It’s been a long, hot, stormy summer and things continue to heat up on Pittsburgh’s dining front. From new breweries in old buildings to modern spaces and familiar faces, here’s our rundown of the new and soon-to-open spots where you can fatten up for fall.
NOW OPEN
Yinz Coffee, 2 E. North Ave., North Side and 4525 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield
Hey, yinz guys! You can now get caffeinated, n’at at two locations: the North Side and Bloomfield!
Dominic’s Diner, 3337 Babcock Blvd., Ross Township
Want some good, old-fashioned American eats? Dominic’s Diner delivers. Start your day with a hearty breakfast or make lunch the most important meal of the day with a Dominator burger (two freshly ground patties, ham off the bone, American and provolone cheese, fried onions, roasted red peppers, lettuce, tomato and a pickle on a Mancini’s roll).
East End Chewing, 147 Julius St., Larimer
In addition to buying a good friend a good beer at East End Brewing, you can now bestow a pizza on your pal. What started as a lark to meet the state’s mandatory Covid food requirements is now a fully operational pizzeria. Restaurant veteran Sheryl Johnston runs the kitchen, cranking out rustic, thick-crust pizzas and other goodies that pair well with a pint.
Pittsburgh Sandwich Society at Strange Roots Experimental Ales, 501 E. Ohio St., Millvale
Talk about a tasty collaboration! Pittsburgh Sandwich Society is now supplying the grub at Strange Roots’ Millvale taproom. The popular food truck will serve rotating specials and favorites, including the In-N-Aht Burger: two beef patties, American cheese, onion jam, tomato, pickles, spring mix and animal sauce on a buttered and toasted bun.
Pauly’s, 3239 W. Liberty Ave., Dormont
The former Cain’s Saloon got a mob makeover. The new joint features Italian eats and a gangster movie aesthetic.
Margaux, corner of Highland and Penn avenues, East Liberty
Margaux is the place to go for early morning eats and late-night drinks. Part café, part cocktail lounge, it’s a chic spot that’s bound to stop traffic at the busy East Liberty intersection.
The Black Canary Coffee & Ice Cream, 636 Pittsburgh St., Springdale
Coffee, tea or ice cream? Get ‘em all at The Black Canary, a café that also hosts live music and spins a curated selection of vinyl records.
Nanban, 4407 Butler St., Lawrenceville
If you’re a fan of chef Roger Li’s Ki Ramen and Ki Pollo, Nanban rolls the two eateries into one. Guests can get their favorite fried chicken, ramen and baos, along with Argentinian empanadas and new dishes that’ll be your new favorites.
The Smiling Moose, 8032 Rowan Road, Cranberry
Here’s news that’ll make you grin: The Smiling Moose now has a second location in the suburbs. The South Side institution’s Cranberry spot serves salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos and sliders — plus its own brand of beer.
40 North Restaurant and Bar, 40 W. North Ave., North Side
Chef Bethany Zozula is whipping up gourmet dishes at the former Brugge on North space. The City of Asylum restaurant also features live concerts and literary events.
Necromancer Brewing Co., 2257 Babcock Blvd., Ross Township
Don’t be afraid to visit Necromancer, a brewery that set up shop in a 14,400-square-foot former Spirit Halloween store. Spooky beers are their specialty. The place is only open on weekends right now, but the long-term goal is to open a 330-seat beer ball in the back of the building.
The Open Road Bar, 3410 Penn Ave., second floor, Lawrenceville
Want the social aspect of a bar without the alcohol? Hit The Open Road. Owner Mel Babitz sells more than 100 booze-free beverages from all over the world.
Tonic Coffee, 3410 Penn Ave., ground floor, Lawrenceville
Right below The Open Road you can get signature eye-opening, caffeinated beverages and alcohol-free elixirs.
Rear End Gastropub & Garage, 399 Butler St., Etna
Life’s about the journey, not the destination. Make a pit stop at the Rear End and send your taste buds on a trip across the U.S. The evolving menu features different roadside food, plus plenty of beers and cocktails. It’s a mini-vacation without the high gas prices.
La Bodega Taqueria, 1502 E. Carson St., South Side
This fast-casual spot on the South Side offers fresh and authentic Mexican comida such as tacos, burritos and churros. Too spicy? Chill out with an Aguas Frescas beverage made with fresh fruit.
Piggy Bank, 30 S. 14th St., South Side
The folks at The Vault, an East Carson Street restaurant and bar that boasts a self-serve draft beer wall, now have a walk-up hot dog window. Oink out on premium, Kosher beef franks or put your money on a vegan version. Either way, it’s a good investment.
Galley Bakery Square, 6425 Penn Ave., East Liberty
Galley Group’s newest restaurant incubator brings a variety of tastes to Bakery Square. The food hall features City Fresh Pasta, Bubba’s Burgers, micro-green goodness from Somi and classic comfort dishes from GG’s Café.
Two Frays Brewery, 5113 Penn Ave., Garfield
A brewery with a dog-friendly patio in Garfield? We’ll drink to that! Owners Mike and Jen Onofray, and their Frenchies Iris and Zeus, will be glad to greet you as you lap up some of their tasty beers.
Adda Bazaar, 725 Penn Ave. and Three PNC Plaza, Downtown
It seems like Adda is always adding to its coffee empire. The local chain is expanding to a Downtown café this fall and their nearby pop-up shop is already slinging drinks inside Three PNC Plaza.
Goodlander Cocktail Brewery, 6614 Hamilton Ave., Larimer
You won’t find beer at this brewery, just big batches of carbonated drinks such as Moscow Mules and Mojitos. The cocktails are served straight from the tap into your growler so you can take the party to go.
PBR Pittsburgh at Live! Casino Pittsburgh, 5260 Route 30, Greensburg
Turn a boring night into a regular rodeo. After downing a pint of liquid courage at the bar, you can channel your inner cowboy and ride a mechanical bull. Yeehaw!
Con Alma Downtown, 613 Penn Ave., Downtown
Jazz up your evening with a trip to Con Alma’s hip, new Downtown establishment or head to the equally appealing OG in Shadyside. Live performances, stiff drinks and inspired dishes make this one of Esquire magazine’s “27 best bars in America.”
Still Mill Distillery, 2033 Noble St., Swissvale
Soak up the Steel City ambiance along with gin, vodka and moonshine at the Still Mill. Josh and Kathy Miller bought the building through a sheriff’s sale and spent more than a year gutting it. The space now holds two, 30-gallon stills and a Pittsburgh-inspired tasting room.
Ruckus Coffee Gallery, 1707 Babcock Blvd., Shaler
This new café is causing a stir in the North Hills. Head to Ruckus for espresso, drip coffee, smoothies, frappes, kid-friendly meals and gourmet grub for adults. In addition to hungry customers, the place will be a space for local artists and musicians.
Shiloh Gastro, 123 Shiloh St., Mt. Washington
The former Shiloh Grill got a slight name change and a menu makeover. Fill up on apps (wings, hummus, nachos), sandwiches (cheesesteak, citrus-glazed salmon BLT) or tasty plates (pasta primavera, roasted chicken). The hilltop eatery is also big on brunch and signature drinks.
Café Conmigo, 10 N. Meadow Dr., Wexford
Café Conmigo is a peaceful oasis in the traffic-heavy Route 19 business corridor. Come for the coffee and healthy snacks, stay for the relaxing atmosphere, which includes plenty of plants and comfy seating.
COMING SOON