If you're looking for a True dive bar on the south side of Pittsburgh, You need to go to Jack's. It's a Pittsburgh legendary dive bar that the locals hang out in that still serves cheap drinks. That also has awesome customer service & has a great vibe. This is a place you want to hang out when visiting Pittsburgh. Thanks to the bartender and crew that helped make are night awesome. Thanks for our draft t-shirts as well. They made our night fun & enjoyable. When visiting Pittsburgh & if You wanna hang out with the locals go to Jack's for the WIN.... read more

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A guy was gambling in the corner with his roller suitcase. Our waitress was cranking a butt at the end of the bar across from the fryer. 2 guys at the end of the bar complaining that the Steelers are bums. This place is classic Pittsburgh. Colorful and interesting. Painted posters in neon colors above the bar advertising drinks specials and activities at the bar. This place was just odd and I liked it. My husband has Great memories of this place from.many years ago so it was a must when we were in town. I would definitely go back again- good people.watching for sure! True score: 3.5 read more

Jack's Bar - Smoking inside?! - Dive Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Nothing beats a 9am visit to Jack's Bar on a Sunday before a Steelers game. Half of the bar is smoking, including the bartender. There is no door on the toilet in the men's room, but I guarantee someone is in there. The drinks are cheap and the place is dirty - but I love everything about it. read more

Jack's Bar - Jack's! - Dive Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Always a go-to when on the Southside. If you're headed to Acoustic Music Works, stop by for a quick bite (all bar food snacks) and a beer. Bring cash and a pack of cigarettes... read more

Jack's Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This is a down-n-durty dive bar just like momma used to make. Lots of loud sings proclaiming various methods of irresponsible drinking. Indoor smokin' and gamblin'. Cash only. A few taps, but mostly cans 'n bottles. Great place rub shoulder with real life locals of all sorts. The bartender gave me a once-over and instantly knew I was no one. How do I know? Well, within 2 seconds of checking out my outfit she said "jusso you know, we are cash only". Dang, you got me, I didn't know that and yes, you are correct, I never have cash. Luckily the ATM is very low-fee. Shockingly so. read more

Best "Dive Bar" in the 'Burgh! Located in the heart of the South Side on E. Carson St. The 3 bartender's I've encountered were all very friendly and accommodating. Down to earth and friendly clientele as well. All walks of life are welcome in this vintage bar. Food is freshly prepared right in front of you. Tourist friendly! Look forward to my next visit. Enjoy and stay safe! read more

Jack's Bar - Best Dive Bar in Da 'Burgh! - Dive Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This bar is awesome! The bartenders were great and informative about anything related to Pittsburgh. Drinks are strong, food is good and the prices are reasonable. Great place and we will be back as soon as possible. read more

Awesome dive bar. Cheap drinks and they allow smoking in 2024! Lots of fun hand drawn signs all over the place. Bar tender was a tough, no-nonsense kind of lady but very friendly after we bought a few rounds. Clientele was mixed, older people, college students, hipsters, bikers, sports fans, you name it. Music playing was mostly rock and country from lots of different eras. Didn't try the food, but it looked okay. Highly Reccomended. read more

We visited Jack's bar the last time we were in Pittsburgh. My wife and I love visiting local establishments watch sporting events eat bar food and drink beer. So anytime we are in our favorite city to watch the Steelers play we always have to hit up some of these local establishments. This was great we enjoyed our time we had a lot of fun and just ate some good dive bar food I definitely recommend read more

This is the bar your grandfather drank at... and it hasn't changed a bit. Smokey, friendly, fun, cheap, unpretentious, wear anything, open 24/7/365, etc... This is where the younger crowd goes to 'pre-game' and the older crowd relaxes at and drinks for a few hours... but then your friends end up here at the end of the night... don't expect more than cheap drinks, friendly crowd, smoking allowed... and you won't be disappointed...! read more

It was ok if you like Smokey bars. If they made this a non smoking bar I would give it a 5. I can't stand smelling like a cigarette when I leave a place. read more

Opens @ 7am and cigs inside on Saturdays from 5-9pm. Amazing, and I'm not even a smoker.

