9 Best Places in Pittsburgh to Tailgate Before a Steelers Game

One of the the most successful franchises in NFL history, the Steelers are one of only two teams to boast six Super Bowl rings.

Needless to say, Pittsburghers love their Steelers. On game day, the Steel City bleeds black and gold and everyone finds a place where they can watch the big game. If you happen to score tickets, even better, because you’ll be in for quite an experience. Seeing a game at Heinz Field is pretty awesome, as is being surrounded by the best fans in football.

We’ve put together a list of some tailgate places you should try before heading into the big game. Grab a beer or try some food — either way, it’s all a part of a one-of-a-kind Steelers game day experience.

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Jerome Bettis’ Grille 36

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North Shore
393 North Shore Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-224-6287

Sun-Thurs 11AM-11PM
Fri-Sat 11-12AM

Bettis’ Grille is the best place to get some brews or bites before the big Steelers game.

“...always enjoyed our visits. It's a great family-friendly environment, but you get the best of both worlds because it's also a sports bar that you could enjoy on a night out with friends.” - Yelp Review

Jerome Bettis didn’t just play amazing football for the Steelers-- apparently, he also knows how to make the perfect restaurant for any Steeler fan!

The vibe in this place before the game is awesome, and everyone is excited to be a part of it. With delicious elevated pub fare and signature cocktails like the Immaculate Margarita, any Steelers fan would feel at home here.

When the weather is nice in the early part of the season, there’s also a patio for guests to sit and watch the boats on the Allegheny River.

Image courtesy of Clark Bar & Grill. This spot has been serving delicious items off their menu for over 20 years, and it looks like they plan to be around for another 20!

2. Clark Bar & Grill

Northside
503 Martindale St. #100
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-231-5720

Mon-Fri 11am-9pm
Sun 1pm-9pm

Located just down the street from Heinz Field, is the famous Clark Bar & Grill.

“I've always had good service and enjoyed the different options on the menu. From the steak salad to the club to a burger...” - Yelp Review

This is where the locals choose to grab a monstrous burger and some hand-cut fries before-- and sometimes after-- the Steelers game.

Regulars and out-of-towners alike flock to this place not only for the food and beers but for all the amazing-- and sometimes rare-- sports memorabilia that are scattered throughout the restaurant. It’s a nice place to sit and grab a few before heading to Heinz Field.

‍‍The most famous sandwich to come out of Pittsburgh! Primanti Bros. restaurants are legendary in the Steel City. Image courtesy of Primanti Bros.

3. Primanti Bros.

North Shore
100 Art Rooney Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-697-7700

If you want an authentic taste of Pittsburgh-- all wrapped up in one sandwich-- then come to the nationally known Primanti Bros. at Heinz Field.

It all began with one restaurant in the Strip District, and now it has blossomed into a local chain that can be found all over the city and suburbs.

The Heinz Field location is a great place to stop for a famous sandwich and a beer. What better way to spend some time before the Steeler game!

Buy a GiftYa To Primanti Bros. >

“I Loved this place. The server was attentive and friendly and the food was wonderful. The pastrami was seasoned perfectly. Everything came to the table hot and fresh.” - Yelp Review

This delicious brewery is always packed with locals who want to sample from the rotating list of in-house craft beers.

4. Southern Tier Brewery

North Shore
316 North Shore Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-301-2337

Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm
Fri 11am-12pm
Sat 10am-12pm
Sun 10am-10pm

Southern Tier is a newer-- and most welcome-- addition to the North Shore.

“I cannot say enough great things about Southern Tier! My family and I went here...Our waitress was very nice and accommodated all of our needs....I can't wait to return...” - Yelp Review

It was the first satellite brewpub outside of Lakewood, NY, which is where the brewery originates from.

Its craft beers are meticulously brewed by expert brewers and always coincide with what’s in season. Oh, and they do serve delicious food as well!

Pittsburghers like to stop here before the Steelers game to nibble on appetizers and sample from the large list of draft selections. If you’re looking to do some beer sampling, this is the place to do it.

‍ If burgers are your pre-game meal of choice, look no further than Burgatory. Image courtesy of Burgatory.

