9 Top Places to Fill Up Before a Penguins Game

Image courtesy of Pittsburgh Penguins

From cheering them on at the game, or watching them score from our favorite neighborhood hang out, we live and breathe the Penguins.

Another thing Pittsburghers take seriously is their food and drinks, and we appreciate hanging out and grabbing a bite before heading into the arena. So if you’re looking to kick back a few before the game, make sure to check out these popular Penguins hot spots.

GiftYa virtual cards are accepted at all these local watering holes, so feel free to grab some for your favorite Penguin fan. You can personalize them with a video message or a photo and they’re 100% electronic. This way you can be sure they’ll never be left at home or lost but ready to be used in these or thousands of other locations throughout Pittsburgh.

The Souper Bowl is an all-time fan favorite hang out. Game nights are the busiest nights of the week, so if you want a table, be sure to get there early!

1. Souper Bowl

Uptown
910 5th Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-471-0416

The Souper Bowl is the place to go before a Penguin game.

Superb Ruben sandwich, friendly service...Gives you the vibe of a local favorite- the bartender seemed to know most of the people in the place for lunch...great prices and they have all the beer specials/options you could want! - Yelp Review

It’s right across the street from the arena, and most fans agree that it’s a must-visit before the Pens drop the puck. It’s located on the 2nd level, so you also have a surprisingly nice view while you sip on your beer or nibble on some pub food.

It gets very crowded on game nights, but it shouldn’t be a problem if you’re just looking to get a few brews before the game. And since it’s so close, there’s no excuse for being late to the game!

Right down the street from the Souper Bowl is another Pens fan favorite. It has two levels so it can fit more excited fans.

2. Cafe Fifth

Uptown
818 5th Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-261-2215

If you’re looking for the best place for pitchers and wings, look no further than Cafe Fifth.

“...the service was on point. Got my food the minute I ordered with it being as good as it looked. It feels like a place you'd go to for a few drinks with some friends with food to pair nicely.” - Yelp Review

Also located across the street from the PPG Paints Arena, Cafe Fifth has been serving up their famous wings to fans for years. There’s always a good beer special too, and if you’re with a crowd, make sure to opt for the pitchers.

This is also a very popular after the game spot. Whether celebrating a Pens’ victory or agonizing over a defeat, Cafe Fifth can help you do both.

‍ With lots of TVs and stellar pub food, The Saloon is a solid stop on the way to downtown from the South Hills. Image courtesy of The Saloon of Mt. Lebanon

3. The Saloon of Mt. Lebanon

Mt. Lebanon
622 Washington Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15228

412-531-5666

The Saloon is a local favorite in Mt. Lebanon and has quite the crowd before Penguin games.

Fabulous family-owned and operated bar/restaurant in the heart of Mt. Lebanon. The Saloon is a staple for those who have grown up in the South Hills and continues to be for next generations to come...

It could be because their draft list is spot on or because there’s always plenty of free popcorn to go around. Either way, this is a local favorite of the South Hills and on most fans’ way downtown.

There’s usually a Penguin’s game special, so even if you haven’t scored tickets to the game, you can find a comfortable spot at the The Saloon and watch it from the bar.

Buy a GiftYa To The Saloon of Mt. Lebanon >

...The warm atmosphere, extensive drink selection, surplus of mounted TVs, cleanliness, and unlimited fresh popcorn are some of the reasons this place is always packed with people. The staff is so friendly, even amongst the sea of people they are quick to serve you and your party. - Yelp Review

Another stop on Route 19 down the road from The Saloon is Cain’s Bar. This is a great spot to grab a bite before the game or stay for the whole thing!

4. Cain’s

Dormont
3239 W. Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15216

412-561-7444

Cain’s is another South Hills Pens’ fan go to stop before the big game.

Hidden gem of the South Hills! This is our go-to neighborhood restaurant and bar, whether we want to grab a drink after work, or brunch on the weekend...

It has a huge selection of drafts that are always changing, and it has no shortage of great bar food to accompany it. Make sure you try their huge Cain’s Cheesesticks-- they’re listed as an appetizer but big enough to be a meal!

