Pittsburgh's Gooski's makes list of Best Dive Bars in America

This may not sound like a ringing endorsement, but it has some aura to it.

Gooski’s in Polish Hill was named to Thrillist’s “ 33 Best Dive Bars in America .” There are many hallmarks which get you in this exclusive club list, according to Thrillist, such as stiff drinks, low lights and patrons who can transition from gregarious to dangerous at any moment. But to be a GREAT dive bar, a joint has to transcend those tropes and offer something special.

The site enlisted the help of writers across the country as well as the advice of some seedy friends to find those deep, dark places – often hidden gems in some people’s eyes.

Gooski’s, which calls itself “Diver Bar, Performance and Event Venue” on its Facebook page, made the cut because the place has set rules: “Know what you want; have your money ready; don’t make us kill you.”

“This is a legend, a place where stiff drinks are paired with legendary pierogies and a welcome dose of no-nonsense sarcasm from the bartenders, who make no qualms with interrupting a barside make-out sesh,” according to Thrillist.

Other dive bars in Pittsburgh shouldn’t despair. Thrillist recognized there are many. Gooski’s was merely “our pick for the best dive in a city blessed with more of them than most towns twice its size.”

Details: https://thrillist.com

JoAnne Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne at 724-853-5062 or jharrop@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Jharrop_Trib.