City Guide: Pittsburgh
“My favorite thing about Pittsburgh is how friendly people are,” says Brooke Barker, the author and illustrator behind the delightful newsletter Never Not Nervous. “The first time we visited, a runner ran across the street to give us directions because he thought we looked confused.” Brooke and her husband, Boaz, relocated to Pittsburgh in 2019 and now explore the city with their toddler son and dog. Here, Brooke shares a magical park, her favorite bookstore, and where to eat pierogis…
Our wonderful guide
WHERE TO EAT
APTEKA
Pierogis are a big deal in Pittsburgh. APTEKA makes vegan Central and Eastern European food. Go half an hour before they open and wait in line to get a table at the first seating. Order the fried pierogis. S&D Polish Deli is a fun place to get pierogis if you’re in the Strip District. You can also get pierogis at Pittsburgh Pirates games, and eat them while you watch the pierogi mascots race each other between innings.
Penn Avenue Fish Company has great fish sandwiches. The fun atmosphere feels more like a fish market than a restaurant — partly because it is also a fish market.
Dad’s Dog & Burger
Dad’s Dog & Burger is very cute and reasonably priced. It’s new-ish, and I want to start a personal tradition where I get hashbrowns and, I don’t know, read the newspaper or something.
Brooke’s husband and baby at Hidden Harbor
I love all tiki bars, but Hidden Harbor is especially good. The menu has lots of options for different dietary preferences, and you can drink something in a flaming skull. They host classes about the history of tiki bars and pop-up nights where they make a drink that was famous in the 1970s.
Leona’s is a local ice cream sandwich company with seasonal flavors in delicious combinations. (My favorite is black sesame ice cream with tahini cookies.) They also sell them at local grocery stores and lots of local bars.
WHERE TO HANG
Kids love the Duquesne Incline, but I take friends of any ages. It’s a short but very scenic round trip ride, and you’ll find a museum and lookout point at the top.
Liberty Magic is an amazing small magic theater. Magicians come from around the world to perform. We take every friend who comes to town, and for an hour and a half, I always think, ‘This person might actually be magic.’
I like the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and the Andy Warhol Museum. Then there’s the Troy Hill Art Houses where artists from around the world are given an entire house to create whatever they want. Sign up for free guided tours. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to spoil it, but wear something you can crawl around in!
Frick Park looking dreamy
With 644 acres, Frick Park is like a full-on forest in the middle of the city. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place to walk around, as long as it’s not winter. (Pittsburgh winters can be super cold, gray, and prone to terrible thunderstorms.) The park has wooden trails, a playground, and a lawn bowling green — going lawn bowling there is on my Pittsburgh bucket list!
Phipps
During bad weather, a perfect place to go is Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Garden. It’s huge and lush and, best of all, indoors.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater house is a quick day trip outside of the city, and you definitely should go. I’ve never thought of myself as a huge architecture person, but it completely changed the way I think about the relationship between my surroundings and myself.
WHERE TO SHOP
White Whale Bookstore
White Whale Bookstore is one of my favorite places in Pittsburgh. The independent bookstore has a café and a bar, so you can sit down and read or meet up with friends. They let me paint a mural in the kids section, so you can check that out while you’re there.
Vendor Bender is a 24/7 shop with working vending machines full of snacks from around the world.
Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse is a non-profit art supply shop filled with donated materials, including yarn, fabric, and any sort of craft stuff you can imagine. You can buy doll hands, sort through bins of buttons, and get the exact length of elastic you want. Construction Junction is similar, but for architectural salvage, old arcade games, and theater seats. It’s all there! (But I realized I might be more interested in random doors, scrap objects, and a collection of 50 toilets than the average person.)
Love, Pittsburgh
The Strip used to be where restaurants picked up their wholesale supplies, but now it’s a neighborhood known for great shops and restaurants. For souvenirs, try Steel City, a Pittsburgh-based clothing brand, or Love, Pittsburgh, which has work from 100 different local artists and makers.
WHERE TO STAY
Pittsburgh has 90 neighborhoods, each with its own character and community. People say that every neighborhood is so loyal to its own pizza place that when there are citywide pizza rankings the national chains always win, since most of the votes are split 90 ways.
TRYP Hotel is in a former vocational school.
Two neighborhoods to stay in: Lawrenceville or Mexican War Streets. In Lawrenceville, TRYP Pittsburgh Hotel is a great spot. If you rent a VRBO in Mexican War Streets, you’re walking distance to the Mattress Factory (a contemporary art museum), ShadoBeni (a great vegan restaurant), and Happy Day Dessert Factory (ice cream shop).
