Guidebook for Pittsburgh

Alana
Guidebook for Pittsburgh

Food Scene

This is my favorite place in Pittsburgh to grab a quick bite! Serving delicious Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches and a great selection of bubble tea combos, you can do an easy meal here for $8-$15 pp. Family owned, very friendly staff. Closed Mondays
13 residents recomanen
Banh Mi & Ti
4502 Butler St
13 residents recomanen
This is my favorite place in Pittsburgh to grab a quick bite! Serving delicious Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches and a great selection of bubble tea combos, you can do an easy meal here for $8-$15 pp. Family owned, very friendly staff. Closed Mondays
If you want some quick & cheap Indian food, this is the place to go! Cafeteria style sit in but friendly service and great food. Closes @8pm most nights.
19 residents recomanen
Salem Halal Market & Grill
2923 Penn Ave
19 residents recomanen
If you want some quick & cheap Indian food, this is the place to go! Cafeteria style sit in but friendly service and great food. Closes @8pm most nights.
A great place to try some typical Japanese dishes like Okonomiyaki, Kara-age, Yaki-soba, and more! Run by Japanese people and done right. As a former long-term visitor of Japan, this place offers authentic Japanese service and food, and even has traditional tatami-room seating in the back. Closed Mondays. 7 min walk.
17 residents recomanen
Teppanyaki Kyoto Restaurant
5808 Bryant St
17 residents recomanen
A great place to try some typical Japanese dishes like Okonomiyaki, Kara-age, Yaki-soba, and more! Run by Japanese people and done right. As a former long-term visitor of Japan, this place offers authentic Japanese service and food, and even has traditional tatami-room seating in the back. Closed Mondays. 7 min walk.
Cute little spot tucked away in the neighborhood. Delicious Thai food with an intimate setting. 10 minute walk.
38 residents recomanen
Smiling Banana Leaf
5901 Bryant St
38 residents recomanen
Cute little spot tucked away in the neighborhood. Delicious Thai food with an intimate setting. 10 minute walk.
Chinese eatery specializing in noodle dishes that's known for its kitchen viewing window. Great bubble tea! Check off the things you want to order on their order sheets. Food will come as it’s ready. Quick service. $10 minimum CC limit.
36 residents recomanen
Everyday Noodles
5875 Forbes Ave
36 residents recomanen
Chinese eatery specializing in noodle dishes that's known for its kitchen viewing window. Great bubble tea! Check off the things you want to order on their order sheets. Food will come as it’s ready. Quick service. $10 minimum CC limit.
BYOB, cash-only Thai restaurant with street-market noodles in a cool space. Very popular with locals.
75 residents recomanen
Noodlehead
242 S Highland Ave
75 residents recomanen
BYOB, cash-only Thai restaurant with street-market noodles in a cool space. Very popular with locals.
A new ramen place (opened late 2017) that has gained quick popularity in Lawrenceville. Doesn’t have “traditional” ramen but good quality broth and noodles. Make reservation.
11 residents recomanen
Ki Ramen
4401 Butler St
11 residents recomanen
A new ramen place (opened late 2017) that has gained quick popularity in Lawrenceville. Doesn’t have “traditional” ramen but good quality broth and noodles. Make reservation.
Family owned restaurant with quick, friendly service, and the best Thai food in Pittsburgh! Portions are large and a good value. Dining area is pretty basic -- we usually get take out.
16 residents recomanen
Thai Gourmet
4505 Liberty Ave
16 residents recomanen
Family owned restaurant with quick, friendly service, and the best Thai food in Pittsburgh! Portions are large and a good value. Dining area is pretty basic -- we usually get take out.
Smallman Galley is an awesome concept - the space includes 4 rotating menus and a cocktail/espresso bar where new businesses can do an 18 month trial run to see if they have what it takes to start a restaurant. Great showcase of up-and-coming talent - menu items are unique and each vendor specializes in something different. Cafeteria style seating that is first come, first serve. Located in Strip District.
38 residents recomanen
Smallman Galley
145 Bakery Square Boulevard
38 residents recomanen
Smallman Galley is an awesome concept - the space includes 4 rotating menus and a cocktail/espresso bar where new businesses can do an 18 month trial run to see if they have what it takes to start a restaurant. Great showcase of up-and-coming talent - menu items are unique and each vendor specializes in something different. Cafeteria style seating that is first come, first serve. Located in Strip District.
$$$ Fabulous Spanish menu with knowledgeable staff. They play with interesting flavor combos for the adventurous diner. Great selection of tapas (I live for the Oxtail Montaditos here). Nice spot for a date (though it is quite noisy) or to go with a group to share and try various dishes. Renowned for its housemade charcuterie. Make a reservation. Closed on Tuesdays.
36 residents recomanen
Morcilla
3519 Butler St
36 residents recomanen
