September 20, 2023 - Pittsburgh City Paper

30 Best Business + Services

CELEBRATING 30+ YEARS

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PGHCITYPAPER PITTSBURGHCITYPAPER

PGHCITYPAPER.COM

SEPT. 20–26, 2023 // VOL. 32 ISSUE 38

Editor-in-Chief ALI TRACHTA

Director of Advertising RACHEL WINNER

Director of Operations KEVIN SHEPHERD

A&E Editor AMANDA WALTZ

News Editor COLIN WILLIAMS

Staff Writer RACHEL WILKINSON

40 Best

Art Director LUCY CHEN

Photographer MARS JOHNSON

Audience Engagement Specialist STACY ROUNDS

Graphic Designer JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

Sales Representatives SIERRA CLARY, ALEISHA

STARKEY, MARIA STILLITANO

Digital Coordinator MORGAN BIDDLE

Marketing Coordinator LEE HOOD

Circulation Manager JEFF ENGBARTH

Contributors KAHMEELA ADAMS-FRIEDSON, REGE BEHE, LYNN CULLEN, MEG ST-ESPRIT, MATT PETRAS, JORDANA ROSENFELD, JORDAN SNOWDEN

Editorial Intern AUGUST STEPHENS

National Advertising Representative

VMG ADVERTISING

1.888.278.9866 OR 1.212.475.2529

Publisher CARS HOLDING, INC.

GENERAL POLICIES: Contents

copyrighted 2023 by CARS Holding, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Pittsburgh City Paper are those of the author and not necessarily of CARS Holding, Inc. LETTER POLICY: Letters, or e-mails must be signed and include town and daytime phone number for confirmation. We may edit for length and clarity.

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COVER DESIGN: LUCY CHEN

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

BY ALI TRACHTA // ALI@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

JUST LAST WEEK, we ran a cover story about the making of legendary Pittsburgh action movie Striking Distance , and among a slew of fun and surprising facts (who knew star Bruce Willis used to perform at Donzi’s as alter ego Bruno Radolini??) was one that absolutely was not: In discussing the way neighbors at the time embraced the film, location scout Steve Parys observed, “Pittsburghers want to show off Pittsburgh.” And dammit if that ain’t the truth.

It’s why we wear black and gold anytime we leave town, usually starting on the airplane. (If you ever forget which gate is yours before a flight back home, just look for Steelers apparel. It’ll be there.) We’re

constantly flagging our Pittsburgh pride. And why not? We have so much to be proud of, which is why I love the Best of PGH issue so much. This whole issue is a lovefest. We celebrate everything up and down the line, from Best Yinzer to Best Jagoff, plus best street artist, best dog-friendly restaurant, best bar bathroom, best local album, best BIPOC-owned business, and so, so much more. There are 250 categories, in fact, with winners all nominated and voted on by you, our wildly smart, in-the-know readers — 31,825 of you, to be exact, submitted just over 385,000 votes. Holy heck, you guys showed up. If that’s not something to be proud of, I don’t know what is.

CP PHOTOS: MARS JOHNSON Best Of PGH 2023 Party

— Ali Trachta, Editor-in-Chief at Pittsburgh City Paper

ARTS + CULTURE

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

BEST DRAG PERFORMER

DIXIE SUREWOOD

BY AMANDA WALTZ // AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

DRAG HAS COME UNDER FIRE in right-leaning states across the country, but, fortunately, Pittsburgh remains a stronghold for the artform. The scene has generated talent like Dixie Surewood, whose engaging, fun-loving nature has endeared her to audiences all over the city, as evidenced by her new title as Best Drag Performer in Pittsburgh City Paper ’s latest readers’ poll.

Surewood, like many local queens, started out performing at the Blue Moon bar in Lawrenceville. A native of Buffalo, N.Y., the Point Park University grad has, since her 2015 debut, become a mainstay at various brunches, private gigs, and live shows where she often shares the stage with other drag queens.

“I do quite a bit, luckily,” she tells City Paper . “I’m very blessed in that area.”

Self-touted as “Pittsburgh’s comedy and Broadway queen,” Surewood combines her love of musical theater with a penchant for comedy. She also makes room for other voices — a refreshing move in a subculture known for its big personalities and even bigger egos — by collaborating with fellow queen Chi Chi de Vivre on cabaret-style singing

shows, and hosting events that showcase a diverse array of local drag talent.

“I love hosting,” she says. “Anytime I get to host a show and interact with the audience, I love that opportunity, getting to see people laugh and joke a little bit. … The world is a terrible place, so if I can make you happy for three or four minutes, then I did my job.”

She sees herself as just “a fish in a pond” relative to the large number of drag acts in Pittsburgh, where, she says, in addition to the usual brunches and bingo events, audiences can also experience open stages, solo shows, and “people creating one-of-a-kind art.”

“The drag community here in Pittsburgh is giant,” says Surewood. “There is so much to see and so many opportunities to see it happen. It’s wonderful.”

Surewood says that, given the long list of nominees, being singled out by readers as the city’s Best Drag Performer feels “very humbling.”

“It’s really nice to know that people appreciate, not only what I do, but what other drag performers do in the city,” she says. “It’s just great that the city appreciates all the art that we all do collectively.” •

CP PHOTOS: MARS JOHNSON Dixie Surewood poses for a portrait before performing at 5801 Video Lounge & Cafe.

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

7370 Baker St., Highland Park. pittsburghzoo.org

2ND: Carnegie Science Center

3RD: Gemini Theater Company

BEST CARTOONIST/ILLUSTRATOR

Rob Rogers

robrogers.com

2ND (TIED): Happylilcanvases

2ND (TIED): The e.e.p.arts Experience

BEST CHARITY FUNDRAISER

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh

humaneanimalrescue.org

2ND: #ProtectTransKids — Pittsburgh LGBTQ Charities

3RD: Women Who Rock

BEST CLASSICAL ENSEMBLE

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

pittsburghsymphony.org

2ND: Chatham Baroque

BEST COMEDIAN ACT

Select Start

instagram.com/selectstartimprov

Originally started in 2018, Select Start, a short-form comedy improv team, now performs regularly scheduled Friday night shows at Arcade Comedy Theater. You can see the members cavort about the stage to various prompts and themes. With a diverse crew, Select Start engages the audience to create hilarious acts that keep everyone laughing.

BEST DANCE COMPANY

The Tamburitzans

thetamburitzans.org

2ND: The Tamburitzans

3RD: The Velvet Hearts!

BEST DRAG PERFORMER

Dixie Surewood

instagram.com/dixiesurewood

READ MORE ON PG. 7

2ND: Jose Queervo

3RD: Calipso

BEST FASHION DESIGNER Kiya

Tomlin

kiyatomlin.us

BEST GALLERY FOR LOCAL ARTISTS

Brew House Association

711 S. 21st St. #210, South Side. brewhousearts.org

Brew House Association sits in the heart of the old Duquesne Brewing complex. Now in its 30th year of operation, the organization complements a beautiful, high-ceilinged gallery space with artist studios and residency programs. Its programming has prominently featured LGBTQ artists and artists of color in recent years, making Brew House not only historically significant in the South Side's post-industrial era but also one of the city's most forwardthinking spaces for creatives of all identities.

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER (WEDDING)

Wild North Weddings

wildnorthweddings.com

2ND: Rachel Rowland

3RD: Ashwood Studios

BEST POET

Rachel Bouvier

2ND: Joe Szalinski

3RD: Vanessa German

BEST STREET ARTIST

Baron Batch baronbatch.com

2ND: Danny Devine *POSTHUMOUS

3RD: Jeremy Raymer

BEST STREET FESTIVAL

2ND:

3RD: Chrissy Costa

2ND: Suz Pisano

3RD: Danielle Attme

BEST FILM FESTIVAL

Three Rivers Film Festival

filmpittsburgh.org

2ND: The Pittsburgh 48 Hour Film Project

3RD: Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival

BEST FILMMAKER

Steve Rudzinski

instagram.com/darkmullet

It makes sense that, in a town with a cinematic history deeply rooted in horror, the Best Filmmaker title would go to Steve Rudzinski. His filmography, including his killer unicorn CarousHELL series and recent anthology Shingles, demonstrates a commitment to indie filmmaking that provides opportunities to local actors and crew members.

2ND: Maxwell Cianci

3RD: Tony Buba

2ND: Redfishbowl

3RD: Associated Artists of Pittsburgh

BEST INDEPENDENT MOVIE THEATER

Row House Cinema

4115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. rowhousecinemas.com

2ND: The Manor

3RD: Dependable Drive In Theater

BEST MUSEUM

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

One Schenley Dr., Oakland. phipps. conservatory.org

2ND: Carnegie Museum of Art

3RD: Senator John Heinz History Center

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER (CREATIVE)

Dave DiCello

davedicello.com

2ND: Bradley B. Photography — Brad Berkstresser

3RD: Tony Kozinko

Arcade Comedy Theater

943 Liberty Ave., Downtown. arcadecomedytheater.com

2ND: South Park Theatre

3RD: Rage of the Stage Players

BEST THEATER PRODUCTION

The Gods of Comedy at South Park Theatre

Brownsville Road and Corrigan Drive, South Park. southparktheatre.com

2ND: Miserable Creatures at Rage of the Stage Players

3RD: Urinetown at Stage 62

BEST VISUAL ARTIST

Mike Schiavone

instagram.com/mike_schiavone

2ND: James Wodarek

3RD: Bob Freyer

BEST WRITER

Joe Szalinski instagram.com/poetry_hugger

2ND: Chrissy Costa

3RD: Virginia Montanez

JoeMyGosh and Jaxa Froot

PHOTO: COURTESY OF SELECT START

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

PHOTO: CHRIS UHREN 2023 AAP New Member Exhibition

MUSIC + NIGHTLIFE

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

BEST CLUB

DJ DJ BIG PHILL

BY COLIN WILLIAMS // COLIN@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

DJ BIG PHILL is a renaissance man. A convener, collector, and passionate booster of local and national artists, each week finds Phill in a different part of town mixing hip-hop, funk, soul, and more at packed parties, intimate brunches, and neighborhood pop-ups. That reach has earned him the title of Best Club DJ in Pittsburgh City Paper’s 2023 Best Of PGH readers' poll.

