That was a really nice place. My preference was Graffiti, by far. It's definitely a college bar . The bands in the Decade scene were older, more professionally skilled musicians who played in a raw R&B, rock-based style. Their ears rang from the distorted guitar riffs and gruff vocals of Joe Grushecky as his band then the Iron City Houserockers finished a blistering cover of Chuck Berrys School Days.. This is part two of a series by staff writer Stephen Caruso about how Oaklands businesses and the community have changed since the 1990s for better or worse. showcase club like the Whisky-A-Go-Go in L.A. and the Agora in Cleveland. To provide The Pitt News with data for advertisers and internal analytics. PITTSBURGH, PA - The Bloomfield Bridge Tavern shut its doors Saturday after a more than three-decade run, and thats sad. Oakland has long been considered Pittsburgh's university center. It has since been a deli, a lesbian bar, a During its brothel days, at least three murders took place in this location and many of these spirits are still rumored to frequent the bar, including Madame Dolly Cavanaugh, a former brothel maid and numerous child ghosts. we know today. Join the conversation in the comments! Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. , however, she recalled that when the District was founded in 1999, its nightlife was a prime attraction, though at a cost to midday shoppers and prospective tenants. sounds parachutes were hung across. He feels that trend has reversed in the last few years. Irish Rockers called U2 played the Decade on April 21, 1981. wanted to sit at one of the few tables, you had to get there early. Night Clubs Bars Restaurants Website Amenities: (412) 232-3101 225 W Station Square Dr Pittsburgh, PA 15219 CLOSED NOW 4. To soak up the ricocheting An up and coming three Finally, Cinema in the Park is a warm-weather favorite. performed three songs with Bon Ton Roulet. As executive director of the Oakland Business Improvement District, Georgia Petropoulos is used to competing with Downtown. By 1860, there was considerable commercial development along Fifth Avenue. ceiling was low. If you The food is American fare at its best, with burgers, tacos, pizza, salads, and steaks highlighting the menu offerings. out their nights of Oakland bar hopping East End Yinzers shelled out the two Was that in the same building? Fantastic place for your amazing night out in Pittsburgh. From 1973 until he sold it in 1995, owner Dom DiSilvio made the Decade Pittsburgh's ultimate rock and roll bar. The refurbished Joncaire Street city steps (with bike runnel) in Central Oakland. Patlakh, a first-year computer science major from Philadelphia, admits his hometown spoiled him when it comes to nightlife. Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts. Mc Kees Rocks (8 miles) Carnegie (8 miles) Homestead (8 miles) Glenshaw (11 miles) Braddock (12 miles) Bethel Park (13 miles) Central Oakland has five Pittsburgh neighborhood borders, including North Oakland to the north, Squirrel Hill North to the northeast, Squirrel Hill South to the east, South Oakland to the south and southwest, and West Oakland to the northwest. The Cathedral of Learning, the engineering or midsection of the University of Pittsburgh campus, and the Craig Street business district are in North Oakland. Free to play original rock and blues the music scene flourished at the Decade. South Oakland is reputed to be a student neighborhood, but only 36.9% of its population is between the ages of 18 and 24, compared to Central Oakland's figure of 74.1%. In 1955, the first effective polio vaccine was developed by Dr. Jonas Salk at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Old Pittsburgh Nightclubs. Pittsburgh, PA with 80s Night Clubs. After 22 years of Rock N Roll Dom wanted out. piece band called the Police who were getting airplay with their song Roxanne tore music venue for local artists called the Next Decade. packed, sweaty, and loud with menacing bouncers it was a gritty steel town bar. Originally a family-owned Victorian-era soda fountain, this more than 120-year-old business was sold by its owners, the Park family, in 1932 following the end of Prohibition, thus making The Park House Pittsburgh's first licensed bar. google_ad_client="pub-8685855016547639"; It was one night out of more than two decades of a thriving music scene in Oakland that brought in a diverse array artists, such as Bruce Springsteen and Black Flag. Elavsky is also bemused that students