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Hidden Holiday Hotspots

by Jill Cueni-Cohen

Pittsburgh is full of hidden gems—it's what makes this city so special. Let's take a tour and see what we can find.

  • Olive or Twist: Pittsburgh Restaurant, Martini Bar and Lounge

    412.255.0525
    140 Sixth St.
    www.olive-twist.com

    The city keeps growing, and the hustle and bustle of this time of year brings people in from all over town. If you're taking in a show at the theater this holiday season, Olive or Twist: Pittsburgh Restaurant, Martini Bar and Lounge is a great way to warm up pre-show or post-show. In the heart of Sixth Street, hear Heinz Hall, the location warmly draws in theater-goers as well as young professionals, and it's the inviting plush sofas in The Lounge that help keep warm and cozy on a cold evening. With an extensive wine list and drink menu featuring many Scott and beer varieties, people can't seem to get enough. Olive and Twist is open for lunch and weekdays, and offers an additional late-night menu until 11pm on weekdays, and midnight on weekends. The menu features gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads and hot and cold appetizers.

  • Nine on Nine

    412.338.6463
    900 Penn Ave.
    www.nineonnine.com

    T-Sa: 5pm-10pm; Happy Hour from 5-7 daily.

    Visiting the theater over the holidays is an annual tradition in Pittsburgh, but the fun doesn't have to stop after the show! Pop over to Bar Nine, the newest addition to Nine on Nine, on the corner of 9th street and Penn Avenue. When opened in 2006, Nine on nine was immediately noticed for its upscale menu and beautiful interior. Bar Nine is now connected to the dining room, adding its own personality and entertainment. People are known to stop in JUST for the risotto, but the bar highlights unlikely "bar food" with Kobe Sliders, Fluke Sashimi and Saffron Mussels. If you're in the mood for a drink, they offer an ever-changing variety of wine by the glass, and their sommelier will be happy to help you find the perfect match.

  • Six Penn Kitchen

    412.566.7366
    146 Sixth Ave.
    www.sixpennkitchen.com

    M-Th: 11am-11pm; F: 11am-12am; Sa: 3pm-12am;
    Brunch every Sunday 10:30am-2:30pm

    From breakfast to dinner, Six Penn Kitchen has it all. With brunch every Sunday morning, Chef Keith Fuller whips up his own creative delights like "coffee fries" and cheesecake stuffed brioche French toast. His signature Eggs Benedict made with spicy crab cake, ham and asparagus really can draw a crowd, so be sure to call ahead and secure your place in line to get a table.

  • Cafe Zao

    412.353.7007
    Theatre Square
    649 Penn Ave.

    Located on Penn Avenue, Cafe Zao, an upscale Portuguese-style restaurant caters to the theater crowd, and the hours follow curtain times. Their signature dish is Clams Cataplana and it pairs best with Periquita, a Portuguese red wine.

  • Rosebud Fine Food Market and Deli

    412.586.7885
    100 Seventh St.

    M-Sa: 8am-8pm; Su 8am-5pm. Deliveries are available.

    On the corner of Seventh Street and Fort Duquesne Blvd is Rosebud Fine Food Market and Deli where they carry everything from fresh-cut flowers to pet food, and they feature as many products as they can that are grown and manufactured right here in the 'Burgh. Organic produce from local farms line the shelves, with fresh and frozen seafood, meat and poultry in the cases.

  • Nicholas Coffee and Tea Company

    412.261.4255
    23 Market Place
    www.nicholascoffee.com

    With the original Nicholas Coffee and Tea Company in Market Square, you're now able to pick up a cuppa Joe while doing your shopping at Rosebuds. They carry a wide array of spices, teas, coffees, dried fruit, and candies; it's truly a sight to see. Make sure to pick up a bag of the Holiday Blend, only on sale during the holidays.

  • Buon Giorno Cafe

    412.471.9158
    5 Market Square

    Market Square welcomes its newest addition, Buno Giorno, who is offering the most authentic pizza this side of New York's Little Italy. They are serious about their pizza—the flour is imported from Italy, the cheese comes from Little Italy in NY, and the wood alone costs $500 a week! Visit Buno Giorno on Wednesday and Friday nights and enjoy live music and a restaurant that offers much more than just pizza.

  • McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant

    412.201.6992
    Piatt Place
    301 Fifth Ave.
    www.mccormickandschmicks.com

    Take a break from shopping and pop into McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant located conveniently on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Wood Street in the heart of Downtown. The calamari is a must, and the seafood is always a fresh catch!

  • Capital Grille

    412.338.9100
    301 Fifth Ave.
    www.thecapitalgrille.com

    Holiday Hours: M-F: 11:30am-3pm
    Dinner: Su-Th: 5pm-10pm; F+Sa: 5pm-11pm

    The Capital Grille has many other locations in the country, but the restaurant on Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh is distinctively Pittsburgh—with portraits of famous local lining the walls. During the holiday season, The Capital Grille warmly opens its doors to the lunch crowd, and can accommodate shoppers and tourists with a well-rounded experience. Their signature dish? Lobster and Crab Burger with Truffle fries. Keep the kids entertained take them to meet the lobsters or on a tour of the dry aging room.

  • Morton's Steakhouse Bar 1221

    412.261.7141
    Dominion Tower
    625 Liberty Ave
    www.mortons.com

    Open daily 5pm; Power Hour M-F: 5pm-6pm

    Morton's Bar 1221 has been on Liberty Avenue for 15 years, and everyone that knows the bar, knows Diane, the best bartender in town! With the original concept as a loud, busy cigar-smoking saloon for the rich, the changing market has steered them in a different direction. Famous for it's "Bar Bites", Bar 1211 has always offered Petite Filet Mignon Sandwiches with mustard mayo.

  • Original Fish Market

    412.227.3657

    Westin Convention Center Hotel
    1001 Liberty Ave.
    www.originalfishmarket.com

    Su-Th: open until 11pm; F+Sa: open until 1am

    And lastly, one of the best sushi bars in town, Original Fish Market. Located in the lobby level of the Westin Convention Center Hotel, the Original Fish Market is home to some of the freshest seafood possible, but they have a little something extra: Sushi Chef Mike. Friendly to the staff and customers, and charming them into eating things they might have not considered.