For those of you from the Pittsburgh Area

[RPM]

Chiodo's bar in Homestead is closed :cry:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05100/485383.stm

THE PASSING of a Pittsburgh regional landmark never seems natural, but Joe Chiodo, now 87, was simply tired of operating the famous tavern that bears his name in Homestead and sold it. The bar closed March 25 and a Walgreens drugstore will replace it. But drugstores are not usually decorated with all sorts of oddities, including bras and sports memorabilia, as Chiodo's Tavern was. So what's going to happen to all the stuff? Fortunately, there's going to be an auction there at noon April 24. We don't think any stuffed lobsters are in the collection but, like Chiodo's Mystery Sandwich, one never knows.

Well, it outlived the mill by 20 years, but now, it too is gone.

[blue neen]

1. I had never been to Chiodo's but heard a lot about it.

I was, however, at the 31st Street Pub last night. THAT was an interesting place! I had a great time!

My son's band was playing. They were good! I could not hear anything this morning. The music was very loud...and the Guiness was cold.

[RPM]

2. oh yeah - since i am looking for a new bar....

whats the story at the 31st St?

Also - what band is your son in? What's their style?

[blue neen]

4. It was fun.

I felt safe there, and I think just about anyone would be accepted (except really hoity-toity people). There were a lot of people with dyed black hair...I don't know what the deal is with that!

My son's band is Kabuki Thunder. They've played at the 31st St. and some places in the South Side, The Smiling Moose is one of them.

Their style I would say is hard rock. They write their own music.
He plays the bass and sings back-up. It was great to see him perform.

It was a neat place to go, definitely not fancy. It's a little far for me to drive, but I'll probably go back some time. The owner's name is Joel, and he was super nice.

I'd rate it as a cool Pittsburgh place. You know they have a Pieorgie Fest every year!?

[RPM]

7. no - i did not know about pierogi fest...

but sounds good to me.

How were the prices? The second best thing about chiodo's (the first being tradition) was that you could have a good party on $10 dollars...

[blue neen]

10. Well, I bought 2 bottles of Guiness and a bottle of Iron for $10.75.

That's not too bad. There was a $5 cover charge, but I think they only charge that when there are bands playing.

I saw a sign that said "Select Imported Beers--$2.50". That seemed like a good price.

I really don't know what drafts cost.

[RPM]

13. thats pretty solid

the $2.50 import was a staple at chiodo's.

i'll check out 31st street.

thanks for the heads up

[Beware the Beast Man]

19. The Pub is great.

Very good for a music club. Of course, I grew up going to the Banana, so anything is better...

[RPM]

24. the banana is now Zara's italian resturant

i think. either way, Zara's is very, very good.

[Coastie for Truth]

3. Chiodo's

My Dad took me there the night before I went in the service for the traditional "Live cowards are better then dead heroes" speech. Almost 40 years ago.

I had my first Iron City there -- 45 years ago!

Chiodo's, Frankie Gustine's, Poli's - those were "My Places."

[blue neen]

5. The Iron City guy!

I actually had an Iron last night. I know you like it, but I had to switch to Guinness...sorry!

My son and his friends were pounding Irons, though!

[Coastie for Truth]

8. Guinness

I forget whether it was my thermo prof or my fluid mech prof - but one of them - got a whole bunch of us onto Guinness Stout (43 years ago).

There was a bar over in Shadyside (Walnut Street) - used to be the place to go. We used to drink Lowenbrau there to impress the Chatham girls.

[RPM]

18. Cappy's an Doc's are still there...

Opposing sides of walnut at bellefonte. anything else was probably lost to the yuppization of the stretch btw Aiken and Negley

[Coastie for Truth]

21. Cappy's moved from Squirrel Hill about 20 years ago - I think

[RPM]

25. really? thats interesting - i have only been in Sq Hill 3 yrs...

[RPM]

6. well.....

Poli is still there, Chiodos is now gone, and Frankie Gustine's... you will have to enlighten me.

remember, i am only 29 :-)

[Coastie for Truth]

9. Frankie Gustines was on Forbes Avenue

across from the Pitt Univ Library - used to be the "place" for the engineering grad students.

Frankie was a 1940's era Pirate.

[RPM]

12. interesting

I am a law student at pitt right now - we all go to hemingways for $1 beers.

This Frankie Gustine's - was it where the dorms are now - what cross-streets on forbes was it at?

Sorry - i am very curious about these things...

[Coastie for Truth]

20. Frankies was at the corner of Forbes and Bouquet

at the SW corner of the Schenely Dorms mega block (there used to be the Olde Original Hot Dog Shoppe and a video arcade-pin ball arcade there, right on the corner - the Frankie Gustines').

[Technowitch]

11. Sad... but here's my question--

Are the Primanti Brothers sandwich/bars still there?

Nothing quite like a coronary attack on a bun. Beef piled high, oozing with cheese, plus tomatoes, lettuce, onions and hot peppers -- with deep fried steak fries piled right on the sandwich.

*drool...* I miss those amazing sammiches.

[RPM]

14. not only still here...

but reproducing rapidly.

When i was in high school (11 years ago) there were two locations (Strip & Oakland)

Now - they are all over: Strip, oakland, south side, north versailles, robinson, cranberry, market square, PNC park, Heinz Field and some Florida locations. Like the Quaker Steak (Sharon, PA) they have done well expanding/franchising....

[Technowitch]

15. Wow. I remember similarly--

In fact, I was attending college (CMU) when they opened the Oakland shop. Reason? All the truckers were complaining about the kids coming down to the Strip District at 3am.

As far as I'm concerned, only the place in the Strip made the really super-good sandwiches though. The Oakland franchise was okay...but it just wasn't the same, y'know?

Thanks for the info!

[RPM]

16. i feel ya

i would have sold my soul to the devil to have them open a branch in state college when i was there....

of course - 3 years of law school right across the street and i can count on one hand how many times i have eaten there... guess its better than counting on my belly

[Technowitch]

17. I had the metabolism of a hummingbird back then

I could eat one of those sandwiches and drink two beers and not gain a pound.

Today, twenty years later, I'd probably put on ten just by looking at one of their delicious cheese-steaks. *lol*

Nothing quite like the incorrigible rudeness of their counter-guys, too. If you didn't listen for your number and come get it within two minutes, you risked having your order sold to someone else. But it was SO worth it!

[Redstone]

22. Well, damn it, don't leave us hanging!

Tell us about the Mystery Sandwich. Please!

Redstone

[RPM]

23. I have only eaten two in my lifetime

it really is a mystery...

things i have identified in there (i think)

Kielbasa
Hamburger
Hot Sausage
Pierogi
Sour Kraut
Tomato Sauce
Cheese - methinks provolone

on (what i think was ) italian bread.

google it - no one really seems sure what is in there - prolly whatever is on sale at giant eagle that week

[bleedingheart]

26. I loved that place!!!! This is a tragedy!

[RPM]

27. darn tootin...

i am most saddened :cry: