It’s been a rough year for the restaurant and bar industry. The pandemic has forced businesses and their customers to adapt to ever-changing rules and regulations. Despite the hurdles, there are new restaurants, breweries and coffee shops popping up all over Pittsburgh. Check out the ones that just opened and keep the soon-to-debut spots on your radar.
Now open
Fig & Ash, 514 E. Ohio Street, North Side
After more than three years of planning and construction, chef Cory Hughes finally opened the doors to Fig & Ash in September. The farm-to-flame restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with lunch service returning this spring. Reservations can be made online.
Coop De Ville, 2305 Smallman Street, Strip District
The latest addition to the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group brings food and fun to the Strip. Grab a chicken sandwich and then play duckpin bowling, classic arcade games, pinball, pool, bocce and ping-pong. The fast-casual restaurant has a coffee bar, main dining area and Tiki bar to provide entertainment and eats throughout the day and night. In 2021, DeShantz will debut a Downtown raw bar called gi-jin, and a täkō location in Bakery Square.
City Fresh Pasta Cafe, 1501 Preble Ave, North Shore
Chef Eric Earnest specializes in artisan pasta and gnocchi with homemade sauces, as well as gourmet soups and sandwiches. He’s been making the rounds in the CFP food truck for years and now has a permanent spot in the Chateau neighborhood. Grab breakfast or lunch 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
1700 Penn, 1700 Penn Ave., Strip District
This combination of a Helltown Brewing taproom, a full-service bar and a Pennsylvania Libations Wine Shop opened last week in the Strip. There’s plenty of seating inside and out, with food provided by Aviva Brick Oven. (Editor’s note: Went last night and the food and drinks were great.)
Insurrection AleWorks, 1812 Penn Ave.
Heidelberg-based Insurrection AleWorks recently opened its 1,200-square-foot Strip District taproom with seating for 25. It’s open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. There are 12 Insurrection brews available on draft, along with four taps reserved for locally made ciders and craft cocktails. Customers are welcome to bring in food from neighboring eateries and the staff will provide disposable plates and utensils. If you’re in a hurry, you can grab a four-pack of cans or a Crowler to take home. Growlers aren’t being filled at this time.
Mondays Brewing, 1055 Waterdam Plaza Dr., McMurray
Why wait for the weekend to enjoy a beer when Mondays Brewing is open every day? The brewery has seating for 39 indoors and an additional 35 outside on weekends with heaters to keep you warm. Right now, there are 11 taps pouring Mondays’ offerings and other local libations. You also can grab a crowler and four-packs to go. Various snack items from area restaurants are available and customers are welcome to bring in their own food.
St. Clair Social, 302 South St. Clair Street, Friendship
Longtime service industry workers Cecil Usher and Cat Cannon opened a neighborhood bar with gourmet grub to give folks a sense of normalcy during the pandemic. Sit down for a bite, a brew and some good conversation or get a sandwich and a signature cocktail to go.
Mel’s Petit Café, 431 Cochran Rd., Mt. Lebanon
Start your day the French way. Melanie Streitmatter, a native of Burgundy, France, is dishing out crepes and other sweet and savory breakfast offerings that’ll make you say, “oui!”
Angela’s Café, 735 Copeland Street, Shadyside
Foodies have another place to get breakfast and lunch. Angela’s Café serves dishes made with local ingredients. Get organic, cage-free eggs and omelets, Belgian waffles, flatbreads, salads, tapas, burgers and sandwiches. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday brunch runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Scarpino, 960 Penn Ave., Downtown
Scott Walton, who spent 20 years helming kitchens in Chicago before serving as executive chef at Heinz Field and Acorn, is adding some Windy City flavor to Pittsburgh’s dining scene. The former Ten Penny space is now a haven for classic entrées, sandwiches, salads, soups and pizza. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Coming Soon
