I attended a show at The Smiling Moose last night. I never really know with shows and concerts who is responsible for the sound, the rules, basically the all around stuff that makes up the experience of what you are seeing.
For the small space, the venue wasn't bad. It reminded me a lot of Brillobox with it's dark painted walls and upstairs setup. Just wasn't as big and not really as cool since they didn't have a bar upstairs where the show was going on. Seems like a big missed opportunity. There is room for one!
My main beef with The Smiling Moose is the drinking (or lack there of). So you want to let under-agers into the show? I get it. But if we are letting the young ones in and setting up some rules, why wasn't I informed of them before purchasing a strong IPA before the show was about to start!? We went down to the bar. Upon exiting the bouncer said to my friend in a matter-of-fact-you-are-an-idiot tone, "If you are under 21 you can't re-enter." "Ummm okay, I'm not under 21", he replied. "Well then I told you that you needed a wristband." Geesh dude, there was a band playing when he came in. Calm down.
We went downstairs (ugh) and got really great beers. The bar tender had to know we were there for a show since we came down the stairs at the same time as other people and the music from upstairs had stopped. So, we buy a beer, take it upstairs and the bouncer says "You can't have beer in here" like we should have already known his rules that were posted nowhere. So we had to go downstairs and basically chug our beers to make it up for the end of the first song.
All along a band member from the first set had come down to grab a beer too. The poor (literally) band member made a comment about how he couldn't believe there weren't specials for that band, since they get that a lot. Then he heads upstairs with his beer only to be sent back down to finish it. He had bought a dogfish head with the little money he had and was also forced to drink it fast to see the band he was touring with.
Maybe this place is great to just go in and chill. But the lack of friendliness from the staff and the lame rules for the bar were a huge turnoff. I suggested they play at Brillobox when they come back into town.
I ate here with friends shortly after they opened their kitchen. I remember the food being awesome! But I'm writing today for one simple reason: I was at Smiling Moose for a meetup and wanted to grab a sandwich. They had plenty of vegetarian options but nothing vegan. The sandwich I wanted had cheese and an avocado mousse. The waitress was very nice and asked about the mousse for me - it contained butter. I still ordered the sandwich but without cheese or the mousse. Now, I was perfectly content with that and didn't mind that I would probably have a bit of a dry sandwich. However, the chef made me a special vegan pesto!!! It was delicious! And the sandwich was great too! I was so happy and appreciative that they went the extra mile for me! I'll definitely be back on a weeknight when they have the regular menu (it was short because it was Sunday). Friendly staff and yummy food. What else could you ask for!?
Review Source:This review is subjective to a few factors
1. I went here after running half in the Pittsburgh marathon so it was a lazy Sunday evening, it was quiet and dead.
As it turns out this is out how I like bars if I have to be in one while recovering from jelly legs.
2. The service was fast and efficient, because again the bar was dead it wasn't that hard for the girl to keep up with drinks for about 4 patrons. (Though she did have to look at a recipe to make a simple Margarita ... could be disturbing). But my friend said her drink came out alright.
3. Price 4 Vodka sodas made with absolut for 17$ is pretty standard and pretty darn cheap, so that made this place more favorable in my opinion.
5. Minimal kindergartners as I call the young folk in Pittsburgh... too mean? Eh ok to be fair I never adjusted to the herds of young people in the streets of southside at night. But having broken age 30 I feel like the big sister who gets to point and laugh and run from the younger siblings who cannot hold their booze. Again you will note that it was a Sunday and most people did not head to southside for drinks after the marathon but a few did. So if you hit this place on a fri or sat night expect a different crowd.
I'm assuming the moose is smiling because he eats and drinks here every day. Â If it was me I'd smile to as this place is one of the shining stars of Carson Street. Â When it comes to pubs the other one is Pipers. Â
Us Yelpers really have our act together as we have collectively awarded these folks 4 Â 1/2 stars and they absolutely deserve it.
The beer list is very good and reasonably priced. Â They have about 24 drafts and tons of bottles. Â I'm most often an IPA guy and I usually have several to choose from.
The food is gastro pub level and boarding on amazing. Â The last time I was in my bartender was Keith and he was great. Â As I was sipping on an excellent craft IPA he talked me into the daily special. Â It was a killer sausage and Chorizo sandwich that was built on Mancini's bread. Â It was served with a side of potato salad and was about $8. Â As I took my first bite I think I moaned with ecstasy. Â It was that good.
On another visit I had a chance to sample both varieties of fritters. Â Corn and Black Bean with Roasted Red Pepper Mayo & Polenta with Kalamata Olives and Garlic Marinara. Â Either is $7. Â Both elicited more moans of delight.
