Gooski's — Restaurant in Pittsburgh

I first darkened the door here in the 90's. I have watched it become covered with a patina of graffiti and cigarette smoke. Are you using an app to find it? Maybe you shouldn't come here. Do you live in Shadyside? Again, maybe you shouldn't come here. It's not violent, it's just no one here is interested in anything or anyone fake or superficial. Or annoying. They will tell you to leave while you can still walk. The rules are famously posted on the mirror behind the bar. It's cash only, so have your cash ready.

All this said, I love it here. Are you an old punk ex-pat from, say, Austin? You'll love it. Great beer selection. Very respectable bar food. Fun after parties for the cool kids. Me? I like it for an afternoon out of the sun on a hot summer day. Wish my grandfather had lived long enough to play a couple games of pool with him at this earthy, honest, little bit scary, bar. It will either be your new home, or you will go once, and never return.

So what's it gonna be, punk? Roll them bones, or...

This is the Dive of Dives but without the pretentious “dive bar atmosphere”.

This place is CASH ONLY, but there is an ATM on site.

This place has friendly (albeit apathetic) bartenders and locals. There are TVs that show movies, sporting events, etc. Cheap and strong drinks. Smoking is permitted inside (they have a cigarette machine, smoker friendly). They have a great jukebox selection with oldies, rock, punk, jazz, etc. Varied and eclectic beer selection, both on bottle and on tap. I haven’t tried the food but I’ve heard it’s good. There is a pool table in back, as well as pinball (Deadpool). They feature good local live music on certain days. One of my new favorite places in PGH.

If you’re looking for a new neighborhood bar, or a place to come and chill after work, this place might be for you.

Don’t be fooled by the dark, dim atmosphere. This place has a warmth to it if you just sit back and enjoy...

Went for the first time. Totally chill place, felt super comfortable, great service, street parking. Only went for some drinks. Graffiti everywhere, somewhat obsene, maybe it's just there to weed out the riff raff? Diverse patrons, likely mostly local regulars? Yes there was a bit of smoke, to me it was more like restaurant smoke of days gone by, not like the thick, heavy, blue air I've often experienced back then. Yet most places these days have no smoking, so this place might seem like a lot?!

To me, this felt like a bar taken over by a son, who had different ideas about a business, maybe a counter culture visionary who also has a business sense. Like that they have a nice selection of beer, mine was a draft a good bit far down the list, and it tasted fresh, not old and stale.

Always thought it would be cool to have a bar, and to have one as relaxed as this one...