Editor’s note: Joanna loved staying at The Inn on Negley when visiting her cousin in the Shadyside neighborhood; and Pittsburgh Magazine named the Priory the “best boutique hotel” last year.
FINAL TIP
You’ll have the most fun if you rent a car. I wish it were easier to get around without a car, but we’re not there yet.
Thanks so much for sharing such fun ideas, Brooke! And Pittsburgh readers, what would you add?
P.S. More Cup of Jo city guides, and the weirdest best part of trips.
(Top photo by Heng Yu/Stocksy. Personal photos courtesy of Brooke.)
Comments
116 commentsLove this! I’ve never been to Pittsburgh but it’s been on my list for a while. This thread is making me want to book a trip ASAP. Saving all these recs for whenever I finally make it out there. Thanks everyone for sharing!
Adding these to my list of whenever I have to travel through/to Pitt! And my fave spot is NoodleHead in the Shadyside section!!! Their noodles are incredible!
Brooke is the best! So funny and so relatable!! Longtime reader/subscriber of hers and I was so delighted to see her featured here!! Like two of my favourite things colliding!
OMG thank you for featuring my city! No one ever features Pittsburgh in their city guides (at least among the “trendy” women I follow, like you)! Two fun things I would add–the City of Asylum walking tour (starts at the bookstore, then follows the homes of artists the nonprofit supports to keep safe here when their art–music, poetry, novels, etc–isn’t safe in their home country), and Randyland (an art house of abandoned things).
We lived in Pittsburgh for 4 years while my ex was getting his MBA at Carnegie Mellon. Our three girls were in preschool at the time. They are in their twenties now, but they still remember EVERYTHING. The girls still ask for the Prantl’s Burnt Almond Torte as their birthday cake every year and we’ll have it shipped to Texas for them. We also loved the pancakes at Pamela’s. They are more like giant crepes and once you add butter and a drizzle of syrup, it is a breakfast experience like no other. Wandering the Strip District on the weekends is fun. Blue Slide Park and the Children’s museum are fantastic if you have littles. And I am super nostalgic for our weekend trips to Kennywood Park, Ohiopyle, Idlewild, and Sorgel Orchards. Good times and go Steelers!
Spent a VERY happy 2 years in Pittsburgh about 15 years ago and I love going back to visit. The Mexican War Streets neighborhood is wonderful to stay in, super cute and the National Aviary and the Children’s Museum (which is definitely not just for kids!) are both there. Eat at Lindo’s Diner (technically in Allegheny West but like a 4 minute walk from MWS) if you’re up for a real hole in the wall kind of place. Nicki’s Thai, also nearby, is fantastic. And the Monterey Pub in the Mexican War Streets was the BEST when we lived there, hopefully it’s still wonderful as I understand it has changed hands. The zoo/aquarium is also great, and we love the Monongahela Incline – the Duquesne is more popular but I like the Monongahela better as you get to it via the beautiful Smithfield Bridge and there’s ice cream and a good pastry shop at the top. Speaking of pastries, you absolutely must go to La Gourmandine, they have several locations now and they make the best French breads and pastries I’ve had outside of France. The ball park is a great experience – I’m not much for baseball, but that stadium has gorgeous views and sometimes they have a post-game fireworks and concert thing going. Other random recs: Church Brew Works, I definitely second S&D’s Polish Deli, the Original Oyster House (get the fried provolone!), Zarra’s Italian Restaurant, Pamela’s Diner (the one in the Strip District is my favorite), Caliban Books, all of the Carnegie museums but especially the natural history museum, Christos restaurant (downtown, great Greek food), Jerry’s Records in Squirrel Hill, and see an opera if you can – the Benedum Center is gorgeous and the opera company is very good.
Great video to understand Pittsburghers! https://youtu.be/Ov4pdyqVeCI?si=2H8Kxxdn5NFESooA
Lifelong Pittsburgher and I’m so happy to see my city getting the love it deserves!! I strongly recommend a visit to the Aviary on the North Side if you enjoy birds. They have an amazing variety of exotic birds from around the world as well as sloths and really cool shows. They focus on conservation and habitat protection and I learn something new every time I’m there! They have a lorikeet room where you can hold nectar cups and the birds land on you and drink. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon and it’s mostly indoors so works for any time of year. Summer is the perfect time to take in a Pirates game at our gorgeous ballpark. It’s been rated the most beautiful in the nation. Plus the pirogie mascot races are really fun! After years of disappointment The Pirates are actually pretty good this year and fun to watch. Our professional soccer teams the Riverhounds and the women’s team the Riveters are also great. Lots of fun day trips from Pittsburgh beautiful hiking and rafting at Ohiopyle in the Laurel highlands. This is very niche but if you are a horror fan Silence of the Lambs was filmed in Pittsburgh and the Buffalo Bill house is about an hour drive from Pittsburgh and has super cool tours and you can take cool photos including the infamous well scene with the lotion and the dog!. This fall the actress who played Katherine is doing a meet and greet. The house also does overnight stays. The infamous cage scene with Hannibal Lecter was filmed at Soldiers and Sailors memorial hall in the Oakland section of the city and every fall they have a costume party event. Joanna I’m also a big fan of the Inn at Negley! My husband and I do an overnight there to celebrate my birthday every December. Al
I used to volunteer at the Aviary! LOVED the lorries, they are so funny and they are TROUBLE! At one point they teamed up and figured out how to escape from their enclosure and it had to be redesigned. So many great birds with funny personalities there. Really wish there were more aviaries like that, it’s such a lovely and soothing place to hang out.
