PITTSBURGH | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania or the ‘burgh as locals call it, is an industrial city in the heart of America. Pittsburgh is known for being the “Steel City”, for its more than 300 steel-related business, and as the “City of Bridges” for its whopping 446 bridges – more bridges than Venice, Italy. As the birthplace of the industrial revolution, many of Pittsburgh’s many local neighborhoods have an industrial vibe and you can see evidence of its heritage throughout. A city made up of just over 100 unique neighborhoods, we explored five of our favorites.
Neighborhood: Mt. Washington
Breathtaking views await when you visit the neighborhood atop Mt. Washington. Overlooking the city of Pittsburgh, the Mt. Washington neighborhood boasts a positive and uplifting vibe. This dog-walker’s paradise has many parks and hiking trails, including one of the city’s newest park, Emerald View.
Do
Monongahela Incline
There is no better place to take in the magnificent city skyline than with a trip up the Monongahela Incline, often called Mon Incline for short, to get to the top of Mt. Washington. Upon arrival to the top, you are greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
The Mon Incline was built in 1870 by John Engres and is the oldest continuously operating funicular in the United States. The incline was built to help coal and steel miners during a time when the industrial city was rapidly expanding and workers needed a mode of transportation to get from where they lived to the river flats where they worked.
Spanning 635 feet on an incline grade of 78%, the Mon Incline provides riders with a mode of original transportation that Pittsburgh residents have been utilizing for centuries. Riding the incline is reasonable mode of transportation, with rides being $2.50 each way with a ConnectCard or $2.75 each way with cash.
Monongahela Incline
Grandview Towers, Carson Street
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania 15211
Eat
The Shiloh Grill
Nestled at the top of Mt. Washington, the Shiloh Grill is a historic watering hole that is allegedly haunted by the Ghost of Mrs. Soffel. Accounts of what happened at the Shiloh Grill are varied, but staff agree that there is something odd that inhabits the grill. The 1984 movie, starring Diane Keaton and Mel Gibson, document the events and loosely follow the actual story about the presence that haunts 123 Shiloh Street. When not trading ghosts stories, patrons can enjoy a café of their signature Sangria while looking over the Pittsburgh river valley.
The Shiloh Grill
123 Shiloh Street
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania 15211
Grand Brew Coffee Shop
While exploring Mt. Washington, make sure to stop for coffee at the Grand Brew. Located at the top of the mountain across the street from The Shiloh Grill, this small, independent coffee shop features decadent freshly made pastries and a variety of coffee blends sure to satisfy everyone’s caffeine cravings.
Grand Brew Coffee Shop
122 Shiloh Street
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania 15211
Neighborhood: Downtown/Cultural District
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PPG Paints Arena
Home of the 2016 Stanley Cup Champions – Pittsburgh Penguins, visitors can take in an exciting hockey game or one of their many other, over 150 events, that are held in the PPG Paints Arena every year. From hockey games to concerts to family shows and more, this downtown arena offers a packed calendar of entertainment options for you to explore before you plan your next visit to the Steel City.
PPG Paints Arena
1001 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania 15219
Eat
Sienna Mercato
Sienna Mercato is a downtown Pittsburgh favorite and offers an Italian dining experience with a twist. There are three distinct dining options under one roof at this popular hotspot.
- Emporio, a Meatball Joint, features gourmet meatballs, salads, soups, and poutine — all are made fresh from scratch. Their full bar features 32 draft beers, wine, and classic cocktails
- Mezzo offers a showcase of gourmet Italian fare in a warm, farm-inspired space — featuring house made charcuterie, wood-fired pizzas, savory panini, creative pastas, fine wines and more.
- Il Tetto offers 36 drafts, cocktails, wine, and light fare while boasting a spectacular view of downtown Pittsburgh. The retractable glass roof allows the expansive Il Tetto beer garden to be open year-round and open-air in warmer months.
Sienna Mercato
942 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania 15222
Neighborhood: Southside
Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood is an eclectic mix of college students, hipsters and artists. For some of the best people watching in the city, make sure to check out the famed “Great American Main Street,” East Carson Street, which is a 15 block stretch of Victorian Architecture and many colorful characters.
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Urban Tap
Urban Tap is of Pittsburgh’s premiere scratch kitchens and with over 140 draft brews on tap, they have something for everyone. In addition to their American style cuisine with a Southern twist, Urban Tap is known for their weekend brunch which is not complete without their Bloody Mary bar. The make your own Bloody Mary bar features toppings that could be a meal in themselves. Think chicken & waffles, pierogi, cheese curds, chicken nuggets as well as traditional Bloody Mary toppings. Your weekend trip to Pittsburgh will be off to a good start with one of these!
Urban Tap
1209 E Carson Street
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania 15203
Neighborhood: The Strip
The Strip neighborhood is one of the local’s favorite neighborhoods. Known for its extremely low food prices and knockoff designer goods, residents and tourists alike flock to this neighborhood for a great bargain and to check out the latest food trucks. This neighborhood borders the downtown district and is sure to give you an authentic Pittsburgh vibe with its local flavor and friendly residents.
Drink
The BeerHive
This two-story watering hole is known for it’s wide variety of stocked beers. With over one-hundred different types bottled beers on-hand, in addition to growlers and taps, The BeerHive is the place to go if you want to expand your brew pallet portfolio.
The BeerHive
2117 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania 15222
Neighborhood: Lawrenceville
The Lawrenceville neighborhood has rapidly changed over the past decade and is a mix of new and old Pittsburgh, a hotspot for dining and nightlife. Lawrenceville’s industrial heritage includes the centerpiece of the American industrial revolution as Lawrenceville, along with the Strip District, are the birthplace of the world’s aluminum, glass, oil, grease and air brake industries. Now a trendy hot spot, Lawrenceville is now home to many up and coming artists and designers and boasts some world class local diners. Tourists enjoy shopping at the one-of-a kind boutiques, checking out art galleries and dining on the latest take on modern cuisine exploring the ‘ville in the ‘burgh.
Eat
Tender Bar + Kitchen
Tender Bar + Kitchen is an American cocktail lounge that marries the classic elements of the roaring 20’s with modern day luxuries. Their seasonal specialty cocktails are inspired classic favorites, designed to create melt worthy harmony with your cuisine.
Fun fact, Tender gets it’s name from the Arsenal Bank building that it occupies. This financial institution once exchanged “tenders” with the Lawrenceville community members for well over a century.
Tender Bar + Kitchen
4300 Butler Street
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania 15201
Smoke Barbeque Taqueria
Smoke Barbeque Taqueria is a relatively new Lawrenceville hotspot. This cash only, no reservations restaurant features some of the best house-smoked meats this side of the Mississippi. Built into a recently gutted space, Smoke has a rustic-chic interior vibe with exposed brick and repurposed wood throughout. In the summer, their 1950s garage door creates a fun open-air environment. The wood-fired Oyler pit smoker sits in the heart of the restaurant as the majority of the menu items are smoked twice, including their famed Burnt Ends.
Smoke Barbeque Taqueria
4115 Butler Street
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania 15201
What are your must visit places in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments section below.