Phill was raised in a musical household. Growing up in Penn Hills, he found himself mere blocks from local DJs Assassin and Supa C and was soon mixing breaks from Al Green records — “I think you got something here,” he recalls his stepfather saying. Building on the fundamentals, Phill DJ’ed in college, and, after returning to the Pittsburgh area, it was “full steam ahead.”

Big Phill has since anchored several hip-hop crews. Union, his most recent project, works like a labor union, with a group of skilled local DJs consisting of Blakk Steel, Selecta, Slim tha DJ, QRX, DJ KB, DJ K-Beck, Yamez, and TJ in collaboration. “We do the dopest, biggest parties in the city,” Phill says of Union. “We put on the best events and bring out all of Black Pittsburgh without any media, big radio endorsements, or newspaper endorsements.”

Phill is among the biggest boosters of local hip-hop you’ll find in the Steel City. “I love Pittsburgh. I’m not one of those weirdos with something negative to say about the city,” Phill says. “Pittsburgh has given me opportunities I may not have been able to

get elsewhere.”

Those opportunities include closing out the Three Rivers Arts Festival, playing a set during the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, and DJing a sold-out Penguins game. Other nights find Phill laying down grooves in Homewood or blending beats in Lawrenceville. He was recently recognized as a Pittsburgh New Courier Man of Excellence and featured in the city’s 50 Years of Hip-Hop celebration.

The secret to Phill’s success?

“I like a little bit of everything,” he says. Phill believes curating a vibe means meeting the crowd where they are, whether that means a set of oldschool funk or bass-heavy rap. “I don’t debate what other people like — you have to be appropriate for wherever you’re at. You wouldn’t go to a Mexican restaurant to get Italian food,” he quips.

When he’s not making hips swing, Phill has other passions, including spending time with his family and friends; collecting vintage comic books by Black artists (including Pittsburgh pioneer Matt Baker); filming a documentary; and preparing for future events like the East Liberty Eastburgh Festival (happening Sat., Sept. 23) and a 2024 exhibition at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

“It’s been a blessing to take all my passions and wrap them into one,” Phill told City Paper shortly before leaving to teach a class on film. “Pittsburgh has some of the most creative individuals on the planet.”

• CP PHOTOS: MARS JOHNSON

DJ Big Phill performs at Best of PGH 2023 hosted by City Paper.

4312 Main St., Bloomfield. tracebloomfield.com

BEST BAR (WEST)

Riley’s Pour House

215 E. Main St., Carnegie. rileyspourhouse.com

2ND: The Parkway Theater & Film Lounge

3RD: Circle Inn

BEST BAR TO DAY DRINK

Grist House Craft Brewery

10 E Sherman St., Millvale. gristhouse.com

2ND: Southern Tier Brewery Pittsburgh

3RD: Trace Brewing

BEST BAR TO DRINK ALONE

Tina’s

4114 Main St., Bloomfield. instagram.com/tinaspgh

2ND: Spirit

3RD: Lot 17

BEST BAR TO PREGAME BEFORE THE GAME

Southern Tier Brewery Pittsburgh

316 N. Shore Drive, North Side. stbcbeer.com

2ND: Mike’s Beer Bar

3RD: Voodoo Brewing Company — Pittsburgh Pub

BEST BARTENDER

Joe Bulsak at Mitchell’s Pub

304 Ross St., Downtown. originalmitchells.com

2ND: Kaitlynn Sutey at Smokey’s Tavern

2ND: Spirit

3RD: Kelly’s Bar & Lounge

BEST BAR (NORTH)

Shorty’s Pins x Pints

353 N. Shore Dr., North Side. shortysx.com

2ND: Harold’s Haunt

3RD: The Government Center

BEST BAR (SOUTH)

Hitchhiker Brewing —

Tap Room

190 Castle Shannon Blvd., Mt. Lebanon. hitchhiker.beer

2ND: Jekyl & Hyde — Pittsburgh’s Halloween Bar

3RD: Bottlerocket Social Hall

3RD: Anthony Mongelluzzo at Kingfly Spirits

BEST BLUES ARTIST/GROUP

Soulful Femme

soulfulfemme.com

2ND: Billy The Kid & The Regulators

3RD: The Fabulous Booze Brothers

BEST BOUNCER

Kitty Valentine at 5801 and Blue Moon

5801 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside. 5801pgh.com

5115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. bluemoononbutler.com

2ND: Jason DeLuca at The Goldmark

3RD: Ed at Belvedere's Ultra-Dive

CP PHOTO: LUCY CHEN

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

BEST MUSIC + NIGHTLIFE, CONTINUED FROM PG. 12

BEST CLUB

Thunderbird Café & Music Hall

4053 Butler St., Lawrenceville. thunderbirdmusichall.com

BEST ELECTRONIC ARTIST/GROUP

Balloon Ride Fantasy

balloonridefantasy.com

There's plenty of anthemic pop out there, but Balloon Ride Fantasy's poignant lyricism and knack for gorgeous flourishes set them apart from the mainstream. Since mini-album BRF dropped in 2018, this five-piece has released a steady stream of glossy, danceable singles. The band melds the best elements of ’80s New Wave and modern indie pop seamlessly — Balloon Ride Fantasy makes big songs for big feelings that ought to make your hips swing.

2ND: Tequila Cowboy

3RD: Spirit

BEST CLUB DJ

DJ Big Phill instagram.com/djbigphill

READ MORE ON PG. 11

2ND: Take Me With You

3RD: Hemlock For Socrates

BEST FOLK ARTIST/GROUP

The Tamburitzans thetamburitzans.org

2ND: Woodland Creatures

3RD: Bealtaine

2ND: DJ Hipnotik

3RD: DJ-RTG

BEST COUNTRY ARTIST/GROUP

Morgan Gruber

itsmorgangruber.com

2ND: Buckwild

3RD: The Shiners

BEST COVER ARTIST/GROUP

Dancing Queen

dancingqueen911.com

2ND: Franchise Band

3RD: Casanova & The Divas

BEST DIVE BAR

Squirrel Hill Cafe

5802 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. instagram.com/squirrelcagepgh

2ND: Blue Moon

3RD: Lefty’s

5801

5801 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside. 5801pgh.com

2ND: Blue Moon

3RD: Spirit

BEST LOCAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

fuck yeah, dinosaurs! —

Jurassic

Drunks 2022

instagram.com/fuckyeahdinosaurs

Bottlerocket Social Hall

1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. bottlerocketpgh.com

Bottlerocket knows what Pittsburgh wants — affordable drinks and some of the best indie comedians and music acts working today, all in the comfort of a venue full of retro charm. Since opening in 2022, Bottlerocket has contributed to making Allentown an entertainment destination, with plenty of sold-out shows to prove it.

BEST HAUNTED ATTRACTION

Hundred Acres Manor

Haunted House

One 100 Acres Drive, Bethel Park. hundredacresmanor.com

2ND: Kennywood’s Phantom Fall Fest

3RD: ScareHouse

BEST JAZZ ARTIST/GROUP

Mary Ann Mangini tinyurl.com/3fk9fj89

2ND: Phat Man Dee

3RD: Roger Humphries

BEST LEGACY ARTIST/GROUP

Johnny Angel and the Halos facebook.com/JAandtheHalos

2ND: Donnie Iris

3RD: Weird Paul

2ND: The Freeloaders — Cheap & Used

3RD: Can’t Fucking Wait — Old Neon

BEST METAL ARTIST/GROUP

Horehound

facebook.com/horehoundband

2ND: Greywalker

3RD: Bad Mother Trucker

BEST MUSIC FEST

Millvale Music Fest

millvalemusic.org

2ND: Three Rivers Arts Festival

3RD: Barrel & Flow Fest

BEST MUSIC VENUE (CITY)

Mr. Smalls Theatre

400 Lincoln Ave, Millvale. mrsmalls.com

2ND: Stage AE

3RD: Thunderbird Café & Music Hall

BEST MUSIC VENUE (SUBURBS)

