Hemingway’s Cafe

Hemingway’s is a great college bar on Pitt’s campus. During my time in college, I spent many nights here drinking the $ 5 beer pitchers and $ 6 dollar shot pitches. It was a great environment with great staff.
They also have a great cheap food menu. The normal happy hour and late night happy hour menus are unbeatable. Definitely swing by this bar for a good beer, good food, and great friends!
For a college bar, the seasonal beer selection is quite impressive as well. In the fall, there is a great selection of pumpkin beers, including my personal favorite Southern Tier Pumking.

I’m giving this place 3 stars simply because I’m not a big fan of the physical environment. I feel it’s a bit grungy, but most bars in downtown Oakland fit the same mold. What saves this place is the specials/​how cheap things are here. The food is also surprisingly good. If you’re already in the area, then it’s a cool place to stop, grab a bit to eat, and watch whatever game is on at the time.

The Philly steak wrap was awful so I suggest something else. The French onion soup is great though. Food is way overpriced, beer is reasonable.
I felt like I was the oldest person there, and I’m only 26. There is a noticeable smell of stale beer, but the stuff they pour is fine.
I probably wouldn’t go back myself, but it’s really not my kind of thing. Great college dive bar if you’re an undergrad probably.

Even if you didn’t live here while you went to Pitt, Hemingsways [or lovingly Hem’s] is definitely your go-​to place when in the Oakland, Pittsburgh.
From the outside it looks a little run down, squished in besides the brand new dunkin donut, however the inside has a charm that only a college bar knows how to imitate. Sit at the bar or squish into small booths in the front, or when you arrive in hoards after all your friends freshly turn 21 you can make yourself at home in the large backroom seating up to 20 people around a table.
Now me, I bonded with my best friend at Hemingways, sneaking in 1 [or sometimes 2] $ 1.75 Miller Lites [$ 1.5 at the time] between classes from Sennott Square to the Cathedral in our 30 minute break with our favorite bartender [We miss you HC!] and eating lots of $ 5 late night foods.
The awesomeness:
Hem’s has 3 [that’s right] food special times a day. Lunch time rush from 11−12pm, 2−4pm and late night 9-​midnight for a $ 5 menu with the purchase of a beer. The food is gushy goodness that only happens when you use too much Sysco grease. [Try the new pull pork fries, they are awesome]
My junior year of college [will not divulge how long ago that was] Hem’s created their signature «Shot pitchers» which are oversized sugary drinks topped with silly things like candy necklaces and gummy worms and named after celebrities. It’s only fitting that my favorite is a constant match-​off between the Taylor Swift and the Katy Perry. [TS for the WIN!]
And of course, it’s super cheap. Which is just great for my returning to student status graduate budget.
The not so awesome:
It’s a college bar. So, by definition, it’s usually crowded, very loud and noisy at night and you must elbow your way through the crowd of high-​fiving frat boys. Second, the bathrooms are small, dirty and far too often out of TP or plain out of order. It’s awful.
Timeless and classic Hem’s will always have a spot in my heart and I will make it a point to return often.

I absolutely adore Hemingway’s! If you want a cheap meal in a college bar that’s bursting at the seams with fond memories, then this is your place. It can get noisy and crowded later on weeknights and on the weekends, but the staff are all very skilled at working with a high noise level and everyone I’ve encountered has been really chill.
My boyfriend first took me here for late night half price food (9:00pm-mightnight and also available during the lunch hour) right after we began dating, and we’ve been back at least ten times together since. That’s a lot considering the amount of new restaurants we like to try. It was one of his regular spots in college, and I can definitely see why. I love the wood paneled booths and walls and all the framed photos of friends having an epic time here over the years. You can tell it’s a well-​loved establishment. The food is also fairly decent for a college bar, and at half price time it’s a steal. Additionally they offer cheap pitchers of cocktails/​beer/​shots and a different $ 2.50 draft beer special every evening, so you can easily have dinner and a drink for under $ 10 with a tip. Overall Hem’s is a solid late-​night place if you aren’t allergic to undergrads or loud music, and in the winter the cozy atmosphere makes it especially appealing.

