Ranking The South Side's Most Terrific Taverns

PITTSBURGH, PA - The South Side has dozens of bars, from the divey to the upscale. Your favorite might fall somewhere in the middle. But amid the myriad of places in which to imbibe, which ones are the best?

We’re used to trusting Yelp users on this topic, as they’re the ones who regularly rate these establishments. But something seems off to us about their choice for the Top 10 taverns on the South Side, perhaps because two of our favorite hangout spots - Fat Head’s and Smokin’ Joe’s - didn’t make the cut.

So we don’t agree with these rankings. Do you? Is there a bar on this list that is overrated? Were some of your places, like ours, perplexingly omitted? Let us know in the comments secton below or on Patch’s Pittsburgh Facebook page.

1. The Smiling Moose, 1306 East Carson St.

Yelpsters believe this place has it all. Raved one: “Great food, wide variety of craft beers. Trivia, big screen projector, upstairs concert venue too. Went here all the time when I lived in the South Side. Cool people too and priced great.” Advised another: “Don't be deterred by the Evil Dead posters and Pantera blasting over the jukebox. This isn't your run of the mill metal head bar (although if you're into that, they regularly host metal shows upstairs).”

2. Acacia, 2108 East Carson St.
“Acacia is not the place for you if you're looking for luxury and plush seating and an attentive waitstaff,” one reviewer cautioned.” However, if you're looking for the more stellar cocktails in Pittsburgh and a completely unpretentious setting that is reminiscent of hidden bars during Prohibition, this is the place for you.” Wrote another: Dim lit bar. Tasty cocktails. Not too crowded or too empty. Just a chill easy going crowd.”

3. Streets on Carson, 2108 East Carson St.
Cocktails apparently reign supreme here. This Yelpster stated, “My eyes immediately gravitated to the infused spirits on the Happy Hour menu ($5 each). Per the recommendation of the woman sitting next to me, I decided to try the tarragon rum. It wasn't overly sweet.” Another raved about the “South Side” drink: “It was gin, lemon, simple syrup and mint. Delicious.”

4. Bar 11, 1101 Bradish St.
“This place has everything: candy necklaces, plastic toys, party poppers, confetti, foam, and fire breathing bartenders,” one reviewer wrote.”The drinks aren’t bad and are reasonably priced.” Opined another: “This mismatched pseudo-punk palace is my absolute favorite. With the lights on it's a little scary, with them off you'll love it.”

5. The South Paw, 2210 East Carson St.
“What a little hole in the wall,” one reviewer wrote, which we suppose was meant affectionately. “The South Paw is a gem hidden in between tattoo shops and for lease signs at the end of the Birmingham Bridge.” Another stated, “If you are looking for a friendly atmosphere with bartenders and staff that will bend over backwards, this isn't the place for you. If you are looking for little dive bar where you can get possibly the best wings in all of Pittsburgh then look no further.”

6. Piper’s Pub, 1828 East Carson St.
Succinctly summing up the drinking options here, one Yelpster wrote: “Piper's is home to British/Irish inspired food, a variety of whiskeys, mead...and, well, plenty of other alcoholic beverage options, seeing as it's a pub.” Advised another: Be careful to check to see what European football games are playing, because it does become very crowded if there's an important game on, but it's worth the wait.”

7. Jekyl & Hyde, 140 S. 18th St.
“They serve super strong drinks with cheap Halloween toys in them,” wrote one reviewer, as though that’s something out of the ordinary. “We wore all the spider rings all night like the classy ladies we are.” Raved another: “Best bar in Pittsburgh. Halloween themed all year. Karaoke. Magic Hat on tap. What more do you need?”

8. Jack’s Bar, 1121 East Carson St.
One reviewer wrote: “Cash only and the smokers hang out there so the clouds are heavy. Where else can you order jello shots and pop rocks? Classic.” Another provided this useful information: “They are open almost all hours of the day, catering to the steelworkers back in the day who would want a drink after wrapping up third shift.”

9. Dive Bar and Grille, 2132 East Carson St.
“The drink menu is extensive (really solid list of drafts, bottles, wines, and craft cocktails) and they have a good happy hour as well,” one Yelpster offered.”The bartenders are always very friendly.” Added another: The place is really hip and cozy and the staff is awesome. I came during happy hour and found their specials to be amazing - half off all appetizers and many drink specials as well.”

10. Carmella’s Plates & Pints, 1908 East Carson St.
This reviewer gave Carmella’s quite the thumbs-up: “I love everything about this place. The atmosphere, the service, the delicious food and the stellar cocktails. Everything is on point.”
Another offered: “The bar hosts a variety of whiskeys, wines (bottle and tap), and beer (local, out of state, draft, and bottle). There is something for everyone here.”

Photos via Yelp.