Pitt Stops 2007

Final maps

2009-01-31T04:32:00.001-08:00

Wow. There's nothing left to say but thanks to everyone who came out. It was a great time. We learned a lot about the City of Pittsburgh. We went to a bunch of great places where we'd never been before and met a bunch of great people. And really, that's what it's all about, right?

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Stop #92D; The Strip; The Harp and Fiddle

2009-01-12T17:46:00.000-08:00

Date: December 27, 2008
Neighborhood: Strip District
Pitt Stoppers: The One and Only King Jim D., The Queen Mum, Mindy, Jimmy D., Toddy, Carol, Tammy, Scott, Scotty, Kim, Noreen, Johnny Kittens, Bish, Chip, Kathy, Chuck Z., Anette, Frank/Guy/Fran, Cari, Steve Smerb, Kate Smerb, KrisTin, GiNo, Hank, Holly, Leah.

Bar: The Harp and Fiddle (The End?!?!?)

Pluses: Well, what isn't a plus? The Guinness is right, the food is great, and if you remind Declan of how much he loves Jeter and the Yankees, you'll get some of the best service in town.

The swank interior of the H&F

There are Stoppers on the walls!

Brucem

Kristin's there too.

"Hey you! Sign the book!"

And the book was very signed.

Jimmy was in MOTION.

"Whaaaa! I don't want PS to end!!!"

Big Jim documenting. The Queen Mum signing.

Big Jim displaying a nice Guinness.

Scotty mortifying the Queen Mum.

It's been in several pictures, but really...

What in the hell is Todd doing with his beer?

Noreen snuck the crown on top of the hat for the photo.

What's that sign say...

The end of a journey.

Stop #92C; The Strip; Saloon in the Strip

2009-01-12T17:43:00.000-08:00

Date: December 27, 2008
Neighborhood: Strip District
Pitt Stoppers: The Original Jim D., The Queen Mum, Kate Smerb, Steve Smerb, Toddy, Kathy, Chip, Scotty, Kim, Hank, Holly, Noreen, Lisa, BruceM, SueM, Mindy, Jimmy D., Annete, Chuck Z., Carol, Tammy, Scott, Paul, Richard, Johnny Kittens, Jongo, Lily, Carolyn, GiNo, Kristin, Bish, Leah.

Bar: Saloon in the Strip

Pluses: The awesome staff and general frivolity.

The Saloon in the Strip looks like this.

You find it by walking until you see this.

The Saloon shows its colors

Nikki (who brought us the beer) signing the book

Leah won the award for the farthest distance traveled (Colorado).

Scotty got all gangster for the finale.

Hank got all...all...Dutch? for the finale.

"Do you see what he's wearing?"

Scotty giving the official PS wave.

The brothers M. got out of control at some point.

So Toddy got a Time Out.

Brucem trying to ignore Big Jim's opera singing.

Holly brought out London Barbie.

London Barbie loves ponchos.

Now I'm not saying that London Barbie was easy, but...she is in Big Jim's shirt.

Jimmy was disturbed by that...

Toddy was angry...

Big Jim was pleased...

...and a lil contemplative at the same time.

Steve giving the PS single finger wave.

"See when you drink from these things, the level goes DOWN."

Amazingly, if you follow the hand up the stairs you go to the second floor!

Toddy, Holly, and the Queen Mum with the crown

Stop #92B; The Strip; Roland's

2009-01-12T17:28:00.000-08:00

Date: December 27, 2008
Neighborhood: Strip District
Pitt Stoppers: Fran/kuy, BruceM, SueM, Kathy, Chip, Kim, Jimmy D., Paul, Richard, Toddy, Carol, Tammy, Scott, Anette, Chuck Z., Lisa, Mindy, Josh, Smerb to the Kate, Smerb to the Steve, Carolyn, Lily, Jongo Funkelstein, Beth, Scotty, Brad & Angelina.

Bar: Roland's

Pluses: The beer selection, the raw bar, the seafood.

Between bars we saw a Real Live ALLEY

The hallowed heights of Bedford Dwellings

Speaking of raw bar...

Frank got SASSY

Chip went with formal-semi-formal

I fully admit that Lily looked better than I did in the hat.

And that she was also much happier without it.

Our corner of Roland's.

Josh didn't fall down the steps.

I bet there's a Pittsburgh Toilet down there...

Stop #92A; The Strip District; Kaya

2008-12-27T03:37:00.002-08:00

Date: December 27, 2008

Neighborhood: Strip District
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Paul, Richard, Toddy, Carol, Tammy, Scott, Frank/Fran/Guy, Lisa, BruceM, SueM, Mindy, Kate Smerb, Steve Smerb, Carolyn, Lily, Beth, Scotty, Kim, Josh, Jongo Funkelstein.

Aside: The final neighborhood! We saved the Strip district to the last and explored some on foot and hit four great bars over the course of an afternoon.

Bar: Kaya

Pluses: The beer selection, the smooth and mellow Caribbean flavors.

Carol and Tammy went formal for the finale and did it proper.

The famous Heinz sign at its new home.

Bruce, Sue, Rich, and Marc Andre walking down Penn Avenue.

Nothing happened there in 2008 either.

Feinberg's in the background, Primanti's in the foreground.

Typical Saturday traffic in the Strip.

Atypical Christmas lights.

Kaya. The first stop of the finale.

The final beer to make it official.

Thanks to Fran(k) for the next two pics. Great Pitt Stops feel.

Paul and Richard usually aren't so blurry.

Jimmy's outfit has Steve in utter shock.

A thorn among the roses...

Todd went Sassy Nouveau for the finale.

Stop #91; Homewood North

2008-12-27T03:37:00.001-08:00

Date: December 27, 2008

Neighborhood: Homewood North
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Toddy.

Bar: Middle of the Road Saloon

The Official Homewood/Brushton sign. Yes, we were there.

Stop #90; Homewood South

2008-12-27T03:32:00.000-08:00

Date: December 27, 2008
Neighborhood: Homewood South
Pitt Stoppers: Toddy, Jimmy D.

Bar: Dana's Bakery

Pluses: The food. I had a homemade doughnut. Toddy had a lady lock. Both were ultra-fine.

Stop #89; Larimer

2008-12-27T03:30:00.001-08:00

Date: December 27, 2008

Neighborhood: Larimer
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Toddy.

Bar: The Putnam Pub.

The Putnam Pub-ish.

A long view of Larimer.

If you ever need your crankshaft serviced, head to Larimer.

Stop #88; Terrace Village

2008-12-27T03:24:00.000-08:00

Date: December 27, 2008
Neighborhood: Terrace Village

Pitt Stoppers: Toddy, Jimmy D.

Bar: Top of the Hill Spot

Toddy jogging behind Trees Hall.

The semi-famous goalpost tower at the top of Cardiac Hill.

The view of downtown from Terrace Village.

