This is the worst live music venue not only in Pittsburgh but probably the entire tri-state area. They couldn't possibly care less about sound. The PA system is set-up totally wrong, the mixing is done from the side of the stage so that is the only good spot in the entire venue for sound. Worst of all there is a giant ugly-ass curved staircase packed right in the middle of an already small venue making for an even worse sound experience. Next time you are in Mr. Smalls note the difference in how much care was put into making the church into a suitable music environment and how little care was put into the set-up at The Altar Bar.
I keep giving this place chances but at this point it I might as well play the band's album in an empty parking garage because that the quality of sound we're dealing with at this place.