Moondogs Pub

Worst venue iv been to. Run down stage with a post that blocks the view, small restroom with one toilet and one urinal, the latter being out of order, floor covered in a puddle of piss, only one beer tap (I was wondering why every body was drinking Guinness), no food (you can bring in food from Starlite Lounge a couple doors down). The only reason im even giving this place two stars is because its a blues bar. I saw Savoy Brown here tonight and it was one of the best shows iv ever seen

My first time at Moon Dog’s was tonight. I’ll admit I was apprehensive when I first walked in, wondering where everyone would go, much less dance! Then, the place was packed and everyone was having a blast! Drinks were great and cheap. I spoke to the owner both at dinner and then at the bar and he’s just a really cool guy. I loved how everyone just came together to enjoy the music and have fun. I’ll go back again and again despite the 40 min drive I have to get there!

Mr. Esser… Banning Buddy Guy from future Blues events in the city of Pittsburgh is the most assinine thing i’ve ever heard anyone do. It’s 2015. It’s a Blues Fest in Pittsburgh, not Dade Cunty Florida. Have you ever been to a Steeler game? You cheat all Buddy fans and Blues fans alike. Screw ever coming into your understaffed club again. Im sure Buddy can work around you and entertain Blues fans before this Legend is gone for good. You’ve lost the plot for sure.

EDITED 2015 January 18
Been back several times for various groups. Sound system remains the same and is thus variable depending on who sits (or not) at the board. Improvements could be made in the lighting to off-​set from the direct overheads on the stage. Best seats are often to the left of the band area; directly in front gets loud. Always bring ear plugs as some groups finese their art by sheer decibles.
Still, it remains understaffed for the volume of business that is done at the bar. Perhaps that is the ambience…
f8 and be there.
EDITED 2014 November 9^th
The event I went to this evening, veteran’s benefit, had a fully managed sound system. And the sound engineer was having a birthday. Lights on stage are now replaced, but ceiling lights remained burned out or missing giving the feeling of not fully managed. Two people behind the bar when three would have been much better for the packed house. The bartenders manage the bar, clear tables, set up tables, reset tables, move the bar supplies, manage the till… two is insufficient; 3 would be better and my guess is the revenue/​tips would be better with increased orders. But the sound system was nicely managed and balanced. Hopefully this is the trend on all future events.
f8 and be there.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -
My last time at Moondog’s was for an open mic night.
So, this was a change up from my previous experience. The sound system was not working and there was NO internal support for it so the band had to trouble shoot cables that were bad and do the replacements, then rebalance the sound inputs/​outputs. really? This is the best venue as advertised for the blues in the region? Theoretically, music is about the sound.
Moondog’s is clearly unique, and the management is able to book in some seriously great acts. And it comes together well in this small, crude, funky space. Now that they are non-​smoking, all is better. The men’s restroom is seriously improved over a few years ago (not that anyone wants to know that). They do not have food, but that is available up the street (though it is not particularly interesting).
But, the issue for me is becoming that «blues divey» doesn’t necessarily make a good performance venue for artists. Specially when the sound system is broken and not managed. Or when lights on the stage are burned out and there is no immediate remedy by the on-​site staff? In fairness, the bartender had to run the entire shop by herself — bar, tables, cleaning, stocking, helping the band… one person does not make up good «staffing.»
While the «cover» for access is reasonable, the layout of the place is not up to modern standards for artists.
Moondog’s is apparently a regional icon. But I have experienced many venues that are better. Go to Beale Street in Memphis and you’ll experience much better — all packed together in a few city blocks.
f8 and be there.

This place is a total hole, and I love it. So many bars in Pittsburgh boast a ‘Dive’ status, but really just cater to hipsters who want dingy, but still crave structure. Moondogs is a great blues club with ample room, great sound and a hard working bartender. The drinks are cheap, and not great, but if you keep it simple, they do the trick. It’s an older crowed, which is fine for me. The covers are cheap and they get some great acts. I went to see State College’s Miss Melanie and the Valley Rats, and I’m so grateful I did. I plan to go back this weekend, and probably many more times.

My girlfriends and I (the Girl Posse) were looking for something to do on a Saturday Night. Being that we’re all married 30-​something (some with kids) music fans, we don’t always get a chance to get together and head out to a show. But somehow the planets were aligned and the whole bunch went out to Moondog’s for some great live music.
This is another one of those places in which I can’t believe I’m the first to review. Moondog’s is a local institution, people! It’s been around here ever since I can remember. Rusted Root played here in their pre-«Send Me On My Way» days.
It’s everything you want in a small music venue. Although does mean a slightly cramped seating area and the requisite long lines for the restrooms, it’s a great intimate venue to see live music. And Moondog’s brings in the music! It has everything from rock to blues to folk music. The Starlite Lounge Restaurant is next door and you can order food from there and bring it into the club.
It’s local music folks. Come out and support it!