$$$ Fabulous Spanish menu with knowledgeable staff. They play with interesting flavor combos for the adventurous diner. Great selection of tapas (I live for the Oxtail Montaditos here). Nice spot for a date (though it is quite noisy) or to go with a group to share and try various dishes. Renowned for its housemade charcuterie. Make a reservation. Closed on Tuesdays.
$$$ Hip, upscale eatery serving contemporary Mediterranean eats made with ingredients from local farms. Renowned for its housemade charcuterie. Tasting menu available. Make reservation. Closed on Tuesdays.
46 residents recomanen
Cure
5336 Butler St
46 residents recomanen
$$$ Hip, upscale eatery serving contemporary Mediterranean eats made with ingredients from local farms. Renowned for its housemade charcuterie. Tasting menu available. Make reservation. Closed on Tuesdays.
$$$ Dark, romantic setting with great, high quality Neo American food. Wooden wall lined with more than 600 whiskeys, a vintage-looking rye bar on the second floor, plus an antler chandelier and cleavers suspended from the ceiling. Serves housemade charcuterie alongside small and large plates like crispy pig wings and hanger steak. Make reservation. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
46 residents recomanen
Butcher and the Rye
212 6th St
46 residents recomanen
$$$ Dark, romantic setting with great, high quality Neo American food. Wooden wall lined with more than 600 whiskeys, a vintage-looking rye bar on the second floor, plus an antler chandelier and cleavers suspended from the ceiling. Serves housemade charcuterie alongside small and large plates like crispy pig wings and hanger steak. Make reservation. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
If you like cheese on your pizza, you'll be sure to love this Pittsburgh staple. Many locals believe it to be the best pizza in the world. Try it to decide for yourself!
29 residents recomanen
Mineo Pizza House
2128 Murray Ave
29 residents recomanen
If you like cheese on your pizza, you'll be sure to love this Pittsburgh staple. Many locals believe it to be the best pizza in the world. Try it to decide for yourself!
Family-owned Italian eatery known for its homemade gelato & Neapolitan pizza. Gelato is decent but not amazing if you’re used to Italian standards. Pizza is good. Located on Walnut Street.
20 residents recomanen
Mercurio's
5523 Walnut St
20 residents recomanen
Family-owned Italian eatery known for its homemade gelato & Neapolitan pizza. Gelato is decent but not amazing if you’re used to Italian standards. Pizza is good. Located on Walnut Street.
Great, little French bakery in Lawrenceville. Amazing French breads, sandwiches, pastries & other baked desserts.
81 residents recomanen
La Gourmandine
4605 Butler St
81 residents recomanen
Great, little French bakery in Lawrenceville. Amazing French breads, sandwiches, pastries & other baked desserts.
Well known to Pittsburghers as the Mom & Pop ice cream shop. Located in Oakland. Great homemade ice creams with many unique flavors to try. Reasonable price, generous portions.
12 residents recomanen
Dave & Andy's Homemade Ice Cream
207 Atwood St
12 residents recomanen
Well known to Pittsburghers as the Mom & Pop ice cream shop. Located in Oakland. Great homemade ice creams with many unique flavors to try. Reasonable price, generous portions.
Very popular spot for brunch in Pittsburgh. Pamela’s specialties are crêpe-style pancakes, omelets and Lyonnaise potatoes. Food is decent but not worth the wait in my opinion. Several locations around Pittsburgh - Walnut location is closest to the apartment. On weekends, expect at least an hour wait.
77 residents recomanen
Pamela's | P&G Diner
5527 Walnut St
77 residents recomanen
Very popular spot for brunch in Pittsburgh. Pamela’s specialties are crêpe-style pancakes, omelets and Lyonnaise potatoes. Food is decent but not worth the wait in my opinion. Several locations around Pittsburgh - Walnut location is closest to the apartment. On weekends, expect at least an hour wait.
The place to try the famous Pittsburgh sandwich - meats and cheese, tart coleslaw, and crispy French fries piled high on Italian bread. Try it and see if it lives up to the hype!
145 residents recomanen
Primanti Bros.
46 18th St
145 residents recomanen
The place to try the famous Pittsburgh sandwich - meats and cheese, tart coleslaw, and crispy French fries piled high on Italian bread. Try it and see if it lives up to the hype!
My favorite indulgence in Pittsburgh! These amazing little hand-crafted donuts are worth the price and calories. Note that each location is owned by different people and serve different flavors. If you’re going up North at all, the Wexford location is the best one by far. If not, there are shops in both the Strip District and Oakland.
13 residents recomanen
Peace, Love and Little Donuts - Pittsburgh
50 21st St
13 residents recomanen
My favorite indulgence in Pittsburgh! These amazing little hand-crafted donuts are worth the price and calories. Note that each location is owned by different people and serve different flavors. If you’re going up North at all, the Wexford location is the best one by far. If not, there are shops in both the Strip District and Oakland.