Jergel’s Rhythm Grille

103 Slade Lane, Warrendale. jergels.com

2ND: The Crafthouse Stage & Grill

3RD: Moondogs

2ND: Cork Harbour Pub

3RD: Mixtape

BEST PICK-UP BAR

The Goldmark

4517 Butler St., Lawrenceville. thegoldmark.com

2ND: Spirit

3RD: Jergel’s Rhythm Grille

BEST PLACE TO CELEBRATE YOUR DIVORCE

Lumberjaxes

Axe Throwing

Various locations. axethrowingpgh.com

2ND: Blue Moon

3RD: Cupka’s Cafe II

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

BEST LGBTQ BAR

PHOTO: COURTESY OF FLAT AHT RECORDS

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BOTTLEROCKET

CP

PHOTO: PAM SMITH

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BALLOON RIDE FANTASY

BEST PLACE TO KARAOKE

Bob’s Garage

1372 Freeport Road, Blawnox. facebook.com/people/Bobs-Garage

2ND: Froggy’s Bar

3RD: COBRA

BEST PLACE TO SEE A LOCAL BAND

The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls

400 Lincoln Ave. 2nd floor, Millvale. mrsmalls.com

2ND: Thunderbird Café & Music Hall

3RD: The Crafthouse Stage & Grill

BEST POP ARTIST/GROUP

Mary Ann Mangini

tinyurl.com/3fk9fj89

2ND: Franchise Band

3RD: Take Me With You

BEST PUNK ARTIST/GROUP

fuck yeah, dinosaurs! instagram.com/fuckyeahdinosaurs

2ND: The Sneaky Heat Missiles

3RD: The Cheats

BEST R&B ARTIST/GROUP

Franchise Band

franchisebandlive412.com

2ND: The Bill Henry Band

3RD: Sierra Sellers

BEST RADIO DJ

Bubba Show

facebook.com/BubbaShow1007

2ND: Kelly on 100.7 Star

3RD: Kiss Morning Freak Show

BEST RADIO STATION

100.7 Star Radio Station

audacy.com/starpittsburgh

Has your party heyday sort of come and gone, but you still, sometimes, find yourself wanting to relive it? Flip to 100.7 Star Radio and hear pop hits from the last couple of decades. The tunes they crank out will take you back and get you grooving at the same time, whether you’re at home, in the office, or sitting in traffic.

2ND: 91.3 FM WYEP

3RD: WDVE

BEST RAP/HIP-HOP ARTIST/GROUP

Lexa Terrestrial

instagram.com/lexaterrestrial

2ND: Mars Jackson

3RD: DJ Kyd Kahlil

BEST ROCK ARTIST/GROUP

God Hates Unicorns

instagram.com/godhatesunicorns

2ND: fuck yeah, dinosaurs!

3RD: Sunny Daze and the Weathermen

BEST SPORTS BAR

Mike’s Beer Bar

110 Federal St., Downtown. mikesbeerbar.com

2ND: Ruggers Pub • Rugby & Rock N’ Roll Bar, South Side Pittsburgh

3RD: William Penn Tavern

BEST STRIP CLUB

Cheerleaders Pittsburgh

3100 Liberty Ave., Strip District. cheerleaderspittsburgh.com

2ND: Real Luck Café (Lucky’s Bar)

3RD: Club Erotica

BEST TRIVIA NIGHT

5801 5801 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside. 5801pgh.com

2ND: The Parkway Theater & Film Lounge

3RD: Strange Roots Experimental Ales

BEST UNSIGNED MUSIC ARTIST

Mary Ann Mangini

tinyurl.com/3fk9fj89

2ND: fuck yeah, dinosaurs!

3RD: God Hates Unicorns

BEST WORLD OR INTERNATIONAL MUSIC ARTIST/GROUP

The Tamburitzans

thetamburitzans.org

2ND: Bealtaine

3RD: Flow Band

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

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Scan to learn more about the best deal in history.

BEST OF PGH

FOOD + DRINK

BEST LATIN RESTAURANT, BEST RESTAURANT (DOWNTOWN + STRIP DISTRICT), BEST GLUTEN-FREE MENU, BEST VEGAN MENU, BEST VEGETARIAN MENU AREPITTAS

BY SARAH HAMM // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN.

This year’s Best Restaurant for Downtown & the Strip District isn’t an $80 per plate steak restaurant or a long-time fine dining institution: it’s Arepittas, a Venezuelan street food concept that offers hearty fare in a no-frills space beneath a parking garage on the site of a former Primanti Bros.

Anyone who winds up Downtown for work or play can attest that finding a place to eat that’s affordable and craveable can be a tough nutritional needle to thread. And while I love a spendy dining moment for date nights and “treat yourself” occasions, a regular spot that’s nutritious, delicious, and won’t break the bank is worth its weight in golden-brown empanadas.

If I only had one bite of Arepittas to recommend to a first-time customer, it would be a Pabellón empanada, a kind of grab-bag of quintessential Venezuelan flavors like shredded beef, cheese, tajadas (plantains), and caraotas (black beans). Doused in their bright and zingy hot sauce, one empanada is satisfying enough to sustain you through a trip to the downtown DMV, but two is a party, and there’s something for everyone: options range from chorizo and cheese to a seafood mix, with vegetarian choices like the domino (beans and cheese) empanada, too.

The namesake and cornerstone of Arepittas are arepas, grilled corn flour cakes that pre-date Spanish colonization of South America and are popular in Venezuela, Colombia, and elsewhere. They can be served as is or sliced and stuffed with any number of fillings, and variations span across regions. Arepittas offers just-grilled plain arepas, but really showcases their creativity with their stuffed arepas, which come artfully and necessarily wrapped in foil

to prevent a potential volcanic loss of ingredients. Some fillings are traditional like Sifrina (grilled chicken and chunky avocado salsa), and others more whimsical, like the Capressa arepas, sporting all the ingredients of a caprese salad. However they stuff them, it’s a fist-sized serving of food that earns the distinction of being “stick to your ribs” without being cloying.

Arepittas also swept the Latin, gluten-free, and vegan menu categories of this year’s Best Of PGH, offering vegan chorizo and many vegetable-forward fillings like beef-free pabellon and sides of tajadas and mojito criollo, described on their menu as “Venezuelan pico de gallo.” And because their arepas and empandas are made with corn meal and not wheat flour, they’re also excellent for gluten-free eating, which can often be a challenge when looking for a quick bite.

As if that weren’t enough to get excited about, Arepittas has a whole menu of Venezuelan specialty beverages, including Papelon con limon, often called Venezuelan lemonade, made with minimally processed sugar cane, and Malta Maltin Polar, a refreshing non-alcoholic beer made of barley and corn. Horchata fans will recognize the flavor profiles of Chicha Criolla, a rice drink made with condensed milk, sugar, and aromatic spices, and PSL girlies will rejoice at the seasonal pumpkin chicha on offer.

It’s easy to see why Arepittas was a heavy-hitter in this year’s Best Of PGH. The accessible price point is exciting (when was the last time you got a special little drink for under $5?), but beyond that, it’s tasty food with real cultural ties, presented in an unfussy and approachable manner for everyone to enjoy as they go about their day in downtown Pittsburgh. •

CP PHOTOS: MARS JOHNSON Jonathan Rosas, Danielle Figueroa, and Jordan Fernandez

BEST AFRICAN FOOD

Tana Ethiopian Cuisine

5929 Baum Blvd., East Liberty. tanaethiopiancuisine.com

2ND: African Eats Cuisine

3RD: Mount Kilimanjaro

BEST ASIAN FUSION RESTAURANT

Bae Bae’s Kitchen

951 Liberty Ave., Downtown. baebaes.kitchen

2ND: Umami

3RD: Taiwanese Bistro Cafe 33

BEST BAGEL

Pigeon Bagels

5613 Hobart St., Squirrel Hill. pigeonbagels.com

2ND: Oakmont Bakery

3RD: Lola’s Eatery

BEST BAKERY

Oakmont Bakery

One Sweet St., Oakmont. oakmontbakery.com

2ND: Love Made Edible Bakery

3RD: La Gourmandine

BEST BAR FOOD

Fat Head’s Saloon

1805 E. Carson St., South Side. fatheads.com/pittsburgh.html

BEST BREAD

Mancini’s Bakery

601 Woodward Ave., McKees Rocks. mancinisbakery.com

2ND: BreadWorks Bakery

3RD: Mediterra Cafe Mt. Lebanon

BEST BREWERY

Grist House Craft Brewery

10 E. Sherman St., Millvale. gristhouse.com

2ND: Trace Brewing

3RD: Hitchhiker Brewing — Brewery & Tap Room

BEST BRUNCH

Pamela’s Diner

Various locations. pamelasdiner.com

2ND: Grand Concourse

3RD: The Speckled Egg PGH

BEST BUBBLE TEA

Banh Mi & Ti

4502 Butler St., Lawrenceville. banhmiandti.com

2ND: Fuku Tea

3RD (TIED): JJ Poke Bowl & Taiwanese Bubble Tea

3RD (TIED): Tsaocaa

BEST BURGER

Tessaro’s

Restaurant

4601 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield. tessaros.com

2ND: Moonlit Burgers

3RD: Burgatory

BEST CANDY STORE

Sarris Candies

511 Adams Ave., Canonsburg. sarriscandies.com

2ND: Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop

3RD: Yetter’s Candy

BEST CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT

Kaya

D’s Six Pax and Dogz Birmingham Bridge Tavern

BEST BBQ

Walter’s BBQ Southern Kitchen

4501 Butler St., Lawrenceville. walterspgh.com

2ND: Off the Rails Barbeque & Drafthouse

3RD: Big Rig’s BBQ

2000 Smallman St., Strip District. kaya.menu

2ND: ShadoBeni — Trinidadian Vegan Cuisine

3RD: Leon’s Caribbean Restaurant

BEST CATERER

Pasta Too

5260 Library Road, Bethel Park. pastatoorestaurant.com/catering

2ND: DiAnoia’s Eatery

3RD: Bistro To Go Catering

CP PHOTO: PAT CAVANAUGH

BEST CHEF

Dave Anoia — DiAnoia’s

Eatery

2549 Penn Ave., Strip District. dianoiaseatery.com

2ND: Ed Smith — Ritual House

3RD: Cory Hughes — Fig and Ash

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

Sesame Inn

Various locations. sesameinn.com

2ND: Chengdu Gourmet

3RD: Everyday Noodles

BEST CIDER

Arsenal Cider House & Wine Cellar

Various locations. arsenalciderhouse.com

2ND: Threadbare Cider House

3RD: KingView Meadhouse & Winery

BEST COFFEE SHOP

Carnegie Coffee Company

132 E. Main St., Carnegie. facebook.com/CarnegieCoffeeCompany

Smallman Street Deli

2840 Smallman St., Strip District. smallmanstreetdeli.com

2ND: Carson Street Deli & Craft Beer Bar

3RD: Lampert’s Market

BEST DESSERT MENU

Oakmont Bakery

One Sweet St., Oakmont. oakmontbakery.com

Grist House Craft Brewery

10 E. Sherman St., Millvale. gristhouse.com

2ND: Double Wide Grill

3RD: Mindful Brewing Company

BEST DONUTS

Oakmont Bakery

1 Sweet St., Oakmont. oakmontbakery.com

2ND: Lola’s Eatery

3RD: Just Good Donuts

BEST FOOD FESTIVAL

Picklesburgh

Boulevard of the Allies, Downtown. picklesburgh.com

2ND: St. Nicholas Greek Food Festival

3RD: Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival

BEST FOOD TRUCK

Blue Sparrow

Various locations. bluesparrowpgh.com

2ND: Cilantro & Ajo

3RD: Latte Lane Coffee Co.

