The Pit Stop Pub

I think it’s a requirement to be a true dive bar that you been in a seedy looking strip mall and have some very gnarly regulars. This place hits both those check boxes.
While cruising around and exploring T and C, I happened to spy the sign on this place and decided to give it a whirl. The front and door looks like an old world pub, and when you walk in, you find a bar that I could probably stretch my arms out and hit both sides, but that feels its a football field long.
My first time here, the second I sat down a lovely, very short Asian man began to scream at the top of his lungs at me and cackle uncontrollably. I smiled, nodded, and pretended I was transfixed on whatever was on the tiny television, and proceeded to avoid all eye contact. A few mins later he decided to scream elsewhere. I then proceeded to have a nice chat with a fellow about motorcycles and he gave me the low down on all the biker bars and the best routes to avoid cops.
Every bartender here I’ve ever interacted with has been quick to smile, very friendly, and quick to sling some suds. You can also tell they know the regulars well. I glanced over and saw a pretty large dog walking in from the back parking lot, and the bartender quickly grabbed some treats from beneath the bar and tossed them in the dogs direction. Apparently the dog is visually impaired and was playing with an empty Popov bottle as a chew toy.
With shenanigans like this, I really want to give this place 4 stars. The biggest issue for me was the smoke. Yes, dive bars are smokey, but this place took the cake. After a few minutes, I was sitting there crying into my $ 1.25 mug of beer, probably looking like I had just been dumped. I’m glad I didn’t know anyone well enough for them to ask me what was wrong. Or perhaps, that’s what the Asian man had been screaming.

I know I can love my dive bars, depending on my mood and situatio. Last night after a nice dinner out & a few errands, we decided it was time for an adult beverage. We had just finished at Big Lots, when we noticed Pit Stop Pub. On the Northwest cornor of Hillsborough Ave. & Hanley Road is an L shaped strip mall where the pub is located.
Pit stop is an eclectic dive that comes complete with pool tables. As we entered, there was a sign outside saying it was ladies night and beer & wine were 50% off. The establishment is rather long, narrow & dark. It is also quite smokey, I was glad they had the front door proper open.
The beer selection was adequate, but what these places do to wine is beyond my comprehension. Let me just say the wine is rough.
I had not played pool in a few years and enjoyed relaxing and playing a few games, quite enjoyable. The place was fairly deserted and as an ex — smoker, I had, had enough of the smokey filled atmosphere.
I love dive bars, but am not quite as impressed with most dive pubs. I am sure we will be back to enjoy a few more games of pool & I may have to drink beer, the wine, just isn’t for me.
What’s a girl to do? You happen upon a new dive, have a bit of time, so you check it out!

When I first came into Pit Stop Pub, I expected a smoke filled dive bar that didn’t have food or service. At 6pm the bartender was clearly drunk. They only offer «wine and beer.» I asked for an Absolute or Sky and she replied, «we only have liquor on the well side.» How do you offer liquor but nothing above headache-​enducing alcohol? Service could improve, liquor selection could also.

I know what you’re thinking, but before you dismiss this tiny dive bar, at least go check it out for yourself. It’s a deep, narrow, smokey bar with friendly staff and good daily drink specials. It features two pool tables all the way in the back, and you can usually get on one of them regardless of time of day. Additionally, and this is the best part, pool is FREE on many days of the week. I’m not exactly sure which days, but it’s usually whatever random day I end up going! =)

Great bar… Great staff… Atmosphere is always chill… Great place to make a «Pit stop» before going on with your day… 2 nice pool tables and 8 tables to sit at… No liquior only the 40% kind… On tap are Bud, Bud light and Yengling… $ 3.75 small pitcher and $ 7.50 large… Pool tourneys on Tuesdays and Saturdays… Free pool on Sun. Mon. & Weds. With a drink purchase…