also a pittsburgh local! i wanna recommend People’s Indian Restaurant in Bloomfield/Garfield, best Indian food in the city and they do a buffet-style dinner on friday nights
Second this! During COVID, they put up a big sign that offered free meals to those in need. They are forever my go-to because of their delicious food and neighborly generosity.
Been here my whole life but finding so many new places in the comments I’ve never visited! Also, one note is that restaurants definitely still buy in bulk in the strip district. That’s not a thing that’s from the past. There’s just a new revitalized part that’s fun and fresh looking, and then one street over is everything else. The bulk shops are all still there!
Kayak Pittsburgh has two locations downtown – one by the baseball stadium and one by the conference center. It’s a special way to see our gorgeous city and its beautiful bridges!
love these tips, but I didn’t see Primanti Bros sandwiched mentioned? Has literally been a focus of mine for a someday Pittsburgh trip – french fries on the sandwich! Please don’t tell me it’s overrated :( I promise I’ll do pierogis too
We visited Pittsburgh last summer and ate at Primanti Brothers. The sandwiches were really good!
The sandwiches are great! The vibe in one is nice and cozy too. Not overrated.
As a life long Pittsburgher, it is overrated. The original Strip location is okay and an experience but there is definitely way better food. Pittsburgh puts fries on everything, including our salads. This is what you need.
Also lifelong Pittsburgher and it is NOT overrated! Do it.
Lived there a couple of years and I like Primantis. I’d go to the original location or the one downtown.
Native of the ‘Burgh here! A few spots not mentioned that are TOTALLY worth it: The Color Park – A segment of the Three Rivers Heritage trail that runs along the Monogahela River in the Southside and looks out to downtown, it’s a grafitti artist’s dream. Everyone is invited to add their own layer to the park’s surfaces. Wise County Cafe – Biscuits in a super-cute breakfast spot. The line never takes as long as we think it will, and the food never misses! In the Western Avenue business district of the lower North Side. Riverview Park – Amazing trails and brand new playground downhill from the Allegheny Observatory where, if you arrange ahead of time, you can look through a research telescope! https://www.observatory.pitt.edu/events/public-tours Yinz should come visit!!
My favorite merch from The Great Race’s expo is perennially the YINZ RUN LIKE JAGOFFS tech shirts.
I am moving to Pittsburgh next month so thrilled to see this! If anyone has good GF recommendations (celiac-safe) I would be grateful….
Fellow celiac and stayed downtown for a conference a couple of years ago. Giovanni’s gf pizza was so good we went back!
Pastolis in squirrel hill is very allergy friendly across a whole lot of things. My son gets dairy free pizza there a lot and there’s a good bit of other allergy friendly items!
Use the “Find Me Gluten Free” app – easiest way to look when you’re visiting a new place.
I’m a Pittsburgh native and would like to share two of my entire family’s favorite food destinations because they’re not included here. They are 100% worth the trek if you’re looking for old school spots loved by the locals. Mancini’s Bakery https://www.mancinisbakery.com/ Their Italian twist loaves look innocuous but there’s nothing quite like them out there — at least not that I’ve tasted thus far in the US or Italy. My Czech grandmother fried slices of it in butter whenever we stopped by in the morning. The smell, the taste! She called it “toasted bread” which sounds… healthier? Haha. The loaves freeze relatively well if you slice them first, although I suggest first-timers eat it fresh. (I believe their secret ingredient is lard, so skip this stop if you’re vegan.) Pierogies Plus https://pierogiesplus.com/ Not far from the original Mancini’s location resides this 35-year-old Polish take-out stop in a converted gas station. Get the potato or potato & cheddar pierogis with onions (onions are a must!). Stuffed cabbage (“halupki”) is relatively common in Pittsburgh too. My grandmother made both of these delicacies from scratch. Proud to say I’ve been able to replicate her pierogis, and am known to host an occasional pierogi night here in NYC, but the texture and exact taste of her halupki eludes me.