Carson Street has so many places with just average food that it's a true pleasure to have a great brew and a high quality meal at a very reasonable price.
Came here randomly while driving past Pittsburgh right after their lunch rush. Â The bartender was friendly, patient, and gave us good recommendations for beer. Prices are reasonable, and the ambiance has an alternative feel; think CGBG. The portions were sized well, but my steak sandwich was a bit chewy. Â I didn't expect the most amazing dining experience at a bar, but overall this place is great. I will definitely visit again next time I'm in Pittsburgh.
Review Source:Combining a number of craft beers with half-off Happy Hour, good food, an eclectic mix of patrons and occasional live music makes The Smiling Moose one of the better spots I've visited on the South Side. I stopped by with the intention of eating, drinking and watching the Pens game and somehow found an empty seat at the bar.
That's when I found out I only had 30 minutes left until the end of Happy Hour (5-7pm). Quickly looking over a salivating list of craft brews, I decided to partake in a Rogue Double Chocolate Stout. Of course, I made sure to order another one (remember, 1/2 price!) around 6:58 pm.
The bartender also informed me that all their sliders were half price during Happy Hour as well. One version included BBQ sauce, grilled onions, cheddar and bacon with a side of macaroni salad. I easily submitted an order. Thank you, Mr. Bartender! He eventually took away a completely empty plate as Smiling Ben enjoyed the rest of the game.
This is one of my fav spots in South Side. Drinks are reasonably priced, service is great, and even though I don't usually like bar food, their food is really tasty!! I love watching the Pens games there because of the big screen!! I went once for a Trivia night and it was packed and so much fun!
Review Source:Seriously one of the raddest places I have ever been.. Dive bar, rock and roll club, and the most eclectic and unique menu items - Chinese five spice sliders... corn and black bean fritters with red pepper mayo... And a toasted cheese sandwich with roasted veggies, apples, and caramelized onions... All served with a 5 dollar pitcher of yeungling. Â This place is a must see!!!!
Review Source:Very rarely do I find a place that really blows me away. Â For such a small place (with a small menu), I am pleasantly surprised to give The Smiling Moose (TSM) five stars.
Most recently, I went to TSM with boy on a Thursday evening. Â The bar was full, so we chose a table in the back. Â A very friendly server came over, took our drink orders, and attempted to read us the specials. Â I told him there was no need, as they were posted on a chalkboard right next to us. Â I can't tell you how much I like this. Â Because if you're like me, you have the attention span of a goldfish. Â I feel awful making waitstaff repeat their daily offerings. Â At TSM, specials are posted in at least two conspicuous places. Huzzah.
I ordered the burger of the day which was served with muenster, grilled onions, and lemon aioli. Â Boy chose the grilled strip steak sandwich with roasted tomatoes and horseradish mayo. Â Our food was turned around quickly and I enjoyed one of the best burgers I've ever had in Pittsburgh. Â It was perfectly cooked (medium), and all of the toppings complimented each other. Moreover, it was a nice "Goldilocks" portion. Â Smaller than the offerings of Burgatory and Winghart's, TSM's burgers won't ever leave you feeling like a glutton.
Boy really enjoyed his strip steak sandwich. Â Both were served on Mancini's bread, which is always a big hit with me. Â The one thing I dislike about many would-be great burgers is the soft, tasteless bun.
Both our sandwiches were accompanied by the daily side of potato salad, which was very tasty.
I have absolutely no complaints about The Smiling Moose. Â Drinks are reasonably priced, the food is excellent, and servers are friendly. Definitely a must-try in Pittsburgh.
I have judged this book by it's cover for far too long. I've always know The Smiling Moose to be "that metal bar" that looked sort of dingy from the outside. Turns out they have a fantastic draft selection, about 10-12 micros on tap and another 30 or so in bottles, and an amazing menu all being pumped out by a legit chef (the former chef at Cafe du Jour).
A friend and I stopped in on a Sunday afternoon for some lunch and beer during the Steelers game. We arrived around 12:30 and were the only people in the bar. A few more showed up closer to 1 which is when the kitchen opens on Sundays. This is a great place to watch the game as there are 2 flat screens at the bar, then a giant projector screen in the dining area. I tried the buffalo wings and the baked spinach and broccoli dip while my friend had a cup of the roasted red pepper bisque and the cajun wings. The spinach broccoli dip was awesome! It was like if you combined spinach artichoke dip and broccoli cheese soup. It's served up with some toasted french bread for dipping. The portion is very generous, on my own I was only able to eat about a 1/4 of the serving. The wings were so-so, a little too heavy on the black pepper for my taste. My friend said the red pepper bisque was the best soup he has ever had. For 6 wings, the dip, and 2 beers my tab was $23.
