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IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE: MUSIC 04 The Best Jukebox Bars in Pittsburgh
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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER DECEMBER 27, 2023 - JANUARY 3, 2024
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MUSIC
THE BEST JUKEBOX BARS IN PITTSBURGH
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON
Long Story Short
BY CP STAFF // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
T
here’s something special about a bar with a jukebox, and it’s not necessarily the jukebox itself. Without a doubt, a throwback, analog jukebox with decades worth of fingerprints on it and a library of music just as vintage will add instant character to any watering hole. But a good jukebox bar takes more than just the presence of that artifact — it has to have the vibe. Jukebox bars are inherently welcoming, ready to cater to whatever mood you’re in with just the plunk of a few quarters or, in the case of the new-fangled, high-tech ones, the tap-tap of a few screens. There’s a high likelihood of the latter, as some of Pittsburgh’s long-loved jukebox haunts have gone digital. But even so, a jukebox — any jukebox — lets your whims take the lead. If a sappy love song is calling to you, that’s your choice. If you want to scream a one-hit-wonder with your friends that was the soundtrack to your college parties, the jukebox will not judge — others might, though, so keep that in mind. That’s part of the responsibility everyone takes on at a jukebox bar. It’s a good place to lean into crowd-pleasers, sure, though it’s an even better opportunity to dazzle your fellow patrons with an offbeat pick everyone forgot they loved. That’s the beauty of a good jukebox bar: every night you’re part of a little musical microcommunity. On that note, we, your friends at Pittsburgh City Paper, put our heads and dollar bills together to unearth the best jukebox bars in town. Here are the ones we recommend for an almost guaranteed good time, no matter what tunes end up spinning.
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BOTTLEROCKET SOCIAL HALL 1226 ARLINGTON AVE., ALLENTOWN Allentown welcomed Bottlerocket in 2022, and in a short time, the venue has attracted sold-out crowds to shows featuring some of the country’s most popular indie comedy and music acts (it even won Best New Bar in CP’s Best of PGH Readers Poll). Sweetening the deal is the 1975 Rock-Ola 460 jukebox that greets patrons stepping through the doors of the space, a former watering hole from the city’s steel-working days that, thankfully, retains all of its throwback charm, from the U-shaped bar to the wood-paneled walls. Bottlerocket owner Chris Copen calls the jukebox his “pride and joy,” adding that it spins a rotating group of 45s from the ‘70s and ‘80s, plus a “few mystery records from acts that have played here, or are just dumb/funny.” He estimates that about 400 records rotate through it. - Amanda Waltz
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The Squirrel Hill Cafe
The jukebox at Tina's
BRILLOBOX
LE MARDI GRAS
4104 PENN AVE., BLOOMFIELD
731 COPELAND ST., SHADYSIDE
The classic Rock-Ola jukebox sitting at the front of Brillobox’s first floor fits easily with the abundance of eye-catching wall decor, bright red vinyl seating, and other fun attributes that have, for nearly 20 years, made this Bloomfield haunt a go-to hot spot. Given that the space already has plenty of live music, dance nights, and other events going on, as well as muted cult films playing on its downstairs bar area TV, its jukebox can get overlooked, even though it’s one of the first things patrons see when they walk through the door. When asked about the jukebox, which sits nestled between the main bar and a large, window-side booth, a bartender replied that it “technically works,” and that records get stuck sometimes. Still, it’s worth taking one of the jukebox’s many selections for a spin, especially when it features hits stretching back to the doo-wop era. - Amanda Waltz
Behind the trendy retail stores and restaurants lining Shadyside’s bustling Ellsworth Street sits Le Mardi Gras, an old-school, upstairs bar that, given the city’s tighter regulations, now serves as a haven for smokers looking to stay indoors. Located on Copeland Street away from all the shopping and barhopping college kids, the space has drawn patrons with its retro, nicotinesoaked ambiance. The bar’s wall-mounted jukebox features tunes that, whether intentional or not, represent eras the bar has served since opening in 1954, with selections representing everything from rock icons like Jethro Tull and Bob Seger to pop and punk and everything in between. The curated song choices, paired with a decor more suited to decades past, offer the perfect chance to pretend you’re sipping a cocktail in the partying heydays of the 1970s or ‘80s — that the bar’s menu boasts classic throwback drinks only adds to the effect. - Amanda Waltz
DEE’S CAFE 1314 E. CARSON ST., SOUTH SIDE
LONG STORY SHORT
A South Side mainstay established in 1959, Dee’s Cafe was once named to Esquire’s list of best bars in America. Still billing itself as Pittsburgh’s best dive bar and “the adult playground,” you can nab cheap beer and their famous $3 alcohol-laced pudding shots at Dee’s — smoking also permitted — any night of the week. A laidback atmosphere draws both a steady neighborhood crowd and Carson Street bar crawlers. Two floors offer seven pool tables, darts, ping-pong, pinball, karaoke, and a jukebox in the downstairs bar. True to its ‘50s roots, Dee’s, at one time, supported three jukeboxes — according to the bar, as recently as 10 years ago, one jukebox was an old-model machine, into which patrons could pop in their coins and watch the records flip. Today, Dee’s jukebox is digital, cranking out an array of ‘90s to present-day hits, but the timeless feel remains. With the dive’s signature pink neon sign, retro glass block exterior, smoky diner booths, and throwback drink prices, you can still hit the jukebox and be transported to another decade of your choice. - Rachel Wilkinson