5. Burgatory

North Shore
342 North Shore Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-586-5846

Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm
Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Behind a Primanti Bros. sandwich, burgers are next on the list of Steeler fans’ favorite pre-game food.

And one of the best places to find a burger on game day is Burgatory. Here you can get a burger made to order-- and if you’re up for it-- order a spiked milkshake to go with it. Yes, that’s right, they offer decadent milkshakes with a kick of booze if you’d like.

They also utilize the local dairies, growers, and butchers in and around Western PA.

Buy a GiftYa To Burgatory >

“Very good. The service was great and so was the food. We were seated in under 10 minutes. At first glance it doesn't look like they have a lot to choose from but they do. You can even create your own masterpiece of a burger.” - Yelp Review

This gastropub has an extensive selection of drafts and delicious food to help Steelers fans prepare for the game.

6. The Foundry Table and Tap

North Shore
381 North Shore Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-930-0744

Tues-Wed 11am-9pm
Thurs 11am-10pm
Fri-Sat 11am-2pm
Sun 11am-9pm‍

The Foundry boasts of over 30 draft selections available year round, so if you’re like most Pittsburghers, you’ll want to stop here before a Steeler game and try a few.

Buy a GiftYa To The Foundry Table and Tap >

“The Foundry describes itself as a gastropub, which I think is a nice trendy way of saying it serves delicious food, solid craft beer and strong mixed cocktails. It does all of this and it does it well.” - Yelp Review

Couple that with some delicious food that’s all sourced locally and made from scratch, and you have yourself the makings of a wonderful pre-game tailgate.

Since they are located right on the Allegheny River, they also have a special boating menu and pick up location for all those fans on the river. What an excellent way to do take out!‍

‍Lively joint great for some pre-game beers with your fellow Steelers fans. Image courtesy of McFadden’s

7. McFaddens

North Shore
211 North Shore Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm
Fri 11am-2am
Sat 4pm-2am

McFadden’s is a great all-around option for any Steelers fan.

“I go here before or after I go to the Pirates or Steelers games.  For as packed as the bar gets the service is still very fast.  The bartenders are fast and know what they are doing...The food always comes out of the kitchen fast and hot!” - Yelp Review

It’s close to Heinz Field-- so once you park, there’s nothing to do but walk here and then walk to the game! It’s also close to the light-rail transit system, which is another bonus.

The pub food here is great, and the beer is always the right price with lots of game day specials. McFadden’s is also a popular post-game spot, where you can sit and relax while everyone else sits in game-day traffic.

Image courtesy of Quaker Steak and Lube. The place all Pittsburghers to go for wings. Make sure to come hungry!

8. Quaker Steak and Lube

North Shore
100 Art Rooney Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-432-7800

Open during game days

Quaker Steak and Lube is a Pennsylvania treasure, and with a location on the North Shore, it will quickly turn into your one-stop shop for game-day wings.

“You can always expect great prices and quality food here!...Overall great place to go watch your favorite sports team and get some great wings.” - Yelp Review

With so many flavors to choose from, you’ll find yourself trying a little bit of each. The sauces can range from mild all the way to absolutely, insanely hot. Believe it or not, they also offer other items besides wings, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

So if you’re craving some wings before the Steeler kick off-- or even during-- make sure to stop by Quaker Steak.

This pub is a great spot to grab a beer on your way to Heinz Field.

9. Mullen’s

North Shore
200 Federal St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-231-1112

Sun-Thurs 11am-1am
Fri-Sat 11am-2am

If you want a chill spot to hang out before-- or after-- the Steelers game, then Mullen’s Bar and Grill should be on your list.

Buy a GiftYa To Mullen’s >

“Had an awesome time there watching Sunday football. The staff was very accommodating to our large group. No complaints! Food was great and beers were cheap...” - Yelp Review

Full of friendly faces, good food, and beer, this place had made a name for itself amongst the legion of Steelers tailgaters. It’s also a great place to watch the game in case you aren’t lucky enough to have tickets.

Pittsburgh loves their Steelers, and before games they love to fill up at some of the great restaurants we’ve listed above. Whether you just want some beers or would like a sandwich and fries, these restaurants have got you covered. Where do you grab some brews and bites before a Steeler game? Let us know in the comments!