This bar surprised me, I expected a typical dive bar in a college town, but they have an extensive drink menu including a variety of beers, mason jar cocktails, and shot pitchers. They also have a good food menu, including a half off late night section. We tried the Kentucky bourbon and Blueberry Cobbler beers and sweet potato fries and cardiac stix, which were fried breaded provolone sticks with buffalo sauce. The Blueberry Cobbler had a nice, natural blueberry taste and aroma and wasn’t too sweet or heavy, though it was 8% alcohol. I was here on a Friday night and there was also an awesome dj that did a good mix of older classics and top 40s. The only downside was the music was way too loud and there was no dance floor.

While attending Pitt I did the obligatory run through of all of the local restaurants and bars in the Oakland area. Hemingways was actually the first place I visited in Oakland, after my new friends and I skipped the second half of our orientation for pitchers of Blue Moon.
Like other Unilocalers, I think Hemingways can be hit or miss. Service is usually good. They have pretty decent prices and somewhat decent bar food. It is BAR FOOD though. Burgers, sandwiches, fries, tots, and a few salads. Don’t expect it to be gourmet, because it really is a dive-​y college bar. Even with their two happy hours per day, they also run a daily special on a specific type of beer or drink. The shot pitchers are fun and have gummy worms thrown on top. And although I like the shot pitchers, they are more like «mixed drink pitchers.»
Still, it is good at what it does: being a college dive bar.

Pretty decent establishment, it’s a little dark on the inside at all hours of the day but that’s an aesthetic, I suppose. I will agree with most people that it is a staple for college students and is the ideal place on a weeknight to go and drink. The shot pitchers are not really up my alley, they’re sugary and weak but the cheap pitchers of beer definitely keep me coming back.
The happy hours are a little confusing to get used to since they are always at odd times, like noon or 10pm, but the specials are totally worth it.
My biggest problem with this place would have to be that the food is not good. At all. But I usually go for the cheap beer and Hem’s hasn’t failed at that yet. I’ll be back many more times!

Cheap food, cheap drinks, drunk collage students and early 20 something’s! What more do you want. This is the place to go for a collage bar you want to drink the night away in. Every time I have gone I get the shot pitchers. It’s basically candy in a pitcher of weak booze but it’s fun to drink with friends. They also have cheap pitchers of beer and a nice selection. My god what a glorious place.
If your a student or just young and want to get hammered for a reasonable price this is the place to go. I have never had a bad time here. But with all this fun watch out. The place gets packed. I mean so full you can’t move! So get there early and snag a seat or table even on some weekdays. Also if you enjoy Pittsburgh sports they have all major games on and if it’s not to full you can ask for what ever game you want on. Maybe you just want to feel like your back in collage? Go and have a blast!

Just because someone with same color as mine did not behave well I was denied drinks by the bartender. I. just went with two of my friends who don’t even have alcohol and the bartender stereotyped everyone by color. She was rude and racist.

Because this is kinda the «place to be» for Pitt students, I tried to remain pretty lenient with my expectations for the quality, but it is many kinds of awful.
Food can be pretty good, can also be pretty bad. Same for the service. I’m not talking about busy Wednesday, Thursday, Friday nights — because I understand becoming impatient with the rowdy college crowd and being a human. I’m talking about like on a Tuesday at lunch time, the servers and bartenders will make sexual violence and anti-​gay jokes in front of the customers so… nope.
Also the mixed drinks are watered down and taste terrible.

I love it here. As a former student at Pitt I always make sure I come back when I’m on campus. Their half-​off food is a great deal. It’s a great college bar. There’s almost always a drink special and it’s pretty cheap. Get the spinach dip!