Stop #87; Beltzhoover

2008-12-27T03:21:00.000-08:00

Date: December 27, 2008
Neighborhood: Beltzhoover
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Toddy.

Bar:The Liberty Tube Tavern

Stop #86; Glen Hazel

2008-12-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

Date: December 23, 2008

Neighborhood: Glen Hazel.
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Richard.
Bar: The Cove Overlookish - would be a very pretty view of the Waterfront if open.

Unfortunately, we were not authorized.

Stop #85; Hazelwood

2008-12-23T15:03:00.000-08:00

Date: December 23, 2008

Neighborhood: Hazelwood
Pitt Stoppers: Richard, Jimmy D.
Bar: The Lytle Cafe

Hazelwood was home to the LTV steel works. There are rumored to be ROBOTS there now.

The Cellbiot Institute might study robots. It might not.
It's a secret.

One of the many churches of Hazelwood. The bridge leads from "downtown" Hazelwood to Riverside.

That's an optimistically large space for the Pirates...

The No. 1 Pitt fan.

Stop #84.2; Swissvale

2008-12-22T20:21:00.000-08:00

Date: December 6, 2008

Neighborhood: None. Swissvale.
Pitt Stoppers: Richard, Bobby D., Pteri, Jimmy D., Wookie, GiNo, Kristin.
Bar: The Map Room.

Pluses: We at Pitt Stops love our maps, so the Map Room certainly earns a mention - regardless of its geographic location outside of the City. A favorite for several of us who are local to Regent Square, the Map Room serves up a wide variety of East End beers and offers a great menu. Marji the owner and oft-times bartender is a wonderful host and keeps the drinks, conversation, and music flowing all night long.

The map-inspired interior of the Map Room.

The tree casts a dragon shadow across the wall.

(Ask Marji about the authentic signed Mahler letter on the wall.)

When pigs fly? Well, they do at the Map Room.

So do guitars.

The way the night ends on another Pitt Stops.

Stop #84.1; Blawnox

2008-12-22T20:16:00.000-08:00

Date: December 6, 2008

Neighborhood: None. Blawnox.
Pitt Stoppers: Richard, Bobby D., Pteri, Jimmy D., Wookie, GiNo, Kristin.
Bar: Bob's Garage

Pluses: The famous decorations and karoake. Being so close to Bob's Garage, we just had to stop by and take in the Christmas decorations.

The decorations at Bob's are indescribably beautiful.

GiNo & Kristin displaying some post- karoke bliss.

Richard is not impressed by Jimmy's Popeye impression.

The well-worn PS book.

Stop #84; Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar

2008-12-22T20:03:00.000-08:00

Date: December 6, 2008

Neighborhood: Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar
Pitt Stoppers: Paul, Richard, Bobby D., Pteri, Jimmy D., Wookie, GiNo, Kristin.
Bar: La Cappella

Pluses: The sweet location, which is clearly in the City, and the sweet service from Jena who brought us the beer.

G&K approach the lovely exterior of LaCa.

Another failed attempt to capture the Nordic Wookie.

Pt: Wha? There's a wookie around?

Bo: I shall call to him. Oook!

Jena bringing us the beers to make the Stop official.

The well- stocked origin of our libations.

Love was in the air.

Love was clearly in the air.

Stop #83; East Hills

2008-12-22T19:40:00.000-08:00

Date: December 6, 2008

Neighborhood: East Hills
Pitt Stoppers: Minday, Sharmila, Melissa, GiNo, Kristen, Wookie, Paul, Richard.
Bar: Simmie's

Pluses: The food and the owner. The owner Michelle treated our large-for-a-Saturday-afternoon group like royalty. The menu is great and includes Fried Chicken and Waffles (see below).

Simple beauty.
Drive thru menu.
Drive thru beer.

Mindy braved the snow to come on out.

Just as with the Yeti and Bigfoot, the elusive Nordic Wookie is difficult to capture on film.

This blurry shot is the best we can hope for.

The waffle and friend chicken!

The hunter proudly displays his catch.

Kristin moving in close to sneak a taste of chicken+waffle.

Who dare run the gauntlet?

Paul is all thumbs up for Simmie's.

GiNo in pure carb- fried-meat bliss.

Simmie's suspected secret door.

Stop #82; Ridgemont

2008-12-22T19:39:00.001-08:00

Date: November 11, 2008

Neighborhood: Ridgemont
Pitt Stoppers: Bobby D., Jimmy D.
Bar: Greentree Olive Garden Extension

Pluses: Scenic view of the Parkway Center Mall

That's some sweet perspective-style proof for our location.

Stop #81; Stanton Heights

2008-12-20T07:05:00.006-08:00

Date: November 7, 2008

Neighborhood: Stanton Heights
Pitt Stoppers: JimBobPteriTodd
Bar: Alcock's Sipping Station

The signs in Stanton Heights *float*.

...and glow.

Stop #80; Bedford Dwellings

2008-12-20T07:05:00.005-08:00

Date: November 7, 2008

Neighborhood: Bedford Dwellings
Pitt Stoppers: ImmyJay eeDay, OddyTay, EriPtay, ObbyDay eeDay
Bar: The "Why don't we do it in the road?" Pub

Stop #79; Middle Hill

2008-12-20T07:05:00.003-08:00

Date: November 7, 2008

Neighborhood: Middle Hill
Pitt Stoppers: Todd to the Bod, Bob to the Ob, Jim to the Im, Pteri to the Eri.
Bar: Curbside Saloon

Stop #78; Upper Hill

2008-12-20T07:05:00.001-08:00

Date: November 7, 2008

Neighborhood: Upper Hill
Pitt Stoppers: Bobby D., Pteri, Toddy Boddy, Jimmy D.
Bar: King of the Hill-ish

The fabled King of the Hill

They serve both kinds of drink - Beer and Beverage

October Maps

2008-10-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Here's October's map.

And I did say maps, so here's a bonus. Thanks to the nifty technology developed by the folks over at Google, we now have a destination-based map. Enjoy!

Stop #77; Brookline

2008-10-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

Date: October 11, 2008

Neighborhood: Brookline
Pitt Stoppers: Richard, RichT., GiNo, Kristin, Brett "The Destroyer", Jongo Funklstein, Bobby D., Pteri, Frank/Guy, Al, Jimmy D., Wookie.
Bar: Moonlite Cafe

Pluses: Getting to meet the owner Lou (thanks for the beer!) and the multitude of TVs for hockey viewing pleasure.

The Fancy Brookline Mural.

Only gentlemen lie on the sidewalk in front of cars.

They have mail in Brookline.

We didn't go to Zippy's, but we will next time we want some waffles and and IC Light for breakfast.

I helped the band with their gear and told them I'd give them a plug. Here it is.

The Moonlite's outside from the Moonlite's inside.

Lookee! The Penguins scored. (so did NJ)

Yup. Model trains.

Blow on my dice for good luck.

