It’s not every day that a new restaurant or bar opens in Pittsburgh.
Oh wait… it kind of is.
At GoodFoodPittsburgh.com we published round ups of all the newly opened restaurants in Pittsburgh in both March and June of this year. Setting our sites on Summer, Fall, and Winter 2018, we’ve got another list of exciting projects still in the works for later this year.
From breweries and barbecue spots, to vegan ice cream parlors, Pittsburgh’s booming food scene shows no sign of slowing down. Below we have rounded up a few of the restaurants and breweries we excited to expereince later this year.
The Best New Restaurants Still Coming to Pittsburgh:
Choppin’ Block
The Strip District
Opening very soon in the Strip District is Choppin’ Block, a 300-square-foot lunchtime BBQ restaurant. Located on Penn Avenue next to Savoy, Choppin’ Block will offer a full selection of of BBQ favorites, including pulled pork, ribs, BBQ chicken, sausage and beef brisket, as well as BBQ bowls and couscous salad. The space features limited outdoor seating, and a takeout window for fast service, making it a perfect place for a midday meal. This restaurant is locally owned and operated by the team behind Atria’s and Juniper Grill.
Expected opening: July 2018
Something to look forward to: An easy and fast spot to grab lunch in The Strip.
Choppin’ Block (2627 Penn Ave)
Fig & Ash
Deutschtown
A new restaurant is coming this fall to East Ohio Street. Owned and operated by chef Cory Hughes, Fig & Ash will offer from-scratch cooking with French and Italian influences. Many dishes will be made with house-butchered meats, and prepared on a wood-fired grill. After undergoing a complete gut renovation, the building will feature 1,800 square-foot ground floor dining room and bar area with seating for 52, as well as a outdoor courtyard space with 22 seats
Expected opening: Fall 2018
Something to look forward to: Wood-fired comfort food in the heart of Deutschtown
Fig & Ash (514 East Ohio St)
The PA Market
The Strip District
The aptly-named “PA Market” is a food hall and market located inside of The Pennsylvania Building on 19th Street in The Strip. This project is the combination of years of hard work and planning. The market is located above (and in the same building) as Strip District spots like East End Brewing and The Olive Tap. Once open, the market will offer an upscale food hall, beer, and craft cocktails, and goods from local businesses all under one roof. The project is expansive, and covers 12,000 square feet, featuring balcony seating and a large courtyard. There will also be an outdoor market.
Expected opening: June 2018
Something to look forward to: A balcony patio overlooking The Strip.
The PA Market (108 19th St)
Burgatory Cranberry
Cranberry
The original Burgatory opened in the Waterworks in early 2011. Since then, the burger chain has expanded around the city with eight locations, including Heinz Field and PPG Paints Arena. This make-your-own burger joint offers funky toppings and boozy milkshakes, and has become a new Pittsburgh classic. This summer, the chain’s ninth location will open in Cranberry. While Burgatory is known for hearty sandwiches, the restuarant also offers salads, veggie burgers, and the famous Impossible Burger.
Expected opening: July-ish 2018
Something to look forward to: Helluva Burger + Heavenly Shakes on Route 228 in Cranberry Township
Burgatory (2080 Mackenzie Way #600)
East End Brewing/Severino Project
Larimer
Justin Severino and Hilary Prescott Severino, owners of Cure and Morcilla, are teaming up with Scott Smith of East End Brewing Company to open a 130-seat casual eatery inside of East End Brewing’s tasting room in Larimer. The menu will feature dishes designed to pair well with East End Brewing’s popular beers. Guests can expect bratwurst, Italian sausage sandwiches, and lamb merguez, as well as vegetarian-friendly options like poutine, spatzle with Brussels sprouts, a falafel pita and escarole salad with creamy lemon-fennel dressing. There will also be a supplemental list of cured and slow-roasted meats that can be ordered in tandem with the meat free dishes.
Expected opening: Fall 2018
Something to look forward to: “We’ll be making our own bread and I’m going going nuts with bacon, so you know the sandwiches will be on point,” says Justin Severino about the project.
East End Brewing Company (147 Julius St)
Revival on Lincoln
Bellevue
On Lincoln Avenue in Bellevue, a Neoclassical-style house from 1902 transformed into an a new fine dining restaurant and bar. The space has seating for 100 guests, and an 800+ square foot outside dining patio with 50+ seats.
