The Speakeasy. As larger A nice spot. You have these memories of things that may have happen, but its good to see the universities keeping up with the time so kids still want to go there, Mattiko said. Its fifth proprietor, Louis Grippo, has done an exceptional job preserving the tavern's past architecture and dcor, which helped earn The Original Oyster House its designation as an historic landmark by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation. If youve been around long enough (and this town isnt exactly full of transients), you either know many of them by name or were in some of them yourself back in your younger days when your back wasnt troubling you and you didnt have to get up so early for work. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Pittsburghers rocked at the Decade Lounge Butterjoint: This Oakland watering hole is known for its burgers and handcrafted cocktails, but you can get . The area got its name from the abundance of oak trees found on the farm of William Eichbaum, who settled there in 1840. Oakland is Pittsburgh's second most populated neighborhood with 22,210 residents, a majority of these residents being students. And obviously from there it just snowballed, he said. In the 90s, The Decade and its predecessors mostly hosted some blues performers, like Stevie Ray Vaughan, as well as small-time acts looking for a start. Strictly Necessary Cookies, Performance Cookies, Functionality Cookies, Targeting Cookies or Advertising Cookies, Preferences, Security, Processes, Advertising, Session State, Analytics, Pitt police reviews protocol for campus shooting scenarios after Michigan State shooting, Pitt women's lacrosse defeats Canisius 16-8, Opinion | Response to Ohio train derailment reminds us that government, companies treat life as expendable, Pitt Dance Marathon prepares for another successful event to support UPMC Childrens Hospital. South Oakland has six land borders, including the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Central Oakland to the northeast, Squirrel Hill South to the east, Greenfield to the southeast, Hazelwood to the south-southeast, Bluff to the west, and West Oakland to the northwest. Schneider saw Graffiti as the most impressive of the Oakland clubs. Omni William Penn Hotel Speakeasy Located up a flight of rickety stairs in the Strand Building on Forbes Avenue, for more than 20 years the place with all-black walls and large mirrors was where people went to drink and dance to alternative music. In 1984 Dom DiSilvio, owner of the Decade club, asked guitarist and ex Silencer member Warren King to form an "all-star" band to bring in customers on club's slow Monday nights. In an interview with the Post Gazette Danny Kresge said"In ohter cities, there are such clubs and the have proven quite successful. Famous national artists like Aerosmith and Bon Jovi visited the Decade after playing shows at larger venues in the city because of its reputation. This is in the lower level of the Penn Hotel. Graffiti had a successful run from 1983 until 2000. We played with, at the time, some really great bands Blind Sight, The Goodies and Anti-Flag. Manor Theater. Before gaining a huge national popularity, U2, The Police, The Pretenders and Stevie Ray Vaughan each played sets at the Decade during the late 70s and 80s. year. The Ramones rumbled into town for two shows on March 6th and 7th of 1979. . Business owners take the change as a blank check for higher quality and more specialized drinks and food with higher prices while many Pitt students might be happier with bargains and a variety of choices for fun nights out. A tiny retro diner, Tom's Diner served everything you'd expect from a classic diner - burgers, fries, and milkshakes. The popular Italian restaurant, tucked in the Strip District, was owed and founded by Lidia Bastianich, a familiar face at the restaurant. October 24, 2013 / 6:00 AM performed three songs with Bon Ton Roulet. Was that in the same building? But the small Oakland bar could not accommodate the vast Meat Loaf entourage. From 1973 until he sold it in 1995, owner Dom DiSilvio made the Decade Pittsburgh's ultimate rock and roll bar. It was one of the better showcases that was in Pittsburgh. John Bon Jovi did the Decade on March, 1987 playing a 50 minute set with his friend the manful handful Norman Nardini. If you've ever wondered what Pittsburgh was like roughly eight decades ago, step into the Omni William Penn Hotel's Speakeasy, the only one of its kind in the city. She did not mention any specific plans within the near future. google_ad_format="120x600_as"; Johnny Banana Zarra owned the Banana with his wife Judy and decided in 1980 to make a radical transition in style after nearly 10 years as a go-go and then a disco club. Related: Best Historic Sites To See In Pittsburgh. The parachutes on the ceiling were all the ambience that was needed. OBID is a government-chartered area that provides services above and beyond that of the city government by taxing property holders within Oakland. It was like turning the lights off. There shouldnt be any nightlife [in Oakland