Cinderlands rebranded its Foederhouse location in Lawrenceville to create Long Story Short, an eatery with booth-and-counter diner charm. Behind the front dining area, where patrons can enjoy the brewery's signature beer and a robust menu, is a lounge featuring 1970s decor, a pool table, and a completely free jukebox. That the restaurant music and lounge music never cross over makes Long Story Short a truly delightful twofer. The Carson City Parlour-branded jukebox has a small, but incredibly varied selection of songs spanning genres and eras. Wanna feel like you're playing pool in an old honky-tonk? Try some outlaw country by the likes of Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, and David Allan Coe. Looking for something more akin to smoking schwag weed in your grandma's outdated basement? Try some Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, or Jimi Hendrix. Party vibes are supplied by hits from Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Ace of Base, Montell Jordan, CeCe Peniston, and others. In short, there's music to suit whatever vibe you desire. - Amanda Waltz
3705 BUTLER ST., LAWRENCEVILLE
THE BEST JUKEBOX BARS IN PITTSBURGH, CONTINUED ON PG. 6
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER DECEMBER 27, 2023 - JANUARY 3, 2024
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THE BEST JUKEBOX BARS IN PITTSBURGH, CONTINUED FROM PG. 5
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON
Jukebox at Long Story Short
MOONLITE CAFE
THE SQUIRREL HILL CAFE
530 BROOKLINE BLVD., BROOKLINE
5802 FORBES AVE., SQUIRREL HILL
There was a time in the not-too-distant past when Pittsburgh boasted numerous red-sauce Italian joints with a smoky bar up front and dining room or billiards lounge in the back. Although many of these are gone, the Moonlite Cafe in Brookline has stayed true to its roots, with locals swapping gossip over calzones, linguine, and beer. For more privacy, the dining room and pool table are nestled in the far back, but the bar area up front, anchored by a digital jukebox, is the best place to enjoy a cross-section of Brookline society. Regulars often swoop in to play classic rock and adult contemporary hits from the ’70s, so be prepared to wait a few songs before your pick comes on (or use extra credits in TouchTunes to hop the line). Whatever the soundtrack, the Moonlite is one of those bars where regulars and newcomers alike will find friendly service, lively conversation, and reasonably priced drinks — whether or not you leave with a belly full of marinara or a to-go box piled high with stuffed banana peppers is entirely up to you. - Colin Williams
The Squirrel Cage, as it's more commonly known, has been around for nearly 100 years, and it feels like it. On a street lined with banks, boutiques, and East Asian restaurants, it's an old-school Pittsburgh dive that's appropriately dim and homey —there's even a book about it. Some things have changed in the intervening years — gone are the days of chainsmoking in the Cage's snug booths, and the jukebox has been a digital one for several years (it's an AMI jukebox, too, so you'll need a separate app if you mainly use TouchTunes). However, the Cage still boasts a simple, delicious pub grub menu; several pinball tables; and, of course, the low lightning and snug atmosphere regulars have come to expect. If you're a long-time patron, a digital jukebox means you can recreate that old-school vibe — if you're a newbie, throw on some Donny Iris or Rusted Root for a taste of vintage Pittsburgh. - Colin Williams
RIGGS LOUNGE
4114 MAIN ST., BLOOMFIELD
1206 BRIGHTON ROAD, NORTH SIDE It doesn't get more classic than Riggs. This humble North Side bar is an equal-opportunity haunt for area residents of all stripes, boasting an oldschool, coin-op duckpin bowling lane, a surprisingly wide-ranging tap selection, and all the liquor you could want. The only caveat: Riggs, too, has joined the ranks of bars with a digital jukebox (in this case, one that uses the AMI interface), and several regulars confirmed our suspicion that so many area old-school jukeboxes have gone the way of the dinosaur. That said, this is a smoking bar with a working cigarette machine and a comfy pleather rail where locals can recall the days of phones on the table at Max & Erma's. Following the onset of COVID, Riggs has cut back on kitchen offerings, but there's no mistaking this joint for anything other than a family-owned holdover from a simpler time. Riggs is now on its third generation of family ownership, and this Brighton Avenue joint is the perfect place to play some timeless hits. The place hasn't changed (nor should it), and if you pick the right jams, a few regulars at the bar might even sing along. - Colin Williams
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HONORABLE MENTION: TINA’S On one hand, you could argue Tina’s shouldn’t make the cut since patrons can only play its old-school Rowe AMI jukebox on Mondays. Not too long ago, that jukebox ruled the place. Any night of the week you could walk in and pick out your favorite tunes, and, more than likely, they’d play before you left. Turns out, though, that was the problem. According to Sarah Shaffer, who owns the bar, its jukebox, and all the 45s that spin inside it, the nightly activity caused too much wear and tear on the 1987 relic. Instead, she dedicates Mondays to all things vinyl, tapping into her affinity for it. (She’s a big-time collector — in fact, she’s headed to Japan soon to pick up more 45s.) The first half of the night, from 4-8 p.m., Tina’s offers free jukebox plays, followed by a rotating lineup of vinyl DJs who spin until close. Considering Tina’s is, independently of all this, just such a damn good bar, with a come-as-you-are vibe and knock-your-socks-off classic cocktails, we wish we could squeeze more jukebox time out of the place. Still, we certainly admire Shaffer's dedication to preserving her jukebox gem. - Ali Trachta
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER DECEMBER 27, 2023 - JANUARY 3, 2024
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INFRASTRUCTURE
FLYING TO THE AIRPORT
BACKSTREET DRIVERS
These shortcuts, backroads, and alternate routes will save time, and spark joy BY CP STAFF // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
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he wise Sheryl Crow once told us “every day is a winding road,” and while she wasn’t talking about Pittsburgh, honestly, she could have been. That's the typical driving experience when you venture off the obvious routes like the Parkway, 28, and 279. You frequently find yourself on curvy streetscapes that twist and turn, ascend and plummet, like a roller coaster, and some of them are faster and much more enjoyable than the straight shot your navigation app is likely suggesting. To that end, here are some of Pittsburgh City Paper’s favorite alternate routes that will take you off the beaten path and onto the (usually more scenic) road less traveled.
