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Visiting Pittsburgh - Local Flavor Must Do Stuff (1 Viewer)

Steve Tasker said:
Honestly, this was the sense I'd gotten from the handful of people I know who've been there.  It's open during the mid-late afternoon and I've never been, so that alone makes it a place I'd like to check out and have a beer or two, but I didn't even realize they served food until seeing it in this thread.
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The Pious Monk Dunkel, i think is their best beer.  As for the food, it is a brewpub, there will be some things that may be better, but i do agree, it is a cool place to visit, grab a beer or 2 and a sandwich or appetizers.

The Penn Brewery has decent beers and a mainly German menu and is in an old brick brewery that was built in the mid 1800s(i think) https://www.pennbrew.com/ My favorite is the Penn Dark.

There are also a few places in the Southside on Carson Street as well as in the Strip District.  These being both microbrews and restaurants.  The North Side is also getting quite a few microbrews that may/may not have food and may have limited hours.

The website is kinda crappy, but it does have a pretty decent listing of Pittsburgh craft breweries  https://www.discovertheburgh.com/pittsburgh-craft-beer/

 
Hey Guys. Bringing this one back as you were awesomely helpful last time.

I’ve got another trip to Pittsburgh.

What are your local flavor must see / eat / drink spots?

Thanks a ton. 

 
Like most US cities nowadays there are a TON of breweries, it really depends on where you will be at.  

If you're in the city then I would try to do:  Penn Brewery, Church Brew Works, Southern Tier, East End, Full Pint, Hop Farm and Roundabout.  If you are into sours then you MUST visit Strange Roots.  They have world-class sours.  If you are outside of the city let us know where and we can suggest breweries closer to you.

One place that is definitely worth checking out is the Clemente Museum and Engine House 25 Winery.   If you are into craft distilleries then go to Wigle Whiskey.   There are also places that specialize in ciders and meads.  

Lots of cool places to eat but again it depends on where you are at.  Altius on Mount Washington has good food and awesome views of the city.  If you're looking for less fancy then check out either Meat & Potatoes,  Cure, Tako or Picolo Forno but there are LOTS of other options as well.   

There are lots of shows in the Cultural District.  If you want to see a fantastic train layout or an IMAX movie go to the Carnegie Science Center.  There are a bunch of museums nearby if you are interested or you could check out Phipps Conservatory or National Aviary.

Again it really depends on where you are at and what you feel like doing.

 
I'm there a lot as my wife is from there.  Parent's have a Condo in the Fairmont building.  Some of my favorite eats downtown:

Tako (mentioned above) really good, but crowded

NOLA - market square.  

Sienna Mercato - great roof-top beer garden with fantastic bar food (covered and heated for winter - still outdoorsy feel)

If you've never had one, try a Burnt Almond Torte from Prantl's.  Hands down my favorite dessert.

...I'm also a sucker for Primanti's...

As far as things to do...We've got 2 little kids, so most of our stuff is either sporting events, or the children's museum or science center.  The aviary is pretty nice too.

 
Godsbrother said:
Like most US cities nowadays there are a TON of breweries, it really depends on where you will be at.  

If you're in the city then I would try to do:  Penn Brewery, Church Brew Works, Southern Tier, East End, Full Pint, Hop Farm and Roundabout.  If you are into sours then you MUST visit Strange Roots.  They have world-class sours.  If you are outside of the city let us know where and we can suggest breweries closer to you.

One place that is definitely worth checking out is the Clemente Museum and Engine House 25 Winery.   If you are into craft distilleries then go to Wigle Whiskey.   There are also places that specialize in ciders and meads.  

Lots of cool places to eat but again it depends on where you are at.  Altius on Mount Washington has good food and awesome views of the city.  If you're looking for less fancy then check out either Meat & Potatoes,  Cure, Tako or Picolo Forno but there are LOTS of other options as well.   

There are lots of shows in the Cultural District.  If you want to see a fantastic train layout or an IMAX movie go to the Carnegie Science Center.  There are a bunch of museums nearby if you are interested or you could check out Phipps Conservatory or National Aviary.

