Mother’s Day weekend is right around the corner which means it is time to solidify those plans and get those reservations booked! Not sure what to do to celebrate the ladies in your life? Allow us to give you some recommendations.
From a laid-back environment to a more upscale experience, we have you covered! Check out these Mother’s Day dining options and find the perfect fit for your group.
The PA Market
Found in the Strip District, The PA Market is a beautiful European-style market made up of six bistro-style restaurants and four bars. On Sunday, May 14th, join The PA Market for their special Mother’s Day Market from 11am – 2pm. This celebration will involve local vendors offering custom jewelry, floral arrangements, clothing, and more! Festive activities and themed treats will be available throughout the event.
Make sure you’re photo-ready as there will be several areas for photo-ops, including a balloon arch and a ‘Mommy + Me’ photo wall! Be sure to stop on both levels of the building, including their courtyard if weather permits, to see everything the event has to offer. Stick around for the Mother’s Day Brunch featuring a made-to-order omelet bar, lemon ricotta pancakes, breakfast burritos, and breakfast pizza. Plus, no brunch is complete without a mimosa bar, so be sure to grab a glass and toast to all the mothers!
Groups up to 10 guests can reserve online, and groups of 10 or more can call 412-904-1332.
The Commoner
Located downtown inside the stunning Kimpton Hotel Monaco Hotel, The Commoner will be a stunning space to celebrate Mother’s Day. This restaurant is a staple when it comes to downtown brunch and Mother’s Day is no exception.
Executive Chef Dave Racicot’s signature brunch menu boasts an extensive list of brunch favorites. Whether you are going sweet or savory, you are sure to be satisfied. Some of the legendary selections include the Fried Chicken Sandwich with kimchi, yuzu kosho mayo, mint, and cucumber on a brioche bun and the Malted Waffle, made with strawberry jam, vanilla whipped cream, and pistachio butter.
Looking to pair your brunch meal with a cocktail? Beautiful brunch cocktails are a given at The Commoner. Toast Mom as a group with the Mimosas for a Bunch served with one bottle of bubbly and the choice of two juices (serving 2-4 guests).
Reservations are strongly recommended. Reserve online or call 412-230-4800 for availability.
Square Cafe
One of the most colorful and inviting cafes in the Burgh is Square Cafe in East Liberty! Join Square Cafe Mother’s Day weekend for their classic brunch hits and weekly specials. One popular item they will be serving up is the Square’s Caprese Benedict made with toasted ciabatta bread topped with fresh mozzarella slices, basil, sliced tomatoes, and two poached eggs with hollandaise; also served with a side of mixed greens. Looking for something sweet? Consider their Mixed Berry Croissant French Toast! This entree comes as sliced croissant French Toast topped with mixed berries, a drizzle of Nutella, and powdered sugar, served with PA maple syrup.
Don’t forget to try some of their festive drink specials both from the bar and the barista! Cheers to Mom with their fruity white wine sangria, Sangria Blanca, made with grapes, oranges, lemons, limes, strawberries, fresh orange juice, triple sec, and a splash of sparkling water. If you need some energy to get the celebrations going, opt for their Peach-Vanilla Iced Oat Latte, an iced espresso latte with oat milk, brewed with peach-vanilla syrup, and cinnamon brown sugar.
Reservations are available from 7am – 9am, and then tables are on a first-come first-serve basis!
Shorty’s
If you’re looking for a more casual and lively way to celebrate Mother’s Day, consider Shorty’s! With a location on the North Shore and the Waterfront, the old-school vibes of this new-to-Pittsburgh business are perfect for a chill celebration.
This Mother’s Day, join in on some retro gaming like duckpin bowling, pinball, darts, shuffleboard, and bocce. After working up an appetite, grab some of Shorty’s Latin-inspired street food! Try some of their tasty menu items like the Naked Burrito Bowl, loaded with coco loco rice, borracho beans, iceberg lettuce, shredded chihuahua, salsa Roja, Pico de Gallo, and a choice of a protein. Another fan favorite is the Cubano which features a torta from local bakery Panaderia Jazmin, smoked ham, cola carnitas, Swiss cheese, bread and butter pickles, and yellow mustard.
Wash down your meal with a classic cocktail, spirit-infused slushies, or an ice-cold pint of beer. Moms will even be able to enjoy a complimentary mimosa or free spirit beverage during Mother’s Day!
Reservations are not needed, but you can book in advance at the North Shore (15 or more guests) or Waterfront if you have a large group.
Khalil’s
Join Dalel and Leila Khalil, the sisters who own Khalil’s, for their specially curated Syrian and Mediterranean Brunch to celebrate Mother’s Day! Typically closed on Sundays, Khalil’s has decided to open for the special occasion from 11am – 3pm.
This Middle Eastern restaurant will be featuring Lebanese wines, Mediterranean cocktails and beers, and will even include a complimentary mimosa for Mom! The brunch menu contains a spread of Mediterranean specialties including fig and feta flatbread, buttered rose petal jam and asiago parmesan flatbread, house-made Mediterranean quiche, potatoes with caramelized onion and parsley medley, turkey sausage, and buttermilk pancakes.
Khalil’s will also be offering their traditional Syrian Brunch specialties buffet style. Come hungry because the buffet will be stocked with fetteh (warmed chickpeas, fried pita, ground beef, tahini, yogurt, and parsley), foul medumas (seasoned fava beans and extra virgin olive oil), macdouse (stuffed pickled eggplant), Mediterranean olives, fresh fruit, and fresh and pickled vegetables. Finish off the celebratory brunch with their Baklava ice cream sundae with Lady Godiva chocolate liqueur as an extra special treat.
Reservations are required for this experience. Please email reservation information to: info@khalilsrestaurant.com.
Ritual House
New to Pittsburgh’s downtown scene, Ritual House is a modern American restaurant that features global flavors and artful cocktails, perfect for any occasion. Located in the Union Trust building, the atmosphere at Ritual House is unlike anywhere else in the downtown area. With their stunning art installation seen upon entry and the 18 chandeliers suspended over the central bar, Ritual House serves as an unforgettable Mother’s Day experience.
Start by enjoying one of their handcrafted cocktails like the Spa Day cocktail crafted with cucumber-infused vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, fresh lime, and agave coconut water. For something a little more fruity, try a Blushing Bellini with Stoli Peach, white peach puree, peach bitters, and topped with prosecco.
When it is time to dive into the food menu, you will be faced with some hard decisions. Croque Madame served with a sunny side egg, mornay sauce, and truffle fries? Lemon Meringue Pancakes made with lemon curd, glazed pecans, granola, and topped with fluffy bruleed meringue? How could you choose just one? Try ordering a few items and sharing so everyone gets a little taste of the extensive brunch menu!
Reservations are recommended and can be made online.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.