I normally don't write reviews but this was abhorrent. Our wait times were crazy but we figured it was due to the home games. Anyway, we were sitting across the kitchen and my girlfriend saw some disturbing things. One of the cooks dropped a knife on the dirty floor and just continued using it. The same cook licked his fingers before touching a wrap and closing it. No, licking your fingers and touching food is not the same as licking your fingers to turn a page in a book. Also we found hair in our food. I used to like this place but what's going on?? read more

Cheap beer specials, a no-frills atmostphere, and standard pub grub abound. There are plenty of TVs all over the place. It gets packed like a sardine can on weekends. You can't escape the Pittsburgh memorabilia. William Penn Tavern is Shadyside's very own hybrid of sports bar and college bar. Without a doubt, the highlight would be the chicken wings. The 50-cent wing special (which happens FOUR days a week!) is one of the most affordable and delicious ways to stuff yourself silly. They come doused with your choice of many sauces. The wings are juicy, tasty, and humongous. They might come from giant chickens that could terrorize a city Godzilla-style. I cannot recommend the kitchen sink and spicy ranch sauces enough. If indeed "you are what you eat," there's a good chance I will soon turn into a William Penn Tavern chicken wing. Other tidbits: The beer selection isn't the greatest--it's the standard Yuengling/Miller/Coors/Bud alongside a handful of craft brews--but at least the cheap beer is actually fairly cheap. There's a dartboard and a foosball table for when you get competetive. The NFL satellite package makes this a great place to spend Sunday afternoons during football season. The patio is decent, and has heaters and a tent for less-than-ideal weather. William Penn, being his Quaker self, likely wouldn't appreciate it, but if you want some cheap beer, tasty bar food, and a game to watch, this tavern with his name is a solid option. read more

Yes, 5 stars. Albeit my friend and I were only there till about 10pm on a Saturday, however I was blown away. The wait staff is phenomenal. The bartenders are very nice and quick on their feet. The wings are out of this world. It certainly does have the sights of a dive bar from the outside, however once you get inside you are greeted by NOT the stench of stale cigarettes, broke dreams, and a wet dream of a Johnny Cash fan. Instead I was greeted by a bar tender asking me if I wanted a drink. I was greeted by the hard wood flooring and the very nice stairs and banister. And it was clean. It's honestly an all around good place to be. Not too loud, however at 10pm it definitely because more of a party location. Shot girls came in hosting Jose Cuervo or something, the music was turned from a subtle 3 to a not imposing, but definitely audible 7, and again, the wings, man. They were just the bees knees. The 2 things that suck about this place are the bathrooms and parking. Unless you can hoof it, you have to park 3 blocks away to find free parking, which is pretty lame. And the bathroom (at least for the guys) doesn't have a lock so if you wish to go number 2, bring a friend to stand by the door. Also, no mirror which I thought was more quirky than odd. I highly recommend this place and look forward to returning to it. read more

If I could give this place negative stars I would. They don't even deserve one. Discriminated against someone with a service dog. I have never been treated so terribly while dining with my service dog before coming to William Penn tavern. Me and my boyfriend came in for dinner yesterday, we sat down waiting for someone to come over & serve us within 3 minutes a visibly drunk, angry & rude red headed man came over from behind the bar and started yelling saying "get your dog out of here" to us. Without even letting us get a word in he started saying it doesn't matter to him if it's a service dog & accusing me of making up my condition. He stated to me *a person who has went through service dog training & know my laws & rights* that he is right and my dog needs to have a "service dog harness on" and that I was lying to him & made us leave without letting us say a word. I will be going through the legal steps I need to make sure this establishment gets fined & cited for this occurrence. Absolutely astonished by the treatment I received here. This was one of the worst experiences I've ever had at a restaurant and I do not suggest anyone coming or supporting this terrible place. read more

Do you like sports, beer, and fried pub grub and sandwiches? How about Shadyside? Answering yes to these questions would probably mean you already know about the Tav, but should you not, this might be your place. Admittedly, it's not one of my regular spots, but I'll submit that when an occasion calls for multiple screens of sports, copious amounts of food and booze, and a energetic atmosphere, the Tavern hits the spot. read more