If you’re about to submit to the cramped and clammy conditions of modern air travel, why extend the misery beforehand by holing up in your car, waiting for traffic to inch along the Parkway West? Especially when you could be rolling along the scenic, rush hour-immune back roads and enjoying a smidge of justified schadenfreude. Starting from the Fort Pitt Bridge, veer right onto Route 51 North instead of heading through the tunnels. Stay on 51 as it ushers you through the shaggy remnants of downtown McKees Rocks, then follow Chartiers Avenue all the way up the hill to Kennedy, where you can join Clever Road heading west. Enjoy the ride as Clever momentarily transports you out of the suburbs and into the rolling woodlands of Western Pennsylvania before spitting you back out on Montour Run Road at the edge of Robinson’s sprawling retail center. From here, rejoin I-376 West and continue as you would for the final stretch to Pittsburgh International Airport. Take this route during peak traffic times and you’re bound to shave off a few minutes. If the interstate’s clear, take this route anyway, if you prefer trees and rivers to asphalt and aluminum. Bonus: This route also works to access the Mall at Robinson, Ikea, Costco and the surrounding retail outlets. Just take a left onto Costco Drive from Montour Run right before the turn for the interstate. - Jamie Wiggan BACKSTREET DRIVERS, CONTINUES ON PG. 10
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Ready for an adventure. OPENING DECEMBER 21ST! Tickets on sale now! | Pre-sale discount moipittsburgh.com
267 N Shore Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15212
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER DECEMBER 27, 2023 - JANUARY 3, 2024
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BACKSTREET DRIVERS, CONTINUED FROM PG. 8
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Penn Avenue
WHERE THE STREETS HAVE NO (CONSISTENT) NAME Skip the most commercial stretch of Liberty Avenue by taking Sassafras Street, a backroad skirting the southern edge of Bloomfield with the amusing Pittsburgh quality of being a contiguous street whose name changes several times while you drive on uninterrupted. This unique road has a real middle-of-nowhere vibe for an urban street, taking you where few roads go — both parallel to the East Busway and under the Bloomfield Bridge. It may be worth trying for the novelty, alone. Heading east, Sassafras eventually turns into Neville Street, and then Lorigan Street, which spits you out at the dead-ends of some of Bloomfield’s one-way streets. Turn left on Cedarville Street if you plan to cross Liberty and keep north to Friendship Avenue, or you can turn left onto State Way if you just need to get back to Liberty. Lorigan Street doesn’t offer access to any destinations south of Bloomfield, however, so it’s best used for lateral East End travel. - Jordana Rosenfeld
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GET YOUR KICKS ON PA-837 PA-837 — specifically the parts of the road east of Carson Street, which, itself, is also part of the state road — offers an enjoyable and usually nottoo-congested ride through some of the physical remnants of Pittsburgh’s industrial past. The highway begins (or ends, depending on your perspective) under the West End Bridge and runs through the South Side, then flanks the southern bank of the Monongahela River all the way through to the road’s southern terminus in Washington County. Besides the loveliness of having the Mon accompany you on your drive, going south on 837 will take you through several Mon Valley communities that are simultaneously rusty and richly green, and severely underappreciated by city-dwellers who refuse to venture out. - JR
THE ALLEGHENY RIVER BOULEVARD HACK If you’re one of the unlucky Pittsburghers who, at least in theory, has to take the Parkway through the Squirrel Hill tunnels at peak traffic hours, then this shortcut is for you. (Well, let’s be honest, even at off-peak times that tunnel is a messy bitch who loves chaos, so avoiding her any time of day is never a bad call.) Instead, there’s a detour that takes drivers to the eastern suburbs, and to the Monroeville Mall and surrounding shopping destinations with a lot less aggravation. Simply take Allegheny River Boulevard and turn right on Sandy Creek Road. Stay on this route until it eventually becomes Beulah Road. It will wind you to an intersection where you can turn left onto 376 heading east toward Monroeville, probably wearing a smirk on your face because you’re smarter than everyone else around you. - Amanda Waltz
BACKSTREET DRIVERS, CONTINUES ON PG. 12
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER DECEMBER 27, 2023 - JANUARY 3, 2024
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BACKSTREET DRIVERS, CONTINUED FROM PG. 10
