Yelp doesn't seem to be all that popular in Pittsburgh. That could be because folks here know their local haunts and are pretty loyal. As someone who ends up in the city for work, this makes things tricky. So, I'm going to review some spots.
Shale's is a dive bar. It also happens to be right across from the Consol Energy Center, making it the perfect place to stop in for beers before/after an event of your tastes skew more towards cheap drafts and a jukebox with GNR, than say TGI McFunsters across the street. They've got a small range of local, domestic and international brews, but there should be something to satisfy everyone in your group (as long as nobody wants wine).
They serve drinks in plastic cups (which should clarify what type of place this is) and allow smoking.