From the Pitt campus to the city of Pittsburgh, the Steel City has plenty of sporting events to see year-round. Nobody has enough time to go to every game, so what’s better than a cozy spot at a Pittsburgh bar or restaurant?
This article looks at the neighborhoods surrounding the Pitt campus to highlight the best places with the best food to watch a sporting event.
Hemingway’s Cafe
Located in the middle of the Pitt campus in Oakland, Hemingway’s Cafe was elected one of the 31 best college bars according to Business Insider in 2014. As it is a bar and restaurant, students under 21 can dine at Hem’s. Hemingway’s Cafe shows over 20 TVs and projectors to allow every part of the bar a view of all sporting events.
Hem’s describes its extensive menu as “typical, atypical ‘bar food’ and everything is designed to be just right.” Hemingway’s is located on Forbes Avenue under the Litchfield Towers. Its proximity to the Pitt campus makes it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and watch a game.
Cappy’s Cafe
Cappy’s Cafelocated on Walnut Street in Shadyside, is another location near the Pitt campus. Cappy’s offers a breakfast menu to 2pm and offers a typical evening bar menu, making it a good place for morning or early afternoon sporting events.
Photo by: Fat Head’s Saloon
Photo by: Fat Head’s Saloon in South Side is a great option to watch sporting events if you are on East Carson Street. Fat Head’s was named Reader best bar food at 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 about the size of your head!” As a brewery, Fat Head’s has a wide range of both year-round and seasonal beers. The mix of award-winning menu options and brewery creations makes Fat Head a great bar to cheer on your favorite teams.
Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar
For those who know Pittsburgh, this is a no-brainer. Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar was Founded in 1933 in the Strip District and has been a household name for locals in the city ever since. However, it is also a great place to watch sports as they do not close up to 2 am on the Strip. Primanti’s is a great place for under 21s as a restaurant, but also has a selection of alcoholic beverages for those who want to go that route.
Redbeard’s Sports Bar & Grille
Redbeard’s Sports Bar & Grillelocated downtown, is a prime location for Pittsburgh sports. It was not only Voted Best Game Day Bar by Visit Pittsburghbut it’s also on Sixth Street – right across the Allegheny River from PNC Park. This makes it a great place to grab dinner before or after Pirates games, especially since Redbeard’s has tons of specials – like “What the Hell Wing Tuesdays” with wings for 75 cents.