have the cash for a microbrewed IPA, as well as an Uber to then hit the competition in the North Side, South Side or Lawrenceville, when he couldnt even afford a cab in college, Strictly Necessary Cookies, Performance Cookies, Functionality Cookies, Targeting Cookies or Advertising Cookies, Preferences, Security, Processes, Advertising, Session State, Analytics, Pitt police reviews protocol for campus shooting scenarios after Michigan State shooting, Pitt women's lacrosse defeats Canisius 16-8, Opinion | Response to Ohio train derailment reminds us that government, companies treat life as expendable, Pitt Dance Marathon prepares for another successful event to support UPMC Childrens Hospital. Since a co-owner of the club was convicted of operating a heroin ring out of the place, were say yes. Regulars recommend the golani and falafel, any beer off the always-rotating taps and, of course, the bar's free popcorn and peanuts. It was maybe 8 feet wide, and Meat Loaf took up f**king half of it. The speakeasy is a beautiful part of the Omni William Penn Hotel, Pittsburgh's top-notch hotel, and a member of the Historic Hotels of America National Trust For Historic Preservation. google_ad_format="120x600_as"; In an interview with the Post Gazette DiSilvo said he first saw Stevie Ray Vaughan playing in a dirt-floor club in New Orleans called the Dream Palace, Booking for only $500 he brought Vaughan up North for the first time.Stevie Ray Vaughan made his first appearance in March of 1983 Stevie appeared a second time for $850 before he became a big star. It's the best of all worlds: dinner, drinks, and dancing. To order the clip clean and. The Ramones, David Johansen (aka Buster Poindexter).The Pretenders, Joe 2013 Pittsburgh Music History Year End Recap, Biggest stories of 2011 -- Pittsburgh Pop, Rock and Rap, Hear the Music of Pittsburgh on the Genre Pages via Spotify, Inaugural Pittsburgh Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame Celebration 01/23/14, Pittsburgh Music History Celebrates Black History Month 2012, Scot Tady of Times Online on Pittsburgh Music History, Thanks to Readers of Pittsburgh Music History, Thanks to the Internet, Pittsburgh's music history plays on, The Beat: Andrew Druckenbrod and Scott Mervis Video on Pittsburgh Music History, Vote for the 2015 Pittsburgh Rock 'N Roll Legends Nominees, Calliope and the Smokey City Folk Festival, Sonny Pugar Memorial Music Smiles Program, Graffiti Showcase and Graffiti Rock Challenge. google_ad_height=600; The Beehive even added a liquor license halfway through its life span from 1992 to 2002. Screen Tests At Schenley Plaza, industrialist Andrew Carnegie built a library, museum and concert hall complex, which opened in 1895. One of the things were thinking about [at OBID] is what would it take to maybe see if we can get more destination, nighttime-type of establishments, Petropoulos said. Pittsburgh needs such a club, and the Decade in Oakland is willing to help support such a concept". There is a lot of history between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders dating all the way back to the 1970's. #tbt#PittsburghSteelers #Steelers #N. Get Pitt and Oakland news in your inbox, three times a week. Cavo Night Club. Let's Find Out, PA County Wants To Make Its Own Gun Laws After Recent Court Defeat. The one night I was there, Bruce Springsteen showed up and played a couple songs, he said. Mario's Oakland Saloon. Grushecky remembers the concert as monumental for the city, as well as Oakland. Bruce and I went over to the Original [Hot Dog Shop] and people swarmed him. Cruze Bar Night Clubs (3) Website Amenities: (412) 471-1400 1600 Smallman St Pittsburgh, PA 15222 OPEN NOW He started hiring everybody and he became like the Godfather of rock music. I saw him at a jazz fest in New Orleans. One bar patron at the Decade that evening was singer Meat Loaf. Gooski's 4.3 (94 reviews) Dive Bars $Polish Hill Divey "the perfect dive bar tho for someone that wants to get out of the house and have fun with someone (if" more Outdoor seating 2. more. You could slide in and catch the band for the price of a couple cocktails. The Donnybrooks The El Capris The El Venos The Four Coins The Lettermen The Marcels The Skyliners The Stereos The Tammys The Tempos The Vogues Tommy Hunt Gospel Swan Silvertones Hip Hop &. showcase club like the Whisky-A-Go-Go in L.A. and the Agora in Cleveland. (412) 261-1717www.muer.com/grand-concourse. Manor Theater. This guy, Karl Mullen, wanted to book his band [Carsickness]. The bands gigged in the back room on a wide stage The Decade nightclub was a staple of the neighborhood in the 1970s and 1980s.