I will always have a soft spot for the Cage. I don't like smoke one bit. However, for the Cage I'll put up with it. The burger is one of the most underrated in the city. Tastes like one you might make at home. The beer prices are the best in the area and they always have a solid selection. Taps selection is small but bottles and cans are plentiful. Bill the barkeep is a Pittsburgh legend too. read more

My brother and I stopped in here for the first time on Saturday for dinner. I can't think of another place in all of Pittsburgh with such reasonably priced food that isn't plain terrible. While they do allow smoking, the food was great and it's a very classic hometown bar atmosphere. There's definitely lots of character (and real-life characters) making the whole experience. I would recommend the Cajun chicken sandwich and fries. It was surprisingly well-seasoned and only $8 for a huge plate! read more

If the Squirrel Cage was a human woman, my god, the things I would do......She might be a smoked out slouch with a voice like an alcoholic midget, but she's still beautiful to me. My fondness of this place is rooted in more than a few sinful nights (accompanied by local Squirrel Hillian Marni K) spurred on and exponentiated by the cheapness the strength and the quality of their booze, the quality and friendliness of the patrons and staff, and a jukebox that has a selection that'll make any music lovers wallet a barren wasteland. Everything I've ever taken from this place I've given back to Pittsburgh, usually on a friends bathroom floor near but not in the toilet. I don't care to get into details about this place, you'll either love it or you won't. It's an old gem of a place that is pretty much my first stop in the city every single time I go. read more

Psst... Over here: despite being a bar, not a cafe, and technically not even a restaurant, this packed little dive bar has one of the best, and almost certainly cheapest burgers in town. The drinks are cheap and the atmosphere is jovial. The bartenders are real Pittsburgh characters. That said, I'd never have come in here, except it's a smoker's paradise, and while I don't smoke, I have friends who do. Walking into the Squirrel Cage (as it really goes by) is like walking into an ashtray. Seriously, if you know anyone with asthma, don't bring them here. The first time I came, I was starving. A friend told me that I had to try the burger. Based on the price, I think $3 for the burger and another $2 for fries, I ordered two cheeseburgers. My friend and everyone around me looked at me like I was crazy. When the burgers came out, I could see why. For the price, or even triple as much, these are some big burgers, and additionally, they're delicious. Apparently, they can't make more than a certain percentage off food without being categorized as a restaurant, at which point they could no longer allow people to smoke, so the burgers, and all other food are essentially loss-leaders. Despite people's incredulous stares, I polished off both burgers. If you're a smoker, or a non-smoker who is prepared to remove all of your clothing and put them in a sealed bag immediately after leaving, or just burn them, then this a burger you don't want to miss. read more

Squirrel Hill Cafe AKA "the Cage" can be a good time. This is primarily a student, hippy, hipster, old regulars, and local randoms who live near here spot. They sell decent priced pitchers and broadcast the games. It does get incredibly packed at times. A solid neighborhood bar where you can sit at the jukebox and pick the tunes you feel like head bopping to. I always end up putting something on like MGMT or Florence and the Machine, I get weird looks when a soulful jazzy soprano starts belting into the room. I'm usually in my own world at that point but you have to love those "you can find any song you can think of music machines" I sure do! I like pulling up to the bar next to a young college bloke and ordering two fingers of bourbon neat, that's always an eye opener from the Punky Brewster girl with the mouse voice sitting next to you. The bartenders are attentive and so are the servers when you are sitting at the tables. There is an upstairs room but the ceiling is crazy low, must just be made for the Shawties! I really like that the booths have such high backs so if you are having an intense conversation you can hide in there! One last thing, this is a smoking bar so if that bothers you don't visit, your clothes will be reeking by the end of the night! Cheers! read more

I have to admit I haven't been to The Cage in ages but I'm still compelled to write. I started coming to The Cage at 19 years old and I'm now 64. I used to joke back then if you could reach the bar your money was good enough to spend there. Though I haven't lived in Da Burgh for 35 years it's still my home and The Cage still has many fond memories. I can't begin to count how many times I would meet friends here for a few social beers and talk. I took my girl friend here as an after date place, she's now my wife of 31 years. All things change. But my fond memories of the Squirrel Hill Cafe will stay with me forever. read more

