31st Street Pub in Pittsburgh: Hitting the Strip District....

When you're ready to rock, this is the place to do it.....

By freakmamma  |  Published 6/25/2009  |  Read more....

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The Cornerstone of Pittsburgh Rock....

The 31st Street Pub is a Pittsburgh landmark. Sandwiched between Bloomfield, Polish Hill and the Strip District, it hosts a plethora of bands and groups from the tri-state area. It wasn't always about the music though, well, I take that back. It has always been....

 about the music but back in the good old days that was relegated to Joel Greenfield's stereo. The pub has seen some modest changes over the years. There have been strippers, pizzas and many layers of paint but one thing has remained the same. You can always count on Joel to have a Frank Zappa CD close at hand.....

Imagine the bar from Cheers, yeah, where everyone knows your name. Now imagine that in an urban setting and instead of people yelling your name when you walk in, well, they use much more colorful phrases to greet you. It started out as a bar then morphed into a pub; it still has that old school "shot and a beer" feel to it but now the crowd is a little younger and the music a little louder. It is one of the best places for up and coming bands to wet their feet but you will have to do your own promotions. The average cover charge is five bones but Joel will also accept gold teeth providing you have the documentation to back up their authenticity. Be sure to check the website for upcoming concerts and prices.....

If you happen to stop by when there isn't a band playing you are still going to be in for a good time. Most people assume that it is a biker bar because of the handful of bikes that are parked out front but that's not really the case these days. The crowd is younger these days but during the afternoon and early evening you can still get some free entertainment from the regulars. It goes without saying that this isn't a kid-friendly establishment.....

If you are worried about things getting out of control, never fear, Joel and "the persuader" are always keeping a watchful eye. If you don't know about the persuader, feel free to ask him. Shows can get a little crazy and you never know when a fight is going to break out but things are sorted out quickly. Suffice it to say, this isn't a place to take the kids unless you plan on taking them to the infamous Skull Room for a tour. Generally all shows are "over 21" and you will be asked to show identification. Likewise, no backpacks, oversized bags, messenger bags or knapsacks are allowed.....

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Joel will gladly sell you 31st Street Pub shirts and hats but I think that there is a clause for women purchasing panties. If I remember correctly, you got them for free if you put them on while in the bar. For fifteen dollars you can pick up a mean looking shirt that you will be proud to sport. Trust me, I own several and they wash up perfectly so they are going to last for years. If you are lucky you might get to run into Harry. Yeah, he's Joel's dad but he's also the founder of the 31st Street Pub and a real character.....

31st Street Pub Hours:....

Monday & Tuesday: Closed....

Wednesday: 3:00pm - 9:00pm....

Thursday: 3:00pm - 2:00am....

Friday: 3:00pm - 2:00am....

Saturday: 9:00pm - 2:00am....

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31st Street Pub....

3101 Penn Ave.....

Pittsburgh, PA 15201....

(412) 391-8334....

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Some of the groups that you might be able to catch at The Pub include the stunning Motorpsychos, Leprosy, Under Cover Saints, Mother Trucker, Those Poor Devils, The Whips, Satan's Sidekick, Highway 13 and 10 LB Sledge. If you are in a band and want to perform at the bar, get in touch with Joel. He is always looking for new talent and is generally more than happy to talk shop during the day.....

The 31st Street Pub is located directly next to the 31st Street Bridge so it isn't hard to find. Parking can be a bit problematic at times, especially if there is construction work going on. If you have a car alarm, it would be a good idea to use it. The area isn't seedy but it is in between residential and industrial areas so there is a good bit of traffic, some of which isn't always on the up and up.....

If you are looking for a good time but don't want a snobbish atmosphere, this is the place to go. There is no dress code, in fact, the less you wear the better. The crowd is generally friendly to those visiting from out of town and make sure you ask for some free stickers to take home with you. Joel's eyes light up like a Christmas tree (or menorah) when he sees them around town.