Food Scene
Consistently regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants in Pittsburgh, it also happens to be a very fun venue with friendly staff and in credible cocktails to match. Family run and in a quaint row house turned restaurant. Sometimes considered a hidden gem.
26 locals recommend
Dish Osteria Bar
128 S 17th StConsistently regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants in Pittsburgh, it also happens to be a very fun venue with friendly staff and in credible cocktails to match. Family run and in a quaint row house turned restaurant. Sometimes considered a hidden gem.
Great local place for simple yet tasty food, beers, and wine. Reasonably priced with interesting decor. Typically considered a local watering hole by those that live in the area.
19 locals recommend
Over the Bar Bicycle Cafe
10301 Pearce Mill RdGreat local place for simple yet tasty food, beers, and wine. Reasonably priced with interesting decor. Typically considered a local watering hole by those that live in the area.
Local pub with incredible food. I recommend sitting in the bar area and catching an English premier league soccer match. Awesome scotch/whiskey selection as well. Well known for Sat/Sun brunch but go early as it gets packed. (people show up as early at 7am when big games are on).
22 locals recommend
Piper's Pub
1828 E Carson StLocal pub with incredible food. I recommend sitting in the bar area and catching an English premier league soccer match. Awesome scotch/whiskey selection as well. Well known for Sat/Sun brunch but go early as it gets packed. (people show up as early at 7am when big games are on).
This is one of the best hidden gems for Saturday breakfast in Pittsburgh. The front is a bakery well known for Biscotti (best in the Bugh). However, if you walk through the small doorway to the left of the bakery, you will find a garage turned cafe where you can enjoy delicious Italian style food prepared in a giant coal fired brick oven. I highly recommend it for Saturday breakfast (also open during the week for lunch).
9 locals recommend
Enrico Biscotti Company
2022 Penn AveThis is one of the best hidden gems for Saturday breakfast in Pittsburgh. The front is a bakery well known for Biscotti (best in the Bugh). However, if you walk through the small doorway to the left of the bakery, you will find a garage turned cafe where you can enjoy delicious Italian style food prepared in a giant coal fired brick oven. I highly recommend it for Saturday breakfast (also open during the week for lunch).
This is one of my favorite spots in Pittsburgh. I go here every morning with my dogs to grab a coffee. The staff is friendly, the shop itself is adorable (with WIFI), and the coffee is great. I also recommend the oatmeal (you get to pick your toppings!). If you go, say hi to Nikoli the owner. He and his family are great!
36 locals recommend
Big Dog Coffee
2717 Sarah StThis is one of my favorite spots in Pittsburgh. I go here every morning with my dogs to grab a coffee. The staff is friendly, the shop itself is adorable (with WIFI), and the coffee is great. I also recommend the oatmeal (you get to pick your toppings!). If you go, say hi to Nikoli the owner. He and his family are great!
Really interesting coffee shop and cigar store. The owner is incredible knowledgeable and friendly. The staff is so awesome they once stayed open late for me so I could grab a few celebratory cigars. It is, however, MUCH MORE than just a cigar shop. Leaf and Bean is unofficially BYOB and BYO-Food. I recommend grabbing meats and cheeses from Pennsylvania Macaroni grill, maybe a mix and match six pack from the Beer Hive, and hunkering down at one of the outdoor tables for people watching in the Strip district and cigar smoking. Ask about Island Jim's signature cigars. Great value for the quality.
Leaf & Bean
2200 Penn AveReally interesting coffee shop and cigar store. The owner is incredible knowledgeable and friendly. The staff is so awesome they once stayed open late for me so I could grab a few celebratory cigars. It is, however, MUCH MORE than just a cigar shop. Leaf and Bean is unofficially BYOB and BYO-Food. I recommend grabbing meats and cheeses from Pennsylvania Macaroni grill, maybe a mix and match six pack from the Beer Hive, and hunkering down at one of the outdoor tables for people watching in the Strip district and cigar smoking. Ask about Island Jim's signature cigars. Great value for the quality.
Bets place for coffee beans or specialty teas. Don't forget to peak in the back at the roasters. They are incredible.
Prestogeorge Coffee & Tea
1719 Penn AveBets place for coffee beans or specialty teas. Don't forget to peak in the back at the roasters. They are incredible.
One of the best outdoor patios in Pittsburgh. If you like Thai food and its a nice day, I highly recommend this place. It is BYOB so snag a bottle of your favorite wine or a six pack before heading over.