“The inspiration behind this new restaurant is rooted in contributing to the revival of the building, our Lincoln Ave. main street business district, the Bellevue community and the greater Pittsburgh region,” the restaurant says on their Facebook page.
Expected opening: August/ September 2018
Something to look forward to: Dine outside on the patio or inside the restored historic mansion. You won’t find a TV in the building or a fryer in the kitchen.
Revival on Lincoln (366 Lincoln Ave)
Lincoln Avenue Brewery
Bellevue
Also on Lincoln Avenue in Bellevue is the Lincoln Avenue Brewery. This new craft brewery is an impressive feat, consider the neighborhood was “dry” until just 2 years ago. For this space, over 500 volunteer hours have been clocked as the community has come together to transform a dentist office into a new community space featuring both a brewery and restaurant. Guests can expect a wide variety of ales and lagers, and a food menu featuring locally-sourced products.
Expected opening: Fall 2018
Something to look forward to: The brewery plans to invite local home brewers to collaborate with the head brewer, as to showcase their brews on the community collaboration taps.
Lincoln Avenue Brewery (538 Lincoln Avenue)
Mediterra Cafe
Sewickley
One of Pittsburgh’s favorite bake houses, Mediterra, is opening their first brick-and-mortar cafe in Sewickley. Named the “Mediterra Cafe,” the space is a hybrid restaurant, cafe, and specialty food stores. Patrons will be able to find a range of products, including everything from gourmet chocolate to artisan cheeses, spreads, pastas, and chocolates. Of course, the highlight will be the bread and pastries, as well as the menu of bread-forward dishes. Jacqueline Wardle, the chef/owner of Josephine’s Toast, one of the original Smallman Galley restaurants, is working with Mediterra to develop the menu. Guests can expect gourmet sandwiches and toasts.
Expected opening: June 2018
Something to look forward to: Imported foods (like oils, meats, cheeses, and chocolates) that cannot be found elsewhere in Pittsburgh.
Mediterra Cafe (430 Beaver Street)
Walter’s Barbecue
Lawrenceville
The founders of the popular Morgan’s Barbecue in Brooklyn are bringing a brand-new barbecue project to Lawrenceville this summer! With a giant outdoor space and straight-from-Texas style offerings, this is the spot of the summer. Located across the street from Banh Mi & Ti, and next to New Amsterdam, Walter’s will feature a huge outdoor dining space with picnic tables, fairy lights, and yard games. The restaurant’s smoker was made by the East Texas Smoker Company, and will cook menu items like brisket, chicken, pulled pork, and St. Louis ribs. Sides will include collard greens and Mac & Cheese. A few other signature menu items are the Texas red chili and the frito pie.
Expected opening: July 2018
Something to look forward to: “Folks should look forward to Texas dry-rubbed barbecue, southern fare and some serious hospitality,” says owner Chris Morgan.
Walter’s Barbecue (4501 Butler St)
DiAnoia’s Pizzeria
The Strip District
Due to the capacity of the very popular DiAnoia’s Eatery in The Strip, the restaurant has to limit when they serve their legendary pizza. If you’ve been lucky enough to snag one of these pies, you’ll know they’re are made “Old World” style, with provolone cheese underneath the sauce. To meet growing demands, DiAnoia’s plans to covert the storage space attached to the building into a pizza parlor, so they can serve their pizza all the time, instead of just at lunch time or certain weekday evenings.
Expected opening: Late Fall 2018
Something to look forward to: Old World pizza for lunch and dinner.
DiAnoia’s Eatery (2549 Penn Ave)
Heirloom Superfood Market
The Strip District
Pittsburgh should be very excited about the arrival of Heirloom Superfood Market this summer. The team behind Pittsburgh Juice Company is opening a boutique grocery committed to providing a gluten-free, dairy-free and processed sugar-free, shopping experience. This is the place to find exclusive and hard to find ingredients, organic produce, bulk superfoods, and local small-batch goods.
Expected opening: June 24
Something to look forward to: Workshops, dinner series, and events in space above the market.
Heirloom Superfood Market (3103 Penn Ave)
Mario’s Saloon in Oakland
Oakland
Pittsburgh was disappointed to hear the news that the classic Oakland Bar, Peter’s Pub, would be closing earlier this year. However, it was announced that The Mario’s Group, which has bars in the South Side and Shadyside, is renovating the Peter’s Pub space and reopening it as another Mario’s location. Guests can expect affordable food and drink specials. Mario’s plans to continue its tradition as a unique blend of neighborhood, college and sports bar in the new Oakland location.
