Baseball season has officially started in Pittsburgh, and another exciting summer at the ballpark has begun!

One of the best parts of PNC Park – other than the stunning view of the city – is its prime location on Pittsburgh’s North Shore.  The stadium is surrounded by fantastic restaurants that turn an afternoon at the ballpark into an adventure in Downtown Pittsburgh. Because the Roberto Clemente Bridge is closed for pedestrian traffic before the game, it’s very easy to explore Downtown, and then walk across the bridge to catch the start of the game.

On the other side of the stadium, some favorite North Side spots are also within walking distance of PNC Park.

So if you’re heading to a Pirates game over the next few months, check out some of these awesome restaurants to get snacks and drinks before the game.

Let’s go Bucs!

5 to 10 Minute Walk

Mullens

Time to walk: 1 minute
What to expect: Located across the street from the stadium, Mullens is a typical sport’s bar serving pub fare.  On game days they offer $3 I.C. Light beers, and $4 Bud Light 16 oz. cans. The atmosphere is lively before, during, and after the game.

Mullens (200 Federal Street)

Southern Tier Brewing Company 

Time to walk: 4 minutes
What to expect: Pregame any Pirate’s game at Southern Tier’s new satellite location on the North Shore. This new brewpub has a large menu of sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, and plenty of Souther Tier brews. The space is very large, and is a favorite place to socialize before the game

Southern Tier Brewing Company (316 N. Shore Drive)

Social House 7

Time to walk: 10 minutes
What to expect: Social House 7 is Japanese izakaya-style social house, with a large space and beautiful decor. The menu spans several types of Asian cuisine, with different rice and noodle bowls, sandwiches, sushi, sashimi, and even sushi burritos (yes, sushi burritos).

Social House 7 (123 7th Street)

Meat and Potatoes

Time to walk: 10 minutes
What to expect: Pittsburgh’s favorite chic gastropub is known for having one of the best brunches in the city.  Especially for out of town guest, this is a great spot for a elegant and tasty dining experience. Enjoy specials like Chicken & Waffles, Shrimp & Grits, and their famous Pub Burger.

Meat and Potatoes (649 Penn Avenue)

Pork & Beans 

Time to walk: 10 minutes
What to expect: Since opening last year, Pork & Beans has become one of the best spots in town for Texas-style smoked meats, BBQ, and stiff drinks. You’ll find  pay-by-the-pound meats, like brisket and ribs, and 36 taps of beer and wine on draft, plus a very generous selection of whiskey.

Pork & Beans (136 6th Street)

10 to 20 Minute Walk (or a really short Uber)

City Works

Time to walk: 12 minutes
What to expect: This new Market Square restaurant has 90 different beers on draft. The restaurant prides itself on “American classics with a modern twist,” like Sriracha burgers, a duck reuben, and shrimp tacos with Asian slaw. Happy Hour is from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and includes $4 snacks and $4 beers.

City Works (2 PPG Place)

Sharp Edge Bistro

Time to walk: 13 minutes
What to expect: The Sharp Edge has several locations around the city, with the Downtown location being their newest. Just like the others, the Sharp Edge offers a wide selections of beers – 35 taps, 200+ bottles – and elevated pub food.  Be sure to try their mussels and uniquely blended burgers (ie: ground bacon and ground pork), which the restaurant is known for.  Happy Hour is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and includes 1/2 off Belgian and craft drafts and 60¢ buffalo bites.

Sharp Edge Bistro (922 Penn Avenue)

Bakersfield

Time to walk: 14 minutes
What to expect: Bakersfield is known for tacos, tequila, and whiskey. The space is large with a saloon vibe, and serves Mexican street food. Enjoy dishes like short rib tostadas, and pork belly tacos.  Bakersfield also offers $3 shots, and $3 PBRs all day, every day.

Bakersfield (940 Penn Avenue)

Emporio at Sienna Mercato

Time to walk: 15 minutes
What to expect: Located on the first floor of Sienna Mercato, Emporio serves gourmet meatballs (and vegetarian options) in interesting arrangements, like panini, sliders, or poutine, with 10 different types of sauces. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and features 50¢ Buffalo Chicken Balls and $4 Poutine, as well as drink specials.

Emporio at Sienna Mercato (942 Penn Avenue)

Allegheny City Brewing

Time to walk: 15 minutes
What to expect: A quaint and cozy brewery that is only a 15-minute walk from the stadium. ACB brews several types of rotating craft beers, with interesting flavors like Grapefruit Imperial IPA and Graham Cracker Porter.  They frequently have a different food truck outside of the brewery. Up-to-date information on their draft list, and food truck schedule can be found on their Facebook page.

Allegheny City Brewing (507 Foreland Street)

Condado Tacos

Time to walk: 16 minutes
What to expect: This new taco bar is a great addition to the Downtown restaurant scene!  Condado has a made to order taco menu with six types of tortillas, and 10 types of protein. They also have a menu of guacamole and queso. Happy Hour is 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and features $1 off beers and tacos, and half off margaritas.

Condado Tacos (971 Liberty Avenue)

Bill’s Bar & Burger

Time to walk: 17 minutes
What to expect: Bill’s Bar and Burger is a popular restaurant with locations in Pittsburgh, New York City, and Atlantic City. The restaurant is known for its huge burger menu, with unique items like the Grilled Shrimp Burger, the Fat Cat burger (with an English muffin), and the Kimchi Bomb Burger. Additionally, Bill’s makes beautiful milkshake creations like the Campfire, with a toasted marshmallow, and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bomb.

Bill’s Bar and Burger (1001 Liberty Avenue)

El Burro Comedor

Time to walk: 17 minutes (through park)
What to expect: Hearty burritos, tacos, and more, with tons of vegan and vegetarian options. Great place for a quick, casual meal.  The portions are huge and will fill you up for the rest of the day!

El Burro Comedor (1108 Federal Street)

Legends of the North Shore

Time to walk: 17 minutes (through park)
What to expect: Legends of the North Shore is aptly named – this restaurant is a Pittsburgh legend. If you have never been, before or after a Pirates game is the perfect time to check it out. Legends serves family-made Italian food. Since the restaurant opened in 2002, it has consistently been considered one the the most beloved restaurants in the city.

Legends of the North Shore (500 East North Avenue)

Bier’s Pub

Time to walk: 18 minutes
What to expect: Casual burger joint on the North Side that also boasts a large collection of their own War Streets Brewery brews. The restaurant has daily drink specials, whiskeys, wines, cocktails and craft beers.

Bier’s Pub (900 Western Avenue)

The Commoner

Time to walk: 19 minutes
What to expect: The Commoner is the “it” spot downtown for after-work drinks and snacks. Located inside of the Hotel Monaco, everything from the menu, to the decor, is extremely trendy.  Enjoy a menu of flatbreads, sandwiches, burgers and more all day long – the restaurant opens for breakfast, and stays open until 11:00 p.m. or later.

The Commoner (458 Strawberry Way)

Biergarten at the Hotel Monaco

Time to walk: 19 minutes
What to expect: Located just above the Commoner is the rooftop Biergarten at the Hotel Monaco.  Enjoy drinks and outdoor games (Jenga, cornhole, garden chess) with a view of the city before heading over to the game. The Biergarten focuses on European beer, as well as German-influenced bar bites.

Biergarten at the Hotel Monaco (458 Strawberry Way)

For a list of bars and restaurants inside of the stadium, check out this post by Penn Live.