2ND: La Gourmandine

3RD: The Butterwood Bake Consortium

BEST DINER

Pamela’s Diner

Various locations. pamelasdiner.com

2ND: Ritter’s Diner

3RD: The Dor-Stop Restaurant

BEST DISTILLERY

McLaughlin Distillery

3799 Blackburn Road, Sewickley. mclaughlindistillery.com

2ND: Big Dog Coffee

3RD: Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange

BEST CRAFT COCKTAILS

Bridges & Bourbon

930 Penn Ave., Downtown. bridgesandbourbonpgh.com

2ND: Tina’s

3RD: Olive Or Twist

BEST CSA

Soergel Orchards

2573 Brandt School Road, Wexford. soergels.com

2ND: Freedom Farms Farmers Market

3RD: Harvie Pittsburgh

McLaughlin Distillery thinks small, but in a good way. Owner Kim McLaughlin, a veteran and former dairy farmer, crafts small-batch bourbon, whiskey, and naturally flavored moonshines with an emphasis on supporting local businesses and having a positive impact on the community. McLaughlin also prides herself in paying a livable wage, and lets each employee “grow within the company to fill the roles they naturally fall into.” We’ll drink to that.

2ND: Wigle Whiskey Distillery

3RD: Maggie’s Farm Distillery Strip District

BEST FRIED CHICKEN

Bird On The Run

3RD: Frisch’s

BEST FRIES

Potato Patch — Kennywood

4800 Kennywood Blvd., West Mifflin. kennywood.com

2ND: Point Brugge Cafe

3RD: Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

BEST GLUTEN-FREE MENU

Arepittas

412 Cherry Way, Downtown. arepittas.com

2ND: Square Cafe

3RD: Cilantro & Ajo

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

Venezuelan Food

BEST GREEK RESTAURANT

Mike & Tony’s Gyros

Various locations. mikeandtonysgyros.com

2ND: Anthos Bakery & Café

3RD: Christos Mediterranean Grille

BEST HAPPY HOUR

The Urban Tap

Various locations. theurbantap.com

2ND: The Yard

3RD: Mike & Tony’s Gyros

BEST HOAGIE

Triangle Bar & Grill

2122 Monongahela Ave., Swissvale. trianglebarswissvale.com

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

DiAnoia’s Eatery

2549 Penn Ave., Strip District. dianoiaseatery.com

2ND: Alla Famiglia

3RD: Pasta Too

BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Umami

202 38th St., Lawrenceville. umamipgh.com

2ND: Little Tokyo Restaurant

3RD: Ramen Bar

BEST JUICE

The Pittsburgh Juice Company

3418 Penn Ave., Lawrenceville. pittsburghjuicecompany.com

2ND: Live Fresh Cold Pressed Juice + Smoothie Bar

3RD: 1:11 Juice Bar

BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

Eat’n Park

Various locations. eatnpark.com

2ND: Square Cafe

3RD: Spirit

2ND: Peppi’s

3RD: Spak Brothers

BEST HOT DOG

D’s Six Pax and Dogz

Various locations. ds6pax.com

2ND: Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe

3RD: Jim’s Famous Sauce, Inc.

BEST HOTEL BAR

The Commoner

620 William Penn Place, Downtown. thecommonerpgh.com

2ND: Over Eden

3RD: Biergarten at the Hotel Monaco

BEST ICE CREAM

Page’s

4112 E. Carson St., South Side. pagedairymart.net

2ND: Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream

3RD: Squirrel Hill Market

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

People’s Indian Restaurant

5147 Penn Ave., Garfield. peoplesindianrestaurant.com

2ND: Taj Mahal Pittsburgh

3RD: Udipi Cafe

BEST KOREAN RESTAURANT

Bae Bae’s Kitchen

951 Liberty Ave., Downtown. baebaes.kitchen

2ND: Soju

3RD: The Boonseek

BEST LATIN RESTAURANT Arepittas

412 Cherry Way, Downtown. arepittas.com

2ND: Cilantro & Ajo

3RD: Kaya

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

Mad Mex

Various locations. madmex.com

2ND: Condado Tacos

3RD: Round Corner Cantina

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Totopo Cocina & Cantina

660 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon. totopomex.com

2ND: Tocayo Taqueria & Tequila

3RD: Las Palmas Pittsburgh #1

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT

Salem’s Market & Grill

2923 Penn Ave., Strip District. salemsmarketgrill.com

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Mullett’s

297 Beverly Road, Mt. Lebanon. mullettsmtlebo.com

2ND: Ritual House

3RD: Harold’s Haunt

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

Pusadee’s Garden

5319 Butler St., Lawrenceville. pusadeesgarden.com

2ND: Narcisi Winery

3RD: The Porch at Schenley

BEST PIEROGIES

Pierogies Plus

342 Island Ave., McKees Rocks. pierogiesplus.com

2ND: Apteka

3RD: Cop Out Pierogies

BEST PIZZA

Fiori’s Pizzaria

Various locations. fiorispizzaria.com

2ND: Mineo’s Pizza House

3RD: Iron Born Pizza

BEST PLACE TO DRINK CHEAP

Kelly’s Bar & Lounge

2ND: Pitaland

3RD: Amel’s Restaurant

BEST MILKSHAKE

MilkShake Factory

Various locations. themilkshakefactory.com

2ND: Page’s

3RD: Burgatory

BEST MOCKTAILS

The Open Road

600 E. Warrington Ave., Allentown. openroadbarpgh.com

In a hard drinking town like Pittsburgh, it’s nice to know that non-alcoholic options exist. If you’re sober, sober-curious, or just looking for a tasty libation, The Open Road’s mocktails are where it’s at. Visit their brick-and-mortar in Allentown for a selection of NA (sometimes CBDinfused) seltzers, beers, wines, and more, or, order bevs online and have them delivered.

2ND: Harold’s Haunt

3RD: Tina’s

6012 Center Ave., East Liberty. kellysbarlounge.com

2ND: Squirrel Hill Cafe

3RD: Lefty’s

BEST PLACE TO DRINK FANCY

Bridges & Bourbon

930 Penn Ave., Downtown.

BEST PLACE TO EAT CHEAP

Eat’n Park

Various locations. eatnpark.com

2ND: Ritter’s Diner

3RD: Las Palmas Pittsburgh #1

BEST PLACE TO EAT FANCY

Pusadee’s Garden

5319 Butler St., Lawrenceville. pusadeesgarden.com

2ND: Monterey Bay Fish Grotto

3RD: Grand Concourse

BEST POKE BOWL

JJ Poke Bowl & Taiwanese

Bubble Tea

110 Atwood St., Oakland. jjpoke.com

2ND: Kahuna

3RD: Just Roll’d Up food truck

BEST RESTAURANT (DOWNTOWN & STRIP DISTRICT)

Arepittas

412 Cherry Way, Downtown. arepittas.com

2ND: Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

3RD: DiAnoia’s Eatery

BEST RESTAURANT (EAST)

Noodlehead

242 S. Highland Ave., Shadyside. noodleheadpgh.com

2ND: Apteka

3RD: The Porch at Schenley

BEST RESTAURANT (NORTH)

Nicky’s Thai Kitchen

856 Western Ave., North Side. nickysthaikitchen.com

BEST RESTAURANT (SOUTH)

Dish Osteria Bar

128 S. 17th St., South Side. dishosteria.com

2ND: Pasta Too

3RD: Mike & Tony’s Gyros

BEST RESTAURANT (WEST)

Hyeholde Restaurant

1516 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis. hyeholde.com

Hyeholde Restaurant, with its turrets, stonework, and ivy-covered walls, looks plucked right out of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Shire. The Coraopolis eatery is more than just a fantasy structure come to life — it also boasts a menu fit for Medieval nobility (barbecue boar ribs, anyone?), craft cocktails, and al fresco dining in a woodsy

2ND: Con Alma Downtown

3RD: Bar Botanico

BEST PLACE TO DRINK OUTSIDE

BEST RESTAURANT BEER LIST

Mike’s Beer Bar

110 Federal St., North Side. mikesbeerbar.com

2ND: Industry Public House

3RD: D’s Six Pax and Dogz

BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

Monterey Bay Fish Grotto

1411 Grandview Ave., Duquesne Heights. montereybayfishgrotto.com

2ND: Pusadee’s Garden

3RD: Dish Osteria Bar

BEST ROOFTOP BAR

Sienna Mercato

Grist

House Craft

Brewery 10 E. Sherman St., Millvale. gristhouse.com

2ND: Narcisi Winery

3RD: The Porch at Schenley

942 Penn Ave., Downtown. siennamercato.com

2ND: Over Eden

3RD: Biergarten

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

2ND: Fig & Ash

3RD: Alla Famiglia

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

PHOTO: COURTESY OF HYEHOLDE RESTAURANT

Open 8AM-4PM Monday-Saturday • 9AM-2PM Sunday

When you want the BEST !

Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille

2106 Penn Ave., Strip District. lukewholey.com

2ND: Monterey Bay Fish Grotto

3RD: Off The Hook

BEST SMOOTHIES

Smoothie King

Various locations. smoothieking.com

2ND: Live Fresh Cold Pressed Juice + Smoothie Bar

3RD: Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Carmi Soul Food Restaurant 1825 E. Carson St., South Side. carmirestaurant.com

2ND: Grandma B’s 3RD: Phat Girlz A Cookin’ LLC BEST

Gaucho

BEST TEA SHOP

Dobrá Tea Pittsburgh

1937 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill. dobrateapgh.com

2ND: Abeille Voyante Tea Co.

3RD: Tea Pittsburgh Blue Monkey Tea

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

Nicky’s Thai Kitchen

Various locations. nickysthaikitchen.com

2ND: Pusadee’s Garden

3RD: Noodlehead

BEST VEGAN MENU

Arepittas

412 Cherry Way, Downtown. arepittas.com

2ND: Apteka

3RD: Square Cafe

BEST VEGETARIAN MENU

Arepittas

412 Cherry Way, Downtown. arepittas.com

2ND: Apteka

3RD: Square Cafe

BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

Pho Van

2120 Penn Ave., Strip District. phovan-pgh.com

2ND: Tram’s Kitchen

3RD: Banh Mi & Ti

BEST WINE LIST

Narcisi Winery

Voted 2023 Pittsburgh’s #1 International Grocery Store. Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, stocking more than 5,000 hard-to-find imported specialty items. Largest Cheese counter in the ‘Burgh. Over 50 brands of sauce. Pasta and fresh pasta. Pizza dough and pizza sauce. More than 40 olive oils. Spices from around the world. Fresh sliced Italian meats including Prosciutto.

2010 Penn Avenue in the Strip or online at

2ND: Allegheny Wine Mixer

3RD: Mary’s Vine

BEST WINGS

Bigham Tavern

321 Bigham St., Mt. Washington. bighamtavern.com

2ND: Big Shot Bob’s House of Wings — Beechview

3RD: Sidelines Bar & Grill

täkō

CP

PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

BEST PLACE TO ADOPT A PET

TRASH CAT RESCUE

BY RACHEL WILKINSON // RWILKINSON@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

PERUSING TRASH CAT RESCUE’S adoptable animals, you’re likely to find some colorful names. Currently listed are Bulldozer and Dump Truck, three-month old tabico kittens; Gargoyle, a black “catten” rescued from an outdoor colony; and Scott “Scotty” Pilgrim (presumably named for the 2010 Michael Cera film), a dark brown tabby and “shy boy.”

All the rescued kitties fall under the label of “trash cat,” but, as co-founders Danielle Walendziewicz and Alysa McNearney tell Pittsburgh City Paper , they wear it lightly. It insteads serves as an affectionate nod to the animals’ “unglamorous” origins and to the mission of the Gibsonia-based rescue, this year’s winner for Best Place to Adopt a Pet in our Best Of PGH readers' poll.

“[The cats] are not found in good condition,” explains McNearney, who says animals are often discovered flea- or mite-ridden and literally in the trash. “So [it’s this] aesthetic of, we found this trashy, dirty, poor-condition animal and then we turn it into the nice forever pet that you want to have.”

Walendziewicz met McNeary while working at the former Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania (now Humane Animal Rescue) as a veterinary technician. McNeary, who was fostering cats and photographing adoptable pets, first helped Walendziewicz with an elusive outdoor cat who kept having litters of “really spicy kittens.” McNeary helped foster the kittens while the pair humanely trapped their mother, brought her to a veterinarian to be spayed, then released her back outside — a method known as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), which helps stabilize community cat populations.

Around the same time, McNeary fostered a cat named Possum, who was found inside a Dumpster.

“He came in with an ear tip. His intake photo was of him with his ears just totally flattened,” McNeary remembers. “And he was sitting in his litter box looking pathetic.”

She made an Instagram post calling Possum “my little trash cat” and “people went crazy over it,” McNeary says. “So it kind of just stuck.”

Trash Cat Rescue officially formed in July 2021 under the three pillars of its mission — TNR, fostering, and adoption. In its first year, the rescue successfully adopted out 365 cats — surprising McNeary at “almost a cat a day” — and is on track to reach the same number this year. The nonprofit has also neutered and released 64 cats since its founding.

Currently, Trash Cat works with a network of 30 foster homes, but they’ve “tossed the idea around lightly” of opening a brick-and-mortar shelter, Walendziewicz says.

The pair believes the idea of a “trash cat” connects so strongly with pet lovers because it gives the rescue an “edge,” and because of its honesty.

“It definitely gives a better representation than, like, Angel Paws,” Walendziewic says. (McNeary notes her own mother is still skeptical of the name.)

They try to lead with acceptance, Walendziewic says, from thanking individual donors to approaching a recent hoarding situation rescue without judgment — and they encourage people who see a cat in need to do the same.

“Nine times out of 10, you have the capability to help that animal,” McNeary says. “Once you see the need around you, you can’t unsee it.” •

CP PHOTOS: MARS JOHNSON Alysa McNearney and Danielle Walendziewicz, co-founders of Trash Cat Rescue

To all our cherished songbirds, a heartfelt thank you from Debbie, Jacklyn, and Jenn of Songbird Artistry. We are grateful and honored to be among some of the Best of Pittsburgh for: Best Gift Store, Best Jewelry Store, Best Thrift Shop, Best Women-Owned Business, Best Place to Buy Locally Made Crafts, and Best Selfie Mirror.

4316 Penn Aveue • PGH • 412.427.5500 • SONGBIRDARTISTRY.COM

BEST ALTERATIONS SHOP/TAILOR

Old Flame Mending

643 California Road, Avalon. oldflamemending.com

The sustainable clothing movement found a champion in Old Flame Mending, a woman-run business committed to ensuring that customers won’t have to throw away beloved pieces because of moth-eaten holes or tears. They even provide classes where people can learn how to darn, stitch, hem, and patch their wardrobe.

Eye Kandiee Artistry Brow and Wax Studio

2525 Monroeville Blvd., Monroeville. eyekandieeartistry.com

A longtime wax maven, Markisha Leonard took the reins of her own Monroeville-based business and brand in 2020, and her services have become more popular than ever. She and her team strive to create an enjoyable experience for their clients — a tall order for waxing — by incorporating wellness and a passion for

2ND: Alterations Express

3RD: Topaz Thimble

BEST ATTORNEY

Trellis Legal LLC

5149 Butler St. Suite 300, Lawrenceville. trellispgh.com

2ND: Kathryn Wakefield

3RD: The Abolitionist Law Center

BEST AUTOMOTIVE SHOP

Walter’s Automotive

5775 Baum Blvd., East Liberty

2ND: Martys Muffler And Welding Shop

3RD: Glenshaw Auto Service Inc.

BEST BARBER SHOP

House of Handsome

Barbershop and Boutique

2906 W. Liberty Ave, Dormont. houseofhandsome.com

2ND: Sonny’s Hair Parlor

3RD: JP’s Barbershop

2ND: CHAMBERS OF BEAUTY

3RD: Curated Flame

BEST BLACK-OWNED BARBER SHOP Bam Cuts

2343 Smallman St. Suite 5, Strip District. facebook.com/bamcutyou

2ND: The Natural Choice

3RD: JP’s Barbershop

BEST BLACK-OWNED HAIR SALON Shear

Elegance Salon

2205 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills. shearelegance.us

2ND: Chelsea Rae Salon

3RD: Dreamz Hair Salon and Barber Shop

BEST BODY PIERCING SHOP Hot Rod Piercing Co. 95 S. 16th St., South Side. hotrodpiercingcompany.com

2ND: Never Ending ink

3RD: Pittsburgh Tattoo Company

PHOTO: COURTESY OF OLD FLAME MENDING

PHOTO: COURTESY OF EYE KANDIEE ARTISTRY BROW AND WAX STUDIO

ASCEND Point Breeze

2ND: Club Elevation

3RD: Full Circle Function & Fitness

BEST FLORIST

Farmer’s Daughter Flowers

502 East Ohio St., North Side. thefarmersdaughterflowers.com

2ND: Dormont Florist

3RD: Steel City Florals

BEST GUIDED TOUR

Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary

2506 Wexford Bayne Road, Sewickley. hopehavenfarm.org

Doors Open Pittsburgh The Frick Pittsburgh

BEST HAIR SALON

Denham & Co. Salon

100 Fifth Ave. Suite 200, Downtown. denhamandco.com

2ND: Wicked House of Hair

3RD: Studio Raw Elite

BEST HEALTH ADVOCACY GROUP

Central Outreach Wellness Center

127 Anderson St. Suite 101, North Side. centraloutreach.com

2ND: Abortion Defense Committee

3RD: Metro Community Health Center

BEST INDEPENDENT PHARMACY

Hieber’s Pharmacy

3500 Fifth Ave. Suite 101, Oakland. hiebers.com

2ND: Spartan Pharmacy

3RD: Bloomfield Drug Store

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

BEST LGBTQ-OWNED BUSINESS

Leona’s Ice Cream

Multiple locations. leonaspgh.com

2ND: Pigeon Bagels

3RD Square Cafe

BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST

Ian Green — Pittsburgh

Acupuncture & Massageworks

901 Western Ave. Suite 209, North Side. pghacuandmassage.com

2ND: Nikki Remic Bannon — Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health & Healing

