Pittsburgh’s North Side may be known best for its sports stadiums that draw in thousands of visitors every year. Beyond Steelers games, Pirates games and concerts, the North Side has seen a revitalization over the years and is now also known for its restaurants, museums and central location.
Learn and Play at World-Renowned Museums
The number one museum in Pittsburgh is located in the North Side. No, it’s not the Carnegie Museum of Natural History or the Carnegie Museum of Art. It’s actually Bicycle Heaven, the world’s largest bicycle museum. The best part is that this unique spot is free to visit.
Another interesting, notable museum is the Mattress Factory. This contemporary art museum features site-specific art installations and performance art. The Mattress Factory also hosts events outside of its regular exhibits, like an Urban Garden Party and art labs.
Probably the most well-known museum on the North Side is the Andy Warhol Museum. This is a must-see for any Pittsburgher or city visitor. Andy Warhol is wrapped up in Pittsburgh history. This museum is the largest collection of Warhol’s work. You can see for yourself pop art prints, sculptures, paintings, videos, and interactive works in the seven-floor museum.
The North Side is also home to the Carnegie Science Center and the Children’s Museum. Both of these are perfect for parents of young kids, but they also host 21+ events in the evenings for a grown-up night out.
Favorite Restaurants & Bars
From coffee houses to breweries and taverns to Thai cuisine, there’s plenty to eat and drink in the North Side.
The Park House offers Mediterranean-inspired food created by an owner known as The Falafel Master. Penn Brewery features some of the best craft beer and food in the city. Nicky’s Thai Kitchen is known for its crab rangoon and homemade dumplings. There’s plenty of places to eat, drink and explore.
If you’re looking for a great hangout spot with outdoor seating and killer food, you need to go to Federal Galley. The second food hall and restaurant accelerator in the city, Federal Galley brings together new restaurant concepts as a launching pad for rising chefs. The wonderful thing about a food hall is that everyone can find something they’ll love to eat.
Two of my favorite sandwich shops are on the North Side. Grab a Roethlis “burger” from Peppi’s, a self-described old tyme sandwich shoppe with great subs and fries. The North Shore Deli along East Ohio Street has incredible sandwiches for pickup.
With so many great bars, breweries and restaurants, the North Side is also a great place for happy hour. We outlined six of our favorite happy hour spots there.
A Central Location
One of the best things about the North Side is how central the location is. It’s across the river from the cultural district and all the entertainment there. It’s a quick trip to downtown as well. The T is free from the Steelers Stadium to First Avenue, so living on the North Side is an ideal commute if you work downtown. No expensive downtown parking pass needed here!
The North Side is also convenient because of the easy highway access. You’re right at the crossroads of many of Pittsburgh’s main thoroughfares, so getting out of the city to the surrounding areas is also an easy option.
Affordable City Living
As part of the revitalization of the North Side, new housing developments have increased. Sandstone Quarry Apartments are located in the heart of the North Side. These brand new apartments (new, not renovated!) offer city views and walkability to many of the best restaurants and entertainment in the area.
Learn more about Sandstone Quarry Apartments.
