We’ve spent the last six months sharing our picks for the best places, dishes, and products that Pittsburgh has to offer – and now, it’s time to ask our readers what their favorites are.
Today, we’re launching the first entry of Five Spot Fridays, a weekly series that shares the most delicious spots around town, straight from the people who would know best – Pittsburghers.
This week, we’re talking to Seth Hunter, the owner of Toll Gate Vintage Co., a boutique vintage rental, design consulting, and antique salvaging company located in Pittsburgh. Toll Gate specializes in sourcing one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, and creating custom furniture from local reclaimed materials. They have a studio space at 1521 McCullough Street, filled with their salvaged finds.
Originally from West Alexander, PA, Hunter knows his way around Pittsburgh – and has spent countless hours driving around Western Pennsylvania, searching old barns, abandoned warehouses, and estate sales for his business, and sampling good food along the way.
In his own words, Hunter shares his must-try five spots:
Peppi’s on the Northside: “Without a doubt, they have the best cheesesteak in the city. They’re famous for their Rothleisberger (with sausage, burger, egg and American cheese), but I recommend the New Yorker. Steak, provolone and American, onions and bacon… I can walk there from our studio, so I visit at least once a week.” (Peppi’s, 927 Western Ave., Pittsburgh, PA)
Mac & Gold Truck: “You can’t go wrong with their plain Mac & Cheese, but I always add some chicken and bacon. Unless they’re serving their Lobster Mac. You do not want to pass that up.” (Mac & Gold Truck, Roving)
Selma’s Texas BBQ in Moon Township: “It’s kind of a random location for a Texas BBQ joint, but it’s definitely the best BBQ in Pittsburgh. Ribs, Alabama pulled chicken and fried catfish are my favorite. It’s a bit of a haul, but definitely worth the drive out to Moon.” (Selma’s Texas BBQ, 9155 University Blvd., Moon Twp., PA)
Penn Brewery: “Start off with a Buffalo Chicken Pierogi, followed by the sausage platter, and wash it down with a Brick Biergarten IPA. I love the building and the history behind the brewery, and I admire how they stick with the traditional German/Euro roots of the Deutschtown neighborhood.” (Penn Brewery, 800 Vinial St., Pittsburgh, PA)
Monterey Pub: “On the back page of the menu, you’ll find traditional Irish pub fare – and Mark Wade’s Yinzer Boxty. It’s potato pancakes with Isaly’s chipped ham, BBQ sauce, jalapeno relish and American cheese. Monterey’s is an intimate little Irish pub nestled in the history Mexican War Streets, and again, it’s just a short walk from our studio, so I’m there quite often.” (Monterey Pub, 1227 Monterey St., Pittsburgh, PA)
Want to find out more about Toll Gate Vintage? They’ll be at the Pittsburgh Public Market on Saturday as part of Holiday Festivus with The Neighborhood Flea. Or, you can check them out online at:
- www.tollgatevintage.com
- www.etsy.com/shop/tollgatevintage
- www.facebook.com/tollgatevintage
- Instagram & Twitter: @tollgatevintage
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