because] the rents dont allow for that, he said, referencing tight profit margins on cinemas and bars. In keeping with an historically accurate layout, a police raid escape route winds through hallways and back staircases before spilling out onto Oliver Street. While some things have changed since Pittsburgh's oldest bar and restaurant first opened in 1870 such as its 10-cent beers and penny oysters, the iconic recipes, unmatched customer service and the building's original character remain unchanged. Many students at the University of Pittsburgh who decide to live off-campus reside in this neighborhood. google_color_url="B76401"; 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. It has since been a deli, a lesbian bar, a The change in students isnt limited to the booze, said Brandon Smith, the 35-year-old co-owner of Fuel and Fuddle and a Pitt alum. //-->, Sign in|Recent Site Activity|Report Abuse|Print Page|Powered By Google Sites, Venues from the trash heap of Pittsburgh's History, 2013 Pittsburgh Music History Year End Recap, Biggest stories of 2011 -- Pittsburgh Pop, Rock and Rap, Hear the Music of Pittsburgh on the Genre Pages via Spotify, Inaugural Pittsburgh Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame Celebration 01/23/14, Pittsburgh Music History Celebrates Black History Month 2012, Scot Tady of Times Online on Pittsburgh Music History, Thanks to Readers of Pittsburgh Music History, Thanks to the Internet, Pittsburgh's music history plays on, The Beat: Andrew Druckenbrod and Scott Mervis Video on Pittsburgh Music History, Vote for the 2015 Pittsburgh Rock 'N Roll Legends Nominees, Calliope and the Smokey City Folk Festival, Sonny Pugar Memorial Music Smiles Program, Graffiti Showcase and Graffiti Rock Challenge. The third club in the Triangle was Graffiti, which opened on Baum Boulevard in North Oakland in 1982. If the idea of sharing some spirits with Pittsburgh's spirits is on your bar bucket list, Papa J Centro's is the perfect place to check that off. The Decade had the most history, but it was small, he said. South Oakland was the childhood home of Andy Warhol, and later the residence of fellow pop artist Keith Haring. Stay tuned for the next installment, which will be about Oaklands community improvement initiatives. Gooski's 4.3 (94 reviews) Dive Bars $Polish Hill Divey "the perfect dive bar tho for someone that wants to get out of the house and have fun with someone (if" more Outdoor seating 2. began working with producer Brian Eno, they were not the polished superstar U2 that The Decade is the only bar on the list that has had a book written about it (Gabby Means The Decade.). After a decline following the 1970s, Pitt's enrollment grew from 26,328 in 1995 to 28,649 in 2016. time with his family DiSilvio sold the Decade in 1995. Over the decades, Oakland pushed through a population dip as Pitt did and became overwhelmed by the Universitys ever-encroaching boundaries. We would go to each others shows, but we would also try and do shows with each other, Schneider said. 31st Street Pub, Strip DistrictDuring its 53 years in business, first as Greenfields Pub then as the 31st Street Pub, this place went through several incarnations: First as a shot-and-beer place for mill workers, then as a biker bar and in its final days was a punk rock haven. It features Live music, DJs & karaoke in a no-nonsense, arty space with pool tables & a full bar. However, the border between Central Oakland and South Oakland is further south than they believe. Bar Marco: Among Pittsburgh restaurants, this Strip District bar tops lists for its rotating menu, good service, and five-course meal in the reservations-only wine room.Order the "bartender's choice" for a customized cocktail based on your favorite spirit and flavors. As downtown Pittsburgh's oldest-standing former brothel and the city's third oldest building, this historic landmark serves up some hauntingly good tales along with its beer, wine and cocktails. Jackson sang his Is She Really Going Out with Him and Funny Papers" in April Students could grab a coffee, study, hang out or catch a movie then later concerts all in the same spot. The Gandy Dancer Saloon is located next to Pittsburgh's Grand Concourse. Since its formation, Oakwatch has noticed a decline in disruptions and house parties in recent years, based on reports from a September Oakwatch, Despite the memories of a thriving nightlife, Petropoulos. Chiodo's Tavern, HomesteadJoe Chiodo held court in this legendary Homestead Bar that was home to the popular mystery sandwich. Its walls were covered with Steelers knick-knacks and other memorabilia, including an alligator jaw and dozens of bras donated by the bars female patrons for reasons that never were fully explained. The Decade nightclub was a staple of the neighborhood in the 1970s and 1980s. We usually stay in Oakland, Drew said. Back outside Towers, as the cigarette smokes dissipates in the cool November air, Passerini thinks back on her two years of on-campus living. Those Doc Marten-wearing feet could then walk a few blocks down to The Decade, a bar and concert venue, then