12 Places Pirates Fans Fill Up Before the Game

If you’re looking for a great place to eat near PNC Park, you certainly aren’t alone. Ranked as the #1 best MLB stadium out of all 30 in the league, it’s a popular destination for locals and traveling baseball fans alike, not to mention people drawn in for concerts, weddings, charity events, and countless other events that take place on the field. 

Located on Pittsburgh’s North Shore alongside attractions like Acrisure Stadium, Stage AE, Rivers Casino, and the Carnegie Science Center, PNC Park is just steps away from countless bars and restaurants, too. But how do you decide where to hang out before the game like a local?

We’ve put together a list of the best Pirates bars that-- according to Pittsburghers-- are the best places to grab a pint and some food before watching the Buccos take the field.

PS - GiftYa virtual cards are accepted at restaurants and bars all over Pittsburgh, and those in and around PNC Park are no different! Why not surprise your favorite Pirates fan with a beer or a burger at any of the joints on our list? It’s the perfect last minute gift for a baseball fan in Pittsburgh!

1. Mike's Beer Bar

Dog-Friendly Restaurant Near PNC Park with a Great Patio!

Buy a Mike's Beer Bar gift card

110 Federal St | North Shore | mikesbeerbar.com

Located caddy-corner to PNC Park, you can practically see into the stadium! Locals like to make this their last stop before heading into the Pirate game. Mike's Beer Bar is a fantastic spot to stop before heading to your seats inside the stadium. 

Buy a Mike's Beer Bra gift card

...There's not much to not like about this place. We always stop here before a Pirates game. Fantastic. - Yelp Review

2. McFadden's Saloon

Good Beer + Great Service with a Casual Bar Atmosphere

211 North Shore Dr | North Shore | mcfaddenspitt.com

McFaddens has been around since 1977, and it’s easy to see why. With their good beer, friendly service, and great food, Pittsburghers make sure this is on their list before any Pirates game. 

The summer months are also a great time to enjoy their back patio, which has a gorgeous view of the Pittsburgh skyline. 

Be sure to try the famous nachos too!

📞 412-322-3470

Fun place to meet friends. The food was delicious, and the service/bar staff were on point.  Always our go-to spot before any Steelers/Pirates game... - Yelp Review

3. The Foundry | Table & Tap

Locally-Owned Gastropub Serving Locally-Sourced New American Eats!

Buy a The Foundry | Table & Tap gift card 

381 N Shore Dr | North Shore | thefoundrypgh.com

Yinzers support yinzers, whether they just opened up a new restaurant or have been letting the City of Champions down for decades (sorry Bucs, you know we love you anyway). The Foundry is owned by Pittsburghers, serving up food sourced around the Steel City, for an experience that’s black and gold through and through.

Not only has it been named the Best Restaurant on the North Shore by the Post Gazette, it’s also been voted #1 outdoor patio in Pgh and received praise for “most scenic view.” Worth taking a peep? We think so.

📞 412-930-0744

“This is a great place to come for game day… Try this place for Pitt or Steelers games as well as Pirates games or if you are just in the area!” – Yelp Review

Buy a The Foundry | Table & Tap gift card 

4. Southern Tier Brewery

So. Many. Kinds. Of. Beer. Seriously, Just Look At That Flight!!

316 North Shore Dr | North Shore | stbcbeer.com

Southern Tier is based out of New York state, but it’s easy to see why they chose Pittsburgh for their first expansion operation.

Pittsburghers love their beer, and they appreciate when it’s made well. Add some good food to boot, and you have yourself a top destination for any Pirates pregame festivities. 

Their beers are shipped all over the country, but it’s nice to know that at the North Shore location, it’s made fresh here in Pittsburgh.

📞 412-301-2337

“This place was new, clean and tasty!...” - Yelp Review

5. Legends Eatery

Old-School Italian Food and American Desserts for the Whole Family

500 E North Ave | Northside | legendseaterypgh.com

Established in 2002, Legends Eatery is, well… a local legend known for their tasty Italian food. Long Islander Dan J. Bartow opened the restaurant with the goal of creating a space for an upscale, casual, family-oriented restaurant in the neighborhood at the heart of Pittsburgh’s “Third Renaissance.”

And it really is a family-owned Pittsburgh restaurant. Dan’s wife Zoe, kids, and mother-in-law all work together to make the restaurant the amazing eatery it is, from searching the Strip District to the freshest ingredients to serving up the continental Italian favorites to people headed to PNC Park and beyond.

📞 412-321-8000

 “Omg! Where to begin??? Suchhhhh amazing food and service. This is the BEST Italian restaurant in Pittsburgh… .Make a reservation on the weekend because they fill up quickly.”-- Yelp Review

6. Allegheny City Brewing

One of Our Favorite “Pitt” Stops Near Pittsburgh’s Iconic Baseball Stadium

507 Foreland St | Northside | alleghenycitybrewing.com

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from PNC Park is Allegheny City Brewery. This neighborhood brewery gets their name from the former name of the Northside, Allegheny City. It’s a nice homage to Pittsburgh’s past, and shows a commitment to staying local. Oh, and they do brew some great beers. 

Locals like to make pit stops (Pitt stops? haha!)  into this little place before heading over to watch the Pirates play.