THE BIGELOW THE BETTER Pittsburgh may be the City of Bridges, but that doesn’t mean those of us who live here want to cross them for what feels like just the hell of it. Someone please tell that to Waze and Google Maps, which will not infrequently instruct you to cross a river only to have to cross it back to get where you’re going. Case in point: If you’re headed from the northern part of the East End to downtown, the South Side, or pretty much anywhere due southwest, crossing the Allegheny to Route 28 is always the navigation app’s preferred path. Screw that. Bigelow Boulevard is the better way. Bigelow generally isn’t considered a scenic route, but if you drive it wearing your rose-colored sunglasses, you can appreciate the beauty it contains. While zooming towards Downtown, you find yourself at eye-level with the U.S. Steel Tower, and as you descend towards it, you can catch a few stunning vistas, especially over Polish Hill and the Strip, with just a few quick glances to your right. In some cases, Bigelow is not, in fact, a shortcut. Taking the Parkway or 28 might actually be speedier, depending on where you’re ultimately headed. But they won’t serve you the same stellar views of our town’s unique topography that are so unmistakably Pittsburgh, and that alone makes it worth the drive. - Ali Trachta
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NEW MEDIA
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Sarah McAlee of Brothmonger
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Rick Sebak
GUMBANDS WQED MULTIMEDIA WQED.ORG/GUMBANDS
PITTSBURGH PODCASTS
Covering women wrestlers, video games, local film, and more BY AMANDA WALTZ // AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
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ooking for something new to listen to on your long commute? Learn all about interesting folks and filmmakers, hear about video games and wrestling from a local perspective, and more with these Pittsburgh-based podcasts.
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Few local names generate as much excitement as Rick Sebak, and the Gumbands podcast seeks to leverage the documentary filmmaker's charm as a way to highlight all the city's most interesting people and places. “We know that people around here have special affection for words that are called Pittsburghese, and most local folks just know that a gumband is simply a rubber band, although the exact origins of our variation are not known. So I like to say that our podcast is ‘holding Pittsburgh together,’” Sebak said in a statement provided by WQED. Launched in May, the podcast has set out to capture the city's people, history, products, and "seemingly endless supply of unusual charms" with interviews featuring guests like soupmaker Sarah McAlee of Brothmonger, Radical Trivia host Jared Evans, and music historian Tom Roberts, among others.
SCREEN PERSPECTIVES PITTSBURGH FILM OFFICE PGHFILM.ORG/ SCREEN-PERSPECTIVES-PODCAST The Pittsburgh Film Office provides insight into the city's film history and current scene with Screen Perspectives, described in a press release as providing a "behindthe-screen glimpse of how the film, television, streaming industry operates, and the pathways followed by industry professionals and leaders to successful careers." Hosted by Film Office director Dawn Keezer and Kevin Smith (no, not that Kevin Smith), Screen Perspectives debuted in June and now features several episodes with Russ Streiner of Night of the Living Dead fame, Vlad Wolynetz of FilmRIse, and producer/ writer/director Melissa Martin.
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Em Fear
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Oxenfree
ARCADE BOOKSHOP
GRIT & GLITTER
THE VOICES AT THE POINT
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PROVIDENCE POINT BAPTISTSENIORFAMILY.ORG/MEDIA
Bryce Johle and Caleb James are serious about gaming — so serious, in fact, that the two self-described writers launched Arcade Bookshop as a way to discuss video games past and present. The co-hosts, who share recording spaces in Dormont and Washington, take a literary approach to game analysis, giving the college lit class treatment to the supernatural mystery game Oxenfree or the Final Fantasy franchise. The show introduction states that Johle and James also talk about the books or stories that remind them of certain games, and have, so far, drawn comparisons to the works of Raymond Chandler and Ray Bradbury, as well as the Riverdale comics. You can find Arcade Bookshop on most podhosting platforms and on YouTube.
OK, this one isn't super new, but it's unique enough that we want to make sure you know about it. Grit & Glitter co-hosts Harley Vasquez and Em Fear, along with their team of correspondents known as "The Glitterati," have set out to produce a less bro-y take on pro wrestling by focusing on the women who make the sport great. The podcast has, since its 2019 debut, covered a number of female wrestlers, referees, and other figures from both the mainstream and independent scenes, as well as provided retrospectives on the women of wrestling past. The show also comments on major wrestling events, provides a platform for fans, and includes wrestling-adjacent content, such as an interview with author Gina Femia about their queer, coming-of-age wrestling novel Alondra.