I just went to Pittsburgh last weekend for my boyfriend’s graduation from his MBA program! We ate delicious food and I was kind of stunned by how green and lush the landscape was already (we live in Boston). We visited some beautiful suburbs as well. I would love to go back and try these recs! (A great Mexican restaurant we went to was Duo’s, in the downstairs of the DuoLingo headquarters!!)
So excited to see city guides back!
In re Pittsburghers’ friendliness or lack thereof, I think about the observation that people in LA are nice but not kind, whereas people in NYC are kind but not nice – and setting aside how LA is catching a stray here, I would also say, as a visitor from NYC, that PGH folks have always struck me as kind. There’s a brusqueness that could read as hostile if you’re used to communities where smiling broadly at everyone and overtly-friendly language and body language are more common – see: California, where I grew up and most of my family still lives – but that’s a lack of effusiveness, not hostility, and there’s a difference! Joe and I once spent an hour at a neighborhood pub in PGH and the bartender happened to be going off-shift as we were leaving; she walked us to her place to meet her beloved dog. Had she been reserved when we first rolled up, before we got to talking and showing each other pet photos on our phones? Absolutely.
New York native married into a Pittsburgh extended family and “kind but not nice” is my core belief about the northeast. My go-to example is Rose Pizza in Penn Station. As a high schooler, I had a stressful train commute and was often getting a slice as dinner before sprinting to catch a train, weighed down by my school backpack and a musical instrument case. While it is socially polite in other places to make sure you chat long enough with your order-at-the-counter server, it is DEEPLY unkind in this context, because that social nicety likely means the people in line behind you are about to miss their train home. So no, it’s not nice to bark the absolute minimum number of words at a restaurant employee, shove payment into their hands, and then expect a clear path for sprinting away from the counter. But it is so, so, so kind to do your part to ensure everyone gets home on time, even if that means you risk coming across as rude to someone outside this culture. And you’d better believe the server will be livid if you don’t participate in this, so in this context you’re partnering with them in the mission of getting everyone fed and on the train, not being rude to a server.
Pittsburgh is also a weird spot, caught between not being east coast but not being midwest, rather somewhere between. Honestly, I’ve been very few places around the country and the world that I didn’t feel the friendliness of people. I think if you approach people and places from a place of openness and curiosity it comes across. Pittsburghers don’t hate you unless you’re from Cleveland!
Native Pittsburgher seconding and thirding all these things! In the South and West of the country, I’ve also been subject to smiles and “friendly” language on the surface, and then microaggressions and convert racism, so there’s that! What reads as friendly isn’t always so on surface. Pittsburgh can be kind of rough around the edges, but there’s a realness I longed for from when I lived elsewhere. And Pittsburgh is not Midwest or northeast, but another realm of its own entirely, I strongly believe!
*isn’t always so at core is what I meant
To beat the January blues (pre-kids), my husband and I used to pull a city out of a hat and go there for an impromptu weekend. The weekend we chose Pittsburgh, we got engaged there! It will always hold a special place in my heart. Before he proposed, we had a fabulous dinner at La Tavola Italiana on Mount Washington. It’s BYOB and way more low key than most restaurants up there.
PIttsburgh is a vastly underrated city. And a Pirates game is a must – sit on the third base side or behind home plate for the best views.
I live in Pittsburgh currently! Grew up here then moved away for 16 years and moved back in 2022. Adding to the list: – Bloomfield Farmers Market on Saturdays May-November, best market in the city – Brothmonger soup shop for to go stuff or a quick meal – best coffee shops if you like more San Francisco style /light roasted coffees are KLVN and LV Coffee Project. – seconding Apteka as the best restaurant (and I am very far from vegan)- best salads in the city too, and casual but super hip vibes, amazing natural wines! – Fet Fisk is also an awesome restaurant, Nordic-ish food – Third Space Bakery for unique and whole grain baked goods! – frick park is the absolute best for hiking –
Yes!! More city guides!!
Love this, but I’m distracted by the cute dog that looks like Fantastic Mr Fox!
I went to Pittsburgh maybe ten years ago or so for a library conference and had zero expectations. I was so charmed…would love to go back and spend more time there!
I love these city guides! If you ever want to feature St. Louis, I’m overflowing with ideas!
Yes please! I am OBSESSED with St. Louis and go there as much as humanly possible
Same! Underrated city!
I’m also in STL and, too, was already thinking about all the places I’d enthusiastically recommend!