On Sundays they have a limited menu, but I did take a look at their full menu and it looks great. They have several inventive sandwiches, sliders, and snack. I think I'm going to come back during happy hour (half off craft beers and $2 off sliders) to try more of the menu. The Smiling Moose is my new favorite bar!
This was a great discovery in the South Side. It is not your typical South Side bar (which is a very good thing in my mind), and it has surprisingly good food! I think it is smoke free too, which makes it all the more appealing. I highly recommend stopping by for some sliders the next time you are in the area!
Review Source:Last time here we saw some good live music. This time was a Tuesday. We were in town on a Tuesday night and as we soon found out, that meant it was free open mic and stand-up comedy night. We actually had lots of laughs. Cruel laughs. And frankly, I don't know what gives me the right to be such a snark. God knows I'd cry my way off the stage, dead- armed too.
Did I not mention that I think we saw some dude begin to weep after his set? Damn. How are you still smilin, Moose? The things you've seen? He was no worse than anyone else! Do you hear me? No worse than the rest of them! So, the night was part comedy, part tragedy, as so many often are. For real though, for a moment it was like being part of some kind of a heartbreaking documentary of sorts... while laughing with horror? Â We never felt so alive.
Anyway, upstairs is cool. The Smiling Moose has really good daily drink specials between 9 &11, the beer list is varied, and our bar tenders were lovely. We had a really good time. Good stuff. Also, since this place has, "moose," in the name, it was a great opportunity to do movie quotes from 1981's Arthur. "Why don't you forget about the moose for a moment!!!" Ah man, now you made me miss Dudley Moore.
One of my top 3 bars not only in the Southside, but in the city. I'm a fan of a great, friendly, personal service. The kind of staff that will remember your name. And they excel in that. Great menu, with a great mix of traditional and non-traditional bar food. Great draft beer selection. I can go on for hours singing its praises. All I have to say is if you haven't been here, you've been missing out.
Review Source:This is one of the better bars in the Southside. The ownership here have added a personal touch with many of their favorite movies included in the decor and the drink menu.
At their bar, they have 20 draft beer selections (and about 4 IPAs on tap). For their cocktails, their menu has several names based on the movies. We recommend the Phantasm, an invention of the bar's ownership, named after an old horror movie.
The bar is relatively small with a small dining area at the back of the business. In addition, they have an upstairs where they have live music. From talking to the owner, the place was newly renovated in the past two years making it the cozy, nice place it is today to enjoy a drink. There is a large projector screen at the back of the restaurant that can show TV shows and sports.
The service here was courteous and consistent, and added to our enjoyment of our time here. In addition, they have rules in place to keep their business clear of clientele that could tarnish its appeal.
Their bar menu is extremely interesting with one of the best slider selections you can find anywhere. It's unfortunate we already ate and couldn't sample any during this trip. I look forward to revising my review based on sampling their menu.
The food at The Smiling Moose is one of the best culinary experiences you will ever have.  The Moose is just a bar, like many others on the Southside, but the crowd (in my opinion) is more interesting and eclectic.  You won't find a bunch of frat boys or girls in Uggs there - it's more metal, punk, artists, bikers, musicians, and an occasional suit sprinkled in.  I was a little reluctant to eat there, because I was expecting a bunch of deep fried stuff (think Gooski's - it's really bad...in a really good way, right?).  But when a friend told me that the chef used to work at Cafe Du Jour, I became intrigued.  One word:  Amazing!  Since my first visit last spring, I can't tell enough people about the Habanero Burger.  It's perfection, seriously.  I probably have beef (a burger or steak) 4 times a year and 2 of those times are this burger at the Moose. I went there last night, after a short hiatus (I probably haven't been there for 3 months), and was pleasantly surprised to see that they had a new side for this burger (it's usually a really, delish, light pasta salad) - last night it was a cajun potato salad.  Yes, I said cajun potato salad!!!  And it was everything I dreamed it would be and more.  I've never rated a meal there less than an 8.5, but last night it was a solid 10.  So flavorful, great presentation, excellent service (again, remember, this is a bar w/ food - not a restaurant).......they are doing something EXTRA RIGHT & I am a fan!  Be sure to check out their site before you go (<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smiling-moose.com%2Fevents%2Findex.php&s=6081c751f63d197bbc8b652e7c462f179aabddd853f578c04a3775c20cc7a422" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.smiling-moose…</a>) - chances are, you'll have a fabulous meal and see a really good band, too.  The Moose is one of the best reasons for anyone to go to the Southside :)
Review Source:When I heard that there was good food at the Smiling Moose I have to admit my stomach turned a little. Â The Smiling Moose that I knew is kinda dirty. Â The Smiling Moose that I knew is smokey. Â The Smiling Moose that I knew had loud bands downstairs and staff that were way too cool to be bothered to get you a beer. Â The Smiling Moose was the place we'd leave in a huff to go to Dee's. Â I'm so happy to report that the Smiling Moose that I knew is gone.