As my profile states, I have a real soft spot for dive bars. I've been to a lot in a lot of different cities. In fact, thrillist.com did a list of the most iconic dive bar in each state and I can proudly say I have been to seven of those. So it must be said, I have NEVER been to a better dive bar than Jack's Bar in Pittsburgh. Never. WE went out of our way to make a pit stop at Jacks on our way from Morgantown to Buffalo a couple of weeks back. We stayed 90 minutes. We each had 7 drinks. That is Jack's in a nutshell. We discovered Jack's a few years back and I have been a few times now. Cheap drinks, great jukebox, awesome staff, fun people and an amazing décor. What else can you ask for? If you are in Pittsburgh and you don't hit Jack's Bar, you did Pittsburgh wrong. I love this place. read more

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What Disneyworld represents in the catagory of amusement parks so would be Jack's Bar in the realm of 'dive' bars....this place is perfect: 1/ funky but clean 2/ in charge but friendly staff 3/ cheap drinks 4/ interesting and friendly patrons to talk with 5/semi-sleazy food choices cooked in front of you 6/a notable music venue right next door 7/on point bartenders 8/crazy-assed signage all over the place! 9/not too loud 10/Smokey I was looking for a good dive bar In Pittsburgh.... I totally hit the bullseye! This place delivers the full experience.... read more

I had to laugh out loud when I stopped in late last week after they reopened from being shut down for several months. They are a smoking bar and the place reeks of cigarette smoke; yet they make you wear a mask any time you get up from your table or bar stool and they wipe everything down like you're carrying the plague. I get the COVID-19 drama, but seriously, if you let your customers walk around with cancer sticks hanging out of their mouths, the use of mask is a bit of a joke. There are tons of other bars on Carson that realize the Governor and his health secretary's restrictions are a joke, so I'll take my money there from now on. read more

This is a nice little dive bar in Pittsburgh's South Side area. There are two sides to the establishment, each with its own bar. Drink prices are very fair, and while I did not partake in the food menu, I certainly enjoyed seeing the extremely affordable bar food options. This place is a melting pot in regards to age-set. Fair or unfair, be prepared to smell like smoke after leaving, even if you never light up. read more

The atmosphere was great, had games going on the TVs, cheap drinks and the prices are all very clearly marked. Plus it's easy to find good conversation from the bartenders and the customers. read more

I come to PA every 2 years to see family, and each time I do a daytime pub crawl along the south side into downtown. Jack's has been on the route for 6 years now, serving as the last bar before the river. The bartender is the same woman each time I'm there, which is kinda remarkable. Good prices and friendly staff. I look forward to my next visit. read more

Love this spot ! For those who want to say it's a dive and the bartenders are not the friendliest - then you don't genuinely love the experience of a "I don't give a f*ck bar". There's a million bars on Carson, but we come here for the absurdly laid back atmosphere , funny wall art, cheap(ish) drinks and the non overly nice bartenders . They laugh with us without being absurdly "fake nice" that you see at other places . You can't go wrong with their fun shots and random fried food that hits the spot when your getting tipsy! This is an all time favorite in Pittsburgh - keep up the great work! read more

10/10 would return. A staff full of sweet little cherubs. Cash only but they have an ATM. You'll use it bc you won't want to leave.

Got here before the crowds on Bourbon....err I mean Carson St. started to roll in. It's a much different atmosphere when there isn't the rowdiness of the college/young adult crowd in there. You can actually sit and enjoy a libation and talk amongst yourselves. Drink are definitely reasonably priced, which is great for a place that has so much competition. Half the time I was distracted by all the kick ass signs hanging on the walls/ceiling. Be sure to put your nose where it says for an amazing view. read more

How can you go wrong? Maybe the perfect dive bar. Loud music, cheap beer and friendly people. I got drunk at this place twice and both times I had a blast. If you go to Pittsburgh, this is the bar to visit if your into dive bars. Thanks read more

I'm in Pittsburgh. I'm not a Steeler fan but here for the Bengal game (totally not a Bengal fan either). We're here for shenanigans and debauchery. Totally looking for a dive bar. My search has ended. This place is absolutely fabulous. Cheap drinks. Stiff drinks. Fantastic attitudes, both by the patrons and by the staff. This place, as a previous reviewer had noted, defines dive bar. Who else serves pitchers of shots. Yes, pitchers of shots. That is exactly how it sounds. I think we walked the whole south side strip, and went to a dozen or more bars that night, but ended up here three times. I don't know why we left, only to think the rest of Pittsburgh would be just as fab. This is our go to place. Thank you Jack's for being there in our time of need. read more

Jack's Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I've been to this bar a couple times and they usually accept my international ID, but lately this bouncer for reasons that do not entail to my age would not let me in. Call it what you will, but I feel targeted... read more

Truly one of the most unique, interesting and fun places in the Burgh. In addition, its dirt cheap, best value for awesome tasting (maybe not the healthiest ) hot dogs & bar food in city. Owners work almost every Night and they're very busy, kind and real. read more