We lived in Pittsburgh for 3 years just over a decade ago. Both my children were born there. So many happy memories. We lived a block from Frick park and while on maternity leave with my first, I took epically long walks through that park with her nestled against my chest. Now our days are full of teen angst so I have a lot of nostalgia. Also, I don’t know if Daniel Tiger is big with the toddler crowd anymore (now that Bluey is all the rage), but it was in its heyday when we lived there with our baby/toddler and those live action clips at the end of each show were all filmed in Pittsburgh, so it was thrilling (for me anyway) when our neighborhood brunch spot or our pediatrician(!) was featured.
that’s so cool! My kids are also “Daniel Tiger era” age. We still sing “when you’re sick, rest is best. Rest is best.”
Apteka is a DREAM y’all. We live in Cleveland and make sure every Pittsburgh trip includes it
Thrilled to see this today. Some more recommendations: Randyland Dobra Tea House The nationality rooms in the Cathedral of Learning Coming of age in Pittsburgh from 2008-2012
Oh also came back to say that the Burnt Almond Torte from Prantls is so rich and incredible. Highly recommended!
My husband (as of 3 days ago) and I had our first date at Dobra! It’s such a gem.
I MISS APTEKA SO MUCH!!!!
Joanna, Many moons ago I saw you and your little boys walk by me and my young family in the Children’s Museum in Pittsburgh. (We were also in town visiting) It was like a celebrity spotting, LOL! : )
Awww I love this xoxo
I had my wedding at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and now I take my kids there. Time flies, man. The best!!!
I scrolled through the comments to make sure I didn’t repeat this recommendation which I was sad to see not mentioned. City of Asylum bookstore https://cityofasylumbooks.org/about-us I have family ties to Pittsburgh, and to the southern reader who thought people were u friendly, that has never been my experience maybe you used y’all and not yinz and they definitely knew you weren’t local.
Yay, yay, yay!!! This warms my heart so much to see my city here!! Jo, on Big Salad years ago you mentioned your cousin lived here when I recommended that you visit here and I was thrilled that you did recently. I was born in this area and the only time I moved away was for jobs and my graduate work. I always knew that I would move back someday. Pittsburgh is such a special place and it does have so much to offer. Although the NFL draft was not as great for small businesses and those areas away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, I am so glad that the nation got to see how much the ‘Burgh from the smoky city of the 1970s. I did see some of my favorite places mentioned and I would concur with Kennywood (such charm with some of the historic rides, wooden roller coasters, and POTATO PATCH FRENCH FRIES – IYKYK), in the South Side, a fantastic vegan and vegetarian place called the Zenith that has an incredible brunch (go early it starts at 11 am and there is very often a line) charming mom and pop shops in Dormont, Mt. Lebanon, Brookline, and Sewickley, and just about everyone knows about Primanti’s (we love our fries here). If you are willing to travel just outside Pittsburgh to neighboring Beaver County, be sure to try both Police Station Pizza and Frank’s Pizza for the best pizza you will have in your life (I drool just thinking of Frank’s – they put the cheese on first and then the sauce on top with a drizzle of olive oil and oregano). There are so many amazing museums and if you have not danced with silver helium balloons at the Warhol, you are missing out!!! The Nationality Rooms at Pitt are a love letter to many of the cultures that helped and continue to make Pittsburgh great. One last thing, if you really want to learn more about Pittsburgh, I think you can find Rick Sebak’s PBS documentaries quite easily. He has done an amazing job highlighting the quirks of Pittsburgh including churches, food, local attractions, all of the nationalities of immigrants that came here during the height of steelmaking, and the amazing architecture of the area. I am so proud to be a yinzer and it is so fun learning there are so many Cup of Jo readers here! We should do a meet-up :). Hope all of you who are learning about our hometown make a visit here soon, you won’t regret it!!!!
Omg yesssss the balloon room at the Warhol, I could have stayed there all day
I love seeing this love for Pittsburgh, a seriously underrated great small city! I’ve had to pleasure to visit twice, both for work, and have been charmed by the great food and friendliness both times. A peak life experience was when I got to facilitate something at the Children’s Museum and then spend time in a little corner dedicated to Mister Rogers (my personal hero!) and try on a red sweater and play the piano. Makes sense that such a great town would churn out such a great guy!
