Location: 1314 E. Carson St., (412) 431-1314.
Atmosphere: The biggest, and possibly best, "dive bar" in Pittsburgh. It's shaped like a big "U," with a long bar and booths in one room, circling around to a parallel small poolroom. Up the stairs is another bar, and a much larger poolroom, which usually is packed with would-be pool sharks and revelers. Make sure to check out the brilliant mural on the wall by the pool tables downstairs, which hilariously caricatures some of the regulars who hang out there.
Party People: Like Gooski's in Polish Hill, Dee's has somehow struck a comfortable balance between the "tattooed & pierced hipster crowd" and the "locals." You're just as likely to hear tales of the Stillers' glory days from longtime South Side residents, as gossip about, say, the local rock scene. It's unusual, but it works. If you get tired of either a pretentious slacker "artist" or an inebriated yinzer, just move down a few stools.
Eats: There's some bar food - burgers, cheese sticks and fish sandwiches. It's all edible, but with all the great snacking and dining choices along East Carson Street, people don't really come here for the food.
Tunes: Dee's boasts not one, but two of the best jukeboxes in Pittsburgh. OK, the one on the ground floor has pretty muddy sound, and frequently doesn't get around to playing your requests until you're ready to leave, but it actually plays 45s! All the punk, garage, rockabilly, indie rock and local releases your ears can stand, with a smattering of classic metal singles and a slew of oddball releases that seem to be there just for a laugh. The jukebox upstairs plays CDs - going a step beyond the expected Stones and Johnny Cash to feature seminal releases by the Pixies, Pogues and other brilliant bands that don't always make it to the jukebox.
Specials: Specials vary frequently, but all the basic brews are pretty cheap anyway. The mixed drinks are cheap and quite stiff.
Cover: No cover charge.