44 locals recommend
Pusadee's Garden
5319 Butler StOne of the best outdoor patios in Pittsburgh. If you like Thai food and its a nice day, I highly recommend this place. It is BYOB so snag a bottle of your favorite wine or a six pack before heading over.
Great tasting room for Voodoo Brewery. Very large room with giant long wooden tables. They have a small amount of food that is pretty tasty. I recommend the hummus.
11 locals recommend
Voodoo Brewery Homestead
205 E 9th AveGreat tasting room for Voodoo Brewery. Very large room with giant long wooden tables. They have a small amount of food that is pretty tasty. I recommend the hummus.
By far the best wine bar in Pittsburgh. The section is vast and high quality. For a wine bar, the wines by the bottle and glass are reasonably priced. The staff is also very knowledgeable. They have very good sandwiches and small plates to pair with wine.
48 locals recommend
The Allegheny Wine Mixer Inc
5326 Butler StBy far the best wine bar in Pittsburgh. The section is vast and high quality. For a wine bar, the wines by the bottle and glass are reasonably priced. The staff is also very knowledgeable. They have very good sandwiches and small plates to pair with wine.
Meat-centric high end dining establishment cozy rowhouse converted to restaurant. CURE is impeccably decorated and the menu is divine. While very expensive, you will get your money's worth. Reservations are strongly recommended unless on a weeknight or off time. For parties of two, I recommend the small bar as a great place to dine. (it only seats four total) Great wine list and the large SALUMI plate cannot be missed.
46 locals recommend
Cure
5336 Butler StMeat-centric high end dining establishment cozy rowhouse converted to restaurant. CURE is impeccably decorated and the menu is divine. While very expensive, you will get your money's worth. Reservations are strongly recommended unless on a weeknight or off time. For parties of two, I recommend the small bar as a great place to dine. (it only seats four total) Great wine list and the large SALUMI plate cannot be missed.
Great local watering hole. Food is fairly decent and the selection is surprising. One of the best patios in Pittsburgh. If its a nice day, it worth stopping by. Plus, its next door. So that helps!
22 locals recommend
Double Wide Grill
2339 E Carson StGreat local watering hole. Food is fairly decent and the selection is surprising. One of the best patios in Pittsburgh. If its a nice day, it worth stopping by. Plus, its next door. So that helps!
Best Sunday Brunch in Pittsburgh. Very small quaint cafe style restaurant. Good for any meal but brunch is the best. BYOB so bring along that Prosecco or Champagne and order the fresh OJ for tableside made mimosas. There is usually a wait but Coca Cafe utilizes the NoWait App. Usually plan for 45 min- 1 hour wait unless utilizing the app.
42 locals recommend
Coca Café
3811 Butler StBest Sunday Brunch in Pittsburgh. Very small quaint cafe style restaurant. Good for any meal but brunch is the best. BYOB so bring along that Prosecco or Champagne and order the fresh OJ for tableside made mimosas. There is usually a wait but Coca Cafe utilizes the NoWait App. Usually plan for 45 min- 1 hour wait unless utilizing the app.
Great high end gastropub known for incredible meat dishes and craft cocktails. Its a little pricey but I think its worth the spend. It is very small so go early and sit at the bar (full service) or make a reservation.
59 locals recommend
Meat & Potatoes
649 Penn AveGreat high end gastropub known for incredible meat dishes and craft cocktails. Its a little pricey but I think its worth the spend. It is very small so go early and sit at the bar (full service) or make a reservation.
If you are looking for sausage, Parma is the place to go. While well known for Prosciutto, Salami, and hot sausage, I recommend trying the pork loin. It will surprise you how good it is. This is a great spot to pick up sausages for grilling.
Parma Sausage Products
1734 Penn AveIf you are looking for sausage, Parma is the place to go. While well known for Prosciutto, Salami, and hot sausage, I recommend trying the pork loin. It will surprise you how good it is. This is a great spot to pick up sausages for grilling.
Great funky spot. Best known for their interesting hot dogs as well as extensive "beer cave." Its worth checking out. After overindulging on brews and hot dogs, Regent Square can be a lovely place for a stroll.
38 locals recommend
D's Six Pax and Dogz
1118 S Braddock AveGreat funky spot. Best known for their interesting hot dogs as well as extensive "beer cave." Its worth checking out. After overindulging on brews and hot dogs, Regent Square can be a lovely place for a stroll.
