D’s SixPax & Dogz in Regent Square has my heart for many, many reasons.
I lived in this neighborhood for around 2 years, and during this time, D’s became my “place.” If you asked me to meet for drinks/dinner during this residency, chances are VERY high that we met at this great, homey, neighborhood beer and hotdog shop. I am also filed with pride to say this was the first place a bartender asked me “the usual?” when taking my drink order. AH! I think when I heard this I jumped out of my seat in fangirl excitement. Although I have been really into porters and brown ales lately, my “usual” at the time was Lancaster Strawberry Wheat. I SWEAR it’s not as fruity as it sounds. But anyway, this is a TRUE testament to the staff here. Every.single.person that has ever waited on me has been nothing but friendly and helpful. They remember your face, your drink, and your name. Their beer cave is self-serve (I’ll get to THAT heavenly attribute in a minute.) And almost like magic, once you’ve sat down with your selection, they appear to crack open your (always) cold one with a smile on their face. In addition to the amazing staff, the decor is so cozy and welcoming. Nothing fancy, just a great bar. I love it. I can, and do, spend hours there having beers with family, watching hockey games with friends, or just getting a bite to eat and a great beer. D’s is a popular place, and one of the (very) few that I don’t mind waiting for. Luckily!! they have an iPad system now and make it very easy to “get in line.” The bar tables are seat yourself, but if you’d like a seat on the other side, or have a larger party, check in with the server, and you’ll conveniently get a text when your table is ready!
So, the beer cave. If you’ve heard of/been to D’s, this is probably the first thing that comes to mind. In addition to their extensive, ever-changing draft list, they have a walk-in beer refrigerator, home to over 1,000 craft micro-brews, domestic and imported beers. It’s truly impressive. Grab 1, or 5, with your meal, or take some home in a build-your-own 6-pack. It’s wonderful. Last night, I went with Samual Smith’s Nut Brown Ale: smooth and creamy with a medium body, and a semi-dry, nutty finish. Exactly what I was craving. (D’s Tip: if you’re intimated by the choices, just ask your server! I can’t tell you how many beers they’ve let me sample and recommendations they’ve given me when I just couldn’t decide.)
I’ve come here for drinks with groups, or alone, several times. But D’s is also an awesome place to get some great food. They are known for their hotdogs, but I can confidently say I’ve had dishes from every category on their menu, and am also a huge fan of the pizza (my sister built her own last night – SO GOOD), burgers, wings, sandwiches and apps. (I’ve been here LOTS of times =).) I’ve also explored several of the hotdogs on their menu, including the Angry Tiki (pineapple, bacon, hoison, and “Double Dip Sauce,” which is spicy mayo), the Mason Dixon (simple chili and coleslaw) or the Chihuahua (avocado, salsa, jalapeños and shredded cheddar). But my tried and true is the classic Chicago (relish, onions, pickles, tomatoes, sport peppers, mustard and that delish celery salt on a poppyseed bun). Tangy, salty, pickely perfection. Another awesome thing about their dog menu is the amount of choices. You can choose between Vienna All Beef (my personal fav), Veggie Dog, Turkey Dog, (all $5.50), D’s Cheesy Bratwurst, OR Scorpian-Chedddar-Jalapeno Kielbasi (those are $6.50). In addition to their top-notch selections, you also have the opportunity to build your own from their extensive Fixins list. Order one with a “Handful” of the most delicious, crunchy, can’t-stop-eating-until-they’re-gone fries I’ve ever had ($2!!!). I’m telling you, you won’t be disappointed.
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In summary, if you want a good, cold beer at a relaxed, friendly bar… go to D’s!! It really is one of my favorite spots around.
Decor: 3
Service: 5!!
Food: 5
Price: 4
Overall experience: 5
A few nuggets of advice:
- Ask what’s new on tap. They go through and change their drafts really frequently. So ask what is the freshest, most popular beer that day.
- Try a hotdog seriously. There is something for everyone.
- The one and ONLY negative thing I have to say about D’s: They have a fryer/grill at the front of the restaurant, and a kitchen in the back. So there is really no escape from smelling like what they’re cooking. I mildly (ok, extremely) DETEST smelling like a restaurant after I leave (it keeps me away from some places I just can’t help it). But I get over it here. It’s just that good.
Go, relax, stay a while. And enjoy.
-Nicole
D’s SixPax & Dogz
1118 South Braddock Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