📞 412-904-3732

...Convenient walk to many of the downtown hotels. Super cool vibe. Kinda of like hipster meets cozy meets family friendly. Really, really tasty beers.” - Yelp Review

7. Redbeard’s on Sixth

Great beer, good food, and nice prices. That’s how you fill up like a Pittsburgher before a Pirates game!

144 Sixth St | Dahntahn | redbeardspgh.com

Redbeard’s is located just across the river from PNC Park-- on the downtown end of the Roberto Clemente Bridge-- and is on the path of many headed over to the Pirates game. 

It’s a popular place to stop and grab a beer and some wings before the game, as many people take advantage of the cheaper downtown parking rates. 

Redbeard’s has nicely priced drinks as well, so it’s also friendly on your budget!

📞 412-261-2324

...I was anticipating a wait and a big crowd. It was busy, but...We were sat immediately. The service was quick and the server was friendly and attentive. - Yelp Review

8. Federal Galley

Community Food Hall with Four Local Dining Options

200 Children’s Way | Northside | federalgalley.org

If you’re headed to PNC Park with a group, this is probably the best restaurant you can stop at. No more arguing over whether you should eat burgers or burritos before the opening pitch – Federal Galley has it all.

The concept? With four fully outfitted kitchens, it gives local restaurateurs a lower cost and lower risk way to break into the super competitive restaurant industry. After they get their legs under them and find their customers, they can graduate to their own restaurant and a new concept takes its place in the Galley.

📞 (no phone number)

“I absolutely loved my first experience, and can't wait to go back. Clean, open space, great bar. Can't beat the variety! What a great concept” – Yelp Review

9. Max’s Allegheny Tavern

Pittsburgh’s Most Iconic German Restaurant Since 1903

Buy a Max’s Allegheny Tavern gift card

537 Suismon St | Northside | maxsalleghenytavern.com

Max’s is a historic fixture in the Deutschtown neighborhood on Pittsburgh’s Northside. The Allegheny Tavern originally opened its doors in 1903, and it was renamed Max and Erma’s Allegheny Tavern in 1977 (they later dropped “Erma” to avoid confusion with the growing chain from Ohio). All of that means Max’s Allegheny Tavern has been serving up traditional Bavarian dishes for literal generations of yinzers.

Enjoy classic German fare like pretzels, spaetzle, schnitzel, strudels, and the best “wursts” around. 

📞  412-231-1899

“Max's is a Pittsburgh staple and a classic. If you have not been to this iconic tavern, get there as soon as you can. Amazing German food and a great staff! I guarantee that yinz guys will love it!” – Yelp Review

Buy a Max’s Allegheny Tavern gift card

10. Tequila Cowboy

Beer, Karaoke, and the Game on the TV… What More Could You Ask For?

380 N Shore Dr | North Shore | tequilacowboy.com/pittsburgh

Tequila Cowboy is an entertainment experience straight outta Nashville, TN. In the ‘Burgh, you can find them right next door to Stage AE and just steps away from the stadiums. They’re almost always packed with college students, concert goers, and fans from the Steelers/Pitt/Pirates game.

Here you’ll find DJs, live music, dance floors, outdoor seating, and karaoke. As if that wasn’t enough, there are two kitchen concepts inside – WannaB’s Karaoke and Little Red Corvette 80s and 90s Bar – so you can chow down on something tasty, too.

📞 412-930-0895

“Delicious food and fun bar atmosphere! This is a great place to stop for food and drinks before a Pittsburgh sporting event.. my husband and I's new favorite place to go for food before the Pirates game and I would recommend it!” – Yelp Review

11. SoHo

New American Food + Wait Times That Weren’t Bad… Even Though They Were Busy!

203 Federal St | North Shore | sohopittsburgh.com

SoHo is the first go to spot for many Pirates fans once they arrive on the North Shore. Close to the stadium, this place fills up quickly with Pirates fans. It offers more than just pub food too, just in case you’re in the mood for something different!

With a great selection of brews -- including many local options-- as well as some elevated cuisine, this place is always happening before the games. If you’re looking for a chill place to hang out before the game, then this is your spot.

📞 412-321-7646

...Friendly and prompt and we never felt rushed. The food was good, especially the chips. The atmosphere was cozy!” - Yelp Review

12. Rivers Casino

The Perfect Place to Grab a Bite Before an Event or Game at PNC Park

777 Casino Dr | Northside | riverscasino.com/pittsburgh

Since opening, Rivers Casino has been a go-to spot for anyone hanging out on the North Shore. Just a short walk from the stadiums, Rivers Casino has table games and slots, but it’s also home to a variety of eateries and hosts events like movie screenings and concerts. Plus, the parking garage is free!

You must be 21+ to be on the premises.

“Rivers is a convent location in the north shore! Always a fun spot to stop and they have a good happy hour during the week!” – Yelp Review

📞 412-231-7777

Did yinz find a restaurant or bar near PNC Park you wanna try?

Visiting PNC Park is fun for locals and visitors alike, and there are so many restaurants to choose from, you’ll want to come back for more! The next time you check out a Pirate game, make sure you stop at one of these spots first. 

What is your favorite Pirates bar? Let us know in the comments!