You may know Bellevue by its famous “Live. Worship. Shop.” sign along Ohio River Boulevard. It’s a classic landmark for the town that lies just a ten-minute drive outside of downtown Pittsburgh. You may think it’s an “aww that’s so cute” sign, but it is pretty applicable for this walkable historical town that has three parks (including a dog park), six churches, and its own business district. 

Those who turn off of Route 65 to explore Bellevue know it’s home to everything you can want in a small town; minutes from the heart of the city but with its own “I could totally live here” charm. If you haven’t yet checked it out, let us introduce you to a little bit of beautiful Bellevue.

Jordan Tomb’s

Jordan Tomb’s, a nationally available brand headquartered in Bellevue, is not your average coffee and tea purveyor. All of their coffees and teas are Certified Organic. All coffees are Certified FairTrade. All products use 100% compostable packages (everything: the bag, the zipper, valve, label). Of course that’s in addition to the fantastic quality and taste of all of their products. Find them online or via farmer’s markets –like the weekly Bellevue’s Farmers Market on Wednesdays thru October 27.

Valkyrie Doughnuts

Nothing pairs better with coffee than doughnuts, but not just any doughnuts, we’re talking hand-cut, scratch-made, yeast-raised fresh-daily Valkyrie Doughnuts. These large, square, vegan doughnuts come in a variety of interesting flavors (like mocha brownie and bananarama). These “so hip to be square” doughnuts are available via their mobile trailer which can often be found at Bellevue Beer on Ohio River Boulevard. Friends Marcus Vahle and John Pugh are excited to open their shop at 601 Lincoln Avenue in Bellevue this November.

Poor Man’s Podcast

Bellevue is home to the Poor Man’s Podcast, a podcast of local and regional coverage of who’s who, events, stories, comedy, and more. This “premiere comedy podcast” is hosted by Chris Hopper and joined by CheyLeigh Thomas and the Egghead (Joe O’Donnell). On the podcast you’ll hear interesting local guests and stories brought to you with a touch of humor. The best part? They’re always looking for guests so they invite anybody (that’s you!) to message them through their social media. 

HBSL Hair Studio 

If you’re in need of a full-service salon check out the services of owner/stylist La’Shawna Humphries’ HBSL Hair Studio. From cuts and coloring to extensions and Brazilian Blowouts and beyond they can provide you with what you need. And of course they feature a barber shop that serves all men, women, and children.

Lash Dolls 

Always accepting new clients, Lash Dolls is a beauty salon that specializes in eyelash extensions. Technically they’re located in Avalon, but they’re worth the short walk or drive in order to get all your facial needs done. At Lash Dolls you will feel comfortable, beautiful and like you’re being given a hometown welcome -and that’s probably because owner Rachael Evans actually grew up in Avalon and went to the elementary school right across from the salon. To learn more about their services give them a call at 412-538-8917.

Pittsburgh Body & Beauty Spa 

Another great option to check out when you’re looking to look your best is Pittsburgh Body & Beauty Bar. This full-service body and beauty spa is perfect for your next spa day or as host for your next spa party. Guests are provided a beautiful and relaxing experience and services include couples massages, teeth whitening, body firming, nails, and more. (On October 24 they will be celebrating their one year anniversary so be sure to stop in and give kudos to owner/body sculpting technician Shitaye Morrison.) 

PSquare Scents

It’s not in every community that you can find a small business that is also a smell business, but in Bellevue PSquare Scents is just that. Hand-crafted, small-batch with no harsh chemicals or added colors, their handmade soaps, candles, incense, linen sprays, essential oils (and more!) only contain natural ingredients. Their shop’s nose-tingling experience can refresh your day, but they are also a cool spot for a date night, special event, or party since you can reserve a two-hour window to create your own candle. 

565 Live Speakeasy & Stage

When you are looking for drinks and a bite to eat with a side of entertainment look no further than 565 Live Speakeasy & Stage. It’s Bellevue’s not-so-hidden gem that offers live music and a casual good time. Bringing live music to the community is an important part of their mission so you’ll always find live bands, open mic nights, and other events on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Jeremy Thieroff, Realtor

Jeremy Thieroff is a high-volume real estate agent with RE/MAX Select Realty. He serves the entire greater Pittsburgh area, but he lives in Bellevue. And as a Bellevue resident he really knows his community. He’s the perfect person to show you around Bellevue and explain everything that makes it the ideal place to live, work, and play. He is also well-versed in “project homes” (he and his wife have been restoring an old home since moving to the area three years ago) and investment properties. 

MDI General Contracting 

And when you buy your Bellevue property be sure to call MDI General Contracting to help make your new home your own. Based in Bellevue, but serving Western PA, this company specializes in residential general contracting including remodels, renovations, welding and fabrication, and general carpentry. Owned and operated by Jonathan Miller, MDI General Contracting was started by him and his wife, Sabreena Miller, during the height of the pandemic; they’ve since partnered with WQED and Piatt Sotheby International realty.

As you can see, there’s always something cool to check out in Bellevue. Whether it’s the Bellevue Farmers Market that runs through October or any of its other events and small businesses you’re sure to encounter Bellevue’s liveable, loveable charm year-round — because after all it is the place where everyone is welcome to “Live. Worship. Shop.”

This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
Mo Macel

Mo is a pun-loving Pittsburgher who likes to take photos and write. When not focusing on her kiddos, you'll find her pursuing happiness and working on living the American Dream via one craft beer at a time. She blogs at givegodyouryes.com and fullhipster.com.

3 Comments
  1. You are forgetting Lincoln Ave brew pub, 202 tacos, dairy villa diner, which has the best breakfasts especially for the price, the rusty nail, the hardware store that literally has anything you’re looking for as well as many other businesses that make Bellevue so special!!!.

  2. Youre missing so many places!!! I don’t know what requirements there were to be in the article but we have so much more!! We have Lincoln Brew pub, Dairy Villa that has the best breakfasts for a great price, we have the Rusty Nail that is a constitution, 202 tacos, a small, old time hardware store that has all your needs and more, a great coffee shop, a Hallmark Store not to mention of a variety of community events that happen such as The Wine and Art Crawl. I lived here years ago when there was nothing charming about it. Now I absolutely love this sweet little town, and like you said, Only 10 minutes from town. Sometimes I can even see the fireworks from my back yard!! Thank you so much for the article!!! There’s just so many other things that make up this town.

  3. I frequent Bellevue, Lincoln Avenue strip. And, I don’t recall some of these business establishments listed/ showcased.

    However I am impressed with the park and the assortment of amusing rides & challenges the playground has to offer for children and teens. And, also how well kept the park is.

    Sadly, despite the array of booth with various selections of fruit vegetables and other products, some of the vendors are somewhat stand-offish and uninviting to other ethnic group

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