Mid-Atlantic - Father/Son Weekend in Pittsburgh - Need some advice please!

My 15yo son is a huge Steelers fan and has always wanted to visit Pittsburgh. I need a mileage run to hit 1P UA status before year end so I booked a surprise trip for the two of us the weekend of November 11. That Sunday the Steelers are away playing the Browns; my son tells me this is a Big Game (I'm not a huge NFL fan so I'll take his word on that one).

I'd take him to an actual game but after looking at NFL ticket prices that wasn't an option.

So it's a father/son weekend in Pittsburgh. We'll have all day Saturday, Sunday morning, then in the afternoon it's the game on TV somewhere. We depart for home at the crack of dawn Monday morning.

I could use some help even after reading some of the existing Pittsburgh threads. Specifically:

1) If we stay downtown (I'm thinking about using HHonors points at the Doubletree) would we still need a rental car?

2) My son would love to watch the game with other Steelers fans; what sports bars would you suggest? I'm guessing we'd need to get their a couple of hours before game time in order to get seats?

3) I'm assuming there are all kinds of shops around where he can buy Steelers stuff. But Dad is more interested in finding a hat store; I'm looking to replace a wool driving cap I lost. Any help appreciated for either shopping destination.

4) Where would you take a ravenous teenager to dinner on a Saturday night, again assuming we are staying in the downtown area?

Thanks in advance for any advice!!!

1) If we stay downtown (I'm thinking about using HHonors points at the Doubletree) would we still need a rental car?No. Pittsburgh is a very walkable city. You can easily walk from downtown to the stadiums (although it could be cold, especially crossing the bridge).
2) My son would love to watch the game with other Steelers fans; what sports bars would you suggest? I'm guessing we'd need to get their a couple of hours before game time in order to get seats?Jerome Bettis Grille 36? (http://jeromebettisgrille36.g3restaurants.com/) It's about halfway between the baseball and football stadiums. There is also a Twisted Kilt nearby if you're interested in taking your soon to a Hooters-type establishment.
3) I'm assuming there are all kinds of shops around where he can buy Steelers stuff. But Dad is more interested in finding a hat store; I'm looking to replace a wool driving cap I lost. Any help appreciated for either shopping destination.Not sure about downtown. The baseball stadium definitely has a paraphenalia shop accessible from outside the stadium but don't know if they sell Steelers gear during football season.
4) Where would you take a ravenous teenager to dinner on a Saturday night, again assuming we are staying in the downtown area?How much are you looking to spend? Many of the restaurants on Penn Ave are a little pricey (or alot pricey). Meat & Potatoes can be good. Avoid 6 Penn like the plague. And there's the buffet at the casino. (ETA...nevermind, you son is only 15)

You should be ok without a rental car, assuming that you aren't opposed to walking a lot.
I was thinking about the Jerome Bettis restaurant too. Alternatively, you could try Primanti Bros. (http://www.primantibrothers.com/01locations.html)in the Strip District or Market Square.
Shopping--not too sure about a wool driving cap, but Steelers stuff, again, the Strip District. That said, here's (http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-hat-shops-in-pittsburgh/) a list of a few hat stores in Pittsburgh with their information. You could also check out Station Square for Steelers items.
For dinner on Saturday night, there are tons of places. How fancy do you want? Any specific cuisine? For lunch on Saturday, if your son is a huge Steelers fan, you might try Peppi's in the Strip District, for their Roethlisburger.


Your son is correct that the game against the Browns is big. Consider that, as a Steelers fan, Mr. Kipper has a bumper sticker that has an image of an interstate sign that reads "Pittsburgh 142 miles" and also says, "The only sign of life in Cleveland."

The Steelers are playing the Bengals, not the Browns that weekend. Either way, still a big game for them. :)

Pittsburgh is a great city that is often overlooked. There are many great restaurants and some decent museums. You'll have a good time with your son.

You won't need a car if you enjoy walking. Flip side is that there aren't that many cabs. Take your son to the Strip District to the Sports Museum, part of the Senator John Heinz History Center. It is a long (but doable) walk from the Doubletree. Eat lunch at Primanti Brothers in the Strip District. There used to be multiple shops selling cheap sports souvenirs a couple of blocks from the Sports Museum. Also consider visiting Fort Pitt in Point State Park.

Pittsburgh is one of only a few cities with two working inclines. Take a cab to one, go up to Mount Washington, have a drink or dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the city, then walk to the other incline to return to the city. I haven't done this in a while so perhaps a local can suggest a suitable restaurant for drinks or dinner. It's a great place to watch the lights come on in the city.

Other dinner options are the Southside--might be fun for your son and there are plenty of choices. Depending upon how you feel about churches being turned into bars go to the Church Brewworks. If you and your son are irreverent, it is a great choice. You can walk there from the Strip District, but it is a long walk.

As others have stated, dress warmly and have fun. Enjoy the bridges.

We are back from our weekend in Pittsburgh. I posted a short Trip Report over in the community forum. Thanks everybody for your hints and tips!!!!

Sounds like you had a very nice weekend! Yes, Primanti's at 2 AM can be quite interesting, to put it mildly. :)