Whether it's the lack of a running clock, the regular inning breaks or the fact that most of the season is played on lazy summer days and nights when heat begets hunger, baseball is more associated with food than any other spectator sport.
It's right there in the seventh inning paean to the game!
Peanuts and Cracker Jack are fine and all, but the North Shore is awash with franchises offering beer and bread before, during and after the nine-inning circus.
New since last opening day is a Burgatory and a Bar Louie near your trusty Post-Gazette headquarters and the excellent and local Slice on Broadway pizzeria joining the fold on the Federal Street side of the ballpark.
But, for alternative pre- or post-game options for a nosh and a nip, we offer these off the beaten path suggestions, based on the following criteria:
1. They're within one walking mile of PNC Park.
2. They're local, independent establishments.
3. No fine dining, haute cuisine, tweezer food or fusion. You're going to a ballgame. Eat and drink accordingly.
Central North Side
Once known as Allegheny City, this part of the North Side is home to the holy trinity of Pittsburgh's grand old bars.
Consider that prior to opening day 1890 (!!!) one could have conceivably gotten an Iron City at the then-year old Park House Tavern (403 E. Ohio St.) before walking a short distance to see the Pittsburgh Alleghenys defeat the Cleveland Spiders, 3-2, at nearby Recreation Field. And, one could ostensibly do the exact same thing there today before heading to PNC Park. Then again, given the Park House's outstanding selection of craft beers, you might try something new and unusual.
By the time the Farmers and Drovers Hotel was granted its 1893 license to sell "Vinious, Spiritous, Malt or Brewed Liquors At Retail," the team had already been the Pirates for a few years and back at Exposition Park (though Pittsburgh briefly became Pittsburg in that span). The Pirates stuck with their name (Pittsburgh later resurrected the H), but the aforementioned establishment would go on to become Max's Allegheny Tavern (537 Suismon St.), where you can get a Germanic plate of spatzle, knackwurst or schnitzel.
The grand African mahogany backbar at the James St. Gastropub (422 Foreland St.) was carved in 1926 when the Pirates were the defending World Series champs. Head there now for reliably good pub grub and to hear music ranging from bluegrass and blues to jam bands and jazz.
Allegheny West
This, the stomping grounds of the PG's baseball "Stats Geek" columnist Brian O'Neill, offers another great triad of places to check out, all in immediate proximity.
The Modern Café (862 Western Ave.) is a historic dive bar with a great beer and sandwich selection. A gent named Art Rooney Sr., who once owned a team also called the Pirates (albeit briefly), was said to have frequented the joint.
Catty-corner is the BYOB Carmi Soul Food Restaurant (917 Western Ave.), where you can find fried chicken, ribs and southern specialties nonpareil on the North Side.
Across the street is Benjamin's Western Avenue Burger Bar (900 Western Ave.), where a house blend of sirloin, brisket and short rib is ground daily into some truly gourmet burgers.
Market Square
The Golden Triangle continues its dining renaissance with no shortage of highfalutin fare that's making national headlines.
And, that's great, but ballgames = hot dogs. You'll find few finer than those at Franktuary. For burgers, head to Winghart's. Mexican grub can be found at Las Velas. Prefer a-slice-a-pizza? Try Senor Sergio Muto's legendary La Gondola. And, if you've never had a fish sandwich at the Original Oyster House, please schedule your pilgrimage immediately.
Oh, and supposedly there's also a place there that puts fries and slaw on its sandwiches. Go figure.
First Published: April 2, 2016, 4:00 a.m.