As far as Dive bars go, I like Shale's. Now I have only been in here a few times since I moved back to the 'Burgh, but I cannot complain about anything (other than the smoke). Even before a Pens game when they were quite busy, it was easy to get a drink with ease. A+++++ for the attentive bartenders too (one of which was a female and broke my experience of most female bartenders seeming to be less nice to me thing so I cannot complain there!).
If you are looking for a good place to check out before a game, check out Shale's.