I have a HUGE soft spot for Pittsburgh as my husband is from there as well as several close friends. That city makes people that are the real deal. A friend recently surprised me with this amazing gift pack from Steel City Salt company and we are totally digging the flavors: https://steelcitysalt.com/collections/gift-sets/products/taste-of-pittsburgh-gift-box
Hi Brooke, I LOVE your drawings and writing. What a gift for observation you have. Choose Your Own Adventure Bee Rescue Mission was so fun! For what it’s worth, I choose to believe the bee recovered enough energy in the shade to fly away home! 🐝
After 21 years in New York, I am packing up my 4 year old and my dog and moving to Pittsburgh at the end of June!! How funny to see this guide today. I’m knee deep in trying to find a rental apartment (it’s actually cheaper to own a home in Pittsburgh than it is to rent…). I cannot wait to start our new life there.
that’s so exciting!
Check out Regent Square Rentals for reasonable rentals in Wilkinsburg – not far from Frick Park! The online reviews aren’t great, but I’ve rented from them for 11 years and they’re awesome if you’re a reasonable, kind and good tenant.
I hope you love it here!!!
An early welcome to Pittsburgh! It’s a great city for raising little ones. I would second the East End/Regent Square recommendations. I don’t know what your school plan is, but there’s a public Environmental Charter School in Regent Square that’s really something. There are lots of parks/playgrounds, restaurants, shops within walking distance of Regent Square and a great community of parents. Whichever neighborhood you choose, I imagine you’ll find a park and a warm welcome.
Enjoying the Pittsburgh love. I grew up there and have always thought it was one of the best cities to grow up in! Many of my high school friends are still there or have moved back. Yay PGH!
Omg I have never wanted to go on a vacation so badly!!!!
Pittsburgh stole our hearts! We visited Pittsburgh for a few days on our road trip last summer. I wasn’t very excited about it initially, but we ended up loving it so much, my husband said he would love to move there. Some places we loved were” Duquesne Incline- the view is amazing, Roberto Clemente Museum- my husband was the only one to visit this museum but he loved it Ineffable Ca Phe- while my husband was at the Clemente Museum, the kids and I walked to this Vietnamese coffee shop. They had books and games for the kids to be entertained with while I enjoyed my coffee in peace. Arsenal Park- Afterwards the kids and I went across the street to this fun playground. Page’s – we got delicious soft serve at Page’s (an ice cream shop under some highway or tunnel) Kennywood- so much fun at this amusement park National Aviary- my daughter loves birds so this place was heaven for her, it was a such a peaceful place to visit Idlewid- another amusement park we visited- it has a focus on Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood/Daniel Tiger theme which my kids loved. (This would be a great park for kids 6 and under to visit- mine were 5 and 6 when we visited and were in awe when they met Daniel Tiger, Catarina and O the Owl.) We loved our brunch at Pamela’s- my husband still talks about the oatmeal pancakes, he says they are the best he’s ever had Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop on the Strip was fun The pierogi’s at S&D were so good! Prantl’s almond torte was delicious! Nicky’s Kitchen had amazing Thai. We visited the steepest street in USA- Canton Ave. We did not attempt to climb it. PNC Park is one of the nicest ballpark . The views are so nice and the walk across the Clemente bridge was lovely. My kids had SO much fun at the Blue Slide Playground. I LOVED White Whale Bookstore. They had a whole Free Palestine bookshelf which had my heart. A bookseller hand sold me an Elizabeth Acevedo book. We stayed at The Drury, they upgraded us to a suite, and we had the best time there. Love Pittsburgh…we can’t wait to go back and visit all the museums we missed and go through all these recommendations. Please continue with City Guides…I love planning trips using them!
Page’s is not to be missed!!
I LOVE BROOKE and that is all I came here to say :) Week of outfits with Brooke next???
Yes! Great idea!
WildCard in Lawrenceville! It is an amazing gift store that you truly have to visit in person to appreciate :)
Came here to say this! We pop in Wildcard every time we go to Pittsburgh to visit my in-laws. It’s delightful!
Oh, and very important general tip for visitors: Make up rhyming couplets to narrate what you’re doing and seeing and sing them in a gravelly Bruce Springsteen voice to your partner, then follow with OH PITTSBURGH, YOU’RE MY KIND OF TOWN in the same voice, which they will definitely love. Along those lines, Jerry’s Records in Squirrel Hill is utterly boss (no pun intended), and record stores all over town are grrrreat.
I went to Pittsburg in 2019 on a Sister Trip and we loved it! Came here to mention: 1. Heinz History Center – has sets, props, and puppets from Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. There’s even one of his sweaters. It was so moving to see these iconic pieces in person. 2. The Cathedral of Learning – on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh. Features the Nationality Rooms that were gifts from the ethnic communities who helped built Pittsburg. You check out a key, a for a small fee, and then let yourself into each room. They were built in the 1930s and are just wonderful. The rooms are used as classrooms, so go on the weekend to be sure to see each one.