Came to this place on a suggestion from a random stranger in downtown Pittsburgh. If we lived near here this would be my weekly hangout. Sammy and our waitress treated us like we were family. The wings and sauces were the best we've had ever!!!!!! Best place ever. William Penn would be proud. This place has honored his name. Fantastic place. A must try for anyone in the Pittsburgh Area. read more

William Penn Tavern - Sports Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

From the patrons to the bartenders to the staff and owners this place is must visit for anyone in pgh. I always have tremendously enjoyable conversation here and the prices are extremely fair. Booze selection is a bit limited but not when it comes to bourbon and beer which is all I really care about. Thanks for making pgh feel like home Rat and Boss! read more

I really enjoyed the wings here because they give you a healthy helping of sauce for the wings and the flavors are really tasty. I typically get medium, hot or the "kitchen sink" flavor. In my opinion, those are the best flavors! I would typically go to William Penn on on the 50 cent wing days - the only down side is, you can't take it to go! I would stop by William Penn as a pre-dinner snack (6-8 wings) before I ate my actual dinner. It was also a great place to stop for dinner before going to the different bars and shenanigans happening on Walnut Street. read more

This is my favorite bar in Pittsburgh. From the cheap wings and beer to the friendly (at time) service, this is the place I kept coming back to over my two years in the city. It's always a relaxed atmosphere, can be hard to find a seat, and I just love the place. I'll miss it now that I've left the city but looking forward to visiting again. read more

First of all the website, as I was told, "has been down for 4 years" - even though it is very up. The specials and menu prices are apparently wrong. My friends and I chose this place solely based on the fact they had advertised $3.50 20 oz Guinness. We needed a place to celebrate our graduation. With a party of 4 that grew to 6 we found the place pretty crowded and loud after awhile. Mostly we were pissed off that we were told on our 3rd round that the Guinness we were drinking was actually $5.50. ...really, it wasn't even a full 20 oz glass, it was one of those damn plastic cups. When we ordered at the beginning of the night it was quiet and the bartender said nothing about the price. At that point we decided to go somewhere else because it really wasn't our kind of bar in the first place, and you can absolutely find much cheaper Guinness in this city. The guy didn't even apologize for the website - it's called false advertising, and it's a dick move, Mr. William Penn. read more

Had a wonderful time on Memorial Day with Miss Tori and she took amazing care of us when very few places could/would. Love it! Will be back for the cheesesteak again! XO read more

I agree with others who have mentioned the kitchen sink wings. They are really good and I would keep coming back for them alone. They have a nice tv set up and always have the games on. Beer selection could be better, although they have about 8 taps with 2-3 craft options. Apart from the wings I have tried the cheese steak which was pretty good. One of the drawbacks of William Penn is that seating can be hard to come by, and there isn't really a great place to stand unless you want to go outside to the patio. Service has always been good and the prices are great. read more

William Penn Tavern - Some specials - Sports Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Gotta love this Shadyside staple. This versatile bar has served me for many a purpose, between school events, escape from overfilled Wednesday wine nights that happen down the street, a quick cheap bite or dinner, a staple miller lite under the outdoor tent, or even, to do homework while watching Sunday pro football. Great people, quick service, hospitable people and a small, yet satisfying menu. Versatile and savory you will stay here long enough to get hungry again from lunch and repeat what my friend Matt did yesterday: Order the best thing he's ever eaten on the menu [the pulled chicken sliders] to his dire end of the night mistake [the Voodoo wings]. Delicious, but I quote: "there isn't enough blue cheese to eat a dozen of these bad boys" and people trying to help lighten the load, will suffer the consequences. Make sure to say hi to the awesome bouncers on your way in, try not to get into a fight to spill a perfectly good full glass of Vodka Redbull and almost take out my chair and you should be good to go. Keep it up! read more

Beer and wing specials almost daily and THE BEST wings I've ever put in my mouth--get the the kitchen sink wings and spicy ranch wings. If you try and hate either of them then you probably don't deserve to live a happy fulfilled life. Legitimately salivate every time I think about these wings. Now I've developed a craving. Thanks, yelp, for making me write this review and causing intense hunger pains. Oh and it's also the go-to bar for CMU students so if you're into that.... read more

