Pittsburgh’s sprawling neighborhoods are the heart of the city. Each neighborhood, from Shadyside to Sewickley, brings something different to the table for yinzers to enjoy. Today, Made in PGH is proud to highlight what the South Side neighborhood has to offer. Spend a day or afternoon taking in the delicious restaurants, sweat-inducing fitness studios, brilliant beauty studios, sights on the electric East Carson Street, and more.
Dining & Drinking:
Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
Pittsburgh has no shortage of Thai food options, but Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse is easily a top pick. A neighborhood favorite since 2018, the restaurant serves up authentic and flavorful dishes that make visitors keep coming back. Their menu is overflowing with delectable options, but as the name implies, I highly recommend trying one of their noodle dishes.
Soul & Sea
As the name implies, Soul & Sea serves up delicious soul and seafood options. Their original storefront is in Penn Hills, but success led the owners to opening a second location on East Carson street in December 2019. Check out their menu to see favorites like chicken and waffles, pork rib dinner, and more. Warning: the smell alone of their dishes will make you hungry to come back for more.
Benny Fierro’s
A must-try slice on the South Side is Benny Fierro’s pizza. Originating in Virginia, Benny’s Fierro’s made a name in Pittsburgh with their massive, flavorful, and uniquely topped 28 inch pies. While they have the classic pepperoni, cheese, and sausage options, Benny Fierro’s rotates in monthly flavor specials. In September, don’t miss out on the chance to grab a spinach artichoke or chicken bacon ranch slice (or whole pizza!)
Smiling Moose
A South Side staple for the past 17 years, the Smiling Moose is beloved by many for their live music events, craft beer, and signature menu. While their event calendar is currently empty due to Covid-19 safety precautions, drink and food are still being served. Keep a watchful eye on their menu as Smiling Moose is preparing for a fall partnership with Hop Farm Brewing.
La Palapa Mexican Mexican Cuisine & Mezcal Bar
Fueled by a passion for authentic Mexican cuisine and hometown hospitality, La Palapa is a must-try.Their extensive food menu includes dips, burritos, quesadilla, tamales, and more. Want to dive in to an authentic drink? Try handcrafted cocktails with Mezcal, a spirit made from different agave species in Mexico. Their expanded location on East Carson Street, La Palapa has a spacious and festive outdoor patio that is perfect for socially distant dining.
Tip: La Palapa is currently offering free margaritas and food delivery to certain zip codes! Place an order today to take advantage of this exciting deal.
Beauty & Wellness:
Aliya Wray’s Beauty Parlor
New to South Side, but not Pittsburgh, Aliya Wray has been providing beauty services to the Pittsburgh area for more than 7 years. Beloved by clients for “nails that get noticed,” technicians specialize in bold and glamorous nail designs. Keep up with Aliya Wray’s latest works on art on Instagram. Like what you see? Book today! Aliya Wray’s Beauty Parlor also offers makeup, wax and hair services.
Hair on Bedford
Tucked away in Bedford Square, Hair on Bedford offers hair braiding, loc maintenance, facial hair trimming, cuts, and more. Antoine Dion, owner and stylist, operates his store in a professional yet friendly manner that keeps clients filling up the books. Pittsburgh sports stars, like Juju Smith-Schuster, frequent the store for services by Antoine. Learn more and book your appointment today.
3 Minute Fitness
Looking for a more challenging workout than the South Side Park & Trail? Try 3Minute Fitness(3MF) for a high intensity interval training ( HITT) workout that is sure to help you break a sweat. Stop by the East Carson Street studio for an in-person session. Sessions are operated with masking, increased sanitary measures, and social distancing in place. Not comfortable in a studio? No problem. Complying with shutdowns in March, 3MF launched 3MF Mobile On-Demand. Workout with high-energy trainers from the comfort of your own home for only $10 a month.
NOLAC Nation
Step up your street style with a new fit from NOLAC Nation. Jared Zych, owner and designer, is a self-taught artist. His designs, fabrics, and products are all inventions of his own style and imagination. Selling luxe-leisure clothing, Zyc hopes that his brand helps clients drive their own style and hustle for success. Clients, like Michael Blackson, continue to return for bold designs that are sure to catch an eye.
Spend your day in South Side your way – let Made in PGH know if you tried any of the recommendations by connecting with us on our socials.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.