Nothing beats like the heart of the city, and downtown Pittsburgh’s heart beats a tasty path right to the stomach. So many delicious dining options means you can always find something new to enjoy – from breakfast to late night. But the city isn’t just all food and games, it’s also fitness and fun and everything else under the sun. Here are several places we absolutely ♥️.
La Gourmandine
With everything made from scratch in their production facility in Hazelwood, La Gourmandine (308 Forbes Ave.) has your daily necessities – from your daily baguette and breakfast to your lunch and sweet tooth cravings. Stop in for a quick breakfast of almond croissants or gourmandise (croissant filled with vanilla cream and delicious chocolate) along with a La Prima cup of coffee.
Or snag an affordable lunch – from simple sandwiches to fluffy quiche. Be sure to grab a sweet treat in the afternoon (open until 4:30pm on weekdays) of chocolate eclair, their famous marquise (chocolate mousse and crunchy heaven), or seasonal pastry. They always make something special for all holidays, so stop into any of their four locations (Downtown, Mt. Lebanon, Lawrenceville, and Hazelwood) to add a decidedly French taste to your next fête.
F45 Training
F45 Training is designed to provide a functional full-body workout while improving energy levels, metabolic rate, strength, and endurance in just 45 minutes. The workouts alternate each day between cardio-based and strength-focused exercises, are set to specific intentional working and resting intervals and coached by certified personal trainers.
F45 (1627 Penn Ave.) is more than just workouts. They’re big on community, know your name, care about your goals, and will hold you accountable, while having fun. They’re currently running a special offer: 7 days unlimited for $14, no strings attached to get the full experience. Mention MadeinPGH and get $25 off your first month of membership!
Arepittas
Arepittas (412 Cherry Way) is a family-owned business of Venezuelan immigrants. They offer a variety of traditional and innovative dishes such as Arepas and Empanadas with different fillings. The most popular dish is the Pabellon Criollo bowl which consists of shredded beef, white rice, black beans, sweet plantains, and a small arepa. They also offer Tostones, Cachapas, Tequeños, and traditional beverages such as Papelon con Limon, Chicha Criolla, and Passion fruit Juice. For desserts, they have 3-Leches cake and Quesillo.
Most of their menu is gluten-free, and many vegetarian and vegan options are available. Their food is freshly cooked and healthy just like a home-cooked meal. They offer catering and to-go orders as well! Their traditional recipes come from their “abuelas” (grandmas) whose motto has always been “to keep the family healthy and happy.”
Yuzu Kitchen
Yuzu Kitchen (409 Wood St.) offers a unique dining experience – serving up ramen with homemade bone broth (slowly cooked with real bones, not packaged concentrates), classic Chinese dishes (general tso, fried rice, etc), seasonal cocktails, and specialty beers and sakes.
They take pride in serving their guests the highest quality ingredients. Their ambience will take you back on memory lane, as you sip your drink, and enjoy your food to 90s, 2000s, and 2010s hip hop and R&B. Kanpai!
Bae Bae’s Kitchen
Bae Bae’s Kitchen (951 Liberty Ave.) is a local bistro serving Korean-inspired cuisine, boba, and cocktails. Located in the heart of the Cultural District, they serve local, healthy, organic ingredients. Everything is made daily and with love.
They have also just introduced a new bar program featuring Soju cocktails, Asian-inspired mixed drinks, beer, and wine. Contact them to find out about their daily specials and seasonal dishes.
Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine
Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine (124 6th St.) offers Mediterranean food in a beautiful, cozy environment with excellent service. They serve all homemade desserts, halal meat, and large selection of gluten-free and vegan options.
Whether you’re having a business lunch, date night, meeting friends, or grabbing an afternoon coffee and dessert, Alihan’s is the best place to grab a bite to eat, and BYOB! Outdoor seating with fire pits is available. Reservations are recommended, and they can accommodate large parties. Hours vary by day, but they are closed on Tuesdays.
Alihan’s Coffee & Breakfast
Alihan’s Coffee & Breakfast (129 6th St.) offers Mediterranean breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Turkish specialties in meals and drinks as well as waffles, crepes, hot oatmeal, sandwiches, and more. They have a large selection of specialty coffees and teas, fresh baked pastries, and take out coffee.
No reservations, BYOB (except for coffee/tea). Need breakfast and coffee delivered to you? They do deliver, too!
Liberty Chick ‘n’ Fish
Liberty Chick ‘n’ Fish (961 Liberty Ave.) has the best burgers in town – all made from scratch; chicken, beef and fish options. Fan fav, Chicken and Waffles (shown above), is their best seller! Weekday lunch specials from 11am – 2pm are only $12 including fries and soda drink. New to their offerings is a breakfast menu from 8am – 11am and Saturday all day.
They have dine-in, take out, or delivery available. Those who dine-in will enjoy a uniquely decorated dining room with an open kitchen concept where you can watch the food being prepared in front of you as you sit at a handmade table.
Etage Athletic Club
Etage Athletic Club (422 Stanwix St.) is Pittsburgh’s premier fitness club. Encompassing 35,000 square feet, Etage has the latest fitness equipment, a rooftop basketball court with stunning city views, on-demand fitness classes, personal fitness training, 3D body imaging, tanning, hydro massage, saunas, and more.
Their robust amenities include strength equipment, cardio equipment, Olympic platforms with bumper plates, dumbbells from 1-150 pounds, a state-of-the-art cycle studio, yoga studios, and multi-purpose studios. All with validated parking up to 3 hours! They’re currently doing a special offer: $50 off enrollment fee.
Pittsburgh Tattoo Company
Friendly & client-focused, Pittsburgh Tattoo Company (103 Smithfield St.) offers a clean and sterile environment with a team of experienced artists who are passionate about creating unique and beautiful tattoos. Walk-ins are welcomed every day at noon.
Whether you’re looking for a custom design or one of their pre-made options, they have a wide variety of styles to choose from. Body piercing services and ear curations are available, too. Their team provides expert advice and aftercare instructions to ensure that your tattoo looks great and heals properly. Check them out and let them help you bring your tattoo vision to life!
Pizzaiolo Primo
An authentic Neapolitan culinary experience is found at Pizzaiolo Primo (8 Market Square). The focal point of the restaurant is their pizza oven which was made in Italy and cooks pizzas between 800 and 1000 degrees. Their patio recently received a facelift and offers a whole new experience when you dine al fresco.
Online ordering is now available; no need to call the restaurant anymore for to-go orders. A summer menu will be launching in a few weeks so keep an eye on their socials for updates!
Sally Ann’s
Within Sally Ann’s (136 6th St.) you’ll find an iconic and timeless escape in the heart of the Cultural District that will invite you in with comforting retro décor, a colorful atmosphere, classic arcade games, and a quaint seasonal outdoor dining patio.
Enjoy hearty creative sandwiches, fresh pastries, salads, and a stunning brunch menu on the weekends. Sunday brunch is accompanied by a live DJ each week starting at 11am.
tako
A unique approach to Japanese/Mexican fusion street food with year-round outdoor dining available and a live DJ every Saturday night, tako (214 6th St.) is a restaurant with a dark, moody vibe and the city’s best hand-crafted margaritas and cocktails. Their large selection of carefully curated Mezcals and Tequilas is unmatched in Pittsburgh!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