Kristin enjoys her beer while Bobby goes Nuclear.

Dig Dug and cigs.

Gimme some sugar, baby!

I like how there are lots of "Jim" signs in Brookline.

Stop #76; Bon Air

2008-10-20T17:36:00.001-07:00

Date: October 11, 2008
Neighborhood: Bon Air
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Richard, RichT., Bobby D., Pteri, Frank/Guy, Al.
Bar: Amici

Pluses: Warm and friendly atmosphere and wait staff, and very good advice (thanks, Ray).

Portions are not actually 10 feet wide, as shown in the billboard.

Rich taking in the fresco.

Pteri, Bobby, and Rich's dazzlingly white shirt.

Even though it was 4 in the afternoon, Fran and Rich were already looking for the hockey game.

Richard getting some sound advice.

Bobby Likey Beery.

Stop #75; West Oakland

2008-10-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

Date: August 16, 2008
Neighborhood: West Oakland
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Carol.
Bar: Uncle Larry's

Pluses: Getting to meet the owner Raphael "Hoodie" Mitchell who's owned or worked at Larry's for over 60 years. He gave us the history of the area, of the bar, and of his family. We also got to meet his niece Dana who works at the bar and her friend Keith who gave us lots of advice about places to go in the area.

The top of Larry's Bar.

The bottom of Larry's Bar.

You'll always have a place to park at Larry's.

The sights from outside Larry's.

The view from inside Larry's. That's a picture of the Mitchell children on the wall.

The Mitchell Family Tree.

Jimmy and Hoodie.

Stop #74; Crawford-Roberts

2008-10-20T17:00:00.001-07:00

Date: August 16, 2008
Neighborhood: Crawford-Roberts
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Carol.
Bar: Ficklin's

Pluses: It was a great place to watch the Little League World Series on a Saturday afternoon.

Carol outside of Ficklin's.

The august August map

2008-08-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

Stop #73; Duquesne Heights

2008-08-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

Date: July 25, 2008
Neighborhood: Duquesne Heights
Pitt Stoppers: Richard, Paul, Wookie, Josh S., Tammy, Al, Carol, Jimmy D.
Bar: Monterey Bay

Pluses: Duh. The view. The restaurant is the best place for a fancy seafood meal and decor, but the bar really provides the best view. Great scotch selection.

Weirdness: Well, the Romantic Indian-Washington Statue is a bit odd.

Please observe my reverse-walking posture. It is spectacular.

I thought I'd take you here for our first date. Do you like the view?

Your hands. They are so soft.

They are...like baby hands.

Our lips...they are so close.

The obligatory submarine picture.

Who didn't get "Pitt Stops is business casual" memo?

Elevator ride.

A view from the afternoon.

Pitt Stops was here.

Stop #72B; West End Overlook

2008-08-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

Date: July 25, 2008
Neighborhood: Elliott
Pitt Stoppers: Josh S., Wookie, Al, Tammy, Carol, Paul, Richard, Jimmy D. , Bride, Groom.
Bar: None. The West End Overlook.

Weirdness: There was a Friday evening wedding party there. Carol got them to sign the book. Al's slingshot ride for Jimmy up the hill.

The obligatory West End Overlook Shot.

The North Side.

Josh getting his picture on.

The well-kept environs of the WEO.

Stop #72A; Elliott

2008-08-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

Date: July 25, 2008
Neighborhood: Elliott
Pitt Stoppers: Josh S., Wookie, Al, Carol, Paul, Richard, Jimmy D.
Bar: Lorenz Cafe

Pluses: All of the staff (Goldie, Nada) and the owner David were incredibly friendly and hospitable - even buying multiple rounds of jello shots for the Pitt Stoppers. The proceeds from the Jello shots go to fund MS research.

Weirdness: The first lolcats of the trek were sighted.

While the outside is industrial, the inside is all friendly.

Someone catch Richard!

Rest assured. The Jello shots are not 16 ounces.

Taking in the hospitality.

Al learning himself the Drinker's Fault Finding Guide.

Merry Christmas in July!

The Christmas elves.

Further evidence of Christmas.

A picture from a blog in a bar on a blog about the bar.

Ack. My head spins.

The frivolity in The Lorenz Cafe.

Stop #71; Sheraden

2008-08-12T14:52:00.000-07:00

Date: July 25, 2008
Neighborhood: Sheraden
Pitt Stoppers: Carol, Tammy, Jimmy D., Paul, Richard, Al, Wookie.
Bar: Smitty's

Pluses: Smitty's has a very engaging crowd (including Mark, George, Paul, and Jimmy Not Not) who's happy to tell you a joke or chat you up.

Weirdness: While at Smitty's we learned that Sheraden is called "Hubtown" and Sheraden natives are called "Hubs." Apparently, there was once a bar called Benny's in Sheraden where swearing was not allowed. Instead of "mother f***er" they said "mother hubber." It was extended into a salutation - "What's up, hub?" - and it stuck as a nickname.

The jagged streets of Sheraden

Smitty's quaint exterior

Almost 70 years of Smitty's has happened.

The owners chart where they bike around the country. Kinda like Pitt Stops, but on a grander scale.

EXACT miniatures of the owners.

I saw no one punch this sign.

Please don't punch this Bambi.

Still life with cucumber.

Over 60 years...

...and only 24 jerks.

Tammy and Carol taking in the terrarium.

Stop #70C; Shadyside

2008-07-12T05:18:00.001-07:00

Date: June 14, 2008
Neighborhood: Shadyside
Pitt Stoppers: Josh, Jimmy D., Carol, Bobby D., Fran to the K, Pteri, Gemma F., Todd, Jongo Funkelstein, Big Matt, Not Quite So Big Trish, Noreen, Minty, Dr. Stan.
Bar: Le Mardi Gras

Pluses: Le Mardi Gras (which is Portuguese for "The Well-Mannered Carp") is a Shadyside Classic. Richie or his father have been serving up the strongest drinks in the City for over 30 years now. The new location retains the circular booths, Miss Pac Man, and high vapor-pressure drinks that helped define the old.

Trish is drinking Coors Light with a straw. Yes indeed.

And then I crossed the border and I was in AMERICALAND.

STOP THE DOCUMENTING. JUST STOP IT.

Oh. I see. There's no seat for me.

Stop #70B; Shadyside

2008-07-12T05:17:00.001-07:00

Date: June 14, 2008
Neighborhood: Shadyside
Pitt Stoppers: Dr. Stan, Gemma F., Jimmy D., Fran(k)
Bar: Infinity (the symbol), formerly known as 5801, formerly known as New York New York

Pluses: A swank interior, good dance music, and renowned cheesecake.

Stan enjoys Smirnoff Ice.

Jim contemplates Smirnoff Ice.

Fran disapproves of Smirnoff Ice.