This was on the must do list of Carson street recommended by a friend who apologized the entire time we were there . Go for the experience. The bar is hole in the wall but a clean looking one for the most part. Cash only and the smokers hang out there so the clouds are heavy. Where else can you order Jell-O shots and pop rocks? Classic. You can order a meal and a beer and if spend more than 5 bucks-not sure if I would but whatever makes you happy. They have a bunch of handmade funny signs to see, and some weirdos that may or may not have been homeless, but again, if you're looking for an experience be sure to stop in for a drank. read more

Jack's Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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One of our must stops when visiting. Cold cheap beer. Shots, and friendly bartender. Cash only bar. My companion played the ATM and lost. I would return with or without her. read more

lots and lots of smoking. You will likely leave this bar smelling like smoke. It is a crowded dive bar. The drink prices were reasonable. We were there for a bachelorette party and some people bought us drinks, which is always nice! With the heavy smoking going on, I may not return, but if that is your thing, definitely check it out! read more

Not knowing Pittsburgh too well, people suggested I give the South Side a shot. I wish a plague upon their houses. Nah, I'm playing. But I was a little misinformed about the neighborhood. I found some good spots, but I ended up starting off in what most the neighborhood is, young college bars. Upon walking into the area we noticed lots of college aged kids. Having gone to college with my buddy I was with, we knew the look. Overly enthusiastic, obnoxious, and drinking crappy beverages. They haven't had the hard bitterness of the world suck out their soul yet. While at Jack's my worries were confirmed. Super cheap beer. Even more so for Pittsburgh. Glow sticks. Beer posters. Yep, college bar. Asked the bartender about it, he played coy. Acted like he's didn't know what I was talking about. Gave him a look and he came clean. Ended up being a really chill guy. He gave us some solid recommendations for the neighborhood. Really appreciated it. He then offered us the "best shot" in Pittsburgh. Once he told me it involved more than two ingredients I told him I'd pass. I gave him a nice tip, but I wasn't about to try his mixed college girl shot. Just know what the place is. I'm sure it could be fun for some, and it's an alright place. Just not my cup of tea. read more

I've been hanging out on the South Side since the early 90s, I remember when places like Dee's was a straight up old timer joint. Jack's is a place I've been to a million times, usually before or after Dee's enroute elsewhere or to meet up with someone. I don't love Jack's and I don't hate it either. To me it's one of those typical dive tourist bars one would hit up in another city. Yeah they're open for business 365 days a year and they open at 7 am but that really does nothing for me. Crowds vary but usually jock-type millenials from the 'burbs on weekends. Then again it's kinda always been like that. Nothing special about prices, just like any other have the multiple bars on East Carson. read more

My boyfriend and I make it a point to stop by Jack's almost every time we're in the Pittsburgh area. It's the perfect dive bar. The drinks are good, reasonably priced, and the staff is great. -very hospitable and very personable. Plus they let you take part in little crafts on occasion! If you ever do happen to come to Jack's you're doing yourself a huge disservice if you don't have a "Party in You Mouth" shot! read more

Jack's Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Jack's is great! Its the kind of dive bar that is open really early in the morning and is filled with old vets and people coming off of night shifts but is super packed on a Friday night. They are reasonably priced, have strong drinks and a little bit of bar food, but nothing spectacular. There are two rooms, the back room has pool tables and maybe some darts, but I dont remember. Each room has a separate bar and juke boxes. Parking in the southside is a pain in the ass, so, if at all possible - get a taxi! Its laid back, no dress code and a good place to go watch a game. read more

Thank goodness for Jack's. As an outsider, I wasn't sure if I would be able to find a bar I felt comfortable in after one night, but Jack's proved to be the spot. Both beer and shots were super cheap. There was a flow of people in and out, but even at its most busiest, I didn't feel like I was being pushed around. The locals were nice enough, or drunk enough. You have to love a bartender who wears a Jenna Jameson shirt. The mix of people in the bar was definitely all over the place. I was in Pittsburgh one night and I met a real steel worker (yes, in the flesh). Even at the end of the night when the girls room had puke on the floor, I didn't mind. It almost made sense to me. If I ever come back to this part of Pittsburgh, I will definitely get my drinks at Jacks. read more