Drinks & Nightlife

Trendy, multi-level bar and club that does events and themed nights (check their calendar). Good selection of reasonably priced beers and amazing/cheap pizza downstairs. Entry fee (~$5-$10). Cash only.
40 residents recomanen
Spirit
242 51st Street
40 residents recomanen
Trendy, multi-level bar and club that does events and themed nights (check their calendar). Good selection of reasonably priced beers and amazing/cheap pizza downstairs. Entry fee (~$5-$10). Cash only.
Dueling piano bar located in the Waterfront. Performers take a huge range of song suggestions from the audience with cash incentives and put on a fun show. Good for cocktails and a laugh. Make a reservation.
6 residents recomanen
Sing Sing
171 East Bridge St
6 residents recomanen
Dueling piano bar located in the Waterfront. Performers take a huge range of song suggestions from the audience with cash incentives and put on a fun show. Good for cocktails and a laugh. Make a reservation.
If you want a speak-easy style place that serves excellent cocktails from bartenders that truly care, then you'll be right at home at Acacia.
26 residents recomanen
Acacia
2108 East Carson Street
26 residents recomanen
If you want a speak-easy style place that serves excellent cocktails from bartenders that truly care, then you'll be right at home at Acacia.

Sightseeing

Pittsburgh is a city world-renowned for its views from Mount Washington. There is no better way to take in the views than taking the incline up and down Mount Washington (particularly at night).
107 residents recomanen
Duquesne Incline station
1197 W Carson St
107 residents recomanen
Pittsburgh is a city world-renowned for its views from Mount Washington. There is no better way to take in the views than taking the incline up and down Mount Washington (particularly at night).
There are often events here such as pop up markets and concerts. If you're here around Christmas time, there are beautiful trees lit up in the Christmas village as well as an ice skating rink. You can also find Christmas booths and small artisan booths, a German market selling unique ornaments as well as the indoor Xmas exhibit featuring all the Santa’s from around the world and a number of gingerbread houses made by several families and organizations from around Pittsburgh.
62 residents recomanen
Plaça del Mercat
62 residents recomanen
There are often events here such as pop up markets and concerts. If you're here around Christmas time, there are beautiful trees lit up in the Christmas village as well as an ice skating rink. You can also find Christmas booths and small artisan booths, a German market selling unique ornaments as well as the indoor Xmas exhibit featuring all the Santa’s from around the world and a number of gingerbread houses made by several families and organizations from around Pittsburgh.