I wanted to enjoy this neighborhood landmark, but it disappointed on all points: Small pours Slow service Food that never arrived Indoor Smoking This place makes me want to order in and drink at home. read more

a great local bar with a good beer selection and tons of seating. not quite a dive bar, but has that comfortable feeling that lends itself well to just sitting and hanging out. would avoid the karaoke nights, but beyond that you can't hate too much on a place with the nickname of the "SQUIRREL CAGE." read more

Squirrel Hill Cafe - Pubs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Me likey the hot wings. I started to frequent this place a few years ago when I was living in the neighborhood and taking the summer to goof off and do very little more than eat and drink my way around Pittsburgh. The Squirrel Hill Cafe helped me do that on the reg. We actually called it the Squirrel Cage-- it throws me off to call it a cafe. I am reading that this place is becoming quite the hip spot, and I don't know how to feel about that, but I am sure it's integrity is still there. When it was my spot, it was sometimes dark and a little on the empty side, but I found a lot of entertainment watching the guy come out of the kitchen and smoke while he complained about bunions and whatnot. Every once in a while the place will go off and there will be mostly standing room, and the vibe was always good. I hope they stay cool. read more

What an awesome neighborhood joint. As an out of towner I was lucky to get taken here! No frills food, drinks and company. Great jukebox with a wide selection and lovely waitresses that don't ask if you want another drink...they ask if you want another pitcher. It's set on the main strip in the neighborhood and has a great feel. Even my first time here I felt super comfortable, nice dive bar feel without being super...divey. Make sure and tag the chalkboard in the womens bathroom, much more civilized than a sharpie! read more

I've been here twice now. The first time was on a Friday night for some drinking time. It was pretty fun...cheap drinks...Although I hated our server. My friends go there frequently and say that she's always awful. I LOVE that you can smoke in here. It's a big place too so the smoke never gets unbearable. I went again a couple days ago INCREDIBLY hung over for lunch. It dun me good. Started off with the spinach and artichoke dip which was really good. Then I got the meatball sandwich which was just eh...The meatballs were a little overcooked. The fries weren't that great, super chewy. There was a great vegetarian selection and my friend said his veggie burger was awesome. Everyone enjoyed their food and it was super duper cheap. read more

I guess I am not a fan of dive bars. They have the pre-requisits: cheap beer, smokey room, and loud. When I visited it was busy, very busy. Lots of jostling and that sort of thing. Patrons were in a good mood though. I just can't get over how smoky it was. Coming from a city that has banned smoking in bars it was a big turn off. The wait staff was moderately attentive. The decor was a bit boring. I would come back but I won't make a point of it. read more

Ahh, the Squirrel Cage. This hole in the wall in Squirrel Hill is perfect for a cheap, smoky dinner, or an evening of a few pitchers with friends. From what I understand, this spot is legendary. It's an old school dingy dive with a dark interior. If you're looking for a low-key place to get a drink and a burger and come out smelling like an ashtray, this is it. Yes, you can still smoke here, and every time I have went, there's been a plethora of active smokers. You are gonna stink, but it's worth it. The menu boasts a surprisingly decent draft list. Last time I grabbed a Victory Hop Devil and thought there was a mistake on the tab--it was such a deal. The burgers and sandwiches all fall around $5. "How do they do this,"you ask? I don't ask, because the burgers are some kind of straight up delicious witchcraft. The whole experience is just a steal across the board. After paying the check, I left like I'd gotten away with something, it's that cheap. But, there is a trade off when it comes to visiting the Squirrel Cage--it's laughably slow. There was one poor overworked server in the entire bar, and the kitchen was backed up to the point that it took a little under an hour for hamburgers. There was some confusion on beers as well. I was served a drink meant for another table. So with that grain of salt, I implore you to be patient and have a good long visit to the Squirrel Hill Cafe. read more

