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| - Altar Bar is probably my first or second favorite small concert venue in the Pittsburgh area (I keep bouncing back and forth between here and Mr. Smalls). The last time I was there was for a battle of the bands-style competition that a friend of my boyfriend was in. Because this was an 18 & older event, the first time I had been to one like that there, if you wanted to drink you were regulated to the top floor. That may push them slightly ahead of Mr. Smalls as during an all-ages event there, 21+ are regulated to the back of the room where it can become almost impossible to see anything.
The sound system isn't that great, the bartenders aren't that nice, and the layout is really wonky. You're probably wondering why I like this place so much, and it has to be because every time I've gone I've still had an awesome time. When the place gets filled up with a great local band (only times I've been it was to see local bands), it gets really pumping and just is a lot of fun. The decor is pretty cool as can be the lighting, depending on the show. I've randomly met some really nice, fun people while watching a show. Never had a problem with the crowd at Altar Bar.
The drinks are a little pricey (I feel like Mr. Smalls was cheaper, but I could very well be wrong), but poured strongly, which can be nice. The bartender upstairs for the battle of the bands show was really cool, very nice girl, as were the security guys working that night. It's hard to be in a bad spot for watching a show in Altar Bar. I call the layout wonky because the huge staircase in the back takes up so much room!
There's also this whole downstairs area that's set up with tables and chairs and I'm so curious to know what is held down there ever!
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