Drive about 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh, and you’ll find one of our favorite neighborhoods to wander: Zelienople. It’s a quaint little town, with locally-owned businesses lining Main Street. There are so many ways to spend a day here – shopping in the trendy boutiques, eating in the restaurants and drinking in the breweries and wineries, checking out the gorgeous historic homes, and exploring the art scene.
Visit Butler County
Visit Butler County has plenty of resources and information available about Zelienople! The town was founded in 1802 by Detmar Basse – he named it by combining his daughter’s name, “Zelie”, and the Greek word for town, “nople”. It’s home to The Strand Theater, a former movie and vaudeville theatre from 1914…which is now the region’s premiere performing arts and classic film center. And a highly visited tourist attraction! If you’re into touring historic homes, look no further than Passavant House and Buhl House history museums. And make sure you check out the Zelienople Memorial Skate Park in the community park. It’s a bowl-shaped concrete structure with plenty of flat areas and contoured walls for skaters of all levels. And for people to sit and watch, if you’re not into skating yourself! Follow Visit Butler County on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to plan your visit!
Burgh’ers Brewing
You might recognize Burgh’ers Brewery from their Lawrenceville or soon-to-be South Side locations, but their first location (which opened 11 years ago!) is in Zelienople. Burgh’ers Brewery is built on their commitment to the community, so they source local ingredients to create the freshest, most sustainable, ethically produced craft burger in the business. We love how their burgers are named after the region, like the Polish Hill burger with a locally-made pierogi, or the Pittsburgher with fries and slaw. And don’t even get us started on how delicious their fried chicken is…seriously. Make sure to order a beer or two because, yes, they are also a brewery! Pick from their 12 taps in Zelienople, 10 in Lawrenceville, and 8 coming to the South Side, or grab some cans to take home. Warning: only follow them on Facebook and Instagram if you’re ready to be instantly hungry and thirsty.
ShuBrew
You can continue your Zelienople brewery tour at ShuBrew! They opened in 2013 after wanting to provide the community with beers they liked to drink. In 2019 they earned a platinum designation from Sustainable Pittsburgh. And they have plenty going on to get excited about! Sunday is brunch-day from 10am-2pm, with dishes like chicken and waffles, cinnamon buns, tacos, pizza, and classics like, well, breakfast. Tuesday means Detroit pizza and half-off growler fills. And Wednesday brings free trivia from 7-9pm. Their brand new rooftop bar will be opening this summer, too. Follow ShuBrew on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for all the latest.
Della Terra
Della Terra is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat if you love the warmth, comfort and tradition of the Italian table (and let’s be real…who doesn’t??). Translated to “of the earth”, Della Terra is located in an old Mellon Bank – the third ever built. Executive Chef Rich Burns is a Zelienople native, celebrating the restaurant’s ongoing relationship with its local family of farmers and suppliers by creating simple, ingredient-drive cuisine. You’ll find a rotating selection of naturally leavened Neapolitan pizza, handmade pastas, snacks, and daily dishes. Enjoy a craft cocktail or glass of wine at the bar during Happy Hour or for a late night treat, while you enjoy views of the wood burning oven. Take your dining experience to the next level for dinners Tuesday through Sunday, or lunch Saturday and Sunday! And follow along on Facebook and Instagram if you’re ready to drool.
Harkins Mill Wines
You know we love a local winery! Harkins Mill Wines is local – and woman – owned and operated crafting small batches of wine. They offer over 35 red, white, and fruit varieties that range from dry to sweet. We love that many of their wine names are tied to local history and landmarks, like Beaver River Red, Brush Creek White, and Girl’s Night “Aht”. They’re available for events, fundraisers, and good times, so make sure you check them out! And be sure to check them out on Instagram and Facebook.
Spring & Main Cafe
Whether you’re looking for coffee, baked goods, or something a little more substantial to eat, Spring & Main Cafe is where it’s at! Stop by for a coffee on your way to work, or catch up with a friend and stay a while. The food and drinks will draw you in, but the sense of community will keep you coming back. We love their selection of sandwiches, wraps, and salads. And don’t even get us started on the sweets! It’s the perfect place to pick up dinner on your way home, too. Make sure to keep them in mind for any catering needs – they offer on and off site catering. Check them out on Facebook!
Local Boutique 16063
Take a break from all of that eating and drinking with some retail therapy! Local Boutique 16063 specializes in women’s clothing and accessories. They cater to women of all ages, and they carry sizes 0 to 18. We love that they have top specialty brands at multiple price points, so we can always find something we love that fits in our budget. And, if you’re looking for a gift, we love their candles, journals, and hair accessories. Don’t forget to add a pair of shoes to complete your look! Find all the latest on their Facebook and Instagram.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.