The Next Decade, a rehashed version of the venue on Atwood Street. Related: Best Haunted Bars In Pittsburgh Gandy. google_color_border="FFFFFF"; Its goal provide coordination for Oaklands economy. Pat Benetar hit Pittsburgh with her best shot on November of that [7] The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, the largest mosque in the city, is located in North Oakland. The first floor bar of the hotel was the hang out of baseball hall of fame member Honus Wagner and the Pittsburgh Pirate. google_color_bg="FFFFFF"; (412) 566-7925www.originaloysterhousepittsburgh.com. In the 90s, specials on cheap booze, like Calicos 5-cent drafts, did well. google_ad_width=120; By 1860, there was considerable commercial development along Fifth Avenue. (Photo Credit: KDKA) Sandcastle 1000 Sandcastle. Chiodo retired in 2005 and the bar was razed to make way for a Walgreens and Subway. We were on the same label at the time Cleveland International Records. Thus the Mystic Knights were formed with ex Wild Cherry guitarist, The members changed over time and the band become known as "Warren King and the Mystic Knights of the Sea." He started hiring everybody and he became like the Godfather of rock music. the place apart with a skillfully played energetic performance on March 20, 1979. From Prohibition-style taverns and restored saloons to haunted watering holes, there's no shortage of unique and iconic buildings in which to toast to the city's backstory. The place is now an IGA supermarket. West Oakland has six borders with the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of North Oakland to the northeast, Central Oakland to the southeast, South Oakland to the south and south-southeast, Bluff to the southwest, and the Crawford-Roberts and Terrace Village regions of the Hill District to the west and northwest, respectively. Though Pittsburgh is no longer replete with dance clubs, surefire picks still exist. cut their teeth. Theres one or two bars, theres no movie theatre theres nothing.. google_ad_height=600; Grushecky noted a rivalry between the two scenes sparked by these differences. I even brought Bruce Springsteen there one night during the height of the Born in the U.S.A. craziness. Tequila Cowboy is a bar and grill, but its self-proclaimed "revved-up nightlife" makes it more than a viable option for one of Pittsburgh's best nightclubs. Home to three universities, museums, hospitals, shopping venues, restaurants, and recreational activities, this section of the city also includes two city-designated historic districts: the mostly residential Schenley Farms Historic District and the predominantly institutional Oakland Civic Center Historic District, as well as the locally-designated Oakland Square Historic District. It wasnt an attractive district. As executive director of the Oakland Business Improvement District, Georgia Petropoulos is used to competing with Downtown. In 1955, the first effective polio vaccine was developed by Dr. Jonas Salk at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Bars come and go, but this one had been around long enough and had established such a reputation as a fun place to eat, imbibe or listen to live music that it had become a part of Pittsburghs social fabric. 10. With its vast space, futuristic design and manually operated lighting system, Whim reminds visitors of Pittsburghs electronica heyday. There they may have celebrated their 1903 World Series win. Photo credits: Decade sign, Dom DeSilvio via Gabby Means; Decade exterior, Jay Flori via Gabby Means; Jon Bon Jovi, Dom DiSilvio via Gabby Means. His shop, The Beehive, which he ran with business partner Steve Zumoff, served as a general hangout. Bars & Clubs. Now, regulars might come two or three times. The reigning champions of 80s nostalgia are Belvederes and Lava Lounge. DiSilvio personally convinced Stevie Ray Vaughan to play at his club after watching him perform live. Smaller business districts in Central Oakland provide additional dining options along Atwood Street and Semple Street. 22; 2001 on the North Side; 2002 in White Oak; the Disco Factory in Plum Boro; The V.I.P. Eric Heyl is Patch's Pittsburgh field editor. While playing in the band Mother McCrees Garden, Russ Schneider performed at all three of the Oakland clubs in the mid-90s and described the Electric Banana as a start-up venue. google_color_bg="FFFFFF"; By 164turnera. Alex Chilton, and Meat Loaf. Joe This is a subjective undertaking, much like the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame selections (James Taylor? Since its construction in 1860, this building has been home to a brothel through 1937, a boarding house until 1979 and Tramps Restaurant through 1994, along with a few ghostly guests. Today, people come here to meet people passing through our nightspots. A tip of the hat to eight beloved Pittsburgh restaurants that are gone but not forgotten. The Decade guys were definitely better musicians not better artists, but players, he said. Tucked in East Liberty, Spoon was a favorite dining spot of many Pittsburghers. This is part two of a series by staff writer