9 Places Pirates Fans Fill Up Before the Game

The stadium is located on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, and is surrounded by an amazing array of bars and restaurants. 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.

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 Pirate fan with a beer or a burger at any of the joints on our list. They can’t forget it at home since it’s connected to their debit card, and all you do is choose the amount, the restaurant, and it sends a text. That’s it!

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Image courtesy of SoHo. 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!

1. SoHo

North Shore
203 Federal St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-721-7646

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

SoHo is the first go to spot for many Pirates fans once they arrive on at the North Shore.

The wait time wasn't bad even though they were super busy. The waitstaff was amazing!...

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.

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

Image courtesy of McFaddens. This east coast staple has brought its fun and lively atmosphere to PNC park! This is the spot you want to tailgate at!

2. McFaddens

North Shore
211 North Shore Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

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

McFaddens has been around since 1977, and it’s easy to see why.  

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

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 gorgeous view of the Pittsburgh skyline.

Be sure to try the famous nachos too!

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Pittsburghers know their beer, and they know that they like it served cold and fresh. Southern Tier excels at this and offers a variety of seasonal brews.

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

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

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 pre-game 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.

Local brews and local patrons keep this little brewery alive and well in Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood.

4. Allegheny City Brewery

Northside
507 Foreland St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-904-3732

Wed-Thurs 5pm-10pm
Fri 4pm-12pm
Sat 2pm-12pm
Sun 12pm-7pm

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from PNC Park is Allegheny City Brewery.

...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

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 stop into this little place before heading over to watch the Pirates play.

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

5. Redbeard’s on Sixth

Downtown
144 Sixth St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-261-2324

Mon-Sun 11am-2am

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.

...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

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!

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.

6. Mike's Beer Bar

North Shore
110 Federal St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-322-2337

Sun-Wed 11am-11pm
Thurs-Sat 11am-2pm

Mike's Beer Bar is a fantastic spot to stop before heading to your seats inside the stadium.

Buy a GiftYa To Mike's Beer Bar >

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

So.Many.Beers. Choose from 80 craft beers on tap or from a variety of bottles and cans. Either way, you can't go wrong. Grab a Bavarian style pretzel to share with friends as you cheer on the Pirates.

7. Steel Cactus

North Shore
115 Federal St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-927-2571

Tues-Thurs 11am-7pm
Fri-Sat 11am-8pm
Mon 11am-2pm

Steel Cactus is actually located inside PNC Park and has seating outside so you can watch the crowds go by as you enjoy your drinks and bites.

Pirates baseball and Steel Cactus--enough said!...

Offering some Tex-Mex favorites with a twist, this place is known for their delicious specialty tacos.

It is also home to the famous “Yinzerita” which is a margarita topped with your choice of beer. It might not be for everyone, but this drink feels like Pittsburgh in a nutshell. If you’re brave enough to try one, you are ready to party like a Pittsburgh Pirates fan!

Buy a GiftYa To Steel Cactus >

...But I'll say more--delicious tacos reasonably priced for a ballpark, great atmosphere and drinks, friendly staff, and did I say delicious tacos! A must-have when near the ballpark!” - Yelp Review

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Locally known as some of the best pizza in Pittsburgh, this Beechview restaurant now offers Pirates fans the option to fill up before the game with their PNC Park location.

8. Slice on Broadway PNC Park

North Shore
115 Federal St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-325-4485

Mon-Sat 11am-10pm

The original Slice is located in the Beechview neighborhood of Pittsburgh, and when it was looking to expand, the obvious choice was to PNC Park.

At the ballpark location during a Pirates game and as usual the food was fantastic. Great fun atmosphere... - Yelp Review

The pizza at this spot is so good that many fans make a stop here before going to the Pirates game. Slice on Broadway at PNC Park is attached to the stadium as well.

It offers nice outdoor seating, and even an entrance to the park via the restaurant. And don’t worry-- if you get hungry during the game, you can still order a slice from inside PNC Park too.

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Come to sip on beer and play some pool before the Pirates game! Located a stone’s throw away from PNC Park.

9. Mullen’s

North Shore
200 Federal St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-231-1112

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

Mullen’s Bar and Grill is a Chicago establishment that made its way to Pittsburgh and has been easily welcomed by many Pirates fans as a staple for before game drinks and appetizers.

Food was fantastic, reasonable prices and service was great!...

Pittsburghers like the easy going atmosphere and all the HD TVs, where they can catch up on all the latest baseball news.

If you happen to not have tickets for the game but still want to take part in the festivities, Mullen’s is a great spot to stay and watch the game as well.

Buy a GiftYa To Mullen’s >

...Quality of the food was noteworthy. Menu was fresh with items prepared far better than many other restaurants... - Yelp Review

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!