This is where we come when I want to drink too much. Don't judge me. It's Ruggers.
Growing up on the south end of Pittsburgh but hating East Carson and the train wrecks that careen down it each night, Ruggers is a tiny haven of whiskey and cigarettes nestled by itself beside the Birmingham. The drinks are cheap, the food is surprisingly great (freak out about pickle chips), and they do fun stuff like trivia on Wednesdays and team Cards Against Humanity.
If you're just going to piss about cigarette smoke, don't come here. Everyone smokes. Best case scenario, they have a patio in the back with picnic tables that don't require you to get emphysema. It's actually a nice, little patio. Regardless, Ruggers is worth the stop though. They have a huge draft list that always includes an Arsenal and seasonal Woodchuck for those wimps like me that aren't super into beer. They also do that whole cheap PBR pounder thing, but for a buck or two more, have Janice make you a nice lil' cocktail. There's usually a draft on special until it runs out too. The only real advice I can give on a negative is avoid Rugby nights.. unless you're into rude, super drunk Brits. Typically I'm not.
Look, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Until I can get a bulleit rye for five bucks in the East End (ha!), I'm taking the bridge to 22nd.