Over the last couple of years, there has been talk of all of the neighborhoods surrounding downtown Pittsburgh that are up and coming. One of the neighborhoods that has become quite the spot for new and thriving businesses is the Aspinwall/Fox Chapel area. We have rounded up some of the best local businesses for you to check out on your next trip to this eastern suburb:

Fashion

The SōL Collective

Because stylish shoes can be comfortable! The SōL Collective believes confidence, comfort, and joy start with your soul and your sole (get it?!) Over the last four years, The SōL Collective has evolved into a boutique that offers stylish men’s and women’s apparel, in addition to footwear. And both feel as good as they look! They want to help you find things that spark joy…while they encourage wellness habits and positivity. And yes, they have shoes that can work with anyone’s foot issues, even the hardest people to shop for. You can now shop their footwear and apparel online at www.thesolcollective.com. Make sure you’re following The SōL Collective on Instagram and Facebook for sales and new arrivals. They only purchase in small quantities to keep the styles fresh, so you’ll want to stop by for something you like before it sells out!

One Brilliant

One Brilliant is a true fashion boutique that specializes in helping women become the best version of themselves, starting with their wardrobe, all the way to lifestyle and attitude.

Owner, Erica Miller, believes in creating an atmosphere of confidence while always featuring the latest in fashion trends that translate to affordable, relatable, and wearable items. Today’s women are more diverse and complex in their daywear, “work” clothes mean different things today. Evening wear and special occasion clothing have been a big part of their business for the past 17 years and Erica is thrilled to see that these special events are coming back and so are their women, ready to sport a little glam. The team of women at One Brilliant is ready to help, private appointments available too!

Eats

Botanical Vegan Cafe

Botanical Vegan Cafe & Market provides not only delicious, wholesome, and convenient meals, but it also provides a lifestyle that merges health with social. By incorporating local, non-GMO produce, compostable packaging, and mock-tails in a hip bar setting, Botanical is actively normalizing the idea of a healthy, environmentally sustainable, and social-focused environment. They go a step further than other health-focused locations by offering all products free of major allergens: nuts, dairy, gluten, other animal products, and preservatives. They offer seasonal items and a variety of healthy alternatives from a quick lunch, to happy hour drinks, to pantry staples. Their market showcases all plant-based, sustainable goods and foods as well as local vendors who align with Botanical’s values. Their goal is to grow into Pittsburgh’s one-stop shop for plant-based foods and sustainable goods in a social environment, welcoming all! Menu items include juices, smoothies, and acai bowls as well as daily soups, salad, sandwiches, and deli goods like hummus, pasta salad, and chickpea salad. Everything served is vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free! New menu items coming soon are a series of Organic Tea Lattes (Rose, Lavender, and Hibiscus) made with house fresh-brewed organic teas and syrups, stirred with organic oat milk- iced or hot. They always use whole food ingredients and make everything in their kitchen with love.

Atria’s Restaurant

Serving Pittsburghers since 1930, this restaurant is nestled right off of Freeport Road. Whether you’re enjoying their food on their lovely restaurant patio, at home, or a wedding — Atria’s makes it ‘Good to Be Here.’ Staying committed to from-scratch recipes, the highest quality of responsibly raised meats and sustainable seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and extravagant hospitality –– Atria’s looks forward to being a part of the Pittsburgh community for decades more to come. Be sure to check out their cocktails to-go menu which includes singles or six-packs of martinis, mojitos, and more!

Cornerstone

This upscale neighborhood restaurant is your next stop for date night or a ladies’ brunch. With a great outdoor space, Cornerstone gives you the perfect summer vibes. On weekends, their brunch menu will never disappoint. With a combo of savory and sweet menu selections from the breakfast and lunch groups, there is a perfect fit for everyone. For a quaint, romantic evening, head to Cornerstone on Tuesday evening for lobster night. This special runs through September and includes a 1.5lb lobster served with french fries and coleslaw at market price. Their goal is to create a place where people can gather and relax ever since their opening back in 2009.

Gift Shops

Dovecote Aspinwall

If your style is eclectic with a vintage vibe, this is the place for you! Dovecote offers vintage, antiques and gifts for everyone of any age. Designer consignment shoes, clothing, and accessories are offered as well. To stay up-to-date on their recent stock, be sure to follow along on their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. You will find gifts from local Pittsburgh vendors including items like Pittsburgh tea towels, mugs, and organic beauty products. Dovecote Aspinwall is also your stop for all the cutest holiday decor from pillows, to mugs, to knick-knacks. Visit their website for a 20% off coupon to use during your first visit! 

Rosebud’s

Be the best gift-giver ever! Rosebud’s has been providing great gifts for celebrating housewarmings, showers, and birthdays for the last 34 years. A feature that is perfect for gifts is their registries! If you want to select a gift from someone’s registry, you can visit Rosebud’s or give them a call to purchase. Keep an eye on their Facebook page and Instagram for their most recent additions to the shop. Just this month some beautiful paper plates and napkins from Caspari were added and were designed by a local Pittsburgh watercolor artist, Catherine Weisz.  

Beauty

EsSpa Organic Hungarian Skincare + Salon

ESSpa is a full service day spa delivering naturally effective, organic treatments for women, men, girls, and boys of any age and any skin type. Known as “The Best Destination Day Spa” in Pittsburgh and beyond. They are one of 12 Founding Members of the Green Spa Network and the only Accredited GSN Spa in Pennsylvania. They were named “The 3rd Best Spa in America” by The Industry Source and have been voted “Best Spa” in Pittsburgh every year since 2005 by numerous publications and reader polls. Services offered at EsSpa include nails, massage therapy, facials, make-up, hair, and even more. Buy a gift certificate as the perfect gift for any of their endless spa services.

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