Guidebook for Pittsburgh
Food Scene
Social
6425 Penn AveGreat gastro-pub run by a son of Pittsburgh's ex-Mayor.
Mexican food in Pittsburgh isn't great, but the bar scene here is pretty hopping.
75 locals recommend
Mad Mex
220 S Highland AveMexican food in Pittsburgh isn't great, but the bar scene here is pretty hopping.
Spoon
134 S Highland AveMay be the best restaurant in Pittsburgh. Seriously.
Associated with the Tequila brand, this restaurant offers authentic and huge Mexican dishes.
8 locals recommend
Patron Mexican Grill
11675 Perry HwyAssociated with the Tequila brand, this restaurant offers authentic and huge Mexican dishes.
Noodlehead
242 S Highland AveVery popular asian noodle house. Great for kids.
The Coffee Tree Roasters
5524 Walnut StGood coffee and scones.
Jimmy John's
6425 Penn AveA little better than Subway.
Casbah
229 S Highland AveVery good, chic mediterranean restaurant.
Millie's Homemade Ice Cream
246 Forbes AveIce cream to die for. Also good coffee.
BRGR
5997 Centre AveGreat Burgers! Must make reservations!
Zeke's Coffee Pittsburgh
6015 Penn AveVery local coffee shop
Pizza Taglio
126 S Highland AveGood pizza
Paris 66 Bistro
6018 Centre AvePittsburgh's idea of French food.
Dinette
5996 Centre AveA foodie's restaurant operated by a local chef. Highly recommended!
Soba
5847 Ellsworth AveThe best Asian fusion and sushi restaurant in the city.
Bagel Factory
Best bagels in the 'burgh!
Crazy Mocha Coffee Co
5830 Ellsworth AveEast Coast oysters are $3 apiece, West Coast $4 and a chef’s tasting combining both into a dozen is $36. Oysters Rockefeller or chargrilled oysters are $15. All are complemented by a nice list of sparkling European and California whites.
19 locals recommend
Muddy Waters Oyster Bar
130 S Highland AveEast Coast oysters are $3 apiece, West Coast $4 and a chef’s tasting combining both into a dozen is $36. Oysters Rockefeller or chargrilled oysters are $15. All are complemented by a nice list of sparkling European and California whites.
Modern French food. Chef Andrew Garbarino says, “French food is the love of my life, but I’m a modernist at heart.”
Former Post-Gazette dining critic Melissa McCart recommended the lamb-wrapped lamb chop ($36), “a rustic presentation on the bone, paired with sous vide technique in cooking lamb sausage that jackets the chop.” She also liked the ever-changing vegetarian selection ($28) because “no two diners get the same dish.”
The Twisted Frenchman
5925 Baum BlvdModern French food. Chef Andrew Garbarino says, “French food is the love of my life, but I’m a modernist at heart.”
Former Post-Gazette dining critic Melissa McCart recommended the lamb-wrapped lamb chop ($36), “a rustic presentation on the bone, paired with sous vide technique in cooking lamb sausage that jackets the chop.” She also liked the ever-changing vegetarian selection ($28) because “no two diners get the same dish.”
Essentials
If you've never shopped at a Trader Joe's, you owe it to yourself to explore their goods!
117 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
9020 Covenant AveIf you've never shopped at a Trader Joe's, you owe it to yourself to explore their goods!
Pittsburgh's local chain of grocery stores has any mainstream food product you would want.
153 locals recommend
Giant Eagle Supermarket
1901 Murray AvePittsburgh's local chain of grocery stores has any mainstream food product you would want.
Whole Foods Market
5700 Centre AveThe best selection of Organic foods in town.
CVS
3422 Forbes AveStaples
6375 Penn AveThey have a post office and UPS drop off center.
Entertainment & Activities
Schoolhouse Yoga Pittsburgh, East Liberty
Local institution featuring live theatre, music and speakers.