Stop #70A; Shadyside

2008-07-12T05:11:00.002-07:00

Date: June 14, 2008
Neighborhood: Shadyside
Pitt Stoppers: Al, Wookie, Fran(k), Carol, Josh, Jonathan, Lily, Gemma F., Dr. Stan, Carolyn, Big Matt, Trish Wife of Matt, Minty Other Wife of Matt, Todd, Modest Vinny, Jimmy D.
Bar: Harris Grill

Pluses: The Harris Grill is rebuilt and smoke free. The patio is the height of outdoor Shadyside drinking.

Weirdness: Come on Tuesday nights to get your bacon on.

Dad offers lamb. Lily and Carolyn eye it up.

Does this come in a puree?

Carol being more civil and using a fork.

"You see, lamb is good for babies."

Fries on the salad - PGH style.

And this is called a Neuromodulator.

A Neuromodulator (tm) - equal parts Jack, Red Bull, and Coke - a Dr. Stan special.

Big Matt and Trish humor Todd, who humors them right back.

Fran getting his serious on.

Wookie expressing himself.

(The family nature of the blog has been preserved.)

I am Lord of the Table.

All shall respect and fear me.

I DIDN'T KNOW THAT THE FURRY WHITE THINGS WERE LAMBS? WHY DID DADDY EAT ONE?

Stop #69; Chateau

2008-07-12T05:11:00.001-07:00

Date: June 14, 2008
Neighborhood: Chateau
Pitt Stoppers: Al (non-signatory), Dr. Stan, Gemma F., Jimmy D., Minty
Bar: Near Cousin Vinny's.

Pluses: Steve the security guard who showed us around.

Al driving us around some more.

Manchester Craftman's Guild, which is in Chateau.

Cousin Vinny's is not a bar and is not open on Saturdays, but it is in Chateau.

The Lovely Gemma having some lemonade.

Al snoopin'.

Jim documentin'.

Jimmy trying to explain Pitt Stops to Steve.

Steve took us in and showed us the high water mark from the St. Patrick's Day flood.

Jimmy provides scale.

A lovely boating club in Chateau. They also are not a bar.

Stop #68; Manchester

2008-07-12T05:10:00.001-07:00

Date: June 14, 2008
Neighborhood: Manchester
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Dr. Stan, Minty, Al, Gemma F.
Bar: Duke's

Pluses: Hanging out with Duke himself who has been the owner for the last 48 (?) years. He was an awesome host - even picking up the tab.

Weirdness: The Civil Air Patrol number that was on the hall.

One of the beautiful houses of Manchester.

Which version of Star Dust would you like to hear?

A massive fly swatter.

Duke's sweet sign.

Al contemplating serious multi-directional fire relief.

Whatever happens, Duke has a number for it.

Some folks save up for the weekend the hard way...

Duke's beautiful fascade.

Howdy partner.

Duke's is old school...

Stop #67; California-Kirkbride

2008-07-12T05:09:00.000-07:00

Date: June 14, 2008
Neighborhood: California Kirkbride
Pitt Stoppers: Dr. Stan, Gemma F., Jimmy D., Minty, Big Al (non-signatory).
Bar: Near TC's Place.

Pluses: We finally found Success (see below).

Weirdness: Well, TC's was closed, so we just checked out the area including the cool L-shaped truss bridge.

Al driving us around.

Al walks up to TC's...

Al checks the door...

...Stan reacts.

The very important rules at TC's.

The cool L-shaped bridge.

Rural California.

The Elusive Alkali Tap.

Success is ours!

The C-K Spring Park.

Stop #66; South Oakland (for real)

2008-07-12T05:08:00.000-07:00

Date: June 13, 2008
Neighborhood: South Oakland
Pitt Stoppers: Al, Vinny X, Minty, Paul, Bobby, Pteri, Jimmy D., Abigail.
Bar: Andy Wharhol's boyhood home (3252 Dawson Street).

Pluses: South Oakland is also the boyhood home of Danny Marino.

Weirdness: There's not even a plaque or marker for Pittsburgh's most famous artist in front of his home. Also, some may remember the Great South Oakland Controversy (Stop #5). Well, we revisited the neighborhood and made it official.

Dan Marino's ball field?

Andy's boyhood home.

Jimmy in front of Andy's house.

Andy's version.

DAN MARINO MAY HAVE PLAYED HERE!!! CAN YOU EVEN BELIEVE IT?

Minty taking in the sights.

That's no halo.

Dr. Vinny X with some Kool Aid and Paul with his iPhone.

Abigail - our lovely South Oakland tour guide.

The South Oakland sign with the South Oakland Semi and the Cathedral in the background.

They take their parking really damn seriously in South Oakland.

The Map; Mid-May version

2008-05-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

Here it is - the Mid-May map. We're in the home stretch now.

Stop #65; Fairywood

2008-05-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

Date: May 17
Neighborhood: Fairywood
Pitt Stoppers: Al, Frank, Min-D, Richard, Jimmy D., Bobby D., JonJon, Pteri, Flat Stanley.
Bar: Sharp Edge Creekhouse

Pluses: The beer, the food, and the beer. See comments on Stop #34 and add outdoor deck seating.

Weirdness: I thought that this bar was actually in Crafton. Our waitress Stephanie told us that upon calling the Crafton cops to address a late night dispute, she was told that they wouldn't be stopping by because the bar was in the City. So there you have it, if the police say that it's City of Pittsburgh, by gum it's City of Pittsburgh.

The elusive Fairywood itself is found.

The sleek exterior of the Creekhouse.

They do landscaping right and red in Fairywood.

The Subtle Death sign.

Actually see real meaning here.

Further confirmation of the City boundary.

The weather outside was wet and nasty. Under the tarp it was fine.

I can has beer?

The beer it is tasty.

The beer it is good.

Flat Stanley - here flat and dry - made an appearance all the way from South Dakota or Maryland, I can't remember.

Quick! Al - Strike a pose.

Stop #64; Chartiers City

2008-05-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

Date: May 17
Neighborhood: Chartiers City
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Frank, Al, Min-D, Bobby D., Pteri.
Bar: None. Corner.

Pluses: Chartiers City is a really pretty neighborhood. We were there for only 45 seconds though, so there's not much to say.

Stop #63B; Windgap

2008-05-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

Date: May 17
Neighborhood: Windgap
Pitt Stoppers: Min-D, Beth, Al, Frank, Jimmy D., Bobby D., Pteri.
Bar: No bar - Remember When Ice Cream.

Pluses: The biggest cone in Pittsburgh. Some places exaggerate their products just to get people to come and visit. This claim, however, is so very real as you can see below.

Weirdness: The Boston Milkshake - a sundae on top of a milkshake?!?

Ice cream cones make great crossing guards.

RW breaks it down all scientific like.

Kiddie.

[Note: Cones not to scale.]

Small.

Medium.

Large!

How large, you might ask?

So large it can't be delivered through the window.

Even as big as Al's noggin.