AWESOME HANG OVER FOOD. good drink prices and really good comfort food at great prices. The service is cool. Note that there is smoking inside so you'll either a. love that information or b. hate that information. read more

Almost perfect. If you live in Squirrel Hill, there's no excuse for drinking and driving. This bar is easy to walk to, and it's on a great bus-line too. Squirrel Hill may not have a raging bar scene, but it has the Cage and what more do want, really? Some stupid themed lounge? Brightly colored cocktails? Overpriced bar food that is pretending to be some sort of cuisine? If so, you know where to find them. If not, try the Squirrel Cage. It's the kind of place where, depending on the day of the week and the time of evening, you can show up with a pack of cards and a group of friends and chill. Or you can come a little later and enjoy a slightly louder, more crowded atmosphere. The beers are good, and cheap. The food is cheap. Period. On second thought, an order of lousy onion rings never hurt anyone. But "Cafe" is maybe a misnomer. It'd be nice if Uncle Sam's stayed open later and you could bring your sandwich and/or fries here. How brilliant would that be for (oh, rare pleasure!) late night eats in Squirrel Hill? read more

This place is always hopping with hipsters. I mean every single night it's packed with chain smokers, heavy drinkers, people working on their art, or writing in the corners. And that's what makes it cool. That "I don't give an F that it is a Monday night, I'm still staying out until last call" sort of vibe. The cage has a great beer selection with alright prices. They serve food, but I've never tried it. Everyone around me is always eating though, so it must be good. That, or it is just cheap, and artists got to eat ya know? There is always good music playing and the bartender (the guy with the long beard) is great. He knows everyone by name and doesn't hesitate to strike up a conversation. Great place to check out on any night, just expect to smell like a stale cigarette when you leave. read more

oh how I wanted to love this place. It just wouldn't let me. I like crowded bars sometimes but not when i can't get to the bar, or in to the bathroom. The beer was cheap though. YAY cheap beer. read more

It's a smoking bar, and I'm not a smoker... but this place is worth the possible lung cancer. I don't come too often because of the smoke, but it's a great place to just chill and talk to some locals around the area. Bartenders are nice, people are friendly, and most importantly drinks and food are good and CHEAP. read more

Great atmosphere, even board games to play while drinking with friends. However, what gave this a one star rating was the lack of service. We placed an order for drinks and food. Literally did not get the good for 30 minutes. The waitress (the one with glasses)? No where to be seen. We could have slipped out the door without paying and I'm not even sure anyone would have noticed. read more

Great corner pub, smoking allowed. Grab a Budweiser bottle, break out the Marlboro reds. Dive drinks, crowded but in a relevant way.

As a New Yorker it had been a LONG time since I had been in a bar where you could smoke. Even as a non smoker, it certainly does bring a different vibe with it, and sometimes it's welcome one. Certainly brought back memories. Cool crowd, good music, and a great selection of beer that you normally don't find at rando dive bars. Like Young's Double Chocolate, or Sierra Nevada Porter, Great Lakes beers, etc. The only downside, not a great selection on tap. One thing I love about my dive bars is the taps. This place severely lacked. Other than that, the bottled beer is the only thing that really stuck out, otherwise it's an average to slightly above average dive. read more

I love the Cage! I didn't go there nearly enough in my Pgh. heyday, but I got a visit in every couple of weeks. The grilled cheese sandwich is killer. Last time I checked, the jukebox was pretty great, too. A fun place to crowd into a booth with your friends and b.s. for a while. read more

It is a special place for me :) Cheap, good, fast. Pick two? No, you've got it all here. Super chill crowd.Squirrel Hill is just a super chill neighborhood and diverse, too. I'd say the NYC of PGH. LOL. read more

Squirrel Hill Cafe - good people-watching spot :) - Pubs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A great casual bar/eating with cheap food/drinks but even if you have a suit one you can fit. I guess that's the best thing about this bar. You met all kind of people. The food is really good (always got on the burgers side), the beer cheap, the waitresses nice. You clothes smell like an ashtray but who cares? you spent a great night! read more