Stephen Caruso about how Oaklands businesses and the community have changed since the 1990s for better or worse. Oakland has long been considered Pittsburgh's university center. See what the regions indie directors are cooking up from short comedy to animations and docs. It was a party every Saturday night with the Houserockers. Upstage, OaklandIts a testament to the popularity of the Upstage that more than a decade after it closed, former patrons maintain a Facebook page in its honor. piece band called the Police who were getting airplay with their song Roxanne tore After a decline following the 1970s, Pitts enrollment grew from. might not always stay within Oakland as the sun sets and students come out. Every Thursday, Calicos offered a deal Mattiko, or any money-starved college student, couldnt turn down nickel drafts. 2013 Pittsburgh Music History Year End Recap, Biggest stories of 2011 -- Pittsburgh Pop, Rock and Rap, Hear the Music of Pittsburgh on the Genre Pages via Spotify, Inaugural Pittsburgh Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame Celebration 01/23/14, Pittsburgh Music History Celebrates Black History Month 2012, Scot Tady of Times Online on Pittsburgh Music History, Thanks to Readers of Pittsburgh Music History, Thanks to the Internet, Pittsburgh's music history plays on, The Beat: Andrew Druckenbrod and Scott Mervis Video on Pittsburgh Music History, Vote for the 2015 Pittsburgh Rock 'N Roll Legends Nominees, Calliope and the Smokey City Folk Festival, Sonny Pugar Memorial Music Smiles Program, Graffiti Showcase and Graffiti Rock Challenge. So I said to Joe, Who the hell is this? And he says, This is Meat Loaf. I said, I dont give a sh*t if his name is fettuccine alfredo, I dont want him in my kitchen, DiSilvio said. Regulars recommend the golani and falafel, any beer off the always-rotating taps and, of course, the bar's free popcorn and peanuts. Facing increased competition from other local live venues, Nicks closed in 2004. It is also home of the main branch of the Carnegie Library, the Carnegie Museum, and Phipps Conservatory. In the early 1900's at the corner of Atwood and Sennott stood a small hotel. we know today. The place had a cool old feeling to it. Read on for the 5 best Pittsburgh nightlife spots geared toward those who aren't quite legal to drink, or who need a break from the bar scene. We had clubs. West Oakland, the smallest of the four districts, is bordered by Fifth Avenue in the south, DeSoto Street in the east, the Birmingham Bridge to the west, and Allequippa Street to the north. Oakland is the academic and healthcare center of Pittsburgh and one of the city's major cultural centers. According to the Pitt Fact Book, the average SAT scores of new Panthers rose from 1110 to about 1280 from 1995 to 2016. Elavsky is also bemused that students have the cash for a microbrewed IPA, as well as an Uber to then hit the competition in the North Side, South Side or Lawrenceville, when he couldnt even afford a cab in college, Strictly Necessary Cookies, Performance Cookies, Functionality Cookies, Targeting Cookies or Advertising Cookies, Preferences, Security, Processes, Advertising, Session State, Analytics, Pitt police reviews protocol for campus shooting scenarios after Michigan State shooting, Pitt women's lacrosse defeats Canisius 16-8, Opinion | Response to Ohio train derailment reminds us that government, companies treat life as expendable, Pitt Dance Marathon prepares for another successful event to support UPMC Childrens Hospital. showcase club like the Whisky-A-Go-Go in L.A. and the Agora in Cleveland. of 1979. google_ad_format="120x600_as"; section of Pittsburgh on the corner of Atwood and Sennott streets which became Viewing his college stomping grounds from his shop in the South Side, Kramer feels wistful. What's there now? North Oakland has eight borders with the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Bloomfield to the northeast, Shadyside and Squirrel Hill North to the east, Central Oakland to the south, West Oakland to the southwest, the Terrace Village region of the Hill District to the west, the Upper Hill District to the northwest Polish Hill to the north-northwest. ", "Allegheny County; its Formation, its Cities, Wards, Boroughs and Townships", "Teddy Roosevelt giving a speech in Pittsburgh | the Brady Stewart Collection", "Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia", "The Pittsburgh Press Google News Archive Search", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oakland_(Pittsburgh)&oldid=1136264597, The neighborhood is the location of the massive Carnegie culture complex, originally funded by. The dance floors are always frenetic with colored lights. Take an historic look at Pittsburgh through the bottom of your beer mug at these five bars and taverns that have grown into Pittsburgh institutions with their own tales and unique backgrounds. packed, sweaty, and loud with menacing bouncers it was a gritty steel town bar. Pittsburgh is a steel town rich in industrial and immigration history. They were noted for being great music bars. Petropoulos takes great