BEST mac and cheese bites ever! These mac and cheese bites are not the traditional ball shape; they are little triangles of heaven served with ranch; they are crispy on the outside and cheesey on the inside. $6.95 is enough for two hungry people or a small snack among 4. Wings (10 for $9.50) are also delicious, would recommend the Honey BBQ. The Kitchen Sink sauce is a little weird, but can imagine some people really liking it. The tots ($3.95) are also great munchies. There are lots of nights with discounts such as half off wings, so def check those out. Gets crowded with some college students and some older folks as well - might be difficult to get a table. However, service was great and our server checked up on us several times despite the crowds. read more

Great place to drink cheap beer, but it gets way too crowded. This place is a college bar that people of all ages go to. The beer is cheap and the food is cheap also, but surprisingly good for cheap bar food. My only complaint is how crowded it can get... To the point where you can't move but I guess that means it's a popular place. They have an outdoor patio in the back read more

Went here for lunch with the mom. Wow wait was 20 minutes for food at lunch time, worth every darn moment. We got the pulled pork and slaw plus the buffalo chicken wrap and fries. The food was astounding. The cook placed a little bit of his soul in that food. I have been so used to lack of caring of what comes out of most kitchens this gentleman was proud. He delivered it hot to our table and our server was that you would expect from any bar (feel free to get up and go track them down for whatever you need, saves on yours and there head aching). Over all it was 10 dollars a meal, not bad in downtown terms. I also saw the salads a table of men had each was fresh green leaves with a mound of meat on top it. Cannot wait to try one next time around. read more

William Penn Tavern - Buffalo chicken wrap with yummy fries! - Sports Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Really not crazy about this place, it's generally very unpleasant. Not nearly enough seating, seating that is itself really awkwardly located and uncomfortable, aloof bartenders, really obnoxious clientele. Been here twice, and not planning on stopping by again. read more

Kitchen sink wings. Plain wings. Fries with cheese. Chicken cheesesteak and steak salad. These are a few of my favorite things. So good. Generous portions. Love the hot pepper relish on sandwiches. Soups are usually pretty good too. Divey but a great bar. Friendly bartenders and patrons. Lots of tvs. read more

Get the wings with the "kitchen sink" sauce..preppy meets dive bar..very nice staff, but go for the wings.. I'd give them 5 stars but a bit too many fruit flies.. read more

If you are looking for a good place to catch a game and have some pub food and drinks with a Pittsburgh flavor, this is your place. read more

William Penn Tavern - Sports Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

One of my favorite bars in Shadyside! The bartenders are awesome, with a great sense of humor, and they even help me with recommendations for new drinks to try out when I'm bored of my same old go to. Once you get to know the staff they actually acknowledge the fact that they know you which makes you feel like going out was worth it. Last night, (busy Saturday night) my bartender got so busy he had to jump to the outdoor bar to help out and forgot to bring me my wings, but he quickly apologized, gave them to me for free and even overly compensated with a free drink as well. Great service and they really do care about their customers. Weeknights are a little slow (what else do you expect?) but weekends are packed starting around midnight, it can be fun, but it can also get annoying with the constant bumping and pushing to navigate through the crowds. But if you have a table either inside or outside with friends you forget how busy it is. If you're in the area I highly recommend you to stop in for a few drinks and try some snacks. You won't be disappointed! read more

Came to William Penn Tavern after an incredibly long day of work and met friends to watch the women's World Cup on the back patio. It was raining pretty hard and the satellite feeds to the game and ninja warrior on the TV next to it were in and out at times. The bartender was very nice, and although she didn't ask us about ordering food, we eventually discovered that it was $1.25 taco night because she was eating some at the bar while watching TV with us. The tacos were good for the price. Small flower tortillas, ground beef, lettuce, and tomato. Salsa and sour cream in the side. The atmosphere was very relaxed and welcoming, and although on a busier night I'm sure John Taffer might have gone ballistic, there was not much to fuss about as it was basically just my small group of friends and a few others watching soccer on a rainy night. While I would certainly like to explore more of the menu and drinks offered in the main bar, I'd certainly give William Penn Tavern an A-OK thumbs up. read more