Again it really depends on where you are at and what you feel like doing.
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Thanks. I'm going to be a in a couple of places. Mostly Southwest of the city towards Cecil but we'll also be in the City too. Don't hold back because of the area. 

Was thinking the Strip and Warhol and we missed going to Dancing Gnome last time so want to hit that. 

 
Joe Bryant said:
Thanks. I'm going to be a in a couple of places. Mostly Southwest of the city towards Cecil but we'll also be in the City too. Don't hold back because of the area. 

Was thinking the Strip and Warhol and we missed going to Dancing Gnome last time so want to hit that. 
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I live near Cecil and there are a few breweries have opened down here.   Rusty Gold in Canonsburg is decent and there is a new one by the Meadows racetrack/casino called Whitehorse which I've never been to.   The Washington Brewery has really good Italian food but the beer is ho-hum in my opinion and the atmosphere is boring.    Other nearby breweries are Hitchhiker in Mt. Lebanon , Insurrection in Heidelerg, and Helicon in Oakdale.  All are good breweries but certainly not can't miss.  

Spoonwood isn't too far away in Bethel Park and has decent beer, brick oven pizza and a cool vibe.

If you're going to be in the city then I would stop by Penn Brewery which has a great history behind it (an old brewery from the 1800s) and was the first craft brewery in Pittsburgh.  If you're in the Strip then stop by the East End Tap room.  They have excellent beer.   Fat Heads on the Southside has a HUGE menu of sandwiches (over 100) and tons of great beer.

And I'll give one more shout out for Strange Roots if you like sours.  

 
I looked up "Brew Gentlemen" while reading the Thrillist brewery list you posted the other day.  It looked pretty close to Pittsburgh -- I haven't been there though.

 
Don Quixote said:
I looked up "Brew Gentlemen" while reading the Thrillist brewery list you posted the other day.  It looked pretty close to Pittsburgh -- I haven't been there though.
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I've never been there but have had their beer several times -- definitely recommended.  I do know they sometimes have very long lines but I am not sure if that is a daily thing or only when they are doing limited releases.

 
Godsbrother said:
I live near Cecil and there are a few breweries have opened down here.   Rusty Gold in Canonsburg is decent and there is a new one by the Meadows racetrack/casino called Whitehorse which I've never been to.   The Washington Brewery has really good Italian food but the beer is ho-hum in my opinion and the atmosphere is boring.    Other nearby breweries are Hitchhiker in Mt. Lebanon , Insurrection in Heidelerg, and Helicon in Oakdale.  All are good breweries but certainly not can't miss.  

Spoonwood isn't too far away in Bethel Park and has decent beer, brick oven pizza and a cool vibe.

If you're going to be in the city then I would stop by Penn Brewery which has a great history behind it (an old brewery from the 1800s) and was the first craft brewery in Pittsburgh.  If you're in the Strip then stop by the East End Tap room.  They have excellent beer.   Fat Heads on the Southside has a HUGE menu of sandwiches (over 100) and tons of great beer.

And I'll give one more shout out for Strange Roots if you like sours.  
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Awesome. Thanks a lot. Not especially a fan of sours - but keep hearing Strange Roots. Is it worth goign for their non sour beer? Or do they even have non sours?

 
Joe Bryant said:
Awesome. Thanks a lot. Not especially a fan of sours - but keep hearing Strange Roots. Is it worth goign for their non sour beer? Or do they even have non sours?
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They occasionally do come out with "clean beers" and are supposed to be coming out with more but if sours aren't your thing then you are better off with some of the other breweries mentioned.  If you're going to be close to the stadiums then check out Penn Brewery and/or Southern Tier.   As I mentioned before Penn is in old German brewery from the 1800s and specializes in German lagers and food though they have been doing ales for the last 10 years or so.   

Southern Tier is between Heinz and PNC Park and has pretty good food for a brewery.

