It may (or may not) surprise you to know that I am a Steel City native, born and raised. I live near Philadelphia now (and was easily persuaded to become an Eagles/Phillies fan, sorry Mom), but the first 19 years of my life were spent in the beautiful city of Pittsburgh! The insane amount of bright yellow bridges and hills so steep they threaten your brakes always make me feel so at home <3
My husband and I had the pleasure of visiting my family in Pittsburgh last week. Every time we visit, we make it a point to slow down and ENJOY the time we have there. We spend quality time with my parents and siblings, always visit both of my Grandmas, go out for meals, have late night bonfire talks, spend a morning at the Strip District, have a family game night, and occasionally venture downtown for other fun ideas. All the typical “visiting home” stuff.
Should you ever find yourself in Pittsburgh and have the dreaded “I don’t know what we should do today” thought, I’ve compiled a list of a few of my favorite places to eat and fun things to do in my hometown area, precisely for your convenience. In no particular order:
1. Axe Throwing at Lumberjaxes
We went here as a group of 10 or 12 this past summer and it was so fun! The staff is very friendly and they coach you through the whole experience. It’s set up as a tournament - at least, that’s how we played when we went - and we got competitive. I’m pretty sure my dad won… no surprise there. We got to bring our own snacks and drinks. It’s also actually so hard to throw an axe, I didn’t expect that!
2. Beto's Pizza
Everyone thinks it sounds so weird - cold cheese and cold toppings on pizza, only sold by the slice. I get what you might think. I personally have ALWAYS thought it sounded and tasted amazing, but maybe it’s just in my blood. It's a delicacy of a slice though. Seriously, don’t knock it 'till you try it - it’s SO GOOD. Even Joe is a fan, and he was a huge hater at first.
3. Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange
Located in the Strip District (one of my favorite places to go), this coffee shop has never seen a slow day! Every single time we go it’s soooo busy, and for good reason. They make a marvelous latte and always have creative flavors getting their time to shine on the menu. Not only that, but there’s a whole second room with BARRELS of coffee beans. You get to pick your flavor, scoop the beans in a bag and take it home! Our seasonal favorite is “Mistletoe Joe” lol. They also make the most deliciously aromatic candles your nose has ever sniffed. Seriously, if you like coffee, GO.
4. Point State Park
The star pupil of many photographers, this is one of the more obvious places to go if you’re “touristing” in the city. It’s good for so much! An afternoon stroll, a picnic, cute photos, bike riding, people watching, cooling off, it’s just a nice place to be. There are also events there several times a year, so depending on when you visit you might luck out on a SUPER fun time like the Three Rivers Art Festival or the Great Race! It’s a beautiful part of the city during all seasons.
5. Pitaland
Okay, Pitaland is a new discovery for us thanks to my mom. Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. Located in the heart of Brookline, this place has the best Gyro around. No joke. It is so good. I want to go there every time we come back to visit. It doubles as a market for all your mediterranean food needs while in town! (There’s also a bakery section in the back with a reeeaaallly good slice of baklava, a.k.a heaven)
6. The Original Pancake House
I know it's a huge chain. This is more of a sentimental one for me. Whenever Joe and I are in town, or another one of my siblings is home from college, my Grandma always takes us here for breakfast one day during our stay. They make ginormous pancakes, so you do have to get the short stack (I promise, it is big enough). Not only do they make a great breakfast, but the building really is beautiful. It’s the moodiest diner you’ve ever seen, with super high ceilings, dark wood, and oddly large booths. If the pancakes don’t sell you (they will), the time and conversation with your loved ones will have you looking forward to next time.
So, I guess this is just free advertising for a bunch of my favorite places. Honestly, there is so much more to enjoy about this city that I might have to do a few more of these “favorites”posts. I am fully aware that no one asked. But it’s fun to brag about your hometown, especially when you don’t live there anymore. I just want people to know!! Pittsburgh is a very special place, and I hope you get to visit there one day! I didn’t even mention the entrance to the city from the Fort Pitt tunnel, or the North Shore, or Primantis, or the Milkshake Factory, or Mix Candle Co…part 2 of many definitely coming soon!
If you're ever in town, let me know what fun things I should add to my list.
HB
Comments