If it weren't for the smoke, this would probably be my favorite dive bar of all time. The food is both cheap and delicious - home cooked is how they aptly describe it. I love the fries and the fried mushrooms. The cheese balls didn't stand the test, but that's probably just because I'm from Wisconsin. The drinks are cheap and well made. I've enjoyed everything I've ordered there and they have a pretty good beer selection. The atmosphere is nice. It's comfortable, a bit dark, and it's loud, but not overly so. You can still have a conversation at your table. I'll be back - but only on nights when I have time to take a shower before bed. read more

Pretty chill, I feel like it's understaffed because there seemed to be only one waitress waiting on the whole cafe. This made the whole get in, get out process a lot longer. The fries were really greasy (I don't know what I was expecting) and I wasn't a fan of putting the vinegar fry combo either. I went for the classic Heinz ketchup instead. We felt especially ravenous and got a artichoke and spinach dip as well which was filled with huge pieces of artichoke hearts (mmm) - definitely something I'll get again. I got the Extra large fish and loved every bite! I'm easy to please when it comes to fried fish. It came with a side of potato chips, the kind you get from the bag. My friends were not impressed and did not touch theirs, but I cleaned my plate and theirs. read more

One of many favorite places for cheap eats in squirrel hill. The hamburgers and fish sandwiches are of a quality (and size) that I have not yet seen for such a low price! While the food is fantastic however, they are often understaffed during busy hours so there may be a bit of a wait, and you will always come out smelling like cigarettes, but the food and excellent drink selection makes it all worthwhile. read more

The boyfriend and I came here on a Friday night around 9-ish, after getting out of a movie around the corner. I have only been in Pittsburgh for a few weeks, so I thought it was a good opportunity to try a new place out. When we walked in we went straight to the bar and was greeted by the bartender almost immediately. In total we had 5 drinks: 2 red wines, 1 Jack & Coke, & 2 Draft beers and the total was $18. I thought that was a totally reasonable price compared to Atlanta (where I moved from). I also looked at the menu and the prices were super cheap. We will definitely be back! read more

The Squirrel Hill Cafe was a pleasant surprise of a bar. I usually never ventured into squirrel hill to imbibe, but my friend had a birthday gathering there on a sunday evening. This place is another Pgh dive-gem. The beer selection is marvelous, and the jukebox is too. Yes, you can smoke in here, which turns away most of the people I would not want to talk to anyways. Quite an eclectic mixture of folks, as someone else mentioned. Yes, I was THAT person who had to look around for the Squirrel "Cage" while parked in front of the SHC for a good five minutes. read more

I smoke when I drink but don't necessarily love being in a super smoky bar. I've been to some smoking dives with noooo type of filter and it's awful. At least this places has a vent/fan type thing but yea, it's still pretty smoky. Somehow we snagged a booth on a Saturday night... the double vodka/sodas and Stellas flowed seamlessly for the rest of the evening and our bill was only $40 bucks! The kitchen closed right when we decided we wanted food, so that sucked. But I'm glad I didn't read the reviews about how good the food is prior to or we'd have been really bummed. But then again, I watched the cook chain smoke cigs all night long so... gross. I read someone describe the atmosphere as jovial and that it was. Every table was laughing and having a great time, as was I. Out waitress was super pleasant and funny as well! This is definitely my kind of dive bar. Although, I greatly dislike single restrooms... but I got lucky in that the line was never too long. read more

SMOKING IS ALLOWED! Whether that is a good thing or bad thing for you, it's important to know because this place can get smokey and smelly. When I left the place, my clothes and hair all smelled of smoke. As far as food, their burgers are good but nothing I can really remember and the cheese balls are really good. Drinks are decently priced. Service was a bit slow and even though our waitress was nice, she forgot to give one of our credit cards back until we had to remind her. read more

Best damn late-night food in the burgh. Except for maybe this one Ethiopian place in the South side. But that's beside the point. Definitely divey, and there is no non-smoking area. The food is immaculate. Sausage dip is pretty bomb, but the deep fried pepperoni rolls are the true treasure at this spot. I'm a fan of the Squirrel cage sandwich (turkey, ham, maybe some other meat but I can't be sure). Mmm. Cheap, too. It's the kind of spot that you can get drunk in, eat, and then continue to drink. Hell yeah. read more

