Bottlerocket Social Hall — Restaurant in Pittsburgh

WARNING PEOPLE OF COLOR..... Let me start by saying this.... I've never really experienced anything like this before but I'm not surprised or even shocked. My first experience at this place I knew coming in that it was not for people of color and was told that multiple times by numerous people of a variety of color that this is true. Giving the benefit of doubt and wanting to experience for myself I went to support the artists that were playing that night. When walking in, the stares of confusing on "others" faces, were very uneasy. I didn't know what to expect but good music even though the vibes were off. As the night got going I noticed things that weren't right. I couldn't really focus on the music because I thought I was tripping when I saw it. But there it was plain as day the k k k marching in the background as a black women artist performed. Videos were taken so I don't need to do any lying "we can go there if needed!". And again was told "hey some weird things happen" when people of color perform here. And I just couldn't believe this because the person behind this.. was performing and having "black people" as he put it to perform with him. His Facebook post is up you can go see. "JP PITT". When this happened the silence was LOUD! And the smiles and laughter started like it was a good inside joke. I wasn't laughing! That night was my first time and last time which is absolutely fine on both sides. With that being said I just wanted to come on here and tell my story and to warn people of color. I just wanted to post so everyone can be in on the hilarious joke JP PITT, Bottlerocket Social Hall...

Update. The owners have endorsed a pro-Hamas pro-Islamic fundamentalist terror group and hosts events where the vast majority of Jews are unwelcome. This is not a space that cares about nonviolence or diversity. It used to feel like that — sadly, they have embraced an extremist fundamentalist ideology.

Keep an eye on Bottlerocket’s calendar for an evening that suits you. I have attended a standup comedy night, a cruise ship dance party night and a 70s disco dance party (among others). Entering this bar feels like stepping back in time to the 70s (but only the good parts). The service has always been friendly and the crowd is a fun bunch of Yinz and transplants to the city at their finest.

My two qualms are (1) that this is not a bar to get a well made cocktail. Their drinks lean on the sickly sweet side of the spectrum and we usually switch back to beer after attempting each time and (2) the bar needs to upgrade their hvac system to keep up with the capacity and type of events they are hosting. Everyone last night (for a summer time Dance party) was complaining about the stuffiness and...

I keep meaning to make this review but I’m ever so thankful for the existence of this place. In an era where wood panel walls are looked down upon, CRTs are replaced with LED flatscreens, and overall corporate design reigns supreme, the Bottlerocket Social Hall never fails to make me smile. I’ve seen a few shows at the hall and the vibe is just right, they also generally speaking have better shows than the other venues and the design allows for a great intimate atmosphere. Old German is also on tap! As a yinzer, this is all I could ever ask for in a bar/venue. They’re very active on ensuring there’s always something happening and create a great third place that it feels the city sometimes lacks. It also is void of all modern corporate bullshit design choices that feel lifeless and soulless. It’s a welcoming atmosphere! The bathrooms have marvelous interior design choices and I await more great times in...