Expected opening: Late August 2018
Something to look forward to: Updates to the kitchen and bathrooms as well as the addition of state of the art televisions.
Mario’s Saloon (116 Oakland Ave)
Condado Tacos Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville
After a successful first year in their Downtown location, the Columbus-based Condado Tacos chain is opening its second location in Pittsburgh. The company will take over the space left vacant by Tender Bar + Kitchen when it closed in 2017. The restaurant is know for their customizable taco menu and flavorful margaritas. Patrons choose from seven tortillas and ten protein options, including pulled pork, braised beef brisket, homemade chorizo, and Vegan options like “Thai Chili Tofu.”
Expected opening: October 2018
Something to look forward to: The small outdoor patio at Condado Lawrenceville.
Condado Tacos Lawrenceville (4300 Butler St)
Prantl’s Bakery Downtown Expansion
Downtown
For many years, the Downtown Prantl’s Bakery shared a space with the Downtown Mancini’s Bread outpost. Moving forward, Prantl’s will be the only business operating from the storefront. The popular bakery (famous for their Burnt Almond Torte) is expanding into the former Mancini’s space. The new expansion will allow Prantl’s to showcase and offer more items than before. This storefront is located just off of Market Square.
Prantl’s Downtown will stay open during construction.
Expected opening: Fall 2018 (before the holidays)
Something to look forward to: More of your favorites from Prantl’s in one place.
Prantl’s Bakery Downtown (438 Market St)
Macaron Bar
East Liberty
Sweet news from the Cincinnati-based Macaron company “Macaron Bar.” After successfully opening their kiosk in the Ross Park Mall, the brand is opening a retail space with a kitchen on Penn Avenue in East Liberty. In addition to a grab-and-go cookie bar, the brand will utilize their in-house kitchen to host macaron baking and pairing classes. Additionally, the popular Pittsburgh-based coffee company KLVN Coffee Lab will be operating a full service coffee bar in the space.
Expected opening: Early Fall 2018
Something to look forward to: Macaron baking classes.
350º Bakery
Southside Slopes
If you’re a connoisseur of Pittsburgh coffee shops, odds are, you’ve tired something from this local, small-batch bakery. 350°’s baked goods can be found at spots like Big Dog Coffee, Piper’s Pub, Black Forge Coffee, Arriviste Coffee Bar, and Constellation Coffee. The company is currently in the process of opening their first retail location so customers can find all of their items under one roof. The shop will be open for grab-and-go orders from morning to early afternoon. Guests can expect to see biscuit sandwiches, savory scones, hand pies, and plenty of sweet treats on the menu.
Expected opening: Late Summer 2018
Something to look forward to: “Our butter crust pies (made with local fruit!), triple layer cakes, classic treats, and biscuit sandwiches. Sorry, it’s hard for me to pick just one!” laughs 350º owner and baker Janie Crawford.
350° Bakery (2427 S 18th)
Spork Pit
Garfield
After months of anticipation, Spork Pit – the new, Texas-style barbecue restaurant from the owners of Spork – is set to open this summer. Located on Penn Avenue in Garfield, the restaurant will be simple and straightforward with a focus on the food. Guests will slide a tray down a cafeteria-style line and select their cut-to-order meat, sides, and drinks before paying. The menu will feature oak and cherry wood-smoked meats like Beef Brisket and Jerk Chicken. Sides include rice and beans and Mac and Cheese. The restaurant will have indoor and outdoor seating, featuring a expansive multi-level deck.
Expected opening: July 2018
Something to look forward to: Alcoholic beverages from the restuarant’s 14 tap system, including three batch cocktails, one wine, one cider, and nine local beers.
Spork Pit (5349 Penn Avenue)
Enix Brewing Company
Homestead
From Spain to Pittsburgh! The owners of the new Enix Brewing in Homestead opened two breweries in the Madrid area, and helped pioneer the craft beer revolution in Spain. Now in Pittsburgh, they are working on a space that will provide great beer, distinctive and savory food, a convivial atmosphere, and groovy music. In addition to the delicious beer and thoughtful food, Enix is located in the same building as a bowling alley, and will also feature a beer garden.
Expected opening: July/August 2018
Something to look forward to: Bowling at a brewery.
