Location: 5802 Forbes Ave., (412) 521-3327
Atmosphere: The shiny black facade outside gives no clue as to the smoky, wood-paneled warmth and cozy booths inside. Dive-y without being dirty, friendly without being obnoxious, intimate without forcing you to sit in your neighbor's lap - this is just about as close to a perfect American neighborhood pub as you can get. "The Squirrel Cage," as just about everybody calls it, is the kind of place where you go to run into old friends, or talk to that interesting-looking someone you saw in Jerry's Records or Mineo's Pizza, or just hiking up Murray Avenue in the cold.
If you're seeking a quieter head-to-head conversation, try ascending the stairs in the back - there's a small balcony overlooking the rest of the bar with a few tables for playing cards or debating the "pressing issues" of the day. If you're more than 6 feet tall, you should get ample opportunity to work on your slouching technique (or keep hitting your head on the ceiling - your choice.)
Party People: This is the kind of bar where you can chat up a professor about the films of Werner Herzog or the latest in wearable computers. You can hear drinking stories from students through thick Indian, Russian or Hebrew accents. You can ask that punk girl in the corner whether her multiple eyebrow piercings still are sore. And, of course, you can weigh in with anybody about that timeless, universal subject - Kordell.
Eats: The Squirrel Cage is known for its burgers, but the one "bar food" item that it does better than almost anyone else is the breaded mushrooms. They're really hot, so make sure you have a brew handy.
Tunes: Easily one of the city's top three jukeboxes - vintage punk, soul and roots-rock mixed with well-chosen current albums. It can take a while for the machine to get to your selection, but just order a Guinness and sit back. ... It'll play eventually.
Specials: Varies frequently. Look for the vast selection of imports, and/or take advantage of the cheap Iron City on tap. This is a drinker's bar, so they'll probably have what you're looking for.
Cover: No cover.
