Top Three Bars in South Side, Pittsburgh

Picking the 'Top Three Bars' in South Side, Pittsburgh is a daunting task. Carson Street, the main drag, has collected a vast variety and number of all sizes and types of bars, with more coming with what seems every year. From dance clubs to dive bare to fine restaurants, it is as if every shop sells some sort of alcohol. Even the Beehive, the famous hippy coffee shop now sells beer and liquor. A bar is not just a bar in South Side, Pittsburgh, but a unique experience. From a classic pub to the most bizarre, we will cover three of the must see bars when visiting the South Side of Pittsburgh.

Mario's South Side Saloon, located on 1514 E. Carson St, is a great stop for a draft after work. The split level building is always very clean and the service is great. Many find that since one half is non-smoking, you can escape the bar smell after a few hours inside. With nightly specials that are always affordable and a packed house every night, Mario's deserves its title for becoming most the famous and popular hangout.

If your taste buds are craving an adventure, Smokin' Joe's at 2001 E. Carson Street is your second destination. The atmosphere is much more relaxed with pool tables and big screen televisions for the game night, not to mention a huge three sided bar. This is where you will find one of the best selections of domestic and imported brews throughout the city. Upwards of 40 different beers are always on tap, along with massive coolers for rare and fine bottles to choose from. Come in and enjoy an exotic draft or create a six-pack and take it home with you. There are enough choices to make the beer connoisseur busy for months.

Last stop, and you better be ready, is the infamous Bar 11 located at 1101 Bradish Street. This may be more difficult than the previous, since it is tucked away off of E. Caron St. Walking past it will not immediately jump out as a bar, but inside may be one of the most wild experiences of night life in the area. Outside you may find a bouncer dressed as a bright yellow banana or a disgruntled skier in red long john underwear. Step inside, and you will be handed a highlighter which will be put to your friends and strangers skin for coloring. The name tags, drums and black lights that surround the bar area is always a hot topic and something to laugh at. If you happen to come during a 'Lunasea' or full moon party, you are in for a treat. Do not be surprised at the lasers, foam machines and fire-blowing bartenders. After picking up your drink, grab some toy army soldiers and other small goodies that are spread across the bar top as a memento to take home.

These three are just a small taste of the variety of what the South Side of Pittsburgh has to offer. Whether you want to watch the game, relax after work or leave covered in highlighter ink and toys, you can't go wrong where you visit for the night.