Great tiny Italian inspired restaurant. Its BYOB so plan accordingly. It is also very tiny so you may want to call ahead. If there is a wait, you can enjoy your libations at the large family style table in the basement while you wait. On a nice day, there are a few tables in the front courtyard that are lovely. No absence of character here! Also well known for cash only brunch.
23 locals recommend
E2
5904 Bryant StGreat tiny Italian inspired restaurant. Its BYOB so plan accordingly. It is also very tiny so you may want to call ahead. If there is a wait, you can enjoy your libations at the large family style table in the basement while you wait. On a nice day, there are a few tables in the front courtyard that are lovely. No absence of character here! Also well known for cash only brunch.
A close second to Pusadee's Garden, the thai food here is great. They also have a wonderful patio out back and are BYOB. Its a hidden gem for sure.
71 locals recommend
Nicky's Thai Kitchen
856 Western AveA close second to Pusadee's Garden, the thai food here is great. They also have a wonderful patio out back and are BYOB. Its a hidden gem for sure.
Drinks & Nightlife
I categorized this as a brewery but it is Pittsburgh very own whiskey distillery. Its a great spot to stop for a cocktail or a tasting. The products are a little pricey but its a really neat spot.
43 locals recommend
Wigle Whiskey
2401 Smallman StI categorized this as a brewery but it is Pittsburgh very own whiskey distillery. Its a great spot to stop for a cocktail or a tasting. The products are a little pricey but its a really neat spot.
Pittsburgh's rum distillery is in a warehouse a little off the beaten path. This is a great spot to stop for a cocktail. I strongly recommend the dark n stormy made with Maggie's very own room and homemade ginger beer.
16 locals recommend
Maggie's Farm Rum Distillery
3212a Smallman StPittsburgh's rum distillery is in a warehouse a little off the beaten path. This is a great spot to stop for a cocktail. I strongly recommend the dark n stormy made with Maggie's very own room and homemade ginger beer.
This is Pittsburgh's cider house. Great spot to sample tons of cider's made in the basement below the tasting room (less creepy than it sounds). On a nice day, grab a glass or growler of cider and relax in the garden. Its in incredible space in a really unique location.
41 locals recommend
Arsenal Cider House & Wine Cellar
300 39th StThis is Pittsburgh's cider house. Great spot to sample tons of cider's made in the basement below the tasting room (less creepy than it sounds). On a nice day, grab a glass or growler of cider and relax in the garden. Its in incredible space in a really unique location.
Great place to grab a cocktail if you are in the neighborhood checking out Mt Washington.
39 locals recommend
The Summit
200 Shiloh StGreat place to grab a cocktail if you are in the neighborhood checking out Mt Washington.
Pretty decent wines. This place is not to be missed as the building and location are great. The tasting is reasonable and very fun. Staff is very friendly. I highly recommend it for music acts. Nothing like taking a picnic, buying a bottle of wine at the winery, and chilling in the basement around tables crafted from old barrels listening to music and chatting with your friends.
14 locals recommend
Pittsburgh Winery
2809 Penn AvePretty decent wines. This place is not to be missed as the building and location are great. The tasting is reasonable and very fun. Staff is very friendly. I highly recommend it for music acts. Nothing like taking a picnic, buying a bottle of wine at the winery, and chilling in the basement around tables crafted from old barrels listening to music and chatting with your friends.
Great local brewery. The tasting room is rather large. Great spot to take snacks or card games and just chill with friends/family. All indoors so it could be a great rainy day spot.
25 locals recommend
East End Brewing Company
147 Julius StGreat local brewery. The tasting room is rather large. Great spot to take snacks or card games and just chill with friends/family. All indoors so it could be a great rainy day spot.
Shopping
Probably one of the most Pittsburgh iconic stores, Pennsylvania Macaroni company, located smack dab in the middle of the strip district on Penn Ave, is the place to go for meats and cheeses. While technically an Italian food store, they carry meats and cheese from all over the world. Some of my favorite are the Vlaskaas from Holland (Gouda), and the black pepper semi soft or the cave aged Gruyere.
32 locals recommend
Pennsylvania Macaroni Company
2010-2012 Penn AveProbably one of the most Pittsburgh iconic stores, Pennsylvania Macaroni company, located smack dab in the middle of the strip district on Penn Ave, is the place to go for meats and cheeses. While technically an Italian food store, they carry meats and cheese from all over the world. Some of my favorite are the Vlaskaas from Holland (Gouda), and the black pepper semi soft or the cave aged Gruyere.