We went to watch the Pens game at the Moose last weekend. Â We were the only people sitting at their CLEAN NEAT dining area (seriously). Â The game was on a giant screen. Â There are less than 10 table total, and all of them were filled by the time the game got underway. Â This is a GREAT bar to watch hockey! Â So much better than other places I've been on the South Side.
The menu is an assortment of sandwiches, soups, salads and sliders. Â We ordered a cup of the soup of the day, a Chickpea Chili with Ostrich. Â It was perfectly spiced and very tasty. Â The soup came with a big chunk of bread and was a meal in itself. Â I also ordered the grilled cheese sandwich, which comes with tomato and bacon. Â Several different cheese blended perfectly and gave me my gooey cheese fix. Â The bread on this sandwich adds a lot, too - thick but soft. Â My husband got the BLT sliders and really loved the Pesto Mayo. Â
Finally they had Pumpkin White Russians. Â They were awesome. Â
The food at the Moose is quality, so the prices may be a bit more than you'd think. Â These aren't $5 footlongs. Â Sandwiches are between 7-10 bucks and come with a side. All of my drinks were all 5 each (but I am a beer snob, I'm sure the PBR was cheap). Â All in all worth every cent. Â We will be back.... Â a lot. Â Especially during hockey season.
My absolute favorite bar in Pittsburgh! Â Even though it's located in the thick of all the other bars in South Side, it manages to etch out its own customer base. Â You won't find any frat boys or Jersey Shore wannabes, but a wide variety of "alternative" types which makes for excellent people watching - hipsters, goths, punks, metalheads, hippies, you name it! Â There is generally some good live music going on, and I love the dive-y vibe - loud, smoky, cheap! Â Even though it's normally pretty packed, there always seems to be a seat available and the service is pretty quick. Â Plus, no cover! Â I really wish there were more places like this in Nashville!
Review Source:Yes...I know the owner and I know that's blasphemy on here. Hello people I got to be friends with the owner because I was there soo much.
The Moose is a eclectic menagerie of Metal, Punk, Goth, college and I don't care what you think I'm here for the music people!
I have worked with, photographed and know a lot of the bands who have stood on the stage of the Moose. Often they pull in national bands which are typically opened up by a local favorite. I know there is a calendar on line listing various bands and theme nights <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smiling-moose.com%2F&s=ad96271ca1754b9875bea69bb117ecb61b34f60f40e449d081da860181cc2126" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.smiling-moose…</a>
If this sounds like you kind of place don't take my word for it, stop down and check it out for yourself! Who knows, ya just might have some fun!!!
There is now a huge screen downstairs and the bands now play upstairs. The Moose is one of those places you can go and not get judged no matter what you are into or what you wear.
Over the last couple years Scarfo, the owner, did a lot of remodeling, painting and added a food menu. Now by all accounts The Smiling Moose is a metal bar, but the menu is all non greasy yes healthy food. He has a cook in there that changes the menu on a daily basis so there is always something different to try.
Despite being assured that Carson St. was loaded with great bars, we were unable to find any until we ducked in here. The tip off was the lack of a line outside. Once inside it was refreshingly dingy, smoky but not eye-waterlingly so, and the music was mostly solid. Good beer, not too expensive, relatively douche-free.
Review Source:Everyone I loved at the moose quit or got fired once they changed the entire place. Â What used to be a haven for people who disliked the south side but were stuck living or working in the area. Â Not anymore. Â What happened to my dark/divey bar with absolutely hilarious and amazing bar staff? Â What happened to Scoobs? Â The day time bartender (god bless her, her name escapes me) who ALWAYS hooked you up with well made drinks. Â The juke box is still non-melodic loud music. Â But they've been renovating, they've added seating and candle light (at the moose? Â wtf). Â They have a menu of food that is just atrocious (peach and tomato bisque no thank you.) just as unappetizing as it sounds. Â I'm disappointed as now the south side offers zero bars worth going to if you like well priced, well made drinks, and good service. Â Oh, and Restless... decided to no longer have it's dance parties here. Â Great...now what am I going to do if I'm in the south side.