pride in Oaklands rise over the past years to the third largest commercial district in Pennsylvania behind Philadelphia and downtown Pittsburgh mostly on the strength of the neighborhoods daytime economy. Froggys, DowntownFor a quarter of a century beginning in 1978, the gravelly voiced Steve Froggy Morris held court in his Market Square bar and restaurant where celebrities such as Jack Nicholson flocked when they were in town. Trace Pittsburgh's North Side history all the way back to 1889 and you'll discover the long-standing Park House Tavern. The effort failed, the bar closed in 2014 and the site where it once stood now is a Chipotle restaurant. When out their nights of Oakland bar hopping East End Yinzers shelled out the two Mc Kees Rocks (8 miles) Carnegie (8 miles) Homestead (8 miles) Glenshaw (11 miles) Braddock (12 miles) Bethel Park (13 miles) The bands gigged in the back room on a wide stage Its incarnations since have included a deli, lesbian bar, produce store, and a bar named Cumpies. Bruce Springsteen also once played there, years after becoming famous. But the end came when the building was purchased by David Scaife, the son of billionaire newspaper publisher Richard Mellon Scaife, so he could store his personal car collection there. google_ad_height=600; Tucked into the back corner of Crazy Mocha in Bloomfield, Dreaming Ant offered the most eclectic library of DVDs around. 530 William Penn Place Free to play original rock and blues the music scene flourished at the Decade. Quenlin Blackwell reflects on internet comedy career during PPC, BAS event, A sense of responsibility: Pitts Afghanistan Project takes in 10 Afghan scholars, SGB announces constitutional amendments, dining resource fair, Ann Cudd named finalist for president at Portland State University, touts diversity initiatives in interest letter, Preview | Pitt womens basketball looks to redeem frustrating season in ACC tournament. Disco dropped dead. NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Marino was also born in Oakland, not far from Warhol's home. (412) 261-1717www.muer.com/grand-concourse. Nightlife in Pittsburgh gives you a vast choice of places to drink, hit the dance floor, and enjoy live music. So I walk into the kitchen and I saw this fat, very unkempt looking guy with stringy hair. First published on October 24, 2013 / 6:00 AM. We had a really strong nighttime scene, but we didnt have a strong daytime scene, so that was a challenge, Petropoulos told the Reporter. //-->. set along the side wall a few inches off the ground. Our marketing agency in Pittsburgh is ready to help right now! of 1979. When they packed the place, Zarra began booking punk bands. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Later it became arestaurant called Atwoods Garden. Meat Loaf was, literally and figuratively, the biggest rock star in America. Some of the most impressive architecture in Oakland is on Pitt's campus. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. These Steps of Pittsburgh quickly connect pedestrians to public transportation and provide an easy way to travel through this densely populated area. Pretty soon the Decade had seven nights a week of great live music, Grushecky said. Grushecky tied the prominence of Pittsburgh bands at the Decade to its mystique and relevance. RAND's Pittsburgh center is located in North Oakland as well as the long time RIDC business incubator on Henry Street. . Panther Hollow Inn, OaklandFor decades, this was one of the only bars within easy walking distance for Carnegie Mellon University students, an important consideration when snow is falling in January. over the past 20 years, it has traded dive bars and longtime rock joints for corporate fast food and student housing, leaving alums longing for their college nights. Unfortunately, it became another victim of the pandemic, officially closing its doors for the final time on July 28, 2020, after celebrating a final bacon night. Reach him at 412-334-4033 or Eric.Heyl@Patch.com. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Closing The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. This 21,000 sq. When he started at Hemingways, Elavsky observed students who would spend five nights a week at the bar. Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC and the Pittsburgh Technology Center are major landmarks of this neighborhood. Hosted by Matthew R. Day, Film Kitchen screens original video and film shorts, typically on the second Tuesday of every month at the Melwood Screening Room in Oakland. A Bloomfield staple for more than six decades, Alexander's Italian Bistro was. This Flea Market Near Pittsburgh Covers 14,000 Square Feet With More Than 100 Vendors On-Site, The Charming Out Of The Way Flea Market Near Pittsburgh You Wont Soon Forget, 6 Must-Visit Flea Markets In Pittsburgh Where Youll Find Awesome Stuff, 5 Amazing Flea Markets In Pittsburgh You Absolutely Have To Visit, 10 Beloved Places In Pittsburgh That Well Never Forget. The bands gigged in the back room on a wide stage Dan Marino Field on Frazier Street was named in honor of its native son.