 
Godsbrother said:
They occasionally do come out with "clean beers" and are supposed to be coming out with more but if sours aren't your thing then you are better off with some of the other breweries mentioned.  If you're going to be close to the stadiums then check out Penn Brewery and/or Southern Tier.   As I mentioned before Penn is in old German brewery from the 1800s and specializes in German lagers and food though they have been doing ales for the last 10 years or so.   

Southern Tier is between Heinz and PNC Park and has pretty good food for a brewery.
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Awesome. Thanks.

Hitting Pork and Beans tonight and then maybe Sienna Mercato. We'll see how it goes for Friday and the weekend. 

 
Joe Bryant said:
Awesome. Thanks a lot. Not especially a fan of sours - but keep hearing Strange Roots. Is it worth goign for their non sour beer? Or do they even have non sours?
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Stroll through the Strip District - and browse the food shops - especially the two Italian food stores, there may still be a French pastry shoppe as well.  Plenty of great places to eat and some good pubs.  Tthe Andy Warhol Museum isn't far from there either as I recall (been a long time ...) - if that holds any interest. 

 
Binky The Doormat said:
Stroll through the Strip District - and browse the food shops - especially the two Italian food stores, there may still be a French pastry shoppe as well.  Plenty of great places to eat and some good pubs.  Tthe Andy Warhol Museum isn't far from there either as I recall (been a long time ...) - if that holds any interest. 
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Good call. The Strip is great to visit when it is cold and off-season, otherwise it will be too crowded. I frequent Wholey’s Fish market which has a great sandwich (upstairs) and Andy the sushi man (downstairs). A fun stop even if you’re not in the market for fresh seafood. Also hit Penn Mac, maybe Stamoolis. There happens to be a Primanti’s in the Strip, too.

”Brew Gentleman” was voted best brewery in PA (in a recent JB thread). Also, during winter time, PPG Place downtown tends to have a beautiful tree display (not one big tree, but a big assortment) and a little skating rink. Wingharts is near there, too, and they have great burgers.

 
pecorino said:
Good call. The Strip is great to visit when it is cold and off-season, otherwise it will be too crowded. I frequent Wholey’s Fish market which has a great sandwich (upstairs) and Andy the sushi man (downstairs). A fun stop even if you’re not in the market for fresh seafood. Also hit Penn Mac, maybe Stamoolis. There happens to be a Primanti’s in the Strip, too.

”Brew Gentleman” was voted best brewery in PA (in a recent JB thread). Also, during winter time, PPG Place downtown tends to have a beautiful tree display (not one big tree, but a big assortment) and a little skating rink. Wingharts is near there, too, and they have great burgers.
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Don’t send JB to Braddock. 

 
pecorino said:
Good call. The Strip is great to visit when it is cold and off-season, otherwise it will be too crowded. I frequent Wholey’s Fish market which has a great sandwich (upstairs) and Andy the sushi man (downstairs). A fun stop even if you’re not in the market for fresh seafood. Also hit Penn Mac, maybe Stamoolis. There happens to be a Primanti’s in the Strip, too.

”Brew Gentleman” was voted best brewery in PA (in a recent JB thread). Also, during winter time, PPG Place downtown tends to have a beautiful tree display (not one big tree, but a big assortment) and a little skating rink. Wingharts is near there, too, and they have great burgers.
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Andy's Sushi is great and he is quite the character.   The Primanti's in the strip is the original.   If you are in the strip in the morning Deluca's has great breakfast but there will be a line.

 
Godsbrother said:
Andy's Sushi is great and he is quite the character.   The Primanti's in the strip is the original.   If you are in the strip in the morning Deluca's has great breakfast but there will be a line.
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DeLuca's is good but Pamela's, down by 25th or so, is better for breakfast. Either way, be prepared to wait for 30 minutes if you're lucky.

 
Joe Bryant said:
Thanks. I'm going to be a in a couple of places. Mostly Southwest of the city towards Cecil but we'll also be in the City too. Don't hold back because of the area. 

Was thinking the Strip and Warhol and we missed going to Dancing Gnome last time so want to hit that. 
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Dancing Gnome is really good. Worth the trip.

