I like bars. Bars are a good place to quench your thirst. Bars are where you meet interesting characters after a long day fishing. Bars are where you meet bartenders that give you advice on local flavors, and if you’re lucky, beta on fishing spots.

I definitely have a few favorite watering holes – and criteria for what makes them tops on my list. Firstly, the people. The bartenders, the staff, the regulars – they must all be synergistically aligned to give me that warm and fuzzy feeling. That essence that makes me feel comfortable, whether I’m there sipping a cold beer after a rough day at the office, or rolling with the Drifters after a day of ripping lips (well, gently catching and releasing) out west. The people come first.

Secondly, and very importantly – beer. Yea, I guess that’s really it. People and beer. So my list isn’t that long. I’m pretty easy to please I suppose. I guess I could put in a list of places that hold a special place in my heart to make things interesting. Here is a list, in no particular order with a few words that come to mind.

Danny’s Bar & Grill, Westview, PA – Steelers, Suzanne (and Dale) and Suds

The Park House, Pittsburgh, PA – Sour Beer (in an absolute great way!)

Kretzler’s Tavern, Westview, Pa – Wing Dings & Fries

The Longbranch Saloon, Ennis, MT – Big Mama, Wally & Wild Fish

Cougar Bob’s, Kelletville, PA – Wing Dings & Brookie Hunting

The Coney, Indiana, PA – College Days

The Harmony Inn, Harmony, PA – IPAs

Gooski’s, Polish Hill, PA – Smoke & Mirrors & IC Light

Howard’s Tavern, Westview, PA – Great Food