What might otherwise be just another corner bar in just another major American city is somehow transformed into something unique by little more than a split level layout, a pair of pool tables and about 100 years worth of character soaked into the walls. Take A Break is one of the gems of Pittsburgh’s dive bar crown, a meandering, sprawling bar that somehow connects three distinct spaces into what feels like a seamless, communal experience.

Located in the city’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, a bar of some kind has occupied the Take A Break location for decades, though specific dates and names are difficult to identify (surprisingly not all dive bars keep meticulous historical records). However, one look at the bar’s exterior confirms any lingering doubt as to the structure’s age, the structure a mashup of the bar itself and its white siding exterior blended with the brick look of an attached residential duplex.

Thankfully, Take A Break went unsold during a 2021 flirtation with the open market complete with $3 million price tag. Instead, Take A Break continues to thrive, based in part on a sterling reputation as one of the most fun places to shoot pool in Pittsburgh, despite perhaps less than absolutely pristine tables. The Pittsburgh dive bar’s interior is split into multiple spaces, the pool tables occupying an elevated area ringed with pool trophies a half staircase up from the main bar area.

It is the unique blend of environments that gives Take A Break something unique as far as Pittsburgh dive bars go, a distinction that over the years has earned it “Best Dive Bar in Pittsburgh” honors from time to time. The bar rail sits in between the elevated pool area and somewhat sunken seating area that seems to slide down the hill that Take A Break sits on. Groups of all sizes are able to cram into one or all of these spaces, creating opportunities to drink as a group despite the typical weekend masses that pack into the bar.

Satisfyingly, Take A Break is lined in almost uninterrupted wood paneling across all of its various levels. In the bar’s pool room, lattice, wooden fencing adds a bit of additional character without obscuring the glory of polished wood slats. Yuengling is unsurprisingly well represented in Take A Break’s dense assortment of decorations, a love affair punctuated by the availability of $3 Yuengling pints on Saturdays (verify the availability of the special before visiting). Be sure to spot the collection of beer-themed keyrings hanging above the bar.

Like many, if not all, of Pittsburgh’s dive bars, Take A Break allows smoking, rings of smoke wafting through the bar’s various environments unencumbered. Perhaps more enticing is a strictly adhered to frozen mug policy that even during peak hours has a strong chance of delivering 24 ounces of domestic beer bliss in a frosted, probably pretty affordable, mug. Known for its rotating specials throughout the week, less busy weekdays are met with even more attractive pricing (and the same frosted mugs).