Elder voices are often absent from the ever-growing podcast sphere. Providence Point, a senior living community in Scott Township, seeks to remedy this with The Voices at the Point, a new show created in collaboration with John Chamberlin and Rachael Rennebeck of YaJagoff! Media. The podcast captures stories from Providence Point residents like Bob Tait and Maureen Kelly, an adventurous couple with lots of RV travel under their belts. W h i l e t h e s e r i e s co u l d b e viewed as promotional material for Providence Point, it nevertheless provides insight into an overlooked demographic in an aging region. •
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER DECEMBER 27, 2023 - JANUARY 3, 2024
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FOOD
EVERY SHEETZ SANDWICH, RANKED BY EMILY CATALANO // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
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ere in Pittsburgh, we’re Sheetz people. The iconic gas station and convenience store has been fueling (and feeding) our side of the state (let’s not get into that Wawa debate right now), since its first location opened in Altoona in 1952. Now, with more than 700 locations across a handful of states, you can find their bright red signs pretty much anywhere you travel along the Eastern seaboard.
And, they offer pretty decent food. While a Sheetz sub probably isn’t going to win any awards (for our money, any signature sandwich from GetGo is tough to beat), their MTO (Made To Order) menu is fast and filling. Though the sandwich selection is actually pretty standard, there are a few standouts that should be on your must-try list. So in the interest of serious investigative journalism, we taste-tested all 13 sandwiches on Sheetz’s regular menu, ranking them from worst to best — all the while, preparing ourselves for the inevitable culinary discourse soon to follow.
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13. BREAKFAST SUB
Oh, I did not like this. I ordered scrambled egg, sausage and cheddar on a white roll, and it didn’t give me the option to toast it, which… honestly, felt like a personal attack. Just order the Shmiscuit, and call it a day.
12. THREE CHEESE
Please let me know if you have ordered this more than once — I would truly love to talk to you. What three cheeses did you order? What was appealing about three types of cold cheese on a sandwich? I know that if you’re a vegetarian, the choices at Sheetz are few and far between, but I’m sorry to say, this is not great. You deserve better.
11. PEPPERONI
Why couldn’t this just be salami? Do you really want to order a pepperoni sandwich? Pepperoni to me is an accompaniment to a sandwich, not the main event, and nothing about this sandwich made me change my mind.
10. GRILLED CHICKEN
This was fine. The chicken isn’t great, but I don’t know if you’re expecting really great chicken from Sheetz.
9. VEGGIE
I’m just not sure what you’re looking for when you’re ordering a veggie sandwich at Sheetz. It would be amazing if it had actual roasted vegetables on it, like roasted eggplant or roasted red peppers. But it doesn’t. You just … create your own sandwich using the toppings on the menu. The best I could do was get cooked onions and peppers, lettuce, tomato, mild peppers, jalapenos, and olives. It was filling, but kind of felt like going to a bar and eating all the cocktail garnishes instead of ordering actual food.
8. MEATBALL
I have mixed feelings about this. No, it’s not the best meatball I’ve ever had. But it’s decent. The sauce is okay. It’s a little on the sweet side, but not overly so. Get it toasted, with melted provolone and Parmsan, and literally no other toppings. I’m docking a few points because I was really hungry when I ordered this, but I couldn’t make myself finish it.
7. CHICKEN TENDER SUB
It’s kind of hard to go wrong with a chicken tender sub, and Sheetz delivers. It’s a bear of a sandwich (especially if you load it up with cheddar, ranch, lettuce and tomatoes, like you should), but it’s super tasty. I mean, it would be difficult to put all those elements together, and not be tasty, so this is kind of a gimme, but we’ll give it to you, Sheetz! Solid order.
EVERY SHEETZ SANDWICH, RANKED, CONTINUES ON PG. 18
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EVERY SHEETZ SANDWICH, RANKED, CONTINUED FROM PG. 17
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6. CLUB
I sent my husband out to get this sandwich, and when he came back, I was super pissed that there wasn’t bacon on it. I assumed it was his fault. Do you know why? Because according to Spend with Pennies (the top Google-ranked website that comes up when you type in ‘What is on a club sandwich?’), a club sandwich “is one of the most iconic sandwiches on any menu [with] layers of ham, bacon (emphasis mine) and turkey with juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce and cheddar cheese.” Alas, Sheetz must be going off of some other type of club sandwich playbook, because their club sandwich does not come with bacon — you can order it for an extra $1.19, which is highway robbery, and also kind of like ordering a Reuben and having to pay extra for the sauerkraut. The Sheetz club sandwich ordered as is comes with just ham and turkey, and it’s fine, but treat yourself and get the bacon. Throw on some mild peppers, too, for a much-needed kick.
5. STEAK
Over the years, my Nana has lost a bit of her sense of taste, and so everything she prepares — red sauce, gravy, salad dressing —has been slowly getting sweeter and sweeter, until her stuffed peppers started to actually caramelize in the oven, on account of all the sugar she dumped on them (love you, Nana! I will miss those stuffed peppers someday, I know.). This is the exact taste sensation that I got when eating this steak sandwich. It was like the meat was cooked in simple syrup? But I couldn’t stop eating it? I had a lot of questions while I was reporting this story, but the biggest one (circled three times in bold) was WHY IS THIS MEAT SO SWEET? I ordered my sandwich Philly-style, with provolone and cooked peppers and onions. And … it wasn’t good? But I ate the whole thing? And, I’ll order it again?