 
Picked up some Hitch Hiker cans at the store on the way in. Lived up to the hype. 

Downtown last night for Pork and Beans. BBQ was interesting. Pastrami Pork Belly was great. It's clear what it is - a successful restaurant group in town delved into a BBQ concept. The sides were outstanding and the beer list was great. 

Then walked down to the rooftop bar for Sienna Mercato. Very nice. It was cold outside but no problem at all. It's more like a retractable roof type thing. Pretty views. 

 
Godsbrother said:
I live near Cecil and there are a few breweries have opened down here.   Rusty Gold in Canonsburg is decent and there is a new one by the Meadows racetrack/casino called Whitehorse which I've never been to.   The Washington Brewery has really good Italian food but the beer is ho-hum in my opinion and the atmosphere is boring.    Other nearby breweries are Hitchhiker in Mt. Lebanon , Insurrection in Heidelerg, and Helicon in Oakdale.  All are good breweries but certainly not can't miss.  

Spoonwood isn't too far away in Bethel Park and has decent beer, brick oven pizza and a cool vibe.

If you're going to be in the city then I would stop by Penn Brewery which has a great history behind it (an old brewery from the 1800s) and was the first craft brewery in Pittsburgh.  If you're in the Strip then stop by the East End Tap room.  They have excellent beer.   Fat Heads on the Southside has a HUGE menu of sandwiches (over 100) and tons of great beer.

And I'll give one more shout out for Strange Roots if you like sours.  
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I just moved from Washington, PA (to Brownsville) I will suggest Whitehorse - I haven't been to the tap room, but have had their beers at Beechie's Place in Meadowlands.  Which has fantastic food in a Dive-y atmostphere.  The Washington Brewing Company does have really good food, beers are ok.  Other restaurants in Washington that i would suggest are The Union Grill, Al n Rubens, Presidents Pub, and Bacon, Bourbon n Beer.

I work out in Robinson and there are a few restaurants out here that are good.  Mad Mex for Mexican and Industry Public House are ones that i have been too and like.  I have heard good things about Stout Pub & Kitchen.

 
Strip - While walking the strip get an atomic pepperoni roll at jimmy and ninos. Best fish sandwich wholleys. Best pizza enriccos biscotti cafe. 

Best sammy (not in strip) https://g.co/kgs/rMzrEX

 
Stoneys said:
Joe - when and where will you be staying?  As others have mentioned, Pittsburgh is a city of neighborhoods.  With the rivers and hills, it can be tricky getting around.  

Primanti's is a staple of Pittsburgh-ness.  The original restaurant is in the Strip District but there are others in the region.  

Restaurants:

Fat Head's is a bar in the Southside of Pittsburgh that servers regular pub fare and craft beer as well as brewing their own.  Know for the Headwich.
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Fat Head's for lunch and a few beers.

 
Joe Bryant said:
Picked up some Hitch Hiker cans at the store on the way in. Lived up to the hype. 

Downtown last night for Pork and Beans. BBQ was interesting. Pastrami Pork Belly was great. It's clear what it is - a successful restaurant group in town delved into a BBQ concept. The sides were outstanding and the beer list was great. 

Then walked down to the rooftop bar for Sienna Mercato. Very nice. It was cold outside but no problem at all. It's more like a retractable roof type thing. Pretty views. 
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If you are willing to head north to New Castle, where I grew up its easy.  Mary's, the chicken and rice is the best, lamb awesome too.  Italian is Pagley's, nothing close to their ricotta stuffed shells or lasagna.  Real fresh made Italian bread, soups are off the chart too.  You get both if every meal.  It's an immigrant town from way back when.  Great food.

    I would send you to Forbush for great ice cream but pretty sure they are closed.  All meals will be about 10 bucks which will make up for the gas and if you check ratings online, I am sure they are through the roof.