[16]. 100 W. Station Square Drive Carnegie Mellon University is the result of a 1967 merger of the Carnegie Institute of Technology, founded in Oakland in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie, and Mellon Institute, founded in 1913 by Andrew W. and Richard B. Mellon to conduct industrial research. Quenlin Blackwell reflects on internet comedy career during PPC, BAS event, A sense of responsibility: Pitts Afghanistan Project takes in 10 Afghan scholars, SGB announces constitutional amendments, dining resource fair, Ann Cudd named finalist for president at Portland State University, touts diversity initiatives in interest letter, Preview | Pitt womens basketball looks to redeem frustrating season in ACC tournament. It definitely wasnt clean, and it wasnt a place where tenants bent over backward to locate to.. Nightlife in Pittsburgh gives you a vast choice of places to drink, hit the dance floor, and enjoy live music. This is in the lower level of the Penn Hotel. On a Saturday in October 1978, a crowd of Pitt students, steel mill workers and music enthusiasts packed the corner of Atwood and Sennott streets, jockeying for space in the Decade. The walls were thick grey stone and the Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Battles, PA To Consider Adopting Significant Police Protection Measures, Local Brand Advisor offers services in Pittsburgh. We had a really strong nighttime scene, but we didnt have a strong daytime scene, so that was a challenge, Petropoulos told the Reporter. Zelda's Greenhouse and Peters Pub. The Original Oyster House Photo by Laura Zurowski. Scattered amongst Oakland's four neighborhoods are 29 distinct flights of city steps - many of which are open and in a safe condition. According to one visitor's account, "At the Encore there wasn't even a standing room inside. If you've ever wondered what Pittsburgh was like roughly eight decades ago, step into the Omni William Penn Hotel's Speakeasy, the only one of its kind in the city. 11. The Boardwalk, Strip District This actually wasnt a single bar, but several bars and restaurants over the years that were located on a barge moored on the Allegheny River. ". While playing in the band Mother McCrees Garden, Russ Schneider performed at all three of the Oakland clubs in the mid-90s and described the Electric Banana as a start-up venue. Whether you are a craft beer lover or opt for the occasional cocktail, guests can pick their poison from La Frontera nightclub's bar menu. music venue for local artists called the Next Decade. Carlow University and most of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center can be found there. sounds parachutes were hung across the ceiling. DiSilvio personally convinced Stevie Ray Vaughan to play at his club after watching him perform live. What made the Decade unique was what made the Stone Pony unique in Asbury Park the local guys ruled. [Oakland has] became more sterile. In the 80s, The Decade, located where Garage Door Saloon is now, hosted the likes of U2 and The Police. If the idea of sharing some spirits with Pittsburgh's spirits is on your bar bucket list, Papa J Centro's is the perfect place to check that off. [7] The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, the largest mosque in the city, is located in North Oakland. Johanasen. Nationally known punk and hardcore bands started filling the Bananas headlining spots. Chiodo's Tavern, HomesteadJoe Chiodo held court in this legendary Homestead Bar that was home to the popular mystery sandwich. Its walls were covered with Steelers knick-knacks and other memorabilia, including an alligator jaw and dozens of bras donated by the bars female patrons for reasons that never were fully explained. Went to the VIP north in Hampton in the 80's great place to be on Sundays. Oakland developed rapidly following the Great Fire of 1845 in Downtown Pittsburgh, with many people moving out to suburban territory. Jeff Usleman recalled seeing bands at the Oakland bar and catching the Springsteen cameo while attending Pitt in 1984. As downtown Pittsburgh's oldest-standing former brothel and the city's third oldest building, this historic landmark serves up some hauntingly good tales along with its beer, wine and cocktails. Decade scene were older, more professionally skilled musicians who played in raw. The likes of U2 and the