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Adventures in hanging out: 10 alternative hot spots for the college-age crowd
Thursday, August 28, 2008

While Pittsburgh's night life may not have an answer to Studio 54 in Las Vegas, it is anything but boring. On any given night, there is something for everyone. Whether it is a quiet night out or a wild dance party, Pittsburgh has many bars and coffeehouses where young adults -- and the older ones, too -- can fulfill their sense of adventure.

The South Side has always been a popular neighborhood for college students; it is filled with bars and ethnic restaurants that appeal to an eclectic group of people. But there is more to Pittsburgh than East Carson Street.

For those who are willing to explore the city, neighborhoods such as Lawrenceville or Bloomfield are giving the South Side a run for its money. Here is a list of 10 hot spots to keep your eye on this fall:

Hookah Bookah

2506 E. Carson St.
South Side
412-253-7340

A pleasant alternative to a crowded bar scene, Hookah Bookah is a fusion between Starbucks and the Shadow Lounge, with a variety of coffees and teas to accompany the venue's musical events. The establishment also serves as a small restaurant with a wide selection of Mediterranean appetizers and entrees.

But the main attraction is definitely the hookahs. This is the only hookah bar in the area that allows its customers to customize their smoking experience. Building a personalized hookah has five steps: choosing the number of bowls and hoses; picking a flavor; instant or natural charcoal; water base or beverage base; and ice.

Although there is a strict no-alcohol policy, the long waiting line to enter on weekends shows that it has not deterred college students.

Your Inner Vagabond

4130 Butler St.
Lawrenceville
412-683-1623

Stepping into Your Inner Vagabond is like visiting a small coffeehouse off a side street in New Delhi. Although it may not be purely inspired by Indian design, the Oriental carpets and matching silk and velvet pillows give patrons a sense of Eastern culture.

The menu, drink list and events schedule have Turkish, Lebanese, Indian, Greek and Moroccan influences. Considered more of a world lounge than merely a coffeehouse, Your Inner Vagabond inspires global consciousness and good coffee.

Belvedere's

4016 Butler St.
Lawrenceville
412-687-2555

Belvedere's looks more like your grandparents' basement than a bar. The back room, the bar's most popular hangout spot, has a full bar and is furnished with lounge chairs, coffee tables and small breakfast tables for patrons who choose to converse and eat rather than drink and dance. There are also dart boards, pool tables and small TVs that play movies so everyone can find their niche.

The bar sponsors bands and events four nights a week, the most popular being neon color night on Thursdays. Although it primarily plays host to rock bands, the bar owners never turn down a band that is willing to play.

There are drink specials every night of the week and free beer samples on Mondays.

Remedy

5121 Butler St.
Lawrenceville
412-781-6771

Remedy has something for everybody, and if it doesn't, it soon will. If there is a beer you can't find there, the owners will buy it for you. Patrons will feel at home at this bar, which used to be an old house. The different floors showcase themed rooms: The dining room serves as a restaurant area; the second floor is a den with a bar and pool table; the third floor is more like a bedroom with comfortable seating and art displays.

Although all of the floors are not open daily, a small group of friends can reserve a floor for a catered party. The bar will accommodate parties for college budgets and ensure that students get the best bang for their buck.

The Quiet Storm

5430 Penn Ave.
Garfield
412-661-9355

This coffeehouse and restaurant is a less-crowded version of South Side's Beehive. Decorated with the same eclectic decor, The Quiet Storm lives up to its name. It is a popular meeting place for book clubs and immigrant advocacy groups while still maintaining its serene atmosphere where students and young adults can escape their hectic lives and immerse themselves in quiet conversation or the light of their laptops.

Recently voted as 2008's "Best Restaurant to Not Eat Meat" by Pittsburgh City Paper, it also provides catering services and themed parties for its clients.

Although parking may be difficult, there is a bus stop in front of The Quiet Storm, making it an easy and safe place to frequent.

Shadow Lounge

5972 Baum Blvd.
East Liberty
412-363-8277

The Shadow Lounge partners with Ava bar to provide its patrons with a full party experience. Although drinks may be expensive for the college crowd, the environment is hoppin'. Whether you are sitting at the bar or listening to a local artist, there is never a dull moment.

Some of the events include Laugh Out Loud Comedy, Taco Wing Night, African Game Night and Rock Band Game Night.

Abay
130 S. Highland Ave.
East Liberty
412-661-9736

Located next to the Shadow Lounge, Abay Ethiopian restaurant is still considered off the radar among college students. The food is excellent, and the cuisine calls for an eating style that is ideal for social bonding. All of the food is served on a large round flat bread, and using utensils is considered taboo. Patrons have an option of eating at a regular wooden table or a more traditional mesob, a woven basket table with short stools.

Young adults can BYOB for a fee of $2.50 and enjoy a unique eating experience while releasing some stress with a cheap bottle -- or box -- of wine. The restaurant is also a good way to jump-start the night if you have plans to attend a show at the Shadow Lounge.

Cupka's II

2314 E. Carson St.
South Side
412-431-9691

Although it may not be an exciting Saturday night club, Cupka's II is a great place to grab a bite -- and a few drinks -- after work or a boring class. Food and drink specials begin at 5 p.m. and last all night on Wednesdays and Fridays. Bud and Bud Light specials run every weekday except for Tuesday and 25 cent wings are always a hit on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Most of the patrons are regulars who know the bartenders by name and the specials by heart, but they are willing to accept a new face in the crowd. They argue that Cupka's II is the best bar to watch a sports game in the South Side and serves the best wings in town.

As it's certainly one of the cheaper bars around, patrons will get a better deal -- and a bigger buzz.

The Library

2304 E. Carson St.
South Side
412-381-0517

The Library has always been an interesting eatery for those who love books. All of the menu items are named after the classics, such as Moby Dick cod filet, Animal Farm turkey and Julius Caesar salad. The dining area is separate from the bar so it gives patrons the option of having a quiet dinner or a louder bar scene.

Although it has not been known for its bar scene, The Library is attracting a larger crowd of college students with the installation of a second-floor patio. Upstairs, students can play a game of darts and pool or simply enjoy the night sky outside.

Brillobox

4104 Penn Ave.
Bloomfield
412-621-4900

Brillobox brings a little of New York energy to Pittsburgh. The owners -- Pittsburgh natives who moved back to their hometown after doing a stint in New York -- have worked hard to keep this indie club and restaurant new and exciting.

The club features a themed event every night of the week to attract a diverse crowd. Some of the more popular nights are Friday's Soft Rock Happy Hour and Sunday's YouTube Happy Hour. It mixes up the scene with both local DJs, live indie bands as well as hosting some art events.

Kathy SaeNgian, a senior a Duquesne University, worked as a summer intern at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
First published on August 28, 2008 at 12:00 am