Ordered their chef salad for my lunch takeout and MAN when i tell you this salad was the freshest salad I've had in this area i mean it! I work a few blocks up on Forbes and it's hard finding a restaurant to give you GOOD food. This one is definitely it! I will for sure be going back to this place for lunch! read more

I come here often, usually around happy hour, and occasionally late night. Most of the time, the food is really good. I especially like the grilled chicken salad (good deal), the jumbo fish (battered, as opposed to the breaded "extra large" they offer, and so infinitely better), and Cage club (capicola, turkey, cheese, delicious). However, the prices have risen from unfathomably dirt cheap to only pretty cheap. Be aware that you will pay extra for fries instead of chips, and that the fries are sometimes so overcooked that any potato inside has turned to dust. Wings are real good, but only the most basic sauces. Every once in a while, your food will just not be that good. Can't find a rhyme or reason to it, but it's good often enough that I keep coming back, and never so bad that it's awful. Just not as good as normal. As far as drinks go, the Yuengling pitcher is an economical and delicious choice. I can never remember when or what the specials are, but they often have out-of-season seasonals in the bottle case for real, real cheap. It's worth asking. And once it's late and your drunk, there is nothing like their Long Island to take you to new and undiscovered levels of intoxication. read more

My grad school advisor recently warned me that I should stay away from this place. So when one of his students suggested that I check it out with him at 1AM, my answer was quick and predictable. :) When we got there, the place had a very nice energy for 1AM. Like someone else said - divey, but not divey in the "I hope that guy doesn't come over here" way. No, more divey in the "Hey, this waitress actually seems kind of cool without being a hipster douche" way. (Yes, I know that's her job, but it's nice to see people doing their job well.) We came there to have one drink, but wound up having more - and ordering more than you expected is nearly always a good sign. We had something that billed itself as "The Official State Beer of China", which tasted suspiciously like apple juice but at $2 a bottle left us with no complaints. All in all, I approve. It seemed they had very few drinks on tap - so I'll hold off on the the fifth star until I check out their full fridge selection and/or try their food - but for now, it seems like a nice "standby" for a weekday drink. read more

I absolutely adore this place. They have a great beer selection, wonderful bar food, solid service and are very reasonably priced. The only down side is that they allow smoking everywhere, which can be a problem for some people. Otherwise, it would've gotten five stars! read more

If you are sensitive to the smell of smoke, I would steer clear of here. I'm not sure if smoking is allowed during all hours, but when I went on a Saturday night, I left smelling like an ashtray. I did sit at the bar so I can't say how it would be if you were sitting at a table further away, but the restaurant is pretty small so I think it's safe to say you smell it everywhere. We ordered nachos and cheese with jalapenos. It wasn't fancy, just basically tostito chips and nacho cheese, but for around $2.99 I wasn't really complaining. If there could be a change with the smoking policies, I think I would be willing to come back because I've heard the burgers are great, but for now the smoke isn't worth it. read more

Billy was very friendly and knew what he was talking him about when it came to the beer and food menus. The locals knew him by name and he knew theirs, which was great to see a friendly atmosphere. He was extremely busy and service was slow, but not due to his fault at all. It was a good friendly place to get a pretty great burger! The burgers are a meal alone, let alone anything else. Large portion for a great price. Definitely smoky so be ready for that, but great for those who do smoke since most places aren't smoking establishments anymore. I would probably stop there again sometime in the future when I visit Pittsburgh again. read more

There's no place like it, burgers r the absolute best. Service is. Gr8. Try it you'll like it.

Excellent atmosphere...albeit a bit crowded. however, that's merely a testament to the bar's reputation. i used to frequent the squirrel cage in the 90's a bit, so stopping in to wet my whistle a couple months ago brought back fond memories of gin and tonic (many, many of them), and a killer juke box (yeah, that's right san francisco i said JUKE BOX). long live the cage. i plan to stop in whenever i visit the 'burgh. read more