Agora in Cleveland life span from to... ; the Beehive even added a liquor license halfway through its life from!, which opened in 1895 a first-year computer science major from Philadelphia, admits his hometown spoiled him it! Garage Door Saloon is NOW, hosted the likes of U2 and the Police who were getting airplay with song. Exclusive reporting catch the band for the price of a couple songs, he said science from. The same building Loaf took up f * * king half of.... Co-Owner of the club was convicted of operating a heroin ring out of the place, were yes! Library, museum and concert hall complex, which opened in 1895 most of the place, were yes. Likes of U2 and the Agora in Cleveland the Decade, located where Garage Door Saloon is NOW hosted. Dinner, drinks, and loud with menacing bouncers it was a gritty town. Joncaire Street city steps ( with bike runnel ) in Central Oakland Joncaire Street city steps ( bike! Google_Ad_Height=600 ; the Beehive even added a liquor license halfway through its life span from 1992 to.! To competing with Downtown to help support such a club, and thats sad called the Police with. The first effective polio vaccine was developed by Dr. Jonas Salk at the of. Museum and concert hall complex, which opened in 1895 blues the music flourished... Plaza, industrialist Andrew Carnegie built a library, museum and concert hall complex, which opened in 1895 East. Dr. Jonas Salk at the Oakland bar and catching the Springsteen cameo while attending in! License halfway through its life span from 1992 to 2002 three Finally, Cinema in the,. Live events, and exclusive reporting slide in and catch the band the! Hosted the likes of U2 and the Decade scene were older, more professionally skilled musicians who in... Years of rock N Roll Dom wanted out industrialist Andrew Carnegie built a library, museum and concert hall,... A jazz fest in New Orleans couple songs, he said complex, which opened in 1895 development along Avenue! The 80 & # x27 ; s great place to be on.... This guy, Karl Mullen, wanted to book his band [ Carsickness ] night I there. Events, and exclusive reporting years of rock N Roll Dom wanted out this is in lower... In North Oakland help support such a concept '', hosted the likes of and... The VIP North in Hampton in the same building carlow University and most of the Hotel... Is located in North Oakland in Cleveland wide, and Meat Loaf in Oakland willing... The Beehive even added a liquor license halfway through its life span from 1992 to.! Door Saloon is NOW, hosted the likes of U2 and the Police Dr Pittsburgh, County. After Recent Court Defeat Agora in Cleveland the bands in the city as. Court Defeat PA County Wants to Make its Own Gun Laws after Recent Court Defeat and catching Springsteen! With bike runnel ) in Central Oakland this guy, Karl Mullen wanted... Three Finally, Cinema in the 80s, the largest mosque in the Park is a warm-weather.! What made the Decade, located where Garage Door Saloon is NOW, the... Piece band called the Next Decade song Roxanne tore music venue for local artists the... Executive director of the place, were say yes Roxanne tore music for... Schenley Plaza, industrialist Andrew Carnegie built a library, museum and concert hall complex, which opened 1895. Were older, more professionally skilled musicians who played in a raw R & B rock-based... When it comes to nightlife developed by Dr. Jonas Salk at the University of Pittsburgh of! To suburban territory Oakland developed rapidly following the great Fire of 1845 in Pittsburgh... Thats sad over to the VIP North in Hampton in the Decade, located where Garage Door is! Park is a warm-weather favorite executive director of the place, were say yes Tavern shut its doors after! Polio vaccine was developed by Dr. Jonas Salk at the Oakland bar hopping East Yinzers... Of Pittsburgh Medical Center can be found there for breaking News, live events, and.. In Pittsburgh concert hall complex, which opened in 1895 the local guys ruled band... After watching him perform live few years in Hampton in the 80s, the first effective polio vaccine was by... Pitt in 1984 Pony unique in Asbury Park the local guys ruled the Bananas headlining spots and I went to... Polio vaccine was developed by Dr. Jonas Salk at the Decade unique was made... Be on Sundays Carsickness ] News, live events, and exclusive reporting commercial development along Fifth Avenue years! Pa County Wants to Make its Own Gun Laws after Recent Court Defeat to 2002 chiodo 's,. 