Pittsburgh’s food scene moves pretty fast – if you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it. Luckily, we have rounded up some of the tastiest treats available now from all around the city.
It’s time to munch – go make us proud!
1. Queso at Condado Tacos
A well-balanced meal at Condados includes three things – tacos, margaritas, and one of their delicious queso dips. Downtown’s newest taco joint serves six different types of queso, from spicy bean to pure cheese. Stop by to try them all.
2. BBQ Platter at Spork
While you anxiously await Spork Pit’s opening on Penn Avenue, the original Spork (their sister restaurant) has something to hold you over. The restaurant is currently serving a “BBQ Platter” during their happy hour, piled with turkey, sausage, brisket, rice and beans. They’re serving it as a preview for what’s to come at Spork Pit.
3. Homemade Jelly Doughnuts at Cafe Carnegie
Start your brunch at the Cafe Carnegie in Oakland with a plate of homemade, grape-jelly donuts as an appetizer. These bite-sized morsels are the perfect prelude to a delicious meal at the museum. However, be warned – they come out in an odd number, so be prepared to fight over the last one. Yes, they’re that good.
4. Chicken Wings at Station
If you haven’t tried the famous chicken wings at Station in Bloomfield, you’re missing out. These slightly-spicy wings are crisped perfectly, and either dry-rubbed to perfection, or loaded with cheese and peppers. Leave it to Pittsburgh to gourmet-up a BBQ classic.
5. Cheese Plates at Wheel & Wedge
Pittsburgh’s favorite American-made cheese purveyor, Wheel & Wedge, just opened up its permanent shop inside of Engine House 25 Wines in the Strip. Shop for cheese by day, and enjoy one of their expertly crafted cheese plates at night. Of course, located inside of Engine House 25 Wines, there is plenty to sip on as you enjoy your cheese.
6. Pizza from Driftwood Oven
One of Pittsburgh’s favorite mobile pizzerias is taking the city by storm this summer! Everyone loves these thin-crisped pizzas, served hot from the oven. Follow their Facebook to find out where you can get your hands on one of these stone fired pizzas.
7. Pulled Pork at Pork & Beans
Pork & Beans does pulled pork right. Head to this Downtown destination and enjoy a 40 oz. beer (served in a paper bag), and a heaping portion of pulled pork. Don’t be afraid to load up the hot sauce – Pork & Beans has a unique cocktail menu to help you wash it all down.
8. The Drunken Beef Banh Mi at Banh Mi & Ti
At Banh Mi & Ti, Banh Mi (a Vietnamese baguette) have become the vehicle for some of the tastiest sandwiches in the city. With toppings like ham, cheese, jalapeno, and their specially seasoned beef, you will certainly be coming back for more. Don’t forget to get a drink from the restaurant’s massive menu of bubble tea.
9. The Entire Brunch Menu at Spoon
Spoon outdoes itself for brunch, served every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Try dishes like the Lamb Shank Toast, the Puerto Rican Girl Ramen, and the Rhubarb & Sour Cream Pancakes. The restaurant also has a special brunch cocktail menu, because it’s not brunch without a cocktail.
10. Ricotta at Scratch Food & Beverage
Scratch Food & Beverage on Troy Hill is serving up a delicious whipped ricotta appetizer right now. The dish includes a bowl of decadent ricotta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and pepper, and paired with a pile of buttery bread slices. This dish is worth the climb up Rialto.
11. The White Pie at Iron Born at Smallman Galley
The highly-anticipated Iron Born Pizza at the Smallman Galley has only been open for a few weeks, but it has already left its mark on Pittsburgh. Head over to enjoy some of this crispy “Detroit style” pizza, which is similar to focaccia bread with a thin layer of tomato sauce and cheese.
12. Bagels from Bagel Friday
Pittsburgh’s quirkiest, and most elusive bagel pop-up, Bagel Friday, is serving up some of the most sought-after bagels in the city. To get your hands on these New York-ish style bagels, follow their company’s Facebook page for announcements, and prepare to move fast – these bagels usually sell out within the hour.
