Everyone knows that Pittsburgh is the best sports town around, and a large part of that is courtesy of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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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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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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 >
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