Can't beat Jack's. You just can't. It may be the best dive bar in Pitt. And I say that in the very best way possible. Def Leopard and darts, with cheap beer and bartenders that were born there (that does not mean they are old either). You either get Jack's or you don't and if you don't you are really missing out. Some Southside full-timers may be put off by Jack's popularity, but don't listen to them, it's popular for a reason, it's fun. There is nothing fancy or pretentious about this bar, so if you look like you just fell out of an L.L. Bean or Talbot's catalog, you need not enter. The bar has two sides, both of which can pack em in like sardines on weekends. If you are barhopping on the Southside, start your night at Jack's to get off to a fun and wallet friendly start. To impress your out-of-town friends, order up some Jack's exclusive Pumpkin Pie shots, you won't be disappointed, the preparation is as much fun as drinking the actual shot. Jack's is Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh is Jack's, warts and all. It's not fancy or built for times square, but that's the point. Jack's might be a little rough around the edges, but it has personality and will win you over in spite of yourself. Go in with the right expectations and you will leave happy. read more

Jack's is Jack's. Great drink prices - large mixed drinks - pitchers of shots - lots of smoke. You sneak past a refrigerator to go into the back room. Jack's is the nightcap to a night of drinking on the South Side. But they also serve holiday dinners on Thanksgiving and Christmas to whomever walks in. Everybody goes to Jack's. There is no dress code or snootiness. Though they do have a bouncer carding on Friday and Saturday nights, he's mainly there to keep the peace. This is a classic Pittsburgh establishment where you can see all walks of life morning or night. Don't miss Jack's on your South Side bar crawl (though with all the neon lights you'd have to be trying to actually miss it.) read more

This is "the" Southside bar, I remember riding my bike past this place as a kid and it's as busy as it was 15 years ago. I have yet to meet someone who doesn't love this place, think of it as The Cheers or southside. Where no one knows your name, but they are glad your there and want to drink with you. read more

Waited for a crappy bartender to wait on me on a very uncrowded night. I guess he was texting someone to find more stupid ass white rim glasses. Still tipped him. This place has taken a turn downhill, possibly? Shame jack's, for shame! Lol! read more

Jack's Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Jack's is a integral staple of Pittsburgh and the historic Southside. How can you not love this Bar. As a former Carson Street resident, Happy Hour goer, Dater of Barpeople and Eternal drinking Tourguide, Jack's is always a favorite and a keeper of fantastic bonding memories. Located at the End of Carson on 12th street this dive/biker/yinzer Bar immediately stands out with it's 70s style Neon Light Glass Tile exterior and spraypainted walls. With the bold statement of "Best Bar in Pittsburgh" you cannot help but test it for yourself. First of all I must say that this bar is open from 7am to 2am everyday. This allows for a huge variety of patrons, from the overnight nursing staff from the Hospital, to the local alcoholics that start drinking at 11am, to liquid lunch professionals, college students, professional who still believe they are in college etc. There is a front Bar which has a long fully stocked bar and 3 or 4 standing tables. There are two entrances that are open at different times throughout the day exiting out to the sidestreet. Through the narrow passage way there is the back bar which opens in the evening and on Saturdays, with 2 pool tables, a juke box and a Dart board and a second back entrance. [this is where I usually hang out]. A doorman will be checking IDs in the front and at both doors on St. Patty's Day. The entire Bar is cash only but fear not there's an ATM, also the drinks are cheap so not a huge tug on your wallet. The drinks are strong and people are characters. It's a smoking bar with a minimal menu if any. I personally have been scared to eat anything or quite frankly never thought to. That's not what I come to Jacks for. You come to Jack's for: 1. Scoping out the Bartender your best friend hookup up with to make sure they aren't a Manw**re [he is] and progress to meet some of the best people in your life [his friends] and prevent your roommate accidentally from making out with her cousin [that almost happened] 2. Invent the game shirts or shots after the premier of Magic Mike [winners game] 3. Waste the remaining per diems that your company gave the India Trading Team visiting Pittsburgh 4. Force your new First year MBAs to try the best drop shots ever [BATMAN'S!!!!!! - tastes like a root beer float]; or your socially awkward coworkers they are the same people 5. Have your NJ friend flirt tirelessly with Beverly the Bartender 6. Find one or two Pretty Boys to hook up with 7. Sing Living on a Prayer at the top of your lungs 8. And so many more shenanigans. 9. Can I repeat BATMANS That was a snapshot. It will be hard to find a soul who does not have their own version of this amazing bar. So if there are any places that are a need to try. This is one of them! read more

I can't believe I've never reviewed jacks before. Deff a cool stop on the stretch of carson. The coolest part is in the back where there is another bar, more room, pool tables, dart boards ect. Always a fun time here. Well atleast on a weekday. I dont really bar hop on the weekends anymore .__. read more

Jack's Bar - liquidmaryjanes. Its been awhile - Dive Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Jack's was my favorite bar in the South Side area of Pittsburgh. I could have stayed there all night.