3RD: Becca Cutright — Full Circle Function & Fitness

BEST MEDICAL SPA

The Skin Center

Multiple locations. theskincentermd.com

2ND: Renuva MedSpa

3RD: Known Aesthetics

BEST MUSIC RECORDING STUDIO

Mr. Smalls Recording and Mastering

922 W. North Ave., North Side. mrsmallsrecording.com

2ND: Razorblade Recordings

3RD: Spaceship Studio PGH

BEST NON-PROFIT

412 Food Rescue

412foodrescue.org

2ND: 412Thrive

3RD: Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

Clay Moorefield

12122 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills. circulatestudios.com

2ND: Donny Donovan

3RD: OJ Macklin Fitness

BEST PET DAYCARE

The Dog Stop

Multiple locations. thedogstop.com

2ND: Pittsburgh Paws Pet Resort

3RD: Camp Bow Wow

BEST PET GROOMER

Puffy Paws Dog Grooming 1726 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw. instagram.com/puffypawsdoggrooming

2ND: The AuStella Pet Parlor Pawsitive Transfurmations

BEST PLACE TO ADOPT A PET

Trash Cat Rescue

trashcatrescue.org

READ MORE ON PG. 31

2ND: Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh

Animal Friends

BEST PLACE TO TAKE RECYCLING

Construction Junction

214 N. Lexington St., Point Breeze. cjreuse.org

2ND: Michael Brothers Recycling

Pennsylvania Resources Council

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

PHOTO: COURTESY OF MAD HATTER NAIL BOUTIQUE

Family owned metaphysical shop located in Bellevue just west of downtown Pittsburgh. Specializing in Crystals, Spiritualism, Divination, and housemade “Crafts”.

Need Help Getting Social Security

BEST PRINTMAKER/POSTER DESIGNER

CommonWealth Press

415 W. Warrington Ave., Allentown. cwpress.com

2ND: Signs N’ At

3RD: PGH Print Ship

BEST PSYCHIC/TAROT READER

The Menagerie

494 Lincoln Ave., North Side. themenageriepgh.com

3RD: Arts & Crafts: Botanica & Occult Shop

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY

River Point Realty

7112 Church Ave., Ben Avon. riverpointpgh.com

2ND: Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty

3RD: Kefalos & Associates Real Estate

BEST SOCIAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATION

1Hood Media

460 Melwood Ave., Oakland. 1hood.org

2ND: SisTers PGH

3RD: #ProtectTransKids — Pittsburgh LGBTQ Charities

BEST TATTOO SHOP

Sanctuary Pittsburgh

3533 Butler St., Lawrenceville. sanctuarypittsburgh.com Sanctuary lives up to its name. Though primarily a tattoo parlor, Sanctuary goes beyond tattoos by including a body-positive vintage shop and exhibition space, and by taking a leading role in events such as Lawrenceville Pride. Most of Sanctuary's artists specialize in fine linework and black-and-gray tattoos,

2ND: Black Cat Tattoos

3RD: Ice 9 Studio

BEST WEDDING VENUE

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

One Schenley Drive, Oakland. phipps.conservatory.org

2ND: Hyeholde Restaurant

3RD: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

BEST WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS Hocus Pocus

113 Meyran Ave., Oakland. hocuspocuspgh.com

2ND: Songbird Artistry

3RD: Pittsburgh Honey

BEST YOGA STUDIO

All Bodies Welcome Yoga

allbodieswelcomeyoga.com

2ND: Yoga Innovations

3RD: The Om Lounge Yoga & Wellness

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

PEOPLE + PLACES

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

BEST BLOG, BEST PODCAST UNCLE BOB'S MAGIC CABINET

BY SARAH HAMM // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

ASTROLOGICAL SYZYGY. The Fresno Nightcrawler. Aleister Crowley. These are just a few topics you can expect to hear in the rollicking, conversational style of Uncle Bob’s Magic Cabinet, this year’s winner for Pittsburgh City Paper’s Best Of PGH podcast category.

Helmed by mother and daughter duo Lori Lazar and Leigh Morrissey and produced by “Fact Check Jake,” Uncle Bob’s Magic Cabinet (or UBMC for short) is a Pittsburgh-based weekly podcast featuring accessible bites of paranormal pop culture with a chummy chat-forward approach. The title is an allusion for fans of the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, evoking the name of the mystical shop where Buffy and her

The podcast is a high-spirited giggle fest from a parent and child who seem to genuinely appreciate each other, their interests converging to cover topics ranging from plant medicine to cryptids and plenty in between. If you thrive on podcasts with friendly, authentic dynamics that keep you company during long commutes, UBMC

“We’re all about authenticity, openness, and lighthearted humor,” the via email. “We take our research and topics seriously, but we’re not afraid to be silly. As a little family that loves learning about weird things and sharing our discoveries, we try to make intimidating topics approachable and provide a safe space

Just ask their hefty Instagram and TikTok followings. On the latter

platform, you can find viral posts about ’90s pop culture witches, meme reactions to famous horror movie scenes, and a lot of Matthew Lillard love. Packaged for short snippets of info on social, UBMC is more diffuse on their podcast, with plenty of chitchat up top before diving into the episodes’ ever-evolving spooky subjects.

Over 150 episodes in and counting, the pair began the podcast in May of 2020, and like so many projects started that year, it was in direct response to COVID. “After the pandemic disrupted our previous business, an online apothecary we poured our hearts into, we needed a way to stay connected with the fantastic community we’d built.”

That sense of community is truly evident in how the hosts speak to each other and their listeners. Beyond just information, UBMC delivers a kind of companionable intimacy that people crave. “Every week, we hear from folks who tell us that our show brought smiles and laughter when they needed it most or reignited their spark of curiosity when they felt uninspired,” says UBMC.

Listening to Uncle Bob’s Magic Cabinet feels like chatting with your spookiest aunt and cousin at a family gathering, a dishrag slung over your shoulder, the sound of the TV in the next room. The podcast is full of small but vital moments of magic, like one in episode 154 where Leigh (the daughter) stops Lori (the mom) mid-sentence to gush: “I know some of this … but you’re giving it to me in a new light,” before pausing for a moment to say, with total enthusiasm and sincerity, “I love you.”

•

CP PHOTOS: MARS JOHNSON Lori Lazar and Leigh Morrissey, hosts of the podcast 'Uncle Bob's Magic Cabinet'

Tiki Lounge

2003 East Carson St., South Side. tikilounge412.com

Before bars like Hidden Harbor made tiki its thing, Tiki Lounge in the South Side had a long history of slinging tropical drinks in a Polynesianthemed setting. The fun extends to the bar’s bathroom, which includes a waterfall, and requires descending a stairway accented with evocative red lighting and kitschy decor.

2ND: Spirit

3RD: Belvedere’s Ultra-Dive

BEST BIKE TRAIL

Montour Trail

montourtrail.org

Pittsburgh's rail-trail network has improved dramatically in recent years, but the Montour Trail remains one of the most complete and interconnected sections. The former coaltrain railbed loops through roughly 47 miles of suburban and rural terrain in a rough half-circle from Coraopolis to Clairton and connects to several other trails along the way. Though its mostly crushed-lime surface is less smooth than asphalt, it also makes the trail a destination for gravel riders and equestrians. The Montour remains the best way to ride outside of city limits and a symbol of how far the region has come since the heyday of industry.

BEST BIRTHDAY SPOT FOR ADULTS

Arsenal Bowl

212 44th St., Lawrenceville. arsenalbowl.com

2ND: Shorty’s Pins x Pints

3RD: Trace Brewing

BEST BIRTHDAY SPOT FOR KIDS

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

7370 Baker St., Highland Park. pittsburghzoo.org

BEST HAIR

Heather Abraham

instagram.com/heatherabrahamkdka

3RD:

2ND: Carnegie Science Center

3RD: Zone 28

BEST BLOG

Uncle Bob's Magic Cabinet

unclebobsmagiccabinet.com

2ND: Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents

3RD: Virginia Montanez

BEST BUSKER

Saxophone Guy

2ND: Pittsburgh Steel Man

3RD: Trombone Guy

BEST CITY POOL

Dormont Swimming Pool

1801 Dormont Ave., Dormont. boro.dormont.pa.us/dormont-pool

Settlers Cabin Park

Highland Park Swimming Pool

Party On Butler

4304 Butler St., Lawrenceville. partyonbutler.com

2ND: Flyspace Productions

3RD: Diana Rua Media

2ND: Weird Paul

3RD: Richie Walsh

BEST HANGOUT FOR TEENS

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Various locations. carnegielibrary.org

2ND: Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild

3RD: Three Rivers Youth

BEST INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

@ana.eats.pgh

instagram.com/ana.eats.pgh

Anastasia Anthony of @ana.eats.pgh draws on her love of a good meal, the city of Pittsburgh, and all things Thai (especially crab rangoons) to take Instagram users on a perpetual food tour of the Steel City. You can rely on her for gorgeous photos, insider tips on what to eat and drink around

BEST JAGOFF

The dude with the parked car on Penn outside Evergreen Cafe

2ND: Pittsburgh Dad

3RD: Bob Nutting

BEST LIFESTYLE INFLUENCER

Weird Paul linktr.ee/weirdpaul

2ND: Jamie Lee Coitus

3RD: Pittsburgh Steel Man

BEST PLACE TO DITCH A SCOOTER Bill Peduto’s house

2ND: Take that sucker 33 blocks STRAIGHT INTO THE RIVER

3RD: Responsibly in a charging station

BEST PODCAST

Uncle Bob’s Magic Cabinet unclebobsmagiccabinet.com

READ MORE ON PG. 41

2ND: I’ll Call You Right Back Podcast

3RD: Ya Jagoff! Podcast

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

CP PHOTO: HANNAH KINNEY-KOBRE

2ND: Great Allegheny Passage

Three Rivers Heritage Trail

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

INSTAGRAM SCREENSHOT

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

PHOTO: PAUL SELVAGGIO

Working from Home?