I just realized it’s Brooke from Sad Animal Facts!!! Love love love your brilliant work Brooke. Thank you for the joy you bring to the world.
If you’re a runner or would like to dabble in a seriously epic, beginner-friendly 10K, visit Pittsburgh for The Great Race, a hu-u-uge fall event that starts in Squirrel Hill and takes you *mostly downhill* with gorgeous views of the city and its bridges: https://www.rungreatrace.com/ We’ve road tripped to the ‘Burgh to run this with local friends (a college bestie is a prof at Pitt) three times, and it is SO MUCH FUN. The race expo beforehand is huge and very local-coded (I run a LOT of races, and that remains the only one at which I’ve picked up my bib and met a snaggletoothed rescue opossum at the same event). The neighbors TURN OUT to cheer – like, on the scale that they do in other cities for marathons – and it’s such a lovely way to anchor a weekend visit.
The Great Race was my first (ok, only)10k and I loved it! So cool to run through all the parts of the city I usually only see by car. I’m all signed up for the fall…I’ll have to keep an eye out for the possum!
More city guides, please…!
AHHHH This just made my day!! I’m a native Pittsburgher and though I haven’t lived there in nearly 20 years my family still does and we love going back. My parents still live in the same house where I grew up, in the Point Breeze neighborhood, which is the gateway to Frick Park. I ran wild through that park through my entire youth! I second another comment about visiting the Frick Mansion and Museum. Get a tour, see one of the museum exhibits (it’s pretty small!) and get lunch at the cafe. Point Breeze was once called “Millionaire’s Row” and the Frick mansion is the only one still standing. After you take the incline, absorb the views from Mount Washington, especially at night! It’s where most of the iconic pictures of the Pittsburgh skyline are from. Plan to spend several solid hours in the Strip District – there are so many amazing shops, mostly around food. Prestogeorge for coffee and tea, Pennsylvania Macaroni Company for cheese (among other things), Wholeys for fish. While you’re down there visit the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. If you like performances, the Pittsburgh Cultural District is a true gem! In addition to the Children’s Museum, the National Aviary is also up on the north side, and the Science Center is nearby on the North Shore near the stadiums. You can also take a ride on the Gateway Clipper on the rivers!
I will admit I’ve never even thought of visiting Pittsburgh, but this guide makes me want to go!!! What a delightful list of very fun ideas.I hope I’ll be able to use this for to visit some day! Is there a list somewhere of all the travel guides?
Brooke is the best!! I’ll take any of her recommendations ❤️
Three cheers for Pittsburgh! One more fantastic spot to eat – Pamela’s for breakfast! The crepe-style hotcakes are sooo good.
Yessssss this is a must!
We had so much fun in Pittsburgh when we went year before last to see Bruce Springsteen, but nice people? We were laughing the whole time about how mean everyone was. Very brusque. Not typically very warm. Very different from the culture in Texas and Georgia where we’re from.
Wow, as a Pittsburgh native that sounds SO wrong to me! Maybe you just caught everyone on a bad day? Every time I would come back from the east coast to visit I would marvel at how nice everyone way. Sorry you had that experience, but I hope it doesn’t scare away others!
I felt the same way! 😂 I lived there for three months for work and was surprised by how brusque people were. It’s almost like they could immediately spot that you weren’t a native or a local.
I get this, Katelynn. I AM from Pittsburgh and have lived on the west coast for 30 yrs, now in S Oregon. Admittedly, I’m not back in the Burgh often, but when I am, brusqueness abounds (at least in my Sq. Hill). I think it’s how a Boston friend explained it one time: East Coast appears hard and crunchy but are mushy inside and West Coast seems friendly and inviting, but can hold you at an armslength sometimes ;)
I agree – haha! I’ve been to Pittsburgh 3 times and I’m always like, why does everyone hate me?!
As a Maryland East Coaster, I somewhat get this – but did you expect PA to be the same level of warmth as Texas and Georgia? We are vastly different from the south(west). We don’t act like Southerners because we aren’t haha
We went through Pittsburgh on a spring break road trip a few years ago and splurged and stayed at the Mansions on Fifth one night. It was such a dreamy experience, and the breakfast was so good!
Randyland was one of the quirkiest things I’ve ever seen. Can’t miss.
I’ve never even thought about Pittsburgh – and now I can’t wait to visit!
I am also a 2019 transplant to Pittsburgh and love it so much! I live in the south side of the city and work off-shifts at a hospital in the North Hills. I love my evening commutes to or from work – there is NOTHING like going over the Liberty bridge at night and seeing the city and all of the other bridges lit up. Especially from up in the steep hills where I live.
