New year, new restaurants, same pandemic blues. A wide variety of restaurants debuted in 2021 and more are opening soon. Whether you opt for takeout or pull up a seat on-site, the proprietors and staff will appreciate your business.
COMING SOON
The Journeyman’s Table, 3523 Penn Ave., Lawrenceville
Longtime chef Dan DeRight remodeled the old Pints on Penn building — which has operated as a tavern since 1887 — to house a casual restaurant and bar serving scratch-made pasta dishes, smoked meats and veggie-forward offerings. The eatery is opening in February or March.
Lolev Brewing, 5247 Butler St., Lawrenceville
Lolev — which stands for lower level — is already making its mark on Butler Street. The company’s logo has been painted on the side of the building, raising interest in this summer’s opening.
Storyville Lounge, 753 E. Warrington Ave., Allentown
The owners of Dr. Tumblety’s Time-Inspired Specialty Shop are big fans of the Big Easy. They’re bringing a New Orleans vibe to Allentown this year, with a speakeasy-style bar and the Inspired by Spirits Distillery. You can book the space for private events for 10 to 50 guests, with custom cocktails available upon request.
Aslin Beer Co., The Terminal, Strip District
A 10,000-square-foot space in the Strip District Terminal will become Aslin Beer Co.’s Pittsburgh headquarters this spring. The Virginia-based brewery will operate a taproom with a 10-barrel brewing system. Food will be provided by Scratch & Co. in Troy Hill.
Shorty’s Pins x Pints, 353 North Shore Dr., North Shore
Shorty’s is big on fun. The enormous space — formerly home to the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery — will feature duckpin bowling, bocce, cornhole and giant Jenga, along with beer, signature drinks and handheld bites.
Sly Fox Brewing Co. at The Highline, 333 E. Carson St., South Side
Philadelphia’s Sly Fox already has a local presence Downtown at 300 Liberty Ave., but the company will soon brew experimental beers in a large space at The Highline.
Burgh’ers Brewing, The Highline, 333 E. Carson St., South Side
The folks at Burgh’ers Brewing know beef and beer. The business, which operates eateries in Lawrenceville and Zelienople, is bringing its expertise to the South Side soon.
Papa J’s, 54 21st St., Strip District
When Carnegie’s venerable Papa J’s closed after a fire, Pittsburghers were sad. Now there’s reason to rejoice. According to the Pittsburgh Business Times, a new incarnation of Papa J’s will open in the old Smallman Galley site.
Bonafide Beer Co., Penn Avenue and 21st Street, Strip District
Christian Simmons of Pennsylvania Libations and Travis Tuttle of Butler Brew Works are joining boozy forces to bring Bonafide Beer Co. to the Strip.
Inner Groove Brewing, E. Warrington Ave., Allentown
Verona’s Inner Groove is hauling part of its vinyl album collection to Allentown. In early 2022, Hilltop residents will be able to hear cool tunes, drink cold pints and chill out on the winterized patio.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar, 111 W. Station Square Dr.
Southern cuisine, cocktails and hospitality are on the menu at this Station Square addition, which is set to open this month.
Mezcal Mexican Cantina, 4123 Butler St., Lawrenceville
A sign hanging in the window of this Lawrenceville storefront touts the opening of this Mexican eatery. Stay tuned for more spicy details!
Back Alley Brewing, 2975 W. Liberty Ave., Dormont
From the back allies to a former municipal building — it’s been quite a journey for five Dormont residents and their quest to bring beer to the borough.
AVP, Bakery Square, 6425 Penn Ave., East Liberty
big Burrito Restaurant Group is taking a bite out of Bakery Square with a casual concept serving Alta Via pizza and other Italian fare, including focaccia pizza, sandwiches and veggie-forward entrees.
Camino Mexican Street Food, 4428 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield
The owners of Totopo Mexican Kitchen and Bar in Mt. Lebanon and Shadyside’s Tocayo are bringing a fast-casual taco concept to the former Del’s in Little Italy in 2022.
Bob’s Diner, 1817 McKees Rocks Rd., Kennedy Township
The Kennedy Township Bob’s Diner is moving … next door. The breakfast, lunch and dinner joint needs a bigger space to accommodate all of its hungry customers, who’ve been gobbling up Bob’s signature dishes (and new surprises!) since 1999. It’ll debut at the end of the month. There’s also a Bob’s in Carnegie and the Castle Shannon site is poised to make a comeback soon, too.
Ritual House, Union Trust Building, Downtown
Ricky and Michelle Kirsop, who run Coast & Main Seafood and Chophouse in Monroeville, are bringing their brand of elevated cuisine to the Downtown Pittsburgh landmark in 2022.
Tortured Souls Brewing, 1351 Washington Blvd., Larimer
New spirits will soon inhabit the former Couch Brewery. Tortured Souls is transforming the site’s retro rec room vibe into a gothic-inspired haven for beer aficionados.
Viva Los Tacos, 3901 Forbes Ave., Oakland
The Original Hot Dog Shop site will soon be your go-to place for Birria tacos. The eatery will occupy the 3,500-square-foot first floor of the beloved building.
NOW OPEN