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY (TALK)

Kelly at 100.7

direct.me/kelonair

2ND: Mikey and Big Bob

3RD: Randy Baumann

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

Kelly Frey

1005 Beaver Grade Road Suite 200, Moon Township. facebook.com/ KellyFreyREALTOR

2ND: Nick McCune

3RD: Scott LaRocca & Rachel Navarro “Preferred Realty”

BEST SELFIE MIRROR

Songbird Artistry

4316 Penn Ave., Lawrenceville. songbirdartistry.com

2ND: Brillobox

3RD: Sam’s Vintage

BEST SPORTS ANNOUNCER

Stan Savran *POSTHUMOUS

twitter.com/StanLoveTheShow

2ND: Josh Getzoff

3RD: Bill Hillgrove

BEST TIKTOK ACCOUNT

@weirdpaulp

tiktok.com/@weirdpaulp

2ND: @pghzoo

3RD: @oakmontbakery

BEST TINY FREE LIBRARY

Castle Shannon Library

3677 Myrtle Ave., Castle Shannon. castleshannonlibrary.org

2ND: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh — Main (Oakland)

3RD: Gross Street & Parsley Way (Bloomfield)

BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION/ BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT OF TOWNERS

Mount Washington

BEST TV PERSONALITY

Rick Sebak

2ND: The Strip

3RD: Randyland

2ND: Bob Pompeani

3RD: Heather Abraham

BEST TWITCH ACCOUNT

Weird Paul

twitch.tv/weird_paul

2ND: Selecta

3RD: HUP Challenge

BEST TWITTER ACCOUNT @pgh_scanner

twitter.com/pgh_scanner

2ND: @joeybagovdonuts

3RD: @pghzoo

BEST VIEW OF THE CITY

Mount Washington

2ND: Fort Pitt Tunnel

3RD: West End Overlook Park

BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY Ohiopyle

discoverohiopyle.com

2ND: Erie

3RD: Omni Bedford Springs Resort

BEST YINZER

Pittsburgh Dad pghdad.com

2ND: John Fetterman

3RD: Lewis the Giraffe at the Pittsburgh Zoo

BEST YOUTUBE ACCOUNT

Pittsburgh Dad

youtube.com/user/pittsburghdad

2ND: Weird Paul

3RD: Hautemesstom

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

Har vest Fun

C ome experience Autumn in the Garden with a cornucopia of events for the whole family ever y Sunday this October. Included with Garden admission, Autumn activities take place from 11am to 3pm. Timed ticketing is available on the website, but not necessar y, and members receive free admission. Find out more at Pit t s burg h B otanic G arde n . org.

e annual migration of North America’s monarch butterry is a unique and amazing phenomenon. Monarch was recently added to the International Union for Conservation o of Nature (IUCN) Red List as endangered. Activities will include a tour of the Margaret Lawrence Simon Dogwood Meadow and Hillside Pollinator Garden.

Mums, asters, dahlias, and goldenrod, come in an astounding range of forms and colors and bloom late in the season until the rst frost.

C Create a fun ower-related cra and check out the e Greater Pittsburgh Dahlia Society’s spectacular show in the Peirce Education Room of the Welcome Center

e long-running U and P G exhibitions will be the focus of this Autumn in the Garden event.

V Visitors will be able to learn more about the impactful, nature-inspired sculptures scattered throughout the gardens and woodlands. Make an EcoAr t cra p project to take home.

Be-leaf us, this season is a spectacular time to experience our breathtaking foliage w with an autumnal stroll through the Allegheny Woodland Plateau. Collect fallen leaves during your walk to incor porate into a festive cra.

Just in time for Halloween, come learn about these fascinating creatures! Find out about the diversity of bats, their unique habits, a and the ecological role they ll Learn how to create a habitat in your neighborhood that is friendly toward these important animals. Work on a bat-related cra.

SHOPPING

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

BEST WEDDING SHOP BRIDAL MAVEN

BY RACHEL WILKINSON // RWILKINSON@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

WHEN BRIDAL MAVEN owner

Hannah Balash first heard the term “bridechilla” — a contrast to the dreaded bridezilla — she knew she’d find a way to make it her own.

“I’ve been using it to describe my ideal client,” she tells Pittsburgh City Paper . “More relaxed … open to what’s out there, fewer preconceived notions about what [they] need.”

It was a compelling vision for Balash, who started out styling brides nearly a decade ago in New York City. Though she’d graduated from music school, she responded to a job ad for a bridal shop on a lark — she was also engaged at the time — thinking it might be fun. It turned out that she “had the personality for it,” and continued working in the industry after moving back to Pittsburgh in 2018, eventually “workshopping” a concept for her own bridal shop.

Balash had previously worked in consignment and noticed an expanding market for it.

“This idea had been percolating … combining [consignment] with bridal,” Balash says. “Attitudes towards secondhand clothing have been changing, and the younger generation that’s starting to get married is all about sustainability and about reuse.”

Bridal Maven — Balash admits she’s the maven — first opened as a pop-up shop in February 2021 before expanding to a storefront in Dormont that October. The concept was a bridal salon offering wedding gowns that are mostly consignment and resale that still gave clients the full consultation experience with a stylist. To Balash’s knowledge, Bridal

Maven is the only bridal consignment store in Pittsburgh.

In Balash’s experience, Pittsburgh brides tend to fit the “bridechilla” bill: “down-to-earth and practical,” she says. “I think if you are open to secondhand goods, then you are a bit more relaxed as a person … I felt like the Pittsburgh bride would be open to, ‘oh, I could save $500?’”

Budget shopping for a wedding gown is also “a very tough thing,” Balash remarks, with the average dress running $1,800 to $2,000 nationally.

The store’s current inventory of nearly 400 dresses starts around $500 with about half priced under $1,000. A small selection of designer gowns is also available for $2,000 to $3,000. In general, Balash says, brides can expect to save 20 to 30 percent off retail, with all styles consigned in the last three years.

Balash stresses that the shop is size and gender inclusive, welcoming “anyone who wants to wear a wedding dress.” (The invitation even extends to bridezillas — an unfair construct, she concedes.)

Though Bridal Maven isn’t a thrift shop, it’s distinguished by a pay-it-forward sensibility, Balash says.

Brides who consign their dresses split profits from their sale and “help another bride who just got married, who’s just like [them], put little extra money towards something,” Balash says. “These gowns are still stunning and beautiful and they have a lot of sparkle left in them. They deserve another chance to shine.” •

CP PHOTOS: MARS JOHNSON Hannah Balash, owner of Bridal Maven, poses for a portrait at her store.

BEST ADULT STORE

AdultMart

Various locations. adultmart.com

2ND: Sassy Sensations

3RD: Buzz Me In

BEST ANTIQUE SHOP

Wexford General Store Antiques

150 Church Road, Wexford. wexfordantiques.com

2ND: Emma Jean’s Relics

3RD: Pink Tulle Vintage/Sam’s Vintage

BEST BEER DISTRIBUTOR

Duffy’s Beer & Much More

294 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills. duffysbeer.com

2ND: Bellevue Beer

3RD: Liberty Beer

BEST BICYCLE RETAIL STORE

Kindred Cycles (tied)

2515 Penn Ave, Strip District. kindredcycles.com

Tucked into a charming Strip District storefront, Kindred Cycles specializes in robust bikes that range from modestly-priced hybrids to top-ofthe-line touring bikes, as well as a growing selection of e-bikes for commuting and fun. Kindred is both inclusive and family-friendly, with solid offerings for younger riders, and also contains a full-service repair shop for cyclists in need of a tune-up or troubleshooting. It certainly doesn't hurt that the shop is a quick pedal away from several major bicycle arteries and a trailhead for the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

Kraynick’s Bike Shop Inc (tied)

5003 Penn Ave., Garfield. kraynicksbikeshop.weebly.com

3RD: Thick Bikes

BEST BOOKSTORE

White Whale Bookstore

4754 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield. whitewhalebookstore.com

2ND: Beyond Bedtime Books

3RD: Amazing Books & Records

BEST BUTCHER SHOP

Strip District Meats, Inc.

