The Steelers are gearing up for their home opener at Acrisure Stadium, so we figured you might want a little guidance for where to eat and drink before and after the game. There are many options right by the North Shore stadium, and we've included a few of our newer favorites. We've also offered a handful of destinations that might require a short walk.
Here are five destinations worth a visit, most of which are family friendly and have the capacity to accommodate larger groups. And yes, you can top many dishes offered at these establishments with a classic you're likely thinking about when coming to Pittsburgh for the first home game of the year: Heinz ketchup.
Shorty's Pins x Pints
There's plenty of space, and plenty to do, for the whole family at Shorty's Pins x Pints on the North Shore. The 10,000-square-foot entertainment complex has a capacity for approximately 600 people indoors, and there's a big outdoor area, too. The food menu at Shorty's is limited but crowd-pleasing: There are six varieties of tacos and the same number of shareables; a handful of handhelds, such as a Cuban sandwich and a lunch burrito; and are few bonus brunch items on weekends.
Shorty's has a robust bar program, which includes several bespoke nonalcoholic cocktails for those who choose not to imbibe. We like this spot as a destination, especially when you're looking for a little active gaming before being a spectator for the one on the field. The establishment is full of duckpin bowling lanes, pinball machines, vintage arcade games and a bocce court. And here's the best part of it all: Shorty’s is open 11 a.m. to midnight on Sundays, which means you can pop over for pre- or postgame fun.
353 North Shore Drive; shortysx.com
Voodoo Brewery North Shore
Voodoo Brewery was one of the pioneers of the region's craft brewing circuit when it opened in Meadville in 2005, and it helped pave the way for brewery expansions when it opened a satellite location in Homestead in 2015. It’s now one of the big players in the game, with franchises in South Carolina and Las Vegas coming soon. Voodoo's newest location is on the North Shore, steps away from Acrisure Stadium. You'll find some of the best beer in the city, plus some cocktails.
The food menu is tilted toward filling items such as hamburgers, sandwiches and pizza, but lighter fare, including noodle bowls and salads, are available, too. Orders are placed via QR codes on your smartphone (helpful front-of-house staff are around to assist in the process, or take your order if you’re smartphone-free), and you can pay your tab directly from your device, too, which means no waiting when you're ready to head over to the game or home after your postgame hang.
337 North Shore Drive; voodoobrewery.com
Bier's Pub and War Streets Brewery [CLOSED]
The Allegheny West tap room is our favorite destination for small groups looking to get away from the hubbub of the stadium for a pre- or postgame meal and a beer. (They’ll take reservations for parties of six or more.) It'll take approximately 10 minutes to stroll from the stadium to the friendly pub, which has two rooms of seating indoors as well as tables in the back garden (and a few streetside). The tasty beer on tap is made in small batches in the building’s basement, and you’ll only find them upstairs in the pub.
Bier's tavern-style hamburgers are among the very best in Pittsburgh and reason enough to visit the establishment even on a non-game day. You can order them classic with lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese, or go for custom builds such as the Vida Burger with sauteed tomato, onion, poblano peppers and hot mayo. Turkey, spicy lamb and veggie patties are available if you choose to forgo beef. In addition, Bier's also offers a wide variety of shareables and small plates, a good selection of sandwiches and hot dogs, and a choice of pub-friendly sides.
900 Western Ave.; bierspub.com
Federal Galley
It'll take about 20 minutes to walk from the stadium to Federal Galley, the food hall and bar in Nova Place. What you'll get here are options — there are four restaurant stalls to choose from, which means it's pretty likely everyone in your crew will find something to make them happy.
Given to Fly is where you'll find some of Pittsburgh's best chicken sandwiches (plus a few salads and sides). Shaka is a Hawaiian-fusion concept that offers a variety of poke, noodle dishes and rice bowls. Driven PGH specializes in Detroit-style pizza. And Salute, the Galley's newest concept (it opened this month), offers an array of easy-to-love comfort food. Federal Galley has a full bar with a terrific selection of cocktails, a rotating tap list featuring local and national breweries, and a good selection of wine. There's plenty of space indoors and out, and the spot is family-friendly.
200 Children's Way; federalgalley.org
Sally Ann's
Say you've parked your car or taken the T Downtown (or feel like a 25-minute walk from the stadium). Well, head to Sally Ann's for your pregame festivities, because the newest concept from the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group (tako, Meat & Potatoes, etc.) is built around daytime food and drink, and there's enough space indoors and out to fit mid-sized groups.
Executive chef Jamilka Borges offers an easy-to-love menu that'll have you feeling charged before heading to the game. On Sundays, Borges' brunch menu ranges the gamut from a hearty fried Taylor Pork Roll sandwich with a schmaltz-fried egg and a custard-battered Monte Cristo to lighter options such as a veggie grain bowl with grilled corn and smoked beets and a roasted chicken salad sandwich. There are 10 cocktails on the brunch cocktail menu, including a nitro espresso martini, lengthy wine and beer lists, and a full coffee program.
136 6th St.; sallyannspgh.com
This story was updated April 4, 2023.
Hal B. Klein: hklein@post-gazette.com, Twitter @halbklein and IG @halbklein.
First Published: September 15, 2022, 10:00 a.m.