Sightseeing
While this is an address for a Library, it is directly across the street from the well known Mt Washington overlook. If you have every watched Steelers or Pirates broadcast, you have problem seen this view. If you are in town, it is worth a stop just to take in Pittsburgh's beautiful skyline. Then pop over to Shiloh street for a drink at one of the local watering holes. Access to both inclines are along Grandview Avenue as well.
315 Grandview Ave
315 Grandview AvenueWhile this is an address for a Library, it is directly across the street from the well known Mt Washington overlook. If you have every watched Steelers or Pirates broadcast, you have problem seen this view. If you are in town, it is worth a stop just to take in Pittsburgh's beautiful skyline. Then pop over to Shiloh street for a drink at one of the local watering holes. Access to both inclines are along Grandview Avenue as well.
I have selected one address, but the Strip District is really the long stretch of Penn Avenue and Smallman Ave between 16th and 25th Streets. It is home to the historic wholesale part f Pittsburgh. Everything from meat to produce used to come through this port and be transferred from boat to rail and shipped to the midwest. Now, it is home to hundreds of local businesses and proudly only two non-family run chain businesses, Penzy's spices and Macdonalds. All other establishments and local and family run. The best time to go is Saturday morning.
Strip District Neighbors
2315 Penn AvenueI have selected one address, but the Strip District is really the long stretch of Penn Avenue and Smallman Ave between 16th and 25th Streets. It is home to the historic wholesale part f Pittsburgh. Everything from meat to produce used to come through this port and be transferred from boat to rail and shipped to the midwest. Now, it is home to hundreds of local businesses and proudly only two non-family run chain businesses, Penzy's spices and Macdonalds. All other establishments and local and family run. The best time to go is Saturday morning.
Parks & Nature
Located where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers come together to form the Ohio River, "The Point" is a great place to take in views of the rivers, the hills surrounding Pittsburgh, as well as Heinz field (home of the Steelers). It is also the location of many festivals throughout the year. Its worth a stop if you are in the area!
151 locals recommend
Point State Park
601 Commonwealth PlLocated where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers come together to form the Ohio River, "The Point" is a great place to take in views of the rivers, the hills surrounding Pittsburgh, as well as Heinz field (home of the Steelers). It is also the location of many festivals throughout the year. Its worth a stop if you are in the area!
Great park for a picnic or hiking trails. Despite its urban location, this park boasts wooded trails and thick forests. Worth a stop.
136 locals recommend
Schenley Park
Great park for a picnic or hiking trails. Despite its urban location, this park boasts wooded trails and thick forests. Worth a stop.
While categorized as a park, Frick park is primarily a system of incredible hiking trails. My favorite is the Falls Ravine Trail. It is probably my favorite spot in the whole city. A word of caution, this park, like Pittsburgh, is very hilly. You will want to wear tennis shoes. The paths are very well maintained but it is not a "rails to trails" type of hike.
204 locals recommend
Frick Park
While categorized as a park, Frick park is primarily a system of incredible hiking trails. My favorite is the Falls Ravine Trail. It is probably my favorite spot in the whole city. A word of caution, this park, like Pittsburgh, is very hilly. You will want to wear tennis shoes. The paths are very well maintained but it is not a "rails to trails" type of hike.
I categorized this as a hiking trail but it is 50/50 hiking/running and biking trail. For more information and maps check out friendsoftheriverfront.org. They will have maps of all of the trails around Pittsburgh.
8 locals recommend
Great Allegheny Passage
Great Allegheny PassageI categorized this as a hiking trail but it is 50/50 hiking/running and biking trail. For more information and maps check out friendsoftheriverfront.org. They will have maps of all of the trails around Pittsburgh.
Essentials
Giant Eagle Supermarket
1901 Murray AveClosest grocery store for essentials.
Closest pharmacy - Check hours. They are strange. If they are not open, the giant eagle has a pharmacy.
36 locals recommend
Rite Aid
1700 Murray AveClosest pharmacy - Check hours. They are strange. If they are not open, the giant eagle has a pharmacy.
Everything Else
Closest beer distributor (PA has strange liquor laws). You can also venture into any bar and buy a six pack to go, but you will pay restaurant prices.
6 locals recommend
Buddy's Brews on Carson
2112 E Carson StClosest beer distributor (PA has strange liquor laws). You can also venture into any bar and buy a six pack to go, but you will pay restaurant prices.
Great local venue for music. Old church converted into a concert hall. Its worth checking out who is playing!
27 locals recommend
Mr. Smalls Theatre
400 Lincoln AveGreat local venue for music. Old church converted into a concert hall. Its worth checking out who is playing!