Pretty standard college bar. We didn’t order food and decided to just get boozy off of the shot pitchers. Our waitress hooked it up with some extra gummy worms! I can’t remember which shot pitchers we ordered– I think my favorite pitcher had «zoo» in the title? and my least favorite was the miley cyrus.

As a student in Pittsburgh, it seems that Hemingway’s is a rite of passage. To mark the end of my first semester of graduate school, my friend and I came here for some lunch time day drinking after an 8 AM final. There were quite a few other students in there, mostly undergrads with a head start. It was not terribly crowded but very loud.
Hemingway’s has MULTIPLE happy hours. Yes. Lunch time from 11 AM to 12 PM happens to be a happy hour with half priced sandwiches! What!!! Instantly impressed.
Here are some food thoughts:
Jolly Rancher Shot Pitcher ($ 7) — This had a quite a few shots within it, and I split it with my friend. It was green apple flavored, but honestly, it was mostly sugar and not much alcohol. I couldn’t even feel the alcohol afterwards. But the gummy worms in the pitcher were awesome.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap (Normally $ 8.99, $ 4.50 at happy hour) — The wrap was delicious. Not too spicy, just right! Probably one of the best versions of this wrap I’ve ever had. I made the mistake, though, of opting for coleslaw over the french fries. Bad decision. Get the french fries!!! They are seasoned and perfection!!! Massive case of buyer’s remorse. The coleslaw was pretty boring. Get the french fries. Trust me.
My friend ordered a burger, and it was massive. At the same price as my wrap, I was totally jealous. The burger looked and smelled amazing, and I plan to get one when I come back.
Service isn’t particularly fast, but most people are there to just hang out, so it is cool. The service was very friendly and good, though.
The only odd thing is that if you do NOT order a drink, there is a $ 1 up-​charge.

I’ve been here 10+ times since my last review so I thought I should update. First, their long island pitcher is really great! Actually, all of their shots pitchers seem tasty! I love how they add those gummy worms. By the time your drink is done, they have sucked up a good amount of alcohol ;)
For food, I would recommend the pulled pork grilled cheese. It’s my favorite thing on their menu and I’ve tried many things! I also enjoy their buffalo chicken wrap. The pulled pork wrap was also tasty. It comes with cole slaw on (in?) it.
Half priced food after 9pm can’t be beat!
I know one day I’ll be older and Hem’s won’t be «my thing», so I’m gonna enjoy it while I can. Just remember it’s a college bar and can get loud! I have even became annoyed with the noise level a few times and im your average 23 year old :)

During my grad school days Hemingway’s Café was a staple. My friends loved ordering the quirky ‘buckets of shots’ with names like, Lady GaGa and Taylor Swift. As someone over 30 I couldn’t in good conscious order a pitcher of shots (without becoming ill from the insane amount of sugar and alcohol) but no worries, because «Hems» always has a great selection of beer on draft.
The grad school crew favorite was the pita chips and artichoke dip. Rich, creamy and full of fat. And delicious. The I-​Need-​To-​Eat-​Healthy version of myself loves the selection of wraps, with the hot honey wrap taking center stage. Instead of fries I always opt for mashed potatoes.
The wait staff here is great and have worked there for many years. They’re friendly and go out of their way to make sure you’re enjoying yourself and that your glass is never empty.
The atmosphere is pure college. Small booths and crowded throughways. So turn your nose down and enjoy it for what it is — a great college bar and restaurant.

Aka Hem’s. So I was in Pitt visiting and we stopped only because food was ½ OFF. Pretty standard bar grub — fried things, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, etc.
I had the chicken tenders and loaded fries. The tenders are served 6 on a plate with a side of honey mustard. The batter reminded me of fish and chips, pretty good nonetheless. The loaded fries were topped with cheese, bacon, scallions and served with ranch.
My friend ordered the mozzarella sticks and garlic parmesan wings. The wings are fairly large.
We didn’t order any drinks. Since we didn’t order alcohol Hem’s charges a $ 1.00 surcharge per person — fair enough. Overall, a college bar with decent bar fare.