Arts & Culture

The largest museum in PA, HHC gives great insight into the culture & history of Pittsburgh. Ride in an old fashioned trolley or visit the Mister Rogers Neighborhood exhibit. Good amount of interactive/hands-on areas for children.
127 residents recomanen
Senator John Heinz History Center
1212 Smallman St
127 residents recomanen
The largest museum in PA, HHC gives great insight into the culture & history of Pittsburgh. Ride in an old fashioned trolley or visit the Mister Rogers Neighborhood exhibit. Good amount of interactive/hands-on areas for children.
Located on the North Shore, this museum offers a historical perspective of Warhol’s life and work. Great collection of samples and items from his life reflecting his thoughts and ideas.
351 residents recomanen
The Andy Warhol Museum
117 Sandusky St
351 residents recomanen
Located on the North Shore, this museum offers a historical perspective of Warhol’s life and work. Great collection of samples and items from his life reflecting his thoughts and ideas.
Famous for its many hands-on experiences. Explore a submarine, walk along the Miniature Railroad, and visit the zero gravity station. Plan 2-4 hours.
205 residents recomanen
Carnegie Science Center
1 Allegheny Ave
205 residents recomanen
Famous for its many hands-on experiences. Explore a submarine, walk along the Miniature Railroad, and visit the zero gravity station. Plan 2-4 hours.
Fun and beautiful at any time of the year, check out Phipps for creative, seasonal displays with plants from around the world. Great for couples, friends, families, and children! Adults $17.95, Seniors/ Students $16.95, Children $11.95
202 residents recomanen
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1 Schenley Drive
202 residents recomanen
Fun and beautiful at any time of the year, check out Phipps for creative, seasonal displays with plants from around the world. Great for couples, friends, families, and children! Adults $17.95, Seniors/ Students $16.95, Children $11.95
One of my favorite buildings in Pittsburgh (probably because I went to Pitt) - there are spectacular Nationality Rooms depicting 30 different cultures on the 1st and 3rd floors. And if you go to the top, you get a great view of the city!
113 residents recomanen
Catedral de l'Aprenentatge
4200 Fifth Ave
113 residents recomanen
One of my favorite buildings in Pittsburgh (probably because I went to Pitt) - there are spectacular Nationality Rooms depicting 30 different cultures on the 1st and 3rd floors. And if you go to the top, you get a great view of the city!

Entertainment & Activities

Located only 3 minutes from the apartment, I have to recommend this fabulous museum! it exhibits more than 4,000 animals representing 475 species, including 20 threatened or endangered species. Adults $16, Seniors $15, Children $14
177 residents recomanen
Zoo de Pittsburgh i aquari PPG
7370 Baker St
177 residents recomanen
Located only 3 minutes from the apartment, I have to recommend this fabulous museum! it exhibits more than 4,000 animals representing 475 species, including 20 threatened or endangered species. Adults $16, Seniors $15, Children $14
Like roller coasters? Check out Pittsburgh’s famous amusement park for a fun day out! Enjoy this Pittsburgh summer family tradition.
112 residents recomanen
Kennywood
4800 Kennywood Boulevard
112 residents recomanen
Like roller coasters? Check out Pittsburgh’s famous amusement park for a fun day out! Enjoy this Pittsburgh summer family tradition.
Truly an awesome Improv theater. They recently moved to this new location. They are named Arcade Comedy Theater because they have arcade games in the upstairs waiting lounge and down near the bathrooms. Great acting, great price! Highly highly recommend!!
8 residents recomanen
Arcade Comedy Theater
943 Liberty Ave
8 residents recomanen
Truly an awesome Improv theater. They recently moved to this new location. They are named Arcade Comedy Theater because they have arcade games in the upstairs waiting lounge and down near the bathrooms. Great acting, great price! Highly highly recommend!!

Parks & Nature

Home of Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt, Point State Park rests at the intersection of the three major rivers in Pittsburgh (Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio). Its Fountain - operational in the summer - is another great site.
151 residents recomanen
Parc Estatal Point
601 Commonwealth Pl
151 residents recomanen
Home of Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt, Point State Park rests at the intersection of the three major rivers in Pittsburgh (Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio). Its Fountain - operational in the summer - is another great site.

Shopping

This is a long street in Pittsburgh known for shopping. Banana Republic, Gap, Franscesca's, J Crew, The Apple Store, The Dress Circle, Kards Unlimited (Cool shop), Kawaii Gifts, Eureka Chocolates and Gifts, and more.
41 residents recomanen
Walnut Street
Walnut Street
41 residents recomanen
This is a long street in Pittsburgh known for shopping. Banana Republic, Gap, Franscesca's, J Crew, The Apple Store, The Dress Circle, Kards Unlimited (Cool shop), Kawaii Gifts, Eureka Chocolates and Gifts, and more.