Culinary Getaways: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

By Shelby Metzger

Story Design by Victoria Smith

It’s almost summer, Ohio. Time to break out the flip-flops and dust off the margarita glasses after these long winter months. After making it through the snow, rain and dusky skies, we all deserve a vacation. But while the Buckeye State has its appeals, you may have considered crossing a few state lines to relax and reset. If you’re looking for quaint drinkeries, mouth-watering grub, and stunning scenery, look no further – Pittsburgh checks all your boxes. Take a trip east of the (Ohio) border and check out some of these featured locations.

Whether you’re searching for a casual night on the town or itching to take a tour of the Steel City’s most extravagant culinary offerings, Pittsburgh can fill a niche for any traveler. Be sure to make time for breakfast at Pamela’s Diner, a treasured Pittsburgh breakfast joint with five locations across the city. Pamela’s boasts mouth-watering crepe-style pancakes and a delectable array of all your favorite classic breakfast options.

Photo Courtesy of Commonplace Coffee

After filling up on pancakes, fresh coffee may be calling your name. Commonplace Coffee has four locations across the city, offering crisp pastries and expertly crafted cups-o-joe. Or, walk over to one of De Fer Coffee & Tea’s three locations, all right on the river, for a sip of freshly-roasted beans.

After letting things digest by taking a stroll of the city, it may be time for lunch. Located in the heart of the Cultural District on 7th Street, Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room is an independently owned wood-fired pizza joint and bar, offering as many high-quality, handcrafted pizzas as you can eat.

Photo Courtesy of Proper Brick Oven

Or, if you’re feeling a sandwich instead of a pie? Primanti Bros. offers the same comically-large sandwiches (stuffed with french fries) that they have since 1933.

If you’re looking for something more upscale, Ritual House in the Union Trust building on William Penn Place. A luxurious, intricately designed interior paired with Pittsburgh-inspired fine dining will leave you lusting for a return visit.

It’s been a full day of eats and treats, but it’s finally time to sit down for dinner. Take a short walk across Allegheny River to Alphabet City on North Avenue for a culinary experience with their awardwinning executive chef Bethany Zozula. A classy and upbeat environment, make sure to check out their lamb special that week, or enjoy one of their multiple vegetarian options.

Or, if you’re looking for a kid-friendly experience, try Back to the Foodture in Uptown, a Black-owned, Back to the Future-themed restaurant. Rife with burgers and all flavors of wings, the interior is filled with fun for all ages, including pool tables, pinball machines and murals of popular cartoon characters.

Photo Courtesy of Back to the Foodture

Not ready to turn in yet? If you fancy a visit to one of Pittsburgh’s new-age cocktail bars, Lorelei in East Liberty has got you covered. A wine and cocktail room attached to a beer hall with 16 taps, patrons can enjoy anything from a large selection of Alpine-based cocktails to a crispy pint of beer. Not to mention their woodfired pizza, if you still have the munchies.

Looking for a more casual spot? The colorful Hidden Harbor in Squirrel Hill will fill all of your Tiki bar needs. Or, if the high-end experience is more your speed, Bridges & Bourbon on Penn Avenue offers both classic cocktails and in-house creations – they might even throw in a dash of pyrotechnics to cement your sophisticated sipping escapades. No need to stick around Ohio this summer –Pittsburgh has a little something for everyone!