I can’t stop raving about this place ever! I originally gave Hemingway’s a four star rating due to the fact that the place is extremely cramped with college kids. However, after my experience last night I am gladly updating to five stars!
I’ve only ever visited Hemingway’s during school season so naturally it’s flooded with the college crowd. Last night, my boyfriend and I decided to grab some cheap eats and drinks before heading out to a club for the night. Coming here in the summer is sooo much better. There still is a decent crowd, but it’s much more calm and you don’t have to scream like crazy for the person across from you to hear what you’re saying.
The food was amazing (as usual)! We ordered nachos as an appetizer. They were doused in spicy cheese, olives, peppers, salsa and sour cream. I had the «ABC Wrap,» which was a delicious wrap stuffed with avocado, bacon and chicken. My boyfriend had the Rachel and loved it! I’m not a fan of 1000 island dressing, but even after taking a bite I was in love! We also ordered a pitcher of Miller Light because it’s only $ 5 ²⁴⁄₇! The drinks and food came to only $ 19 because we were there during one of their three happy hours throughout the day. Most food is half off and you can find some awesome drink specials! You can’t get any better!

You know you’re getting older when you walk into your old college hangouts and, while still feeling nostalgic, recognize exactly why those old hangouts are no longer a regular part of your life. Don’t get me wrong, I will definitely always enjoy Hemingway’s for what it is — a good place to get some pretty delicious fries, to stop in for pretty decent deals on beer, and to give in to my cravings for large burgers, gyros, and a range of fried appetizers. And if I’m ever looking for a place to eat reasonably priced pierogies I’ll always consider coming here to get them, as their giant bowl of pierogies makes a meal in and of itself even if it’s on the appetizer menu.
But now that I’m a few years out of college, I also know that I’ll never come to Hemingway’s in the evening during Pitt’s spring and fall semesters again. No longer do I have it in me to tolerate screaming tipsy students blowing off steam after classes. And I’m definitely growing older if I’m noticing the rips and tears in the booths and dings and scratches in tables and on the walls. Those things didn’t matter to me once.
Although in a way, they still don’t. It’s Hemingway’s — no one goes here expecting the ritz. And if you’re looking for a quick bar-​like sort of place, honestly as long as you avoid the student rush (i.e. stop in during their daylight hours or even in the evening during the summer) I think Hemingway’s is definitely a place to consider, with its quick service and a menu of bar-​food type goodness that just hits the spot when you’re craving some affordable bar-​food goodness. Sure, it’s no longer a favorite place for me to hang out, especially since if I’ve failed to eat reasonably healthy foods throughout the day before eating here I feel awful (yep, definitely getting older!) — but it’s still an a-​ok place to eat if you’re in the mood for what they have, and I’ll always look back on my old college watering hole fondly.
So thanks for the memories, Hems — and I’ll be back the next time I want some of your delicious french fries!

It’s been awhile since I’ve been here, but I doubt much has changed. Hem’s is one of the main watering holes for Pitt students, given its convenient location adjacent to many dorms. It’s pretty much your typical college-​oriented dive bar, and is as loud and divey as you’d expect of this type of establishment. The highlight of my visit during the evening hours was the $ 5 pitchers of sweet alcoholic drinks with candy – though be careful, because these types of drinks will get you drunk in no time, esp. if you’re not a big drinker, like me!
One lesser-​known aspect of Hem’s is that it’s open for lunch hour. I came here with my labmates during lunchtime about a year ago, and my sandwich, the Alabama Slammer, was actually surprisingly decent (I had low expectations for the food here). Given that few people think of coming to Hem’s during the off hour of lunch, it wasn’t crowded at all, and service wasn’t half-​bad. If you’re looking for an off-​the-​beaten path place to have a casual sit-​down lunch in Oakland, I’d recommend it! 3.5 stars.