The Penguins just need four more wins before we're in the Stanley Cup finals ... AGAIN.
A lot of us are super stoked -- and some of us don't really care (I know, I know).
But even if you don't care about watching the Pens play, there is another benefit to an extended hockey season, especially if you're a bit of a foodie: checking out one of the city's popular bars and restaurants that are usually hard to get into.
There's a long list to choose from, especially since the Steel City was named Top Food City by Zagat in recent years.
We called around and confirmed with all of the restaurants below that they tend to see smaller crowds during Penguins playoff games. The always packed, Gaucho, for example? If you can handle missing Crosby, you'll have just a five-minute wait.
So, if you're not interested in elbowing your way through a sea of black-and-gold jerseys at the sports bar, consider hunkering down in one of these spots once the puck drops.
Morcilla
Known For: Spanish tapas and charcuterie
Order: Beef tartare and a Gran Paseo (a bourbon-based cocktail)
Bonus: Nominated for a James Beard award in 2016
Station
Known For: Modern American with a twist
Order: Crispy chili chicken wings and popcorn panna cotta
Bonus: The bar does have TVs, if you *do* want to watch the game
Butterjoint
Known For: A robust selection of craft beers and hamburgers ground in-house
Order: The burgers or their fresh made pieogis
Bonus: You can start with drinks at Butterjoint and grab dinner at their sister restaurant, Legume, next door
The Vandal
Known For: "Hyper-seasonal" veggie dishes
Order: The salmon with celery root risotto and parsnip puree
Bonus: It's BYOB
Hidden Harbor
Known For: Festive tiki-style drinks and tropical treats
Order: Ahi tuna poke and Curse of Pele (made with navy-strength rum)
Bonus: Hop next door to their sister bar, Independent Brewing Company, for beers after
Gaucho
Known For: Wood-fired food with an "Argentine flare"
Order: The rib eye topped with their fresh chimichurri
Bonus: BYOB with no corkage fee
