Gooski's   

Polish Hill is famous for two things: the beautiful dome of its massive Orthodox church, and Gooski's, the legendary little bar that stands just across the ancient sloped street. Long regarded as one of the best cheap watering holes in the city, Gooski's is an island in the rough; as Polish Hill is almost entirely residential, this is the only local venue for neighbors and friends to convene. The clientele includes mostly rugged truckers and former steelworkers. Still, scenesters drive from miles around, negotiating the dangerous Polish Hill inclines, to try their hands at Gooski's pool tables (the dark, smoky billiards room would please even Paul Newman) or to watch an emerging punk band rock the house on the bar's intimate stage. Though Gooski's accepts only cash, there's a handy ATM in the corridor, and the bartenders are both hospitable and wise-cracking. Even on slow nights, Gooski's is the perfect spot to relax, sidle up to a pint, and share stories and raucous laughter.