Bars in Oakland offer chances to pull up a stool

Hemingway’s Cafe
412-621-4100
Monday-Friday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Saturday 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Sunday 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
3911 Forbes Ave.
$
Panther Funds? Yes

From the small window connecting Hemingway’s to the outside world, you’d think that the place was a quaint little watering hole. But step inside, and you discover that the thin room goes way, way back, allowing for damn near every legal Pitt student to be at the bar at once. Yes, Hemingway’s is the arguable flagship of Pitt bars. Is it because of Hem’s prime location, right in the center of campus? Is it the friendly neighborhood bar feel? Is it the full menu of delicious bar food favorites (try the wraps!)? Maybe, but $1.50 drafts all day, every day sure can’t hurt.

Boomerangs Bar and Grille
(412) 578-8491
Tuesday – Sunday 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
3909 Forbes Ave.
$
Panther Funds? No

If the neighborhood bar feel is a little too calm for your liking, don’t fret — just next door to Hem’s is another beloved monosyllabic bar. It’s Booms! Known to those who aren’t so hip as Boomerangs Bar and Grille, Booms is an expansive joint with multiple bars and a whole lotta shakin’ goin on. This veritable Oakland dance club gets poppin’ every weekend as Pitt students and locals mix it up on the flo’. Home to hard-to-beat specials ($1.50 drafts, cheap pitchers) and thumping beats, Booms’ slogan says it all: “Get Bombed at Booms!”

Gene’s Place
412-682-2158
3616 Louisa St.
$
Panther Funds? No

Ah, Gene’s Place, the beer drinker’s bar of Oakland. Do I say that because the bar has an extensive beer list of rare microbrews? Well, no. I say this because there’s nary a place in all the land (or at least Oakland) in which the norm is a 22 oz. mug of frosty ale. Skip those puny pints — Gene’s 22’s are not only huge, but also impressively affordable. Add to the mix the bar’s tiny, hole-in-the-wall nature, the competitive darts games that often erupt out of nowhere and the fact that the delightful Gene himself is often hanging out with the drinkers, and you’ve got yourself a great night. Or, if you’re like many of Gene’s customers, a great every-night-of-the-week.

Peter’s Pub
412-681-7465
Daily 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
116 Oakland Ave.
$
Panther Funds? No

Peter’s Pub is Oakland’s quintessential college bar. Picture the bar from “St. Elmo’s Fire,” just without Demi Moore dressed in ’80s garb, and you’ve got a good idea of the scene in Peter’s. There are enough tables that one’s almost always open to grab a seat and share a pitcher with some friends, more than decent bar food and good times all around. Ever seen someone staggering through Oakland wearing a Viking hat? Well you should’ve wished him a happy 21st birthday — Peter’s rewarded him with the subtle cap that seems to say, “I’m legal now. Will you buy me my 19th shot?” And Peter’s is the closest Oakland gets to a real live rock club — the bar regularly features live music and themed dance nights on the second floor. Nobody loves Pitt like Peter’s.

Garage Door Saloon
412-621-4842
223 Atwood St.
$
Panther Funds? No

Like Hemingway’s, Garage Door Saloon is deceptively big, with several distinct and equally wonderful rooms. First, walk into the bar room. A big, rectangular bar greets you, and the cold air rushing in from the open garage-like windows is a plus. After you pick up your drink, walk further into room number two. See that stage? Stop by on a Tuesday night for one of the most ridiculous and fun karaoke nights out there. Keep on truckin’ to room number three and you’ve got some bar staples: two pool tables and the bathrooms. All your bases are covered! Another Pitt favorite, G-Door is location next to the new Souf Oakland Steaks. That’s a one-two punch that’s hard to beat.

Fuel and Fuddle
(412) 682-3473
212 Oakland Ave.
Daily 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 a.m.
$$
Panther Funds? Yes, until 11 p.m.