Al contemplating his lactose tolerance.

[He finished it moments later.]

Beth went with a small sundae.

How about one of those on top of a shake?

Place order here...

...and you get a milkshake in the mail.

Pitt Stops first - a rainbow.

Stop #63A; Windgap

2008-05-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

Date: May 17
Neighborhood: Windgap
Pitt Stoppers: Al, Frank, Beth, Bobby D., Pteri, Min-D, Jimmy D.
Bar: Di'Version's

Pluses: Lady Di of course. Di'Version's is pronounced with a long "I" after its owner Lady Di. They have a pool table and nightly specials and DJ's. They host occasional cook-outs in the back - call and check when their next is.

Weirdness: The cool security cam, where you can have your picture taken as a criminal (see below).

The best lil cocktail lounge in Windgap!

Di'Version's caters to the over 30 crowd who love fuzzy dice.

Frank dreams of Lord Stanley's Cup.

The long view of the bar.

Dammit. I was late to Pitt Stops.

Back when times were simple and men in green ties enjoyed Yuengling in peace.

Some straight talkin' in the rest room.

Di'Version's has you covered every day of the week.

Beth, Min-D, and Pteri debating the Preakness.

Jimmy D. showing what a fuzzy dice-loving over 30 crowd member looks like.

Jimmy D. as an intruder.

Al checking to see if the coast is clear.

Stop #62; Esplen

2008-05-17T09:41:00.001-07:00

Date: May 17
Neighborhood: Esplen
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Beth, Min-D, Fran, Al.
Bar: Sunoco parking lot.

Pluses: On the banks of the lovely Ohio River and Chartiers Creek.

I always knew it!

Al reaches out to Esplen with open arms.

Esplen reaches right back.

Jimmy D. is shamed by Fran's playoff beard.

Stop #61; Overbrook

2008-05-15T16:49:00.005-07:00

Date: May 2
Neighborhood: Overbrook
Pitt Stoppers: Al, Min-D, Jimmy D., GiNo, Richard, Pteri, Bobby D., Kristin, Wook.
Bar: Road Runners.

Pluses: Road Runners has a dance floor and pool tables

Neon is important at Road Runners.

GiNo getting a horizontal perspective.

Bobby taking in the sights.

GiNo back to vertical.

Road runners.

HA HA HA HA HA.

Pitt Stops is one WLD event.

Perhaps you've heard the phrase "Dance like no one's watching" before?

Yeah. Don't do that, Jimmy.

Stop #60; Knoxville

2008-05-15T16:49:00.001-07:00

Date: May 2
Neighborhood: Knoxville
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Bobby D., Pteri, Wookie, Richard, Kristen, Al, GiNo.
Bar: Lee's.

Pluses: Awesome, friendly people. They gave us tips on where to go and where not to go for the local neighborhoods - always very welcome. The pitchers of beer are served in 1 liter (?) glass mugs. On one side of the mug, there's a spout. You make the choice - drink it straight or pour.

Weirdness: When I walked in with the Pitt Stops Book, they assumed I was the karaoke guy. And what's with neighborhoods south of the Monongahela River being named after other places - Arlington, Knoxville, Birmingham...

Kristin and GiNo share a tender moment in Knoxville.

Pteri: Enough with the tender moment already.

Large mug barely visible in the back left.

Stop #59; Allentown

2008-05-15T16:48:00.000-07:00

Date: May 2
Neighborhood: Allentown
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., GiNo, Kristen, Al, Richard, Bobby D. (shaky), Pteri, Wookie.
Bar: Trenta/Alla Famiglia

Pluses: Alla Famiglia and its upstairs, cocktail-lounge counterpart Trenta are absolute gems. The small dining room and kitchen area downstairs is supplemented by several more tables upstairs, in addition to an outdoor patio area. Trenta's bar is well stocked with a wide variety of bottled beers, scotches, and wines. Due to Jimmy's lack of foresight, we didn't have a camera to capture the beautiful dark-wood bar, but their website has some nice shots.

Weirdness: The surroundings. The dilapidated neighborhood is out of pace with the posh interior. It feels more like a Midtown Manhattan bistro than a Pittsburgh restaurant.

Wookie: Look at me! I'm Elmo!

Al: DAMMIT. I TOLD YOU NOT TO DO ELMO. Now I must lay the smack down.

Richard is hiding from it all behind the lamp.

Stop #58; Arlington Heights

2008-05-15T16:46:00.001-07:00

After a work-induced hiatus, Pitt Stops is back and ready for action.

Date: May 2, 2008

Neighborhood: Arlington Heights

Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Bobby D., Richard, Wookie, GiNo, Kristen, Pteri, Al.

Bar: The Corner.

Pluses: Quick.

Weirdness: The bench which once served as a landmark at the top of Josephine Street is now gone.

Stop #57; Perry North (Observatory Hill)

2008-02-28T18:46:00.000-08:00

Date: February 16
Neighborhood: Perry North (Observatory Hill)
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Shua, Bruce, Sue, Richard, Paul, Rick, Wookie, Minday, Big Al, Todd, Carol, Jonathan.

Bar: Mr. Bill's/The Commodore Cafe.

Pluses: Where to start? When you go to the Commodore Cafe make sure you have some extra time to spend. The walls are lined with knick knacks, memorabilia, and keepsakes from throughout the 20th century. You can find everything from an early version of scuba equipment, a real doughboy hat, and what Mr. Bill claims to be the camera that shot the famous JFK assassination footage. Proprietors Ruth and Bill (yes, that's Mr. Bill to you) showed us tremendous hospitality. Bill showed several of us the highlights of his collection. Lindsay (Cymru Am Byth!) was awesome behind the bar and on the jukebox too.

Weirdness: That would have to be the house mascot Frankie. Frankie is a dachshund, of course, who possesses great style and grace (see below).

The view from the outside.

Perhaps the largest hot sauce collection in Pittsburgh.

The obligatory Mr. Bill sweatshirt.

An authentic Electrolux electric sweeper.

A warship with the famous phrase that Commodore Perry (after whom both the bar and the neighborhood are named) flew into the Battle of Lake Erie.

Look! A dog!

Frankie wasn't so sure about providing his John Hancock. It took three tries.

The high five is my favorite.

Ruth gets Frankie to do more tricks.

Stop #56; Perry South

2008-02-28T18:42:00.001-08:00

Date: February 16
Neighborhood: Perry South
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Wookie, Paul, Richard, Jonathan, Wookie, Bruce, Sue, Shua, Rick.

Bar: Very close to Mayfield's.

Pluses: Safety. Mayfield's was doing some remodeling and wouldn't let us in. Well, they had a sign that said they were doing remodeling wouldn't let us in. Remember kids: Safety First!

The "We're only open Sometimes" Mayfield's

Wookie was asking if we could go somewhere with heat.