Review Source:So, last night I had the pleasure of going back to the Moose. Once again, bands and a show and friends. Etc. I'm so happy to report back in that the things I absolutely ADORE about the Moose are the same.
Last night the bartenders in the upstairs bar made the night for me. So fun and friendly. Not to mention the fact that without batting an eyelash, they could put up with our unabashedly unruly group of friends.
The beers were a little pricey, but then again all beers seem that way when you're not drinking at home. The shots poured were to the brim as well.
The service was impecable, the staff was fun and friendly, the alcohol was flowing like... well alcohol, and the sound for the show was great. I'm also happy to mention that they are now serving a full menu of food that goes well beyond your usual "bar fare." While I haven't got to try it yet, I'm looking forward to it.
This is a dive bar, make no mistake. Â If this were populated by aliens it would be like the Mos Eisley cantina, only without the sweet ass alien band. Â In all seriousness, the only time I've had trouble in this bar is when frat boy bar crawlers come in late. Â I don't think I've ever commented on a bouncer, but that guys got it pretty much in hand. Â Good for beer and well drinks. Â Don't expect anything too fancy, just put on a dirty t-shirt and pray that you don't get herpes from the bathroom. Â This place is actually best when it is uncrowded in the afternoon. Â I used to go here to study and loved it. Â There are shows there but it's really not a great place to see live music.
Review Source:Ah the moose.
This used to be my favorite bar in the whole city for years. Â Then it changed. Â Down were the ice skates, down were the random posters everywhere, no more is the pool table, and the upstairs is now a shitty venue. Â /sigh
Well the moose used to be great and then they added things like order and second floor band cover charges. Â I've maybe seen 2 bands at the moose that didn't make me want to rip my ears off and throw them at the drummer. Â Lotsa crappy punk. Â Regardless don't discount the moose just because i discredit it. Â Its still a rad place for all the tatt'd up heads to hang out at. Â Its just not the same. Â Regardless they still have slayer on the juke along with down and maiden. Â They still have the most insane things on the tv at any given time and the hockey stick banister. Â I hope to hell they still have metal mary. Â And they still have my memories. Â
They used to do vinyl metal night, always a good time.
I have never seen so many drunk douchebags as I did on carson street in pittsburgh. Â The place was crawling on Sat. night. Â I witnessed some police brutality & it took soo long to find parking. Â We started out at Lava Lounge. Â Maybe it was just a bad night, but there were too many white people with no rythme wearing cowboy hats there. Â After 1 drink we left & tried to find somewhere else. Â After many failed attempts at finding a decent place. Â I simply stood on the sidewalk searching for anybody that looked non-douchy so I could ask for their advice. Â I desperately grabbed the arm of a cute tattooed punk girl & she lead us to the Smiling Moose. Â They actually were playing decent music & everyone was really nice. Â Oh, & I got that girl's number. Â Yessss
Review Source:Phenomenal live music, cheap beer, great bartenders and a good crowd make for a hell of a destination. Â Visited this place the first time when I was living in Washington, DC, and the feel of the crowd at the Moose blew the hell out of anything I was seeing in DC.
Whereas a lot of Pittsburgh's gone nonsmoking, this place is still a smoking establishment, for better and worse.
The Moose was definitely a big highlight of my trip to Pittsburgh last fall. Â It reminded me of my favorite bars in Chicago, so I felt comfortable even though I didn't know anyone besides my traveling companions. Â Loved the upstairs area...laid back vibe, stuff to do (pool, darts, video games, live music). Â Cheap, strong drinks. Â I look forward to coming back someday.
Review Source:The Moose makes me so happy. It's always one of the first places I go out when I'm home in Pittsburgh. Drinks are pretty good, the bartenders are always cool and friendly, and the crowd is great -- has that kind of "rocker" vibe to it.
The stage is downstairs, and so are most of the people. Upstairs is my favorite -- with the pinball machine, old school video games, and random seating everywhere. Always a blast.
Nothing picks up a blah sort of work day like a "Moose at beer o'clock" text message from your friends.
I don't know what the moose is smiling about, but I'm all about the awesome happy hour special. Â Half off everything, weekdays from 5-7! The selection is top notch, and the staff is great (all of them, any hour). And as if that wasn't enough, the horror movies/decor, the punk and metal jukebox, and the free live (and loud!) music keeps the prissy riff-raff out.
The Moose is exactly why I love my neighborhood.
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