So glad to see you highlight Pittsburgh here! It’s a wonderful city and truly filled with the friendliest and most caring of people. It is worth mentioning for the list that the Carnegie International happening now at the Carnegie Museum of Art – one of the longest running recurring exhibitions of contemporary art in the world!
I miss Pittsburgh! My family (parents, adult children and partners) would make the super easy 4.5 hour drive down from the Toronto area every year for pirates games (I love PNC park). My husband and I then took our kids about 3 years ago and took them to a game and the kids museum and ask all the time if we can go back. As soon as travelling to the states again is an option we will be there!!
No lie, sitting here staring at that pierogi pic wishing they were vegan and then scrolling down to see that they ARE is a highlight of my morning!
yes!!!
Me too! Those vegan pierogi make me want to schlep to Pittsburgh immediately!
How about the river cruise to see all the bridges!!!!
I’m a native Pittsburgher and today is my birthday–beyond delighted to see my city highlighted by one of my favorite bloggers! Thank you for this gift!
happy birthday, Lara! xoxo
Happy birthday from another native Pittsburgher named Lara!
we just took a family trip to pittsburgh for spring break (coming from the dc area) and really liked the city a lot! we did a number of the suggestions from this post and the comments – the incline, a pirates game, fallingwater on our drive there. in addition, we enjoyed the science museum – the gigantic model train set up and the cold war era sub in the river were interesting enough for the adults and a 12 year old. i really enjoyed the national aviary, too – delightful for bird lovers! we also love, love, loved the crepe style pancakes and the potatoes lyonnaise at pamela’s diner. it honestly took us a few days to stop talking about how good they were!
love this showcase of my hometown! I would add: – dining: the stunning and delicious Argentinian restaurant Balvanera or Con Alma for live jazz – unique history: the Roberto Clemente museum – shopping: in the Strip district (especially with low crowds mid-week) – sports/views: gorgeous PNC park or the riverfront soccer stadium for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds – guilded age vibes: tour the Frick museum/grounds/house, or the Mansion on fifth – great coffee shops: Redhawk, Margaux, Spigolo – brewery/cocktail scene: check out Goodlander for cocktails and Grist House brewing and so much more! thanks for featuring a small city with so much to offer
ooh this is so great, thank you!!
Pittsburg! Who knew? Now how I long to pay a visit… And Brooke Barker! So glad for this introduction to you and so psyched to read your work!
her newsletter is really funny and great: https://brooke.substack.com
I grew up in Pittsburgh but have lived elsewhere for the last 10ish years – great to see some old favorites and put some new spots on my radar for my next visit. I’d add: – Randyland outdoor art exhibit – DeLuca’s in the strip – Pamela’s diner – going in June during the Three Rivers arts fest if possible – any of Prantl’s toasted almond desserts
Makes me want to visit Pittsburgh! Thank you for this wonderful guide!
So happy to see the Burgh highlighted here. A few additional recommendations from a Pittsburgher: Jerry’s Records (it’s huge! there is a whole room just for Christmas records) Eons Vintage (everything from mens pjs to work dresses from the 60s) Lilith Restaurant (good selection for everyone GF, vegetarians, etc) Sidecar Coffee and Bakeshop (try the Pittsburgh Smog- its like a London Fog but with lapsang souchong)
Lilith is so good – make sure to save room for dessert!
City Guides are one of my favourite instalments at Cup of Jo – thank you!
Moved to Pittsburgh as soon as I graduated from nursing school in 1984. I love it here! I do the fun touristy things when I have friends visit from out of town. Last summer we did the Mollys Trolley Tour, the Strip District, Randyland, and the Mattress Factory. Other years its been Kennywood, various museums, Pittsburgh Zoo, Pirate and Steeler games, and Fallingwater (w/ Kentuck Knob.) A close local friend and I plan a monthly outing – we stroll around neighborhoods like Shadyside, Point Breeze, and Lawrenceville and do lunch, and we have visited the Frick Mansion.a few times. This past Saturday we did Sewickley May Mart Day. Next outing is Mount Wahington. Last summer for my birthday hubby and I did the Bayernhof Museum . So many fun things to do in our beautiful City !!
I love this!! My best friend and I are going to Madrid and Mallorca this summer and i. can’t. wait. Any recommendations?
Go to the Reina Sofia and see Guernica, for sure! Eat ALL the tortilla. They also have this half beer, half lemon Fanta drink called a Clara, which hits exactly right on a hot day (which will probably be every day!). Have fun!
Pittsburgh has never really been on my radar but now it’s where I want to go next! Thanks for this fabulous list. Every single spot sounds like a place I would love. On my way to look for cheap airfare now!