13. Seasonal Salad at The Vandal
The team at the Vandal is always serving some of the freshest and most innovative salads in the city. Although the specific elements of the salad change regularly, customers can expect it will always include elements like farro, and fresh vegetables like radishes, beets, and endive.
14. Potato Bread at Union Standard
There is no shame in heading to the Union Standard specifically to order this fresh-from-the-oven potato bread. Served with several types of toppings, including a rich goat butter, this is a must-have when you’re at the downtown spots for drinks or a meal.
15. Fried Chicken at Burgh’ers
As you would expect by their name, Burgh’ers is grilling up some of the most creative burger patties in the city. However, one item to not be overlooked on their menu is the fried chicken sandwich. Pickle brined to perfection, and piled high on two buns, this burger joint is also serving up some of the best fried chicken in the ‘burgh.
16. Blue Mylk at Pittsburgh Juice Company
“Mylk” is a vegan alternative to traditional dairy milk, usually made by “milking” rice or nuts. As these drinks are usually loaded with vitamins and anti-inflammatories, they are refreshing and healthy way to cool down. The Blue Mylk at Pittsburgh Juice Company is loaded with tomatoes, algae, spirulina, and even more healthy stuff! Check it out – you won’t be disappointed.
17. Milkshakes at Bill’s Bar and Burger
A milkshake covered in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups? Yes please! All of these milkshake dreams and more can come true at Bill’s Bar and Burger downtown. Try varieties like the Lucky charms, s’mores, and gummy worms.
18. Honey-Drizzled Sopaipillas at Mesa PGH
The newly-opened Mesa PGH, located in Schenley plaza, is already making our mouths water with their honey-drizzled sopaipillas. Located in the space formerly occupied by Conflict Kitchen, Mesa PGH serves New Mexican-inspired food, and is definitely worth a try this summer.
19. Vegan Masterpieces from Sugar Spell Scoops
The wonderful folks at Sugar Spells Scoops are taking vegan ice-cream to the next level. Stop by one of their popups to sample some of their unique flavors like peanut butter caramel, piña colada, blueberry lavender and more! Everything they produce is 100% dairy-free, and they even take custom orders for cakes.
20. S’mores from Brunoise at the Smallman Galley
Upgrade your s’mores with summer at Brunoise, one of the new restaurant concepts in the Smallman Galley. This strip of rich chocolate, paired with Graham cracker crumbs, Millie’s ice cream, and torched marshmallow has the potential to change your life. You never knew s’mores could taste this good.
21. Pretzel at Industry Public House
Go big or go home. Industry Public House is serving up one of the biggest pretzels in the city, complete with mustard and pub cheese. This isn’t your average concession stand soft pretzel, so be sure to share it with friends. (Or, you know…. keep it all for yourself.)
22. Bloody Marys at Meat & Potatoes
The Bloody Mary bar at Meat & Potatoes is practically a meal in itself. Choose from dozens of options like cheese, bacon, salami, and more to craft your perfect bloody! Stack it up high – the sky’s the limit. Make sure to save room for their famous brunch menu.
23. Potato Patch Fries at Kennywood
It’s not summer in Pittsburgh without Potato Patch fries! Head over to Kennywood and share this classic Pittsburgh treat – salty fries piled high with cheese and bacon.
24. Pierogie Dog at D’s 6 Pack and Dogz
Pierogies on a hot dog? Only in Pittsburgh. Stop through D’s and try their wide menu of hot dog options (Mac & Cheese, anyone?)
25. Breakfast Sandwiches at the Pear & the Pickle
The Pear & the Pickle knows how to make a breakfast sandwich. They take thick Mancini bread, and stuff it with eggs, tomatoes, and cheese, and, trust us, there’s no better way to start your day.
What are you loving in Pittsburgh right now? Leave it in the comments below.
What??? No Nancy B Bakery award-winning chocolate chip cookies? What’s up with that?