Stop #55; Fineview

2008-02-28T18:39:00.000-08:00

Date: February 16
Neighborhood: Fineview
Pitt Stoppers: Paul, Richard, Shua, Rick, Sue, Bruce.

Team Extremo: Carol, Jimmy D., Jonathan, and Wookie

Bar: The Step Right Inn.

Pluses: According to the great book Steps of Pittsburgh, Fineview is home the longest set of city steps in the City of Pittsburgh. Team Extremo walked the whole set of steps and continued to the top of the hill where the old Channel 11 beacon still stands - right off of Television Hill Street. The 347 steps are in very good shape.

Weirdness: We were greeted at the top of the stairs by local "Mayor of Fineview" Don and his two standard poodles.

Paul attempting the world's longest rail slide.

The daunting view up from the bottom.

The even more daunting view up from the middle.

The steps look even more intimidating from the top.

The Fine View from the top of the steps.

Team Extremo.

Sue getting ambushed by Don's poodle.

Stop #54; Spring Hill-City View

2008-02-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

Date: February 16
Neighborhood: Spring Hill-City View
Pitt Stoppers: Paul, Richard, Jimmy D., Wookie, Rick, Jonathan, Bruce, Sue, Carol, Shua.

Bar: Parking Lot Tavern

Pluses: A wholey holy feel in a liberating unconstrained atmosphere. type of way.

Weirdness: Spring Hill is dry as well, so we stopped in a church parking lot. We drove through the rest of SH-CV and caught some great views of the city, but didn't stop to get pictures.

The church that you always see from the Parkway North.

Excuse me, is there a fish fry?

My Kool Aid-filled container.

They offer meat comprehensively in the North.

Stop #53; Summer Hill

2008-02-28T18:35:00.001-08:00

Date: February 16
Neighborhood: Summer Hill
Pitt Stoppers: Shua, Bruce, Sue, Wookie, Paul, Richard, Jonathan, Jimmy D., Rick, Carol.

Bar: The Outdoor Cafe

Pluses: Great for snowball throwing contests.

Weirdness: Summer Hill is also dry, so the place we stopped was on the border of Summer Hill and Northview. The first Double Stop.

It is Summer Hill!

Milling about near Summer Hill.

Jonathan displays the form for which he is famous.

Wookie counters with a leg lift.

(I don't know who won...)

Stop #52; Northview Heights

2008-02-28T18:20:00.000-08:00

Date: February 16
Neighborhood: Northview Heights
Pitt Stoppers: Wookie, Jimmy D., Paul, Carol, Ricky Ro., Bruce, Sue, Shua, Richard, Jon Jon.

Bar: Portable Drinking Establishment.

Pluses: Great ventilation.

Weirdness: Northview Heights is dry, so we stopped outside on the crisp and clear winter day.

We rallied back at the Penn Brewery before our trek.

Wait. This doesn't look like a bar...

Nothing like maple syrup to warm the bones.

What's that in the distance?

Could it be?

Stop #51; East Carnegie

2008-01-30T19:17:00.001-08:00

Date: January 25
Neighborhood: East Carnegie
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Ed, Wookie, Todd, Tuzz, Big Al, Mindy, Frank, Bobby D., Kim B., Tommy, Kim O., Brend-X.

Bar: Pappy Mike's

Pluses: A true family-owned bar named for the father of the current owners - Debbie and Donny. Family pictures decorate the walls.

Weirdness: The daughters had just finished playing the mothers in basketball and the after-party was at Pappy Mike's. The daughters won by the way.

Brend-X laughs at Mindy's wenis.

The chill interior of Pappy Mike's.

Todd is bedazzled and dazzling in his John Shaft jacket.

A family photo on the wall at Pappy Mike's.

A boxer relative gets his wall space too.

Stop #50; Westwood

2008-01-30T19:16:00.001-08:00

Date: January 25
Neighborhood: Westwood
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Ed, Wookie, Richard, Todd, Tuzz, Big Al, Mindy, Frank, Jonathan, Bobby D., Scotty.

Bar: Sammy's Pizza

Pluses: The expansive menu, which is much more than just pizza, and Denise who gave us lots of tips of where to go in the western neighborhoods.

Weirdness: The cheese platter which includes fried provolone, jalapeño poppers, and several other products containing fried cheese.

Sammy's Sassy Sign.

Ed smiles.

Al eats.

Todd scratches.

Bobby and Wook signing in.

The local paper.

Ed and Frank pose.

Al schwigglags.

Tuzz went nuclear from the 'za.

In spite of this picture, Bobby was quite happy.

Jimmy practices his method acting.

Richard is unimpressed.

Neon abounds at Sammy's.

Jonathan represents with a koozie.

Jonathan represents with a koozie.

Stop #49; Crafton Heights

2008-01-30T19:15:00.000-08:00

Date: January 25
Neighborhood: Crafton Heights
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Wookie, Todd, Tuzz, Big Al, Mindy, Frank, Jonathan, Bobby D.

Bar: The Obey House Tavern

Pluses: Jello shots, bad movie night (one of the last shown movies was Kiss meets the Phantom of the Park), great waitstaff (Hi Sue!).

Weirdness: The way you say it. It's not the Oh-Bay House Tavern. It's the Oh-Bee House Tavern.
Aside: The Obey House Tavern, which opened in 1823, is an historic site. It was a stop on a pony express as well as the Underground Railroad. It's also alleged to be haunted; Sue, in fact, refuses to go to some parts of the basement.

Tuzz is an angel. Look at his halo.

Notice that Al and Frank don't have one.

In spite of the sign, profanity will in fact be tolerated in certain circumstances.

The cooler which houses jello shots.

They come in all of your favorite flavors: Red, Orange, and Unnatural Blue.

It's all smiles at the Obey.

Todd's head is in a box.

Stop #48; Lincoln Place

2008-01-30T19:08:00.001-08:00

Date: January 12
Neighborhood: Lincoln Place
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D. (108), Josh (131), Mindy (96), Kristen, GinO, Jon, Brendan, Steve, Chrissie, Erica, Noreen, Rich (156), Todd.

Bar: The cocktail lounge at Playmor Bowl

Pluses: Bowling, a course. The lanes record both your score and the speed of your ball. Josh came out on top with a speed of 18.6 mph.

Aside: Lincoln Place, which was annexed to the City in 1929 from Mifflin Township, was originally going to be called Linconio.

Weirdness: We were kicked off the lanes a bit early to make way for league play. One of the men who came in wore a bowler. That's right. A bowler in a bowler. What could be better?

A view from the afternoon in Lincoln Place.

That's gyrobalanced.

I still left one standing.

Usually it was more.

The King of Bowling.

Jonathan demonstrates the Chicken Stance.

Brendan's follow-through.

Mindy is the model of focus.

All smiles (and straight hair!)

The only salve for my bowling game.

Do you know safe bowling conduct?

Read and learn.

A bowler in a bowler.

The lounge.