4. TURKEY OR HAM
I like these because they’re blank canvas sandwiches. Let your imagination run wild. Turkey on wheat with habanero sauce and jalapenos? Go for it. Ham on a pretzel roll with honey mustard and caramelized onions? You do you. They’re interchangeable, and the perfect base for whatever you want. They also offer a Primo Turkey option on their ‘Eat Shmart’ (ha) low-calorie menu, with premium turkey, red wine vinegar, pepper, lettuce, tomato and Swiss, and it’s probably better than any combination I could have come up with on my own.
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PO LIV DC E AS T
LYNN CULLEN LIVE 3. GRILLED CHEESE
10 A.M. MONDAY THRU THURSDAY AT PGHCITYPAPER.COM
This is a pretty solid grilled cheese. It’s made on grilled sourdough bread, with lots of butter and two types of cheese (cheddar and American for the most meltable). It’s not fancy, it’s not unique — you know what you’re going to get, and I like that about it.
2. BACON
I’m always trying to find the perfect BLT, and guess what? This isn’t it! But it’s not bad at all. The bacon at Sheetz leaves a little something to be desired and the tomatoes aren’t vine-ripened perfect, but this sandwich does give you the essence of a BLT, when you’re not willing to make one yourself. The trick with this is that you’ve got to double the bacon to make the bacon-to-lettuce-andtomato ratio more evenly matched, and don’t forget the extra mayo.
1. ITALIAN
I don’t understand why I love this sandwich so much, even though I can’t identify all of the meats on it. (Also, Sheetz’s media department is not interested in helping me figure this out, and did not respond to requests for this article. I wonder why!). I’m fairly certain that there’s ham on it, along with … some other type of ham? There’s also a meat that is trying really, really hard to be mortadella. But it somehow works! This is what you have to do to make this sandwich shine — and I seriously cannot emphasize enough how important it is to follow these steps entirely: Choose a white hoagie roll. Get it toasted (bread only). Add provolone (no other cheese will do). Add mayonnaise (yes, and I don’t want to hear about it). Add oil and vinegar. Add lettuce, tomato, and mild pepper rings. Add salt and pepper. Then, add pepperoni (it should be included, but I digress). This is a killer sandwich. It’s better when it’s had a little time to marinate, so give yourself at least an hour before eating, if you can hold off that long. • PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER DECEMBER 27, 2023 - JANUARY 3, 2024
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NEIGHBORHOOD
NYE IN THE 412
BY CP STAFF
HYPERFOCUS NYE Cattivo Experience a robust lineup of electronic music acts when Slayd Productions presents HyperFocus NYE at Cattivo. Work up a sweat and then help finish off the 20 bottles of champagne being popped for the midnight toast. 8 p.m. 146 44th St., Lawrenceville. $25-30. facebook.com/SlaydProductions Y2K PARTY Bottlerocket Social Hall Recall (or, for Gen Z, pretend to recall) the wild days of Y2K with this special NYE party at Bottlerocket. The venue will break out the glowsticks and blacklights for a night of 2000sera music by DJ Lemonline. 9 p.m. 1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. $10. bottlerocketpgh.com NEON NEW YEAR’S Belvedere’s Ultra-Dive Belvedere’s promises to play you into 2024 with a “dynamic mix of chart-toppers, EDM anthems, and throwback classics” by DJ ADMC. 9 p.m. 4016 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $25 cash cover only. belvederesultradive.com
NEW S ’ YEARY DA
NEW YEAR’S EVE SOIRÉE Roost PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE COMMONER
New Year’s Day Brunch at The Commoner
E
very year, Downtown Pittsburgh gears up for Highmark First Night, a giant party ushering in the New Year. While First Night stands as the city’s signature New Year’s Eve event, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate in style. Pittsburgh City Paper compiled a list of NYE events, ranging from kid-friendly fetes to elegant dinners to big bacchanals.