 
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Hijacking this thread a bit... I was thinking of a Western PA trip for 3-4 days, trying to decide between doing around Memorial Day or Labor Day.  I've got a 3 year old in tow.  Thinking of spending a couple of days at Nemacolin (which I've been to before, and love both the resort and the area), and then heading up more towards Pittsburgh to hit Kennywood -- as most 3 year olds are, my son is obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine and we want to check out the new "Thomas Town" at Kennywood.   I noticed Kennywood is just limited operation around Labor Day though.  Will we be disappointed, and better off visiting around Memorial Day?

 
The weather will likely be better (warmer, dryer) around Labor Day.  Aside from that if "Kennywood's Open"*  when you go then I don't think it matters. 

Kennywood is a really nice old time amusement park with some great coasters.  Aside from the new Thomas area they also have KiddieLand which is perfect for 3 year olds.   They have a big expansion this year themed to the Pittsburgh Steelers.   There is also IdleWild Park about an hour away that is smaller and geared more for little ones.  That park has a Mr. Rogers trolley and features Daniel the Tiger.

* "Kennwood's Open" is Pittsburgh slang for telling someone their pants zipper is down.   I have no idea how it started but I just turned 60 and it predates me.

 
Godsbrother said:
The weather will likely be better (warmer, dryer) around Labor Day.  Aside from that if "Kennywood's Open"*  when you go then I don't think it matters. 

Kennywood is a really nice old time amusement park with some great coasters.  Aside from the new Thomas area they also have KiddieLand which is perfect for 3 year olds.   They have a big expansion this year themed to the Pittsburgh Steelers.   There is also IdleWild Park about an hour away that is smaller and geared more for little ones.  That park has a Mr. Rogers trolley and features Daniel the Tiger.

* "Kennwood's Open" is Pittsburgh slang for telling someone their pants zipper is down.   I have no idea how it started but I just turned 60 and it predates me.
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Thanks. I was unfamiliar with IdleWild. I'll check that one out too.

My son has not really gotten into Daniel the Tiger, but he does love the kiddie rides (took him to Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA and Story Land up in Glen, NH last year, that are pretty similar amusement parks geared to little ones).

 
Don Quixote said:
Hijacking this thread a bit... I was thinking of a Western PA trip for 3-4 days, trying to decide between doing around Memorial Day or Labor Day.  I've got a 3 year old in tow.  Thinking of spending a couple of days at Nemacolin (which I've been to before, and love both the resort and the area), and then heading up more towards Pittsburgh to hit Kennywood -- as most 3 year olds are, my son is obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine and we want to check out the new "Thomas Town" at Kennywood.   I noticed Kennywood is just limited operation around Labor Day though.  Will we be disappointed, and better off visiting around Memorial Day?
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If you are spending a couple of days at Nemacolin, check out Laurel Caverns, Ohio Pyle, Fallingwater and/or Kentuck Knob (Frank Lloyd Wright designed homes)  You are not that far from Deep Creek, Maryland.  Although for a 3yr old, i don't know how much they would get out of any of this. Ohio Pyle maybe. I think there are kiddie things to do in Deep Creek.  

The The Historic Summit Inn could be cool.  They did have a treehouse built by the Treehouse Masters guy - https://www.summitinnresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Historic-Summit-Inn_Tree-House-1030x773.jpg

 I live about 30 miles north-ish of Nemacolin.

 
Stoneys said:
If you are spending a couple of days at Nemacolin, check out Laurel Caverns, Ohio Pyle, Fallingwater and/or Kentuck Knob (Frank Lloyd Wright designed homes)  You are not that far from Deep Creek, Maryland.  Although for a 3yr old, i don't know how much they would get out of any of this. Ohio Pyle maybe. I think there are kiddie things to do in Deep Creek.  

The The Historic Summit Inn could be cool.  They did have a treehouse built by the Treehouse Masters guy - https://www.summitinnresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Historic-Summit-Inn_Tree-House-1030x773.jpg

 I live about 30 miles north-ish of Nemacolin.
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Thanks.  Love Fallingwater.  Only downside is that they don't let kids as young as my son inside.  When we there a couple of years ago, my wife had to stay outside with him.  I expect that I'll be returning the favor this go around (grounds are still nice to walk around, at least).