Stop #47; New Homestead

2008-01-30T19:04:00.001-08:00

Date: January 12
Neighborhood: New Homestead
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Jonathan, Todd, Mindy, Josh, Brendan, Rich, Steve.

Bar: None. Corner.

Pluses: Very nice park with a very large woodpecker (photo not shown) is right across the street.

Aside: The Settle Inn is actually not in or near New Homestead. Some websites have it at 297 Mooney Road (New Homestead). Other websites correctly have it at 297 Mahoney Road in Coraopolis.

Of course, we're not confused easily here at Pitt Stops; we do our research. That's why we had one of our number (who shall remain nameless) investigate the location to make sure that it was the right place. That nameless individual confirmed the bar location.

When confronted with the facts of the situation, that individual fessed up, saying:

"It was dark. I passed what I thought was a bar. I don't know. I'm sorry."

Words that will live in infamy. Luckily, Josh saved the day and brought some whiskey with a great name.

A corner quite far from The Settle Inn.

Luckily, Josh packed along his Fighting Cock.

We were all happy with Josh's gift.

Todd sure knows how to handle it.

Mindy bringing some class to the situation.

The Pitt Stoppers trying to figure out where we were.

Year-end Map

2008-01-06T09:02:00.001-08:00

As my mother always said, slow but steady wins the race...

Thanks to everybody who made the first half of Pitt Stops a great time! I look forward to getting the rest done in style over the next part of the year.

Stop #46; Homewood West

2008-01-01T07:15:00.000-08:00

Date: December 27
Neighborhood: West Homewood
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Noreen, Auggie, Chip, Kathy, T, Wookie, Hank, Richard, Auggie, Brendan, Al, Kim, Scotty, Buck, Todd, Paul.

Bar: East End Brewing

Pluses: The beer - all made on site.

Aside: Scott has been brewing great beer in Pittsburgh's East End for three years now. He's come out with a wide variety of brews ranging from the seen-around-town Big Hop to his most recent run of a Belgian-style trippel. Three days a week Scott opens his doors and hosts a "Growler Hour" where you can visit the brewery, sample one of the six beers on tap, and purchase a growler (or two or three) to take home. For those of you unable to make it to Growler Hours, The Map Room in Regent Square has a variety of Scott's beers on tap all of the time.

A tip: Don't look for a sign. Look for the beer keg on the sidewalk.

The outside is post-industrial...

...the inside is high-tech brewing.

All operations are on site.

Al contemplates it all.

Jimmy's feeling snazzy about EE brewing.

It may be made in America, but with CANADIAN GRAIN. I'm outraged.

Yes, Todd and Auggie. We're looking at you.

Hank likes EE Brewing so much he's blurry.

The brewery and bar setup at EE Brewing.

The specially designed label for Scott's third anniversary trippel. The beer received Hank's Dutch Seal of Approval.

Stop #45; Garfield

2008-01-01T07:12:00.000-08:00

Date: December 27
Neighborhood: Garfield
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Buck, Toddy Body, Wook, Mindy, Paul (Representing Bob Wirth of Garfield)

Bar: Penn-Aiken Dairy

Pluses: Great friendly people. They made us feel at home as soon as we walked into the place. A big hello to Joel, Dena, and the crew at the Penn-Aiken Dairy.

Weirdness: This is the only other place in Pittsburgh of which I'm aware that's a combo convenience store and beer distributor.

Garfield on the corner indeed.

Joel ("Tell your kids you saw Santa Claus"), Jimmy, and Wook enjoy a holiday beer.

Trouble, trouble, and trouble.

Ying-a-ling for your ding-a-ling.

Old beer? Oh...I see.

Stop #44B; Friendship

2008-01-01T07:07:00.000-08:00

Date: December 27
Neighborhood: Friendship (reclaimed)
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Mindy, Brendan, Buck, Todd, Scotty, Noreen, Wookie, Michael Y.

Bar: Brian and Cooper's Food Mart

Pluses: The positive and truly weird thing about this place was the beer selection. Sure, they had a diverse selection of malt liquors and cut rate beer, but in the same coolers they also had Chimay, Arrogant Bastard, and other high end brews. Whodda thunk it?

Weirdness: Of course, the fact that you can buy beer and deodorant under the same roof feels weird in Pittsburgh.

The beer window is decorated for Christmas

Need beer on a Sunday? Stop in!

Whatever you say in B&C's Mart, don't say "Damn that was good beer!"

Quick! Everyone look in a different direction!

The album cover shot.

I ask you, where else can you get a six pack and bologna in a jar to go?

Stop #44A; Friendship

2008-01-01T07:01:00.000-08:00

Date: December 27
Neighborhood: Friendship (reclaimed)
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Mindy, Wook, Paul, Buck, Todd.

Bar: Quiet Storm

Pluses: Laid-back atmosphere, good coffee tee selection, ample room for flasks.

News flash! Friendship has been eviscerated through jerrymandering and it's just not right. The Quiet Storm is a veritable Friendship institution. The former nuisance bar has been transformed into a relaxed coffee shop/eatery well-liked by vegans everywhere. The map, however, has it in Bloomfield. That's wrong and we know it. To rectify the situation, we reclaimed it for Friendship.

The Friendship Reclamation Cabal details their strategy. Paul documents. Mindy doubts.

We're very serious about our business.

Stop #43; Squirrel Hill North

2008-01-01T06:54:00.000-08:00

Date: December 8
Neighborhood: Squirrel Hill North (Neighborhood formerly known as North of Forbes)
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Noreen, Pteri, Bobby D., Laurel, Richard, Paul, Mindy, Josh P., Josh S., Carolyn, Jonathan, Lily, Melissa, Lee, Scott.

Bar: Sunnyledge

Pluses: Great decor and classy atmosphere; great martini menu.

Weirdness: Sunnyledge, built in 1886, was once owned by Dr. James McClelland - the founder of Shadyside Hospital. Some of his personal effects are still on display.

Carolyn's very happy with her alcohol-free cocktail. Melissa goes with the stronger variety.

A very old and beautiful cash register.

The chandelier is not crooked in real life.

The great leaping panther of Sunnyledge.

Paul's sneaking out the back door.

Bobby sez: "And then Jonathan had the third martini. That's when he started to glow."

The stairway to upstairs.

Josh and decorations.

The lovely Victorian tree.

Stop #42; Carrick

2007-12-08T15:54:00.001-08:00

Date: November 21
Neighborhood: Carrick
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Noreen, Pteri, Gino, Kristen, Tommy, Bobby D., Moon, Holly, Hank, Lisa, Nick.

Bar: Whoville.

Pluses: They are in reconstruction mode in Whoville. The place has 12 bowling lanes on two floors of the building. When they're done, it will be tremendous place to go bowling. The currently have a selection of shuffle bowling, pool, and pinball.

Weirdness: Based on the posters, they used to host Bowling for Dollars. They have the swankest toilet seat in the city.