Buy a GiftYa To Cain’s >

...Excellent draft list - they have a great variety. It's the perfect place to watch a game. Their food is far above expectations from a typical sports bar - everything is homemade and really fresh. - Yelp Review

A great downtown bar to stop at before a Pens game. Redbeard’s also has a location in Mt. Washington if you feel like stopping up there instead!

5. Redbeard’s on Sixth

Downtown
144 Sixth St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-261-2324

Redbeard’s is a nice local bar in the middle of downtown Pittsburgh.

...Good draft selection. Great mixed drinks. As far as sports bars go, this is exactly what you would expect. It's spacious enough to never feel overcrowded while you enjoy a game. And the staff is amazing... - Yelp Review

It has that good sports bar vibe, so fans can feel comfortable stopping in before a Penguin’s game.

There’s always a large contingent of hockey fans sporting their favorite player’s sweater and sampling all excellent craft beer available on draft.

‍ This local bar is a great place to stop in and grab a drink before the Pens game! Image courtesy of Hough’s

6. Hough’s

Greenfield
563 Greenfield Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15207

412-586-5944

If you’re in the Greenfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, be sure to stop by Hough’s for a pint before the game.

Love hough's! Classic American bar fare with a flair of Tex-mex and Pittsburgh specialties...

This spot is as famous for its list of rotating draft beers as it is for its pierogies. Pen’s fans like this spot because it is a small, family-owned business, and they feel like they’re really a part of the community.

...Good prices and great beer specials...speaking of beer...excellent selection!!! Nice atmosphere with plenty of beautiful woodwork. Street parking. Always good service. - Yelp Review

Hidden off the main drag of Southside, Birmingham Bridge Tavern is full of Penguin’s fans before the game.

7. Birmingham Bridge Tavern

Southside
2901 Sarah St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

412-381-2739

Birmingham Bridge Tavern is located across the river in the Southside, but it is just a quick ride away from the PPG Paints Arena.

Nice little bar off the beaten path from the south side and the flats. Definitely worth going to. It seems like a hole in the wall but the bar area is really updated with big TVs to watch the game... - Yelp Review

Pens fans make it a point to stop in before the game for a quick bite before heading downtown.

It’s not on Carson St., so you can expect a strong, neighborhood bar feel to this place. Pens fans love this about it, that and there’s always a game special and new drafts to try on their list.

‍Duke’s is a great place for Pens fans to stop in before the game. Their friendly bartenders are always ready to fill your class up with another local or craft beer. Image courtesy of Duke’s Upperdeck Cafe

8. Duke’s Upperdeck Cafe

Homestead
122 W. 8th Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15120

412-461-8124

Located in Homestead, Duke’s is the place to go before any Pittsburgh sporting event.

Duke's is a classic bar with great drink prices and specials.  Lots and lots of beers on tap and the service is pretty good. Friendly crowd makes this place the "Cheers" of Homestead... - Yelp Review

It’s a mix of a sports bar and an old time Pittsburgh bar, topped off with a great local vibe. Pen’s fans like it because as the hockey season rolls into spring, their second floor patio opens up for guests to enjoy the warmer weather-- and hopefully a chance to watch the Pens make the playoffs!

Mario’s has plenty of space, and plenty of TVs, to help prepare you for any Pens game!

9. Mario’s Saloon

Southside
1514 E. Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

412-381-5610

With 18 HD TVs and a 120” high definition screen, Mario’s in the Southside is a great place to get pumped up before the Penguin’s game.

Buy a GiftYa To Mario’s Saloon >

If you're looking for a place to have decently priced drinks, watch a game, and chill for a bit, this is the place! - Yelp Review

This place is always packed full of fans, either on their way to the arena or settling in the catch the game on the huge screen. Make sure to stop in for their specials, which are all nicely priced for the game!

What better way to show your favorite Penguins fan you care then with a GiftYa gift card to any of these Pittsburgh hockey bars? Grab a bite with the locals before heading into the PPG Paints Arena to cheer the Pens on to another victory.