 
I have read through the thread which has a lot of good info, but I am bumping this in order to get a few specific suggestions.  I am planning a road trip for the PIT-CLE game on 12/1.  It will be a quick in and out visit.  It is a 4:25 PM game.  I am looking for decent/cool places to hang out for a few hours before the game, and somewhere for a good post game meal.  I do not have a hotel picked out yet, but it looks like there are a handful within walking distance of Heinz Field.  I would prefer to park the car at whatever hotel and then take off on foot for all pre-post game activity.  Got any good game day spots near the stadium?  A Monday morning breakfast spot would also be a welcomed suggestion.

 
Galileo said:
I have read through the thread which has a lot of good info, but I am bumping this in order to get a few specific suggestions.  I am planning a road trip for the PIT-CLE game on 12/1.  It will be a quick in and out visit.  It is a 4:25 PM game.  I am looking for decent/cool places to hang out for a few hours before the game, and somewhere for a good post game meal.  I do not have a hotel picked out yet, but it looks like there are a handful within walking distance of Heinz Field.  I would prefer to park the car at whatever hotel and then take off on foot for all pre-post game activity.  Got any good game day spots near the stadium?  A Monday morning breakfast spot would also be a welcomed suggestion.
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Lots of choices. Consider staying at Statuon Square. Leave your car there the whole time but instead of walking to the game, take the boat (Gateway Clipper). Lots to eat and drink at Station Square before and after the game. Monday morning breakfast—I highly recommend Pamela’s. Any of their locations will serve you the best pancakes you’ve ever had.

 
pecorino said:
 Monday morning breakfast—I highly recommend Pamela’s. Any of their locations will serve you the best pancakes you’ve ever had.
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Also second Pamela's. I've been to the one by University of Pittsburgh several times, but didn't know there were others. Cheap, plentiful and really good pancakes.

Not sure if it was mentioned, but If you want another cheap meal downtown and like tacos, check out Condado (small regional chain). Best I've ever had.

 
IC FBGCav said:
If you are willing to head north to New Castle, where I grew up its easy.  Mary's, the chicken and rice is the best, lamb awesome too.  Italian is Pagley's, nothing close to their ricotta stuffed shells or lasagna.  Real fresh made Italian bread, soups are off the chart too.  You get both if every meal.  It's an immigrant town from way back when.  Great food.

    I would send you to Forbush for great ice cream but pretty sure they are closed.  All meals will be about 10 bucks which will make up for the gas and if you check ratings online, I am sure they are through the roof.
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Pagleys is pretty meh. Head to Ellwood City and Nico's for much better food.

 
New Castle and Ellwood City? They are very far from the stadium. You could choose dozens of other places much, much closer.

 
You also can't go wrong with breakfast at DeLuca's

The Hampton Inn on Smallman St. offers free parking and is within walking distance of Heinz Field.

 
Galileo said:
I have read through the thread which has a lot of good info, but I am bumping this in order to get a few specific suggestions.  I am planning a road trip for the PIT-CLE game on 12/1.  It will be a quick in and out visit.  It is a 4:25 PM game.  I am looking for decent/cool places to hang out for a few hours before the game, and somewhere for a good post game meal.  I do not have a hotel picked out yet, but it looks like there are a handful within walking distance of Heinz Field.  I would prefer to park the car at whatever hotel and then take off on foot for all pre-post game activity.  Got any good game day spots near the stadium?  A Monday morning breakfast spot would also be a welcomed suggestion.
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It ain't fancy but I when I am not tailgating I often go to Bier's Pub on the Northside.   10 min walk to the stadium and has good selection of beer (both their own and others) and decent food.  They have a good Bloody Mary bar for Sunday brunch but I am not sure how late it is open.  If it is too busy across the street is The Modern Cafe which isn't bad.

You can also go to the Rivers Casino.  It is right across the street from the stadium and has several restaurants.

 
heading out that way next week ... how are things in the Covid era?

will be with gf & my daughter (16).

attractions, things to keep her amused/occupied?

WHATCHA GOT, 'BURGH?

:popcorn:

 
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