The view of the soon-to-be-dandy bowling lanes from a window in the bar.

Kristin and Pteri enjoying the swank powder room seating.

Speaking of swank powder room seating...

Bowling for Dollars!

Bonus points for those who watched.

Holly shooting some pool.

Notice the cool bowling alley-style seating on the left.

They are serious about their bowling at Whoville.

Bobby and Tommy are entranced by drinking dogs. Moon and Noreen, not so much.

Stop #41; St. Clair

2007-12-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

Date: November 21
Neighborhood: St. Clair
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Noreen, Pteri, Gino, Kristen, Tommy, Bobby D.

Bar: Roadside Saloon.

Pluses: The cheap cover.

Weirdness: St. Clair is a dry neighborhood, so we walked over the border from Mt. Oliver into St. Clair, busted out some flasks, and made the neighborhood official.

Coming down from Mt. Oliver to St. Clair.

Don't worry, officer. It's just Kool Aid in that flask.

Kristin hiding behind the happy flask.

Stop #40 and a half; Mt. Oliver

2007-12-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

Date: November 21
Neighborhood: Mt. Oliver
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Noreen, Pteri, Gino, Kristen, Tommy, Bobby D., Moon

Bar: Moon's Place

Aside: Between Stop #40 (Mt. Oliver) and #41 (St. Clair), we needed a place to charge our flasks. Moon kindly opened his doors to us for a pit stop between Pitt Stops. He was a tremendous host, offering us beer and giving us a history of the area. He pulled out some antique maps and showed us how the area used to be called Lower St. Clair. Since there's an Upper St. Clair, I always did wonder where Lower St. Clair had gone to...

The crew rests their feet in Moon's living room.

The dangerous, rare, and beautiful Lower St. Clair Alligator. It is poisonous, climbs walls, and eats babies.

The glowing Hashers license plate.

A shot of our gracious host.

Stop #40; Mt. Oliver

2007-12-08T14:52:00.000-08:00

Date: November 21
Neighborhood: Mt. Oliver
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Noreen, Pteri, Gino, Kristen, Tommy, Bobby D.

Bar: Lauterbach Cafe

Pluses: The friendly folks, the beautiful marble bar. They also have bands in occasionally.

Weirdness: Lauterbach's has a clock that runs backwards, which is very jarring the first several times you look at it.

The back of Lauterbach's set up for a band.

Goodie slings beer and good cheer from behind the bar.

For the love of God, keep Nancy.

The philosophy at Lauterbach's.

B: Pull my hoodie's drawstring.

N: Oh, hell no.

Gino is suave and in charge.

A beautiful Mt. Oliver church at night.

Stop #39; The Bluff

2007-12-02T04:37:00.000-08:00

Date: November 15
Neighborhood: The Bluff
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Noreen, Carol, Jonathan, Toddy, Rita, Tommy, Brendan, Bobby D., Laurel, Richard, Pteri.

Bar: Shale's Cafe
Pluses: They serve beer in 1 liter mugs. They also have a fussball table. The bar supports a festive pre-hockey game crowd.
Weirdness: Some of the largest urinals in Pittsburgh.

Aside: The Bluff was once called Soho. I never knew why. Chris Potter over at the City Paper did the research and here's the answer.

Shale's St. Patrick's Day features.

Perhaps for the last couple of decades.

Jonathan's talking about "lasers."

Paul Jones was tough.

Paul Jones was a cowboy.

Cookie Crisp. Yep. That's right.

T: Pull my thumb.

N: Oh, hell no.

Jimmy and Tommy sketching out future Stops.

Shale's staff puts shamrocks in the top of the Guinness.

The glasses with a cigarette pack for scale.

T: Mine's this long.

J: Well, mine's this long.

POW. Cherry Master!

The map; mid-November version

2007-11-12T15:57:00.000-08:00

Stop #38; Marshall-Shadeland

2007-11-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

Date: October 26
Neighborhood: Marshall-Shadeland
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Josh, Noreen, Al, Tuzz, Ed, Hez, Bobby D., Pteri, Toddy, Josh, Paul, and the crowd at the Stone Front.
Bar: Ed's Stone Front Cafe.

Sometimes everything clicks and a bar becomes magical. Mix together beer, music, and friendly people and out comes gold. This was one of those times.

As each of us entered the bar, a cheer erupted from the regulars. Everybody really got into the concept of Pitt Stops. People were talking about music, neighborhoods, the Teutonia Männer Chor, the City - just about everything. People exchanged kisses (I'm looking at you, Josh). A big, friendly dog was wandering around. People were sharing jokes and stories every direction you turned. Then the music came on. Good old music from the 1950's and 1960's. Everyone sang and everyone danced. Everyone was your buddy.

Like any magical experience, written words can't convey its true substance. I hope that the pics and video will do it justice. Thanks to the folks at the Stone Front for a fantastic evening.

Josh making his way inside.

Toddy, Noreen, and Josh in the way back.

Jimmy and Bobby D. giving some love to the decorations.

Even the Stone Front has its rules.

I cannot explain. (Identities have been protected.)

Frivolity.

Al cannot hide his amusement.

More frivolity.

Dancing with Sis behind the bar.

The view of the bar.

Todd's putting a quarter in the slot.

Jimmy giving love to the champs.

Dancing at the Stone Front.

Stop #37; Brighton Heights

2007-11-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

Date: October 26
Neighborhood: Brighton Heights
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Noreen, Josh (not reachable tonight), Hez, Pteri, Ed, Jonathan, Pteri, Toddy, Josh, Tuzz, Al.
Bar: Big Cat Pat's

Pluses: Genuine Pittsburgh Irish bar.
Weirdness: Odd shirt special. Former wrestler.
Aside: Apparently, Big Cat Pat is a former wrestler.

The outside.

Todd is supremo on the appetizers.

Jonathan confirms that Bobby's sweater is bona fide.

Noreen and Pteri don't care 'tall.

They have you covered at Pat's.

The worst t-shirt special in the city.

Hez, Bobby, and Josh amidst the saucy Irish decor.

Stop #36; Central North Side

2007-11-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

Date: October 26
Neighborhood: Central North Side
Pitt Stoppers: Jimmy D., Josh, JoshS, Al, Pteri, Ed, Tuzz, Todd, Noreen, Bobby D.
Bar: Rigg's

Pluses: Sweet Decor, great staff.
Weirdness: The bar lamp.

Rigg's from a distance.

The view east towards AGH.

The tracks.

Todd and Josh putting the squeeze on Jimmy D.

The view to the north.

Notice the unsafe balconies common in the North Side.

The crew finally arrives at Riggs.

The swank decor.

JoshS enjoying the swank decor.

Jimmy D. and Josh confirming location.

Todd's into the swank decor. Ed and Tuzz aren't so sure.

The bar lamp. So cool.

Jonathan displaying bad manners.

Al explaining how to get to the next stop.