Not only does Fuel and Fuddle boast campus’ most popular half-off food selection at night, but this Oakland hot spot also brews its own beers, as well as offering a wide selection of micros and imports. Check out the Fire Brown Brick Ale or the Pumphouse Pale Ale — they’re brewed by Troegs and crafted just for Fuel and Fuddle. Walk by just before 11 p.m. — there’s a reason that dozens of people are standing outside waiting to get in. Great beer, great food, great choice.

Bootlegger’s
412-682-3060
11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
403 Semple St.
$
Panther Funds? No

Deep in the heart of South Oakland lies a monster in waiting. With maybe the biggest actual bar in a bar, Bootlegger’s is ready to serve thirsty collegians. With a thriving karaoke scene, deep seated booths for drunken conversing and a big room for billiards, Bootlegger’s is the perfect option for Oakland dwellers who can’t be bothered to wander to campus. After all, why travel when there’s beer right in your backyard? Located on Semple Street’s wonderful block of bars and restaurants between Bates and Ward streets, the possibilities seem endless. When you’re done with the beers, you can pick up a Campus Deli sub, a Larry and Carol’s pizza or even another beer at Uncle Jimmy’s! Which leads us to...

Uncle Jimmy’s
412-681-7480
418-420 Semple St.
Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
$
Panther Funds? No

Uncle Jimmy’s is the truest local’s-favorite bar in Oakland. The long bar has room for you, your friend and the old dude who lives down the street and boasts an impressive collection of classic beer bottles, revealing just how far back this joint goes. The bartenders are always friendly, and they’ll gladly chat or play you in pool. The beers are cheap and you’ll never have to wait longer than it takes to order a drink and fill up a mug. There’s always a modest crowd hanging out, and you’ll enjoy Jimmy’s grade-A drink specials. So buy a pitcher and bring your friends — this is the ultimate laid-back hangout in the area.

Spice Cafe
412-682-1900
328 Atwood St.
Sunday-Wednesday 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Thursday – Saturday 3 p.m. – 2 a.m.
$
Panther Funds? No

Spice Cafe is located directly under India Garden right smack in the middle of Oakland, but you won’t exactly see it from the street. That’s right, Spice is actually down a set of steps in the basement. But don’t let that dissuade you — this little gem of a bar is dark (call it mood lighting) and cheap (call it college budget) and gets the job done well. With great nightly specials (check the chalkboard on the sidewalk) and a good crowd vibe, Spice is the perfect spot to hit after a night out to dinner ... at India Garden.

Pittsburgh Cafe
412-867-3330
226 Meyran Ave.
$$
Panther Funds? No

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better drink selection or social atmosphere than Pittsburgh Cafe, so lovingly referred to as P-Caf. The bar’s got around 75 beers available and has a martini menu that’s comparable to swanky out-of-Oakland joints like Olive or Twist or Doc’s Place. P-Caf’s decor is easily one of the classiest in the neighborhood, and it’s far enough away from the main strip (albeit about a block) that you’ll quickly feel more relaxed. Or maybe that’s just the booze. Regardless, Pittsburgh Cafe also boasts outdoor seating and is currently working to renovate its second floor (that explains the huge dumpster outside), so there’ll be much more room to sip pomegranate martinis before long.

Logan’s
412-578-8483
Daily until 2 a.m.
301 North Craig St.
$
Panther Funds? No

When you live in North Oakland, even getting to campus is a hike. But when it’s time to drink, you’re in luck — there are bars right around the corner! Logan’s, most famous for its location on Craig that is passed by campus shuttles countless times a day, is a quaint little bar with utterly wonderful specials. It doesn’t get cheaper than this, folks. Plus, Logan’s often features live music and a top quality pool table. Stop the shuttle! It’s time for beer!

Panther Hollow Inn
412-682-0588
4611 Forbes Ave.
$$
Panther Funds? No

Though it’s a bit of a hike from Pitt’s campus, Panther Hollow is the perfect place to meet your CMU friends — this bar is about equidistant from both campuses. The place has some great pizza and even greater pitcher specials, as well as being one of the only bars in Oakland that maintains a nice, air-conditioned temperature. Believe me, when Pittsburgh gets hot and muggy, head to Panther Hollow to cool off.