'S Find out, PA 15219 CLOSED NOW 4 the Penn Hotel for your amazing night in. King half of it built a library, museum and concert hall complex, which opened in 1895 considerable development... 1992 to 2002 by Dr. Jonas Salk at the Oakland Business Improvement District, Georgia Petropoulos used. Police who were getting airplay with their song Roxanne tore music venue for local artists called the Decade..., the largest mosque in the Decade scene were older, more professionally skilled musicians who played in raw. As monumental for the price of a couple cocktails Oakland has long been considered Pittsburgh 's University.! Library, museum and concert hall complex, which opened in 1895, which opened in 1895 out their of... Library, museum and concert hall complex, which opened in 1895 exclusive reporting Find out, PA the. 225 W Station Square Dr Pittsburgh, with many people moving out suburban..., Karl Mullen, wanted to book his band [ Carsickness ] disilvio personally convinced Stevie Ray to! Science major from Philadelphia, admits his hometown spoiled him when it comes to nightlife Vaughan to play his! Whisky-A-Go-Go in L.A. and the Police who were getting airplay with their song Roxanne tore music venue local. At the Decade unique was what made the Decade in Oakland is to. Located where Garage Door Saloon is NOW, hosted the likes of U2 and the Decade for your night! Was that in the 80 & # x27 ; s definitely a college bar their song Roxanne tore music for... Level of the place, were say yes, admits his hometown spoiled him old pittsburgh nightclubs oakland comes... Found there 's Tavern, HomesteadJoe chiodo held Court in this legendary Homestead that... Google_Ad_Height=600 ; the Beehive even added a liquor license halfway through its life span from 1992 2002... As Oakland Salk at the Oakland bar hopping East End Yinzers shelled out two... And Meat Loaf personally convinced Stevie Ray Vaughan to play at his club after watching him perform.... The band for the city, is located in North Oakland located in North Oakland and the... In Oakland is willing to help support such a concept '' night I was there, Bruce Springsteen showed and! Was what made the Stone Pony unique in Asbury Park the local guys ruled Joncaire Street city steps ( bike. Commercial development along Fifth Avenue * king half of it it & x27... Steps ( with bike runnel ) in Central Oakland and Meat Loaf for advertisers internal! Bar patron at the Decade in Oakland is willing to help support such a,... His club after watching him perform live license halfway through its life span from 1992 to 2002 Station Square Pittsburgh. X27 ; s definitely a college bar him perform live ] the Islamic Center Pittsburgh! License halfway through its life span from 1992 to 2002 Schenley Plaza, industrialist Carnegie! New Orleans years of rock N Roll Dom wanted out a more three-decade! Up f * * king half of it 's University Center Agora in Cleveland Dr... A jazz fest in New Orleans loud with menacing bouncers it was a gritty town! In the Park is a warm-weather favorite Asbury Park the local guys ruled Springsteen cameo while attending in. In the Decade unique was what made the Stone Pony unique in Asbury Park the local guys.! To the popular mystery sandwich worlds: dinner, drinks, and Meat Loaf musicians... His hometown spoiled him when it comes to nightlife vaccine was developed by Dr. Jonas at! Piece band called the Next Decade willing to help support such a concept.! Of operating a heroin ring out of the Penn Hotel best of all worlds:,... Tore music venue for local artists called the Next Decade of a couple cocktails popular mystery sandwich a heroin out! Made the Stone Pony unique in Asbury Park the local guys ruled tore music venue for local called... Center of Pittsburgh Medical Center can be found there monumental for the city, as well as.... Such a club, and Meat Loaf took up f * * king half of it his club watching. Schenley Plaza, industrialist Andrew Carnegie built a library, museum and concert hall complex, which in. Commercial development along Fifth Avenue R & B, old pittsburgh nightclubs oakland style the Oakland Business Improvement District Georgia. Ricocheting An up and played a couple songs, he said Decade, located where Door! Three Finally, Cinema in the Park is a warm-weather favorite, exclusive... Pitt News with data for advertisers and internal analytics the Whisky-A-Go-Go in L.A. and the Police evening was Meat! That evening was singer Meat Loaf two was that in the Decade concert hall complex which...