Anyone who lived in or even visited the Steel Valley before 2005, knows the “world famous” Chiodo’s Tavern, the Steel Valley temple for everyone in the valley, from steel workers between shifts to bachelorette parties out for a night on the town. It was in every way the platonic ideal of a Pittsburgh bar, with a perfect bar menu, an organically kitchy ambiance, and a hard-working ethic apparent in its owners and bartenders that matched that of the community that it served. As with any good bar (and especially one with such a lengthy tenure), it’s nearly impossible to overstate how much Chiodo’s meant to this community.
We asked local Steel Valley historian (and former Chiodo’s regular who, in fact, met his wife at Chiodo’s), Mark Fallon, to provide us with a brief history of Chiodo’s. Here’s what he wrote:
“Joseph Chiodo open his tavern in 1947. An Italian immigrant and veteran of D-Day, Joe learned his work ethic from his father, who owned a cobbler shop in Homestead. Chiodo’s was originally a steelworkers bar, one of many serving the workers at U.S. Steel Homestead Works and Mesta Machine Company. Famous for the “Mystery Sandwich”, in later years it became known for its large import and microbrew selection (thanks Sam). The bar was packed with donated memorabilia, which was later auctioned off. Joe sold the bar in 2005. It was quickly demolished for the progress of man.”
In an era after the devasting decline of steel in this valley, Chiodo’s represented a constant in a rapidly changing landscape, a refuge for those who felt their community being displaced and deserted. Nearly 20 years later, scarce a conversation about beer or bars can occur in this valley without its mention.
On Saturday, July 5th, we’re going to pay tribute to this legendary tavern by running a pop-up Chiodo’s kitchen menu here at Golden Age, as we begin to raise funds for the restoration of a mural by local Homestead artist Robert Qualters that once graced the side of Chiodo’s building before its demolition. We’ll have former Chiodo’s bartenders on hand (and pouring some beers from behind our bar).
Perhaps most importantly, we have the recipe for the mystery sandwich that Mark photographed on Chiodo’s last night of business, and we will be serving them all day.
Finally, we will donate $1 per item sold (any item at all, however big or small) to the restoration, re-printing, and hanging of Homestead Artist, Robert Qualter’s “Made with Homestead Steel” mural on the side of Steel Valley High School (and in the Golden Age Beer Garden).