SouthSide Works Entertainment Venue Plans Advance

PITTSBURGH, PA — The building housing the former Claddagh bar in SouthSide Works will be transformed into a vibrant, activity focused bar and restaurant. The Pittsburgh Planning Commission was briefed on the project Tuesday.

Columbus-based Rise Brands will open Pins Mechanical Co. and 16-Bit Bar + Arcade in the Claddagh space adjacent to the former SouthSide Works cinemas, most of which is being converted into office space.

Pins will feature duckpin bowling, a carnival slide, pinball machines and other retro entertainment options, along with craft beers and cocktails. 16-Bit Bar + Arcade is true to its name: a bar with classic video games such as Donkey Kong, Frogger, Street Fighter and Tapper.

"Pittsburgh has been on our radar for quite some time, and we are thrilled to bring exciting entertainment and alternative fun to the Southside," Rise Brands founder Troy Allen said last fall when the project first was announced. "The Southside Works is a vibrant area with a lot of great things happening. We can't wait for Pins to be part of the community."

Pins will occupy about 30,000 square feet near the former movie theater, which has been rebranded Box Office. How large is that compared to similar venues in Pittsburgh? Dave &
Buster's in The Block Northway in Ross is about 40,000 square feet, while the Dave & Buster's at The Waterfront is approximately 50,000 square feet.

Other Pins Mechanical locations are in Columbus, Cincinnati, Charlotte, North Carolina, Nashville and Indianapolis.

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