Altoona

Altoona grew up as the Pennsylvania Railroad's company town, built starting in 1849 around the massive Altoona Works shop complex that once built and repaired locomotives for the whole railroad - for decades, the city's bars served thousands of rail workers employed just down the street. BarFinder lists 55 venues in Altoona today, with sports bars, pubs, and classic bars making up most of the scene, alongside a handful of newer breweries and wineries. Railroad City Brewing Company, opened in 2016 inside the renovated Winters Music Building downtown, is part of that modern addition to a city whose nightlife has always run alongside the rail yards. From sports-bar standbys like Strike Zone Bar & Grille to neighborhood spots like Joe's 58th St. Grill & Tavern, Altoona's bars still reflect its working-class railroad roots.