If I was not that hungry for wings I would've never came here. This place is dirty and the service is non existent. Skip this dump and go elsewhere. read more

William Penn Tavern - Bar area is a total health hazard! - Sports Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I come here every week for their wings. This weekend my dad came to visit and we came here twice because he said they were the best wings he's ever had. The kitchen sink sauce is THE best. I am disappointed that they stopped doing a wing special though read more

Last night I was out for drinks with some my friends. It was my first time there. Our server's name was Amy and she was amazing! Very attentive. Will definitely be back based on the service we received! read more

Food cost tooooo much relative to portion size. Go get drunk. You won't notice until you're sober enough to see your bank account.

My son who is non confrontational and mild mannered was assaulted at this bar for nothing and jumped by 8 other patrons and staff. His neck was broken this was his first time at this bar. He was out celebrating with 2 other friends 1 male, who was assaulted also and a female who they waited for to goto the bathroom. Wouldn't have given any stars! read more

I love the tavern and everyone there. Best place ever. Shoutout to Jenna and the Pikes.

The food here is gross. We ordered nachos, which were mostly crushed round chips with some sprinkle cheese and a jalapeño or two on top. Then I got a shrimp po' boy. It was a long roll with a few Sam's club frozen popcorn shrimp and some lettuce, no sauce, dry as a bone. I ate a few of the shrimps and pitched the rest. Even as far as bar food goes, this place sucks. And it took almost 40 minutes for them to make it. read more

I absolutely love William Penn Tavern. My favorite spot is the outdoor bar mainly because the inside is very crowded. The bar tenders are so friendly and the drinks are strong. This is a go-to spot for me in Shady Side! read more

Why is there no music????? It's silent in here.....not ok. People are having a few drinks in legit silence. Not ok.

First time here and will not be returning. Came as a large group and was not welcomed at all. The bartender was rude as he said obscenities under his breath as we placed a large order. The minute we stepped in the door we were told we should have given a heads up a head of time - this specific group comes and gives this place business every year. However, will not be returning. It's a shame this happens when trying to support local businesses next time my business will be taken else where. read more

If you're drunk get the kitchen sink wings and mac & cheese bites! Their fried zucchini is pretty good too :)

Great local bar. Phenomenal wings and beer specials. Great staff and a must visit for local tourist.

I've only ordered take out here a few times and it's pretty standard pub fare but super fast and they deserve a damn award for that Voodoo sauce. Order it with hella blue cheese or ranch or fries because it is intense (not the hottest sauce in the world, but like so much cot dang flavor). read more

Typical sports bar with great wings! Kitchen Sink Wings were $.50 each the night we went. The fried zucchini was great as well (more breading then zucchini, but it doesn't matter after a few beers). We also tried the nachos and tater tots, which were fine. Service was great! They also have daily beer specials. read more

Review base on wings n beer! Been here a couple of times now. I always seem to come when they have wings on special. Which works out great for me because I love wings, and their wings are so tasty! I particularly like the kitchen sink wings, but they have multiple yummy flavors. They are a great price and always have some kind of beer deal. Perfect lunch spot on Sunday. Service is ok, but they are always pretty busy place. read more

Extremely dirty bathrooms, looked & smelled like they hadn't been cleaned in days. Absolutely unacceptable and disgusting! read more

William Penn Tavern - Unacceptable bathroom conditions - Looked & smelled like they hadn't been cleaned in days - Sports Bars Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Quite simply, my favorite bar in Pittsburgh. I thought maybe one day I would grow tired of ice cold pitchers of Bud Light and delicious Buffalo Wings (or Spicy Ranch. Or Kitchen Sink...). Alas, I have not. Bartenders and waitresses are great and very friendly. Always have the good games on. The back patio is a nice touch and will be great in the summer. All the funky memorabilia gives it a true Pittsburgh feel. If I ever go missing, I'm probably there playing darts. read more