Enix Brewing Company (337 East 8th Ave)
Sugar Spell Scoops
Sharpsburg
Here’s the scoop on an exciting new project coming out of Sharpsburg! Sugar Spell Scoops, the extremely popular vegan dessert company, is opening their first brick-and-mortar shop on North Canal Street this summer. The brand debuted at the 2016 VegFest and has since become one of the most popular vegan food vendors in the city. Sugar Spells is know for their delicious plant-based ice cream, funky sundae flavors, and decedent cakes.
Expected opening: Summer 2018
Something to look forward to: Over-the-top vegan sundae of your dreams, as well as pop-ups with other local vegan businesses.
Sugar Spell Scoops (1014 North Canal)
Penn Brewery Downtown
Downtown
There’s going to be a new spot Downtown of an after work beer! The classic Pittsburgh craft brewery Penn Brewery is currently in the process of opening a small, Downtown taproom in the on First Avenue, close to the Smithfield Street Bridge. The space will be indoor and outdoor, and will serve plenty of brews, as well as a limited version of the menu offered at their Troy Hill location.
Expected opening: Fall 2018
Something to look forward to: Satisfying lunches paired with Penn Brewery’s classic and small batch brews.
Bridges and Bourbon
Downtown
A new restaurant promising to bring a new and progressive element to the Pittsburgh restaurant scene is coming to Downtown Pittsburgh. Taking over the space previously occupied by Seviche is Bridges & Bourbon. As the name would suggest, drinks and spirits are a focal point of the restaurant, and the bar will offer a wide selection of cocktails and hard-to-find spirits. The food menu will be designed to compliment the drink menu.
Expected opening:Early August 2018
Something to look forward to: Innovative cocktails and small plates from Chef David Racicot (takö, Poulet Bleu, Notion) & mixologists David Keating (Gerber Bars) & Kimber Weissert (takö, Butcher & Rye).
Bridges & Bourbon (930 Penn Avenue)
Lorelei
East Liberty
Pittsburgh was excited to hear that the team behind two much-loved, Squirrel Hill bars – Hidden Harbor and The Independent Brewing Company – were taking over the space previously occupied by The Livermore in East Liberty. Named Lorelei, the bar will feature two drinking environments – a corner cafe and beer hall – under one roof. The cerebral drink menu will feature cocktails with European influences, an Alpine-forward wine program, and lots of draft lagers and bottled Belgians. The food will be “eclectic small plates” by Jamilka Borges, chef at all three bars.
Expected opening: Early Summer 2018
Something to look forward to: An expansion options with the same commitment to quality and style as Hidden Harbor and The Independent Brewing Co.
Lorelei (124 S. Highland Ave)
Spring Hill Brewing
Spring Hill
Almost three years in the making, Spring Hill is opening up for regular tap hours this summer. The brewery is located inside of the WBU building, which sits atop a several acre plot of land in Spring Hill. The building is over a hundred years old, and had sat untouched for nearly fifteen years. In addition to the brewery, the space is also an urban farm, and a multi-use event space named “WBU at Spring Hill.”
Spring Hill is a small operation, and is only able to produce 60 gallons of beer per batch. Founder and brewer Greg Kamerdze is looking for some help around the brewery, and has launched an Indiegogo fundraiser with shirts, glasses, and other items.
Expected opening: July 2018
Something to look forward to: Belgian-style farmhouse beers.
Spring Hill Brewing (1958 Varley St)
Even more spots to keep an eye out for:
– A new Mad Mex and an additional big Burrito project in the Waterworks
– Aperitivo Dolce from the team behind Edgar’s Best Tacos and Savoy
– Siempre Algo on the Northside of Pittsburgh
– Taco Diablo’s new location
– Molinaro Ristorante in space previously occupied by Poros
– Gi Jin, Coop de Ville, and Fish Nor Fowl from the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group
– The Black Cat Market
Did we forget any new restaurants? What spot are you most excited about? Leave your answer in the comments below!
Looking for more Good Food Pittsburgh stories to read? Try these:
- BrunchBurgh: A Pittsburgh Brunch Festival is Coming Soon!
- Pie for Breakfast is Now Open in Oakland
- 28 Excellent Things to Eat, Drink and Experience This Summer
- Your Pittsburgh Summer Food Festival Guide
- The Ultimate Guide to Pittsburgh Farmers Markets 2018
Tim says
The Bakery Society Pittsburgh in Mt. Oliver opens early July!