My husband and I (early 30s) and another couple (late 20s) will be going to Pittsburgh in March for a weekend away. We want a hotel in an area that we could go to a restaurant/pub at night hopefully within walking distance to the hotel (not dance clubs - more pub environment). I would appreciate any recommendations.

We will have a car for going places during the day - we're most concerned about being able to drink in the evening and not have to drive back to the hotel.

Thanks in advance.

Sounds like the South Side might be a good area for you to hang out. There are a multitude of bars (clubs too, but you can skip those) and they are all along the 10th-about 27th st. stretch of East Carson St. There is a Holiday Inn Express at about 10th St. and East Carson.

Thank you. I had heard that the South Side area was full of "clubbers" and "teeny boppers" in the evenings? Is that the case or are there nice laid back pubs type bars too with a little older crowd?

Certainly, there are all types in the South Side. Actually the neighborhood is known for "blue hairs," both older people and young punk types. It's excellent for bar hopping--if you don't like the crowd at one place, just try next door! If you like blues, the Blue Note is a good bar with live music and a slightly older crowd (no teeny boppers). I don't like it cause it's very smoky though. A plus--connected to Primanti Brothers, get a famous sandwich there. Smokin Joes is okay--huge beer selection, laid back crowd, mix of old and young. There's a dueling piano bar place very close to 10th St. but it's newer and I haven't been there yet. I think Jack's has a mixed crowd but I haven't been there in awhile. Club Cafe has live music so the crowd probably depends on the performer. All these places probably have web sites or you can google for more info. But if I were you I would just wing it and see where the night takes you Have fun.

I agree with the Southside. There also is a Sheraton at Station Square. It would be a long walk but a short taxi ride to the hotel. I would taxi and stay at the Sheraton. The Southside is the only place that has pubs. No pubs on Mt. Washington or Downtown that I can think of. Neither Oakland or Shadyside has pubs. The Southside has several. I will dig out my Pittsburgher magazine and give you the names and exact addresses tomorrow. There is a Scottish pub and an Irish pub on the Southside with several little bars and restaurants.

Piper's Pub is pretty cool with a nice mix of people. If you're into scotch and microbrews they have a huge selection. Their food is pretty good too, with a emphasis on Scottish/Irish.

Also Dels is a dive but with a bizarre crowd from blue collar to tattoos and piercings.

I heard that Primanti's bought out the Blue Note and there is not going to be any more live music. I hope that's not true but the sign now just says Primantis.