FOR THE LITTLE ONES COUNTDOWN TO NOON Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh An annual tradition returns to the Children’s Museum with plenty of live music, dancing, art activities, and more. Countdown to Noon invites families to a daytime extravaganza where kids can reveal their New Year’s predictions on the Saturday Light Brigade radio show, make their own party accessories, and dance at the silent disco. Commemorate the occasion with a family photo taken onsite. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. 10 Children’s Way, North Side. Included with museum admission. pittsburghkids.org BABY & FAMILY NOON YEAR’S EVE SouthSide Works Head out early for a free event at the SouthSide Work’s CoHatch space and Town Square area. Hosted by Lo Rose Creative and South Side Kids, the day includes snacks by The Speckled Egg, crafts, live music, and a noon countdown,
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as well as a post-countdown dance party with Little Kids Disco. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 424 S. 27th St., South Side. Free. Registration required. southsideworks.com NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL DROP AT NOON Monroeville Mall Do more than shop at Monroeville Mall when Monroeville Public Library presents a daytime ball drop for kids and families. The free, all-ages event happening at the lower level in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods includes a raffle and party accessories, as well as a disco ball dropped at noon. 11:30 am. 200 Mall Circle Drive, Monroeville. Free. monroevillemall.com
DROP THE BALL, RAISE THE ROOF
party. The upstairs Spirit Hall will showcase musical acts from Pittsburgh and across the state, with Zinnia’s Garden, Forestry Division, Ames Harding & The Mirage, MINKA, and Livefromthecity & Urban Development. Downstairs in the Spirit Lodge, DJ Dini Daddy and the Studio 412 Band will provide plenty of dance music to keep guests moving beyond midnight. 8 p.m. 242 51st St., Lawrenceville. $20-25, $45 includes buffet. spiritpgh.com NYE WITH BEAUTY SLAP & BIG BLITZ Thunderbird Music Hall Brew Gentlemen and Thunderbird Music Hall present a night of big, brassy party music by live bands Beauty Slap and Big Blitz. Stick around for an afterparty with DJ Jarrett Tebbets. 9 p.m. Doors at 8 p.m. 4053 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $15.50-18. thunderbirdmusichall.com
MIDNIGHT MASQUERADE Kingfly Spirits Add a little masked mystery to your New Year’s festivities when Kingfly presents its multilevel NYE party. Hear live jazz by the Throckmorton Trio, or head to the designated “dance loft” for tunes by DJ Hypnotyza. Each ticket also includes snacks and a midnight champagne toast. 7 p.m. 2316 Smallman St., Strip District. $35. Kingflyspirits.com
DINNER AND A SHOW LILITH NEW YEAR’S EVE Lilith Dine at the hottest new restaurant in Pittsburgh when Lilith presents an NYE event to remember. The five-course meal draws from the “Puerto Rican and Sicilian culinary heritage” of chefs/ co-owners Jamilka Borges and Dianne Destefano. Wine, dine, and get ready for 2024 during this dynamic meal. 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. 238 Spahr St., Shadyside. $250. instagram.com/lilithpgh PRIX FIXE NEW YEAR’S EVE AND BELLY DANCE SHOW Kahlil’s Syrian cuisine and belly dancing are on the menu at Kahlil’s, where patrons can try dishes like Mowzat (lamb shank in a savory tomato sauce served over rice), all while watching a live performance by dancer Jennifer Jemeena. Reservations are required. 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. 4757 Baum Blvd., Oakland. $45. khalilsrestaurant.com
SPIRIT NEW YEAR’S EVE Spirit Live music, DJs, Polish food, and a pizza buffet are on the menu at Spirit for its big annual NYE
The Le Rêve pop-up at Roost invites revelers to a New Year’s Eve Soirée packed with lavish vibes. Look out onto Downtown Market Square as you dance to beats by DJ Bonics and Petey C. Prepare for the night with a prix fixe meal at Roost’s sister restaurant, REVEL, or shell out some dough for VIP tickets that include charcuterie and bottles of bubbly. 8 p.m. 250 Forbes Ave., Downtown. $75-150. Tickets at Eventbrite
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SPIRIT
MINKA, part of Spirit New Year’s Eve
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New Year’s Eve Soirée at Roost
TO THE END OF 2023 PA Market Eat, drink, and eat some more at the Strip’s two-story, European-style market. Fill a plate at buffet stations placed throughout the multi-story space and sip on specialty cocktails and champagne. Live music and a DJ will complement what promises to be an “endless exploration of food and drinks.” 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 108 19th St., Strip District. $65-140. thepamarket.com THE BALLS DROP City Winery Add a generous helping of drag to NYE at City Winery, where guests will party with the likes of RuPaul’s Drag Race favorite Alaska 5000 and local queen Lola LeCroix. Enjoy dinner and full bar service, or spend a little bit more for a VIP experience that includes a “special urban-winery small bite display and a glass of bubbles.” Shows at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Doors at 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 1615 Smallman St., Strip District $50-100. citywinery.com
THE DAY AFTER
NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH The Commoner Roll into what’s described as “the ultimate hangover brunch” at The Commoner, where breakfast sandwiches, fried chicken, malted waffles, and eggs with confit pork belly await. Mimosas, crafted cocktails, and mocktails will also be available. 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 620 William Penn Place, Downtown. Reservations required. thecommonerpgh.com
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HAIR OF THE HOG Cinderlands Warehouse If you’re nursing a prosecco hangover on New Year’s Day or just looking for a filling meal, head to Cinderlands Warehouse for Hair of the Hog. On Mon., Jan. 1, the brewery invites everyone to partake in a traditional meal of pork (believed to bring good luck) with an all-you-can-eat wholehog barbecue complete with brunch sides and a Bloody Mary bar. There will also be vegetarian options and a la carte drinks, as well as live music. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 2601 Smallman St., Strip District. $30, $15 for kids 12 and under. cinderlands.com/locations/ cinderlands-warehouse
NEW YEAR’S DAY BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH Square Cafe Choose from a variety of eggs Benedict dishes, waffles, crepes, and specialty drinks when Square Cafe opens on New Year’s Day. Sip on seasonal cocktails like the Greyhound Mimosa with Stateside vodka, sparkling Italian wine, and grapefruit juice, or wake up with the Peppermint Swirl Mocha, an espresso-based drink featuring dark chocolate, white chocolate, and peppermint. 7 a.m. 134 S. Highland Ave., East Liberty. square-cafe.com
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SQUARE CAFE
New Year’s Day at Square Cafe
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER DECEMBER 27, 2023 - JANUARY 3, 2024
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MARKETPLACE MARKET PLACE TO PLACE A CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISEMENT, CONTACT SIERRA CLARY AT SIERRA@PGHCITYPAPER.COM OR 412-685-9009 EXT. 113
OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield Entrance Lobby, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on January 09, 2023, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for:
PGH. CONROY
• Finish Floor Replacement and Miscellaneous Work • General and Asbestos Abatement Primes
PGH. FULTON, SPRING HILL, BANKSVILLE, AND CRESCENT ECC • Replace EM Generator • General, Electrical, and Asbestos Abatement Primes
Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on December 06, 2023, at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual. We are an equal rights and opportunity school district.
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ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF TUREK, JR., DONALD, J., DECEASED OF BUNOLA, PA
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF LAUTNER, MARY, G., DECEASED OF PLEASANT HILLS, PA
Donald J. Turek Jr., deceased, of Bunola, PA. No. 022308164 of 2023. Sarah Turek, Adm., 2955 Cherylane Blvd. Columbus, OH 43235. Or to D. Scott Lautner, Attorney. 68 Old Clairton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.
Mary G. Lautner, deceased, of Pleasant Hills, PA. No. 022306962 of 2023. D. Scott Lautner, Esquire, Ext. 68 Old Clairton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. Or to D. Scott Lautner, Attorney. 68 Old Clairton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF LONGMORE, WILLIAM, F., DECEASED OF PLEASANT HILLS, PA
William F. Longmore, deceased, of Pleasant Hills, PA. No. 022305923 of 2023. Kami Gavran, Ext., 335 Meadow Street, Ford City, PA 16226. Or to D. Scott Lautner, Attorney. 68 Old Clairton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.
ESTATE OF FLAHERTY, JOHN S., DECEASED OF PITTSBURGH, PA John S. Flaherty., deceased, of Pittsburgh, PA. No. 07314 of 2023. Virginia Flaherty, Ext., 356 Lehigh Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232.
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NAME CHANGE
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MISCELLANEOUS
IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-23-10756, In re petition of Kimberly Davis, parent and legal guardian of Zelica Perry for change of name to Zelica Patterson. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 17th day of January 2024, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.
IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-23-012446 In re petition of Hannah Rose Klaas for change of name to Hanna Rose Siford. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 17th day of January, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.
IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-23-012610 In re petition of Ryan Adam Joseph for change of name to Abdellah Musaed Laswad. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 17th day of January, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.
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1. Acronym that means “some band you’re likely going to miss anyway” 4. They’re needed for GOOD plays in Scrabble 10. Boxes on stage 14. Sleeping bag 15. App that tracks your runs 16. Had on 17. Looking sleep-deprived say 19. Killers of the Flower Moon co-writer Roth 20. Native Sri Lankan 21. The Idiot author Batuman 23. Bird in many Liberty Mutual commercials 24. Fossil 25. Whiteboard cleaner 27. Server’s up-time? 28. Property claim 29. Break down 30. Like some penalties, in football 32. ___ Park (Pittsburgh Pirates’ home) 33. Weather vane dir. 34. Mother of the flock 35. Variety’s beat, with “the” 36. East Lansing sch. 39. Provider of many
office connections 40. Question from the dealer 42. EMT’s machine 45. Cries from a 34-Across 46. At the head of the line 47. Blues guitarist Vaughan 49. Bean in some burritos 50. Turn to the left 51. Sorta sad 52. Jump in puddles, say 53. A Clockwork Orange antihero 55. Dated writing? 58. Reach new heights 59. Nación al sur de los Piranos 60. Wide letters on some shoeboxes 61. Loving touches 62. Took a load off 63. Legal matter
DOWN
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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER DECEMBER 27, 2023 - JANUARY 3, 2024
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Thursday, January 11, 2024 10:00 am at the Kingsley Center 6435 Frankstown Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa 15206 and virtually at rideprt.org/king2024 Pittsburgh Regional Transit is proud to be recognized as a 2024achievement Military Friendly® Employer for its This annual award honors lifetime continued commitment to supporting veterans in in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. their transition from the military to civilian life. This marks the third consecutive year PRT has received this Pittsburgh Regional distinguished honor and weTransit, remain committed to hiring, retaining and promoting career advancement the workplace for active military employees The Kingsley Association and the inNew Pittsburgh Courier and veterans, as well as, assisting military families in other capacities.
are proud to present
More than 200 active military employees and veterans are currently employed at PRT and we look Dr. Rex L. Crawley and forward toJames growing F. thatHenry, numberJr. in the future. Learn more about a career with Pittsburgh Regional Transit. as the
2024 Spirit of King honorees.