Spice Cafe a great chill spot at any time. –Greg Heller-LaBelle

Thirsty’s

301 N. Craig St. (

412) 687-0114

$

No Panther Funds

Located on the corner of Centre Avenue and Craig Street in North Oakland, Thirsty’s serves as a watering trough for many college students.

Open five nights a week, Thirsty’s is the perfect place to hang out after a rough day of classes to enjoy some wings or other assorted munchies. Stop by whenever you need a drink and don’t feel like going too far.

— Joe Marchilena

Uncle Jimmy’s

418 Semple St.

(412) 681-7480

$

No Panther Funds

For centuries, taverns have been gathering points for locals who were looking to relax. When discussing such hangouts in Oakland, the conversation will not travel far before turning toward Uncle Jimmy’s on Semple Street.

The building itself is well-maintained, and has developed a reputation for cleanliness among local bars. Patrons can partake of reasonably priced food and drinks and friendly service. They can also play darts or video poker, and, in the words of Garth Algar, “they got a pool table, too.” Actually, they’ve got two of them.

Uncle Jimmy’s offers a pleasant, comfortable environment for students to hang out in, and it embraces its visitors and turns them into regulars.

— Eric Miller

The Upstage

3609 Forbes Ave.

(412) 682–2084

$

No Panther Funds

The Upstage is one of those Oakland gems, bastions of a local music culture that seem to be on the endangered species list year in and year out.

If you can manage a couple of flights of stairs, you can get at this tucked-away club that offers excellent drink specials and a variety of music and theme nights throughout the week. Highlight specials include $1.50 wells at the tail end of the week and select $2 and $2.50 specialty drinks on weekends.

While the club offers everything from straight dance to ska to rockabilly during the week, perhaps the most notorious nights are ’80s night on Thursdays and Ceremony, Pittsburgh’s goth/industrial dance night of choice.

So do yourself and Oakland a favor and check out this staple of the Pittsburgh dance scene.

– Daniel Richey