7 locals recommend
Kelly Strayhorn Theater
5941 Penn AveLocal institution featuring live theatre, music and speakers.
Yoga Hive
5491 Penn AveMy yoga studio
Heinz Field
100 Art Rooney AveHome of the Steelers
PNC Park
115 Federal StHome of the Pirates
PPG Paints Arena
1001 Fifth AveHome of the Penguins
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
7370 Baker StA very good Zoo and Aquarium.
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
10 Children's WayGreat educational museum for kids.
Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts
600 Penn AveHome to the excellent Pittsburgh Symphony
Sandcastle Water Park
1000 Sandcastle DrGreat water slides and rafting
Kennywood
4800 Kennywood BoulevardFantastic park with the world famous "Thunder Bolt" rollercosater.
Rivers Casino
777 Casino DrIf you want to gamble...
Great ice skating rink in the heart of downtown. Get there early because lines start forming to get on the ice.
PPG Place
1 Third AvenueGreat ice skating rink in the heart of downtown. Get there early because lines start forming to get on the ice.
Getting Around
Busway Pedestrian Bridge
Busway Pedestrian BridgeBus station to go downtown
Buses run from here every 5-10 minutes into Oakland where Carnegie Mellon and Pitt are located. Bus ride is usually no more than 10 minutes into Oakland.
Fifth Ave at Shady Ave station
Buses run from here every 5-10 minutes into Oakland where Carnegie Mellon and Pitt are located. Bus ride is usually no more than 10 minutes into Oakland.
Drinks & Nightlife
Kelly's Bar & Lounge
6012 Centre AveLive music on weekends. Often local jazz!
The Livermore
124 S Highland AveHipsters are here.
Le Mardi Gras
731 Copeland StClassic, old-school bar near Walnut street.
A great place to go drink pitchers of beer with friends and watch a Steeler or Pens game.
21 locals recommend
Mario's East Side Saloon
5442 Walnut StA great place to go drink pitchers of beer with friends and watch a Steeler or Pens game.
Hotel Indigo Pittsburgh East Liberty
123 N Highland AveChic, new, boutique hotel with cool bar.
You might want to check in and never leave, such is the quality of the food and the libations at the Ace’s Whitfield bar.
27 locals recommend
Ace Hotel Pittsburgh
120 S Whitfield StYou might want to check in and never leave, such is the quality of the food and the libations at the Ace’s Whitfield bar.
Try the “Figgly Wiggly” — with Woodford Double Oaked bourbon, sassafras, sorghum bitters, Sorel and a fig syrup — it is a perfect evening opener, whetting your appetite for the night ahead.
Wallace's Whiskey Room & Kitchen
123 N Highland AveTry the “Figgly Wiggly” — with Woodford Double Oaked bourbon, sassafras, sorghum bitters, Sorel and a fig syrup — it is a perfect evening opener, whetting your appetite for the night ahead.
Parks & Nature
Great city park, just a five minute drive away with lots of hiking trails. Park in front of the Frick Fine arts museum and walk down into the ravine...
204 locals recommend
Frick Park
Great city park, just a five minute drive away with lots of hiking trails. Park in front of the Frick Fine arts museum and walk down into the ravine...
Mellon Park Tennis Center
Fifth AvenueThe only indoor tennis courts in Pittsburgh are a five minute walk away.
Good park for playing ball or taking any kid aged 2-16. Basketball hoops, baseball diamonds and other toys for smaller kids.
21 locals recommend
Mellon Park
1047 Shady AveGood park for playing ball or taking any kid aged 2-16. Basketball hoops, baseball diamonds and other toys for smaller kids.
A tremendous place for plant and flower lovers
202 locals recommend
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1 Schenley DriveA tremendous place for plant and flower lovers
National Aviary
700 Arch StBird lovers mecca.
Classic old tudor mansion surrounding by hiking trails. Horseback rides are available
8 locals recommend
Hartwood Acres Park
200 Hartwood AcresClassic old tudor mansion surrounding by hiking trails. Horseback rides are available
Arts & Culture
The Frick Pittsburgh
7227 Reynolds StVery good collection of old masters artwork.
Carnegie Museum of Art
4400 Forbes AveFinest art museum in the region.
Pittsburgh Center For Arts & Media
1047 Shady AveFeatures the best local art.
Mendelson Gallery
5874 Ellsworth AveOne of the best in Pgh.
The Andy Warhol Museum
117 Sandusky StGreat museum to visit.
Pittsburgh is made up of immigrants. Here, you can see the heritage of the city's ancestors.
24 locals recommend
Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning
4200 Fifth AvePittsburgh is made up of immigrants. Here, you can see the heritage of the city's ancestors.