2123 Penn Ave., Strip District. stripdistrictmeats.com

2ND: Tom Friday’s

3RD: Fat Butcher

BEST CHILDREN’S STORE

Castle Toys and Games — Oakmont

502 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont. castletoysandgames.com

2ND: Dragonfly Castle Toys

3RD: The Picket Fence

BEST CIGAR SHOP/BAR

Just the Tip Cigars

2550 Brownsville Road, South Park Township. justthetipcigarslounge.com

2ND: The Blind Fox

3RD: Leaf and Bean

BEST CLOTHING STORE

Shop With Julz

507 Mill St., Coraopolis. shopwithjulz.com

Thriftique Sam’s Vintage

BEST E-RETAILER Hocus Pocus

113 Meyran Ave., Oakland. hocuspocuspgh.com

Firecracker Fabrics

3RD: Sol Refill

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

Kyle’s Cakes N’at

kylescakesnat.com

Who needs New York cheesecake when there’s Kyle’s Cakes N’at?

Guided by the philosophy “Life is short. Eat Cheesecake,” founder and chief baker Kyle Rozycki cranks out more than a dozen delectable flavors of cheesecake, from Classic to Orange Cream to Caramel Apple to Chocolate Caramel Turtle. Find them at local farmers markets.

2ND: Bellevue Farmers Market

3RD: Sleepy Hollow Handmade

BEST FURNITURE STORE

Thriftique

125 51st St., Lawrenceville. ncjwpgh.org/programs/thriftique

2ND: Wexford General Store Antiques

3RD: Pittsburgh Furniture Company

BEST GARDEN SHOP/NURSERY

Ruby Flora Plant Shop

104 Broughton Road, Bethel Park. rubyflora.com

2ND: Brenckles Greenhouses

3RD: Chapon’s Greenhouse & Supply

BEST GIFT STORE

Hocus Pocus

113 Meyran Ave., Oakland. hocuspocuspgh.com

2ND: Songbird Artistry

3RD: Wildcard

Curated Flame

505 Grant Ave., Millvale. curatedflamepgh.com

BEST HOLISTIC MEDICINE SHOP

Hocus Pocus

113 Meyran Ave., Oakland. hocuspocuspgh.com

The oldest witch shop in Pittsburgh proudly provides metaphysical essentials — from healing oil to Reiki to ritual tattoos — that incorporate astrology and the phases of the moon. It’s also home to the city’s only fully functional Magickal Apothecary, through which customized potions are made. “People always come here, and they have serious problems,” owner Kali Vee tells Pittsburgh City Paper. “We have a really good success record with helping.”

2ND: Head Of The Glass

3RD: Hippie & French

2ND: The Menagerie

3RD: East End Food Co-op

BEST INTERNATIONAL GROCERY STORE

Pennsylvania Macaroni Co.

2010-2012 Penn Ave., Strip District. pennmac.com

2ND: Salem's Market & Grill

3RD: Pitaland

BEST JEWELRY STORE

Hocus Pocus

113 Meyran Ave., Oakland. hocuspocuspgh.com

2ND: Songbird Artistry

3RD: Henne Jewelers

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

BEST SHOPPING, CONTINUED FROM PG. 48

10 A.M. MONDAY

LIVE PODCAST

BEST LOCAL T-SHIRT COMPANY

CommonWealth Press

415 W. Warrington Ave., Beltzhoover. cwpress.com

2ND: Steel City™

3RD: Inclined Designs

BEST MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY

Organic Remedies

7402 McKnight Road, Ross Township. organicremediespa.com

2ND: Sunnyside Medical Cannabis Dispensary — Pittsburgh

3RD: Maitri Medicinals Medical Marijuana Dispensary

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD GROCER

East End Food Co-op

7516 Meade St., Point Breeze. eastendfood.coop

2ND: Millvale Market

3RD: Squirrel Hill Market

BEST PET STORE

Petagogy

Various locations. petagogy.com

2ND: Elmer’s Aquarium & Pet Center

3RD: Healthy Pet Products

BEST PLACE TO BUY CBD PRODUCTS

PSquare Scents LLC

469 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue. psquarescents.com

2ND: Hippie & French

3RD: Hieber’s Pharmacy

BEST PLACE TO BUY COMICS

Eide’s Entertainment

1121 Penn Ave., Strip District. eides.com

2ND: Phantom of the Attic Comics

3RD: New Dimension Comics — Waterfront

BEST PLACE TO BUY LOCALLY MADE CRAFTS

I Made It! Market

imadeitmarket.com

2ND: The Menagerie

3RD: Songbird Artistry

BEST PLACE TO BUY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

N Stuff Music

468 Freeport Road, Blawnox. nstuffmusic.com

2ND: Volkwein’s Music

3RD: Acoustic Music Works

Jerry’s Records

Switch and Signal Skatepark

7518 Dickson St., Swissvale. switchandsignalskatepark.com

2ND: Wicked Skatewear

3RD: Plank Eye Board ShopThird Place

BEST THRIFT SHOP

Red White & Blue

Thrift Store

Various locations. redwhiteandbluethriftstore.com

2ND: Songbird Artistry

3RD: Thriftique

BEST VAPE STORE

Steel City Vapors

Various locations. steelcityvapors.com

2ND: Cool Vapes

3RD: Head Of The Glass

BEST WEDDING SHOP

Bridal Maven

1443 Potomac Ave., Dormont. bridalmavenpgh.com

READ MORE ON PG. 47

2ND: Gemma Bridal

3RD: Luxe Redux Bridal Boutique

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

Our Best of PGH Party was made possible by our sponsors

MARKET PLACE

HELP WANTED ORACLE APP DEVELOPER

Oracle App Dvlpr, Pittsburgh, PA. WFH option allowed. Analyze end user needs & dvlp program specs w/solutions. Deploy computer programs & assc’d docs.

Document & test program changes, create & modify operational docs & write specs. Apply online w/University of Pittsburgh at https:// www.join.pitt.edu/

HELP WANTED

SR. DATA ENGINEER Proofpoint, Inc., a leading cybersecurity company has an opening in Pittsburgh, PA: Sr. Data Engineer (M081) Design, analyze & develop SW.

$145,200-$156,800; Email resume to USimmigration@ proofpoint.com. Must include job title with ref job# to be considered.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated:

111 Hickory Grade Rd. Bridgeville, PA 15017.

October 4, 2023 at 12:30 PM.

Teah Banerjee 2110, Robert Gallocher Sr 3052, Blake Bosetti 3399. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 880 Saw Mill Run Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15226

October 4, 2023, at 1:15 PM. 2033

Caelon Johnson. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 700 E Carson St, Pittsburgh PA 15203 on October 4, 2023 at 12:15

PM. Unit 1042 David Yancy, unit 1058 Wayne Williams, unit 1074 Marylyn Brooke, unit 2018 William Manker, unit 2203 Jeffrey Thornton, unit 3017 Duriee Killings, unit 3145 Fred Sherwood, and unit 4109 Christopher Stack. The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 141 N Braddock Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15208, October 4, 2023, 11:00AM. 5013 Lloyd Nesby, 6075 Shante Davis and M007 Andrew Williams. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 902 Brinton Rd Pittsburgh, Pa 15221. October 4th, 2023, at 11:30am. Eugina Saunders 2210, Shaquana Grant 3049, Anthony Parks 3158, Chequala Bryant 3209, Yaz Anthony 3224, Aaron Sealey 3291. The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 6400 Hamilton Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 October 4, 2023 at 1:45 PM. Raymond Guerrero 2021, Jamal Brooks 2119, James Mcnichol 5086. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at 110 Kisow Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 on October 4th 2023 at 11:15 am. Mark Doody 162. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

FINANCIAL

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-23-8469

We are an equal rights and opportunity school district.

FINANCIAL

In re petition of Brandon Thomas Keat for change of name to Brando Noyes Keat. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 25th day of September, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.

FORGO

BY BRENDAN EMMETT QUIGLEY // BRENDANEMMETTQUIGLEY.COM

ACROSS

1.  Leave off

5.  Take down a notch

10.  Othello piece

14.  ___ My Professors

15.  Spotify rival

16.  Religious liberty org.

17.  Adderall target, briefly

18.  Insult some rapper’s backing track?

20.  Muumuu’s necklace

21.  Stage time?

22.  Overhead cost

23.  Fool around with your deer?

28.  There are 88 on a piano

29.  Women in habits

30.  Consumed

33.  Gorsuch’s colleague

35.  Fireplace stuff

36.  Inflatable bed company

37.  Policy of playing only current stars like Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen?

40.  Joie de vivre

41.  They always land on their feet

42.  “He beat me!”

43.  Pallid-looking

44.  Bash on CNN

45.  Not for the ladies

46.  Oversee Lauren

Conrad’s reality TV show?

50.  “Here, My Dear” singer Marvin

52.  Pint in a pub

53.  Lubrication need

54.  “Let’s see your cannonball, honey!”?

58.  “Well, natch!”

59. Night author Wiesel

60.  ___ Villa (England soccer club)

61.  Engage in portion control

62.  “Keep it to yourself,” initially

63.  New Mexico’s state flower

64.  Comes to a conclusion

DOWN

1.  Toothbrush brand

2.  Tyler Perry in drag character

3.  Volunteer’s phrase

4.  Coach Beard’s boss

5.  Diet doctor

6.  Cruise through an entire series

7.  Shakespearean stink

8.  Biological baglike structure

9.  Wapiti

10. Doctor Who robot

11.  Google Drive’s triangle, e.g.

13.  Curve one’s hands, say

19.  Rainbow shapes

21.  Cheering on words

24.  Board

25.  Show contempt for

26.  Bay floats

27.  Law ___ oneself

30.  Iron carrying protein in red blood cells

31.  Harmonia’s father

32.  “I wouldn’t”

33.  Once more from the top

34.  Actress Tung of The Summer I Turned Pretty

35.  Place for a paper

36.  Two-time

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS