Pittsburgh's Hidden Gems

Grandma B’s, Hill District

Grandma B’s is a no-nonsense, straightforward breakfast diner in the heart of the Hill District - a Black-owned business in a Black neighborhood with an incredible vibe. Be sure to ask for Dorian (the owner) and let him share a story or two about his café.

The Thyme Machine, Bloomfield

If you’re a fan of breakfast sandwiches, head to The Thyme Machine food cart. This seasonal pop-up is parked at 4613 Liberty Ave (8 a.m. - noon) every Wednesday through Friday.

The Zenith, South Side

This eclectic space is home to an antique shop and a vegan café. Communal tables set with vintage glassware and plates make you feel right at home, while the eccentric décor gives you a sense that you are somewhere exceptional.

Fet-Fisk Royal Market, Shaler

What started as a Nordic-themed dinner pop-up series (announced sporadically via Instagram) has blossomed into a full-blown market located in Shaler. Expect delicious smoked and pickled fish, sausages, charcuterie, and other Swedish, seafood-forward offerings. This one won't be a secret for long, as chef Nik Forsberg was recently named a 2023 James Beard Award finalist.

Monterey Pub, Mexican War Streets, Northside

After a brief closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, Monterey Pub has reopened under the guidance of a core team that spun off from Federal Galley, also in the Northside. Hearty Irish eats tucked neatly amongst the rowhouses of the Mexican War Streets.

Umami, Lawrenceville

With a focus on Izakaya (Japanese snacks/street food and drinks), the Umami vibe is unlike any other in Pittsburgh. Go for a late dinner and take in the lighting, music, and service - everything flows effortlessly through the space, which is located directly above Round Corner Cantina.

Carson Street Deli & Craft Beer Bar, South Side

Decadent sandwiches and a thoughtful focus on local, craft beer make Carson Street Deli & Craft Beer Bar a must-stop for folks meandering through the South Side.

Lucy’s Banh Mi, Strip District

A seasonal pop-up food cart located outside Bar Marco in the Strip District, Lucy herself spends the warmer months in Pittsburgh before returning to her native Vietnam during the winter months. Her cash-only pop-up has no menu - she makes incredible banh mi (pork or chicken), and you enjoy it right there on the street. No questions asked.

The Goldmark/The Confidant, Lawrenceville

For folks who enjoy live DJ performances, The Goldmark (and its sister speakeasy, The Confidant) is one of the best places to enjoy a drink and dance in town. DJ owned and operated (no requests).

Goodlander Cocktail Brewery, Larimer

A new-to-Pittsburgh concept, the Goodlander Cocktail Brewery carefully pre-batches tasty cocktails into kegs for a whole new take on ready-to-consume mixed drinks. Up to this point, all cocktail offerings have been for carryout (off-site consumption).

Kaibur Coffee & Cafe, Polish Hill

A quirky, charming gem of a cafe found in Polish Hill - be sure to go hungry and try the vegetarian-friendly menu.

Maggie's Rum Farm, Strip District

Find Maggie’s Rum Farm, the first commercially-made PA craft rum since Prohibition, in the Strip District. The Strip is a hip and trendy neighborhood founded on the industrial history of Pittsburgh’s hardest workers, so it seems fitting to have this one-of-a-kind hidden gem.

The Allegheny Wine Mixer, Upper Lawrenceville

Quite literally the perfect spot for a date, AWM does everything right. Top-notch service, great hours of operation, an incredible selection of wines, cocktails, and beers, AND a handful of small bites. The intimate lighting, décor, and music elevate the AWM experience to a whole new level.

Jekyl & Hyde, South Side

This hidden gem bar has been celebrating Halloween daily for more than 25 years. A fantastic list of spooky cocktails pair perfectly with the macabre vibes decorating this bar from top to bottom, complete with black lights and old school horror movies playing as you sip.

Belvedere's Ultra-Dive, Lawrenceville

It doesn't look like much, and that's the entire point. This no-frills bar erupts into the best dance floor in the Burgh with the region's best DJs doing themed nights from Sadderday (emo night) to MeMe Night (hits of the TikTok generation), post punk, alt 80s, and more.

The Water Cube, Downtown

Sparkling or still? Find a surprise oasis on 8th and Penn Avenue downtown. The Water Cube is an art installation that offers free water (both still and sparkling) during the summer months. It’s a perfect stop along the way for those exploring the city on foot or by bike.

Burgh Bits and Bites, Various Pittsburgh Neighborhoods

Want to eat like a Pittsburgh native? Ready to discover the history behind every bite? The Burgh Bits and Bites tour takes you on a culinary adventure as you walk through historic neighborhoods like Brookline and the Strip District, stopping in shops and restaurants along the way to meet the owners and sample the international cuisine that puts us on the map.

The Clemente Museum, Lower Lawrenceville

Housed in a historic Engine House, the Clemente Museum showcases the world's most extensive collection of baseball artifacts related to Pittsburgh and MLB great Roberto Clemente. Book one of their intimate tours in advance and enjoy Engine House TwentyFive wines, crafted on the bottom floor, during your tour.

Clement Freeway, Bloomfield

Pittsburgh’s free and legal graffiti wall is located on Clement Way, in an alley between Liberty Beer and Trace Brewing. This constantly revolving art installation makes for a perfect backdrop to snag a photo or hang out and watch graffiti artists express themselves.

Concrete Beach, Strip District

Of all the hidden gems included here, this one is truly weather and light-dependent. Throw on some comfy sneakers and head to the intersection of 35th and Smallman St. (Strip District) and walk past Salonika Imports (on 35th St.) until the road ends. Continue walking straight and bear to the left, walk under the railroad trestle, and carefully traverse the narrow, elevated platform until you are directly above the Allegheny River on a circular patch of concrete. Watch boats go by, enjoy views of both the 31st St. Bridge and the 40th St. Bridge, and take in the breeze.

Bicycle Heaven, Chateau

You won't believe this place. Take a self-guided tour of the largest bicycle museum in the world, known for its extensive collection of bikes (including many famous and one-of-a-kind designs) as well as its eclectic decorations, original art, and amazing displays filling every square foot. Make sure to bring a cash donation to help keep this museum free.

Art Bike Racks, Cultural District

Something as simple as a bicycle rack can be transformed into a work of art in Pittsburgh's Cultural District. With more than 25 artistic bike racks arranged throughout 20 city blocks, this installation makes for a great walking tour and scavenger hunt.

Bayernhof Museum, O'Hara Township

Schedule a tour at the Bayernhof Museum for the surprise of a lifetime. Explore the 19,000 square foot mansion and hear the wild tales of former owner Charles B. Brown. The museum serves as a home for a collection of antique automatic music machines. The real treat is the incredible property, complete with secret passages, a cave, and genuine Bavarian antiques.

Dinosaurs of Pittsburgh, Various Pittsburgh Neighborhoods

There are dinosaurs all over Pittsburgh, not just at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Keep your eyes peeled and your selfie sticks ready, because you never know when you’ll come up on a dino out in the wild! Can you find them all?

Architectural Walking Tours, Various Pittsburgh Neighborhoods

Even as a lifelong Pittsburgher, I learned more in an hour walking tour with the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation than I did in any museum. Excellent guides, small groups, and customizable tours let you book a stellar experience with ease on each trip.

Allegheny Observatory, Perry North

One of the most mesmerizing things on our Free Things to Do list, the Allegheny Observatory is open for tours on Thursday and Friday nights in the warmer months. Check out their tour information for specific details. On clear nights, visitors can tour the building, see a short presentation, and check out the skies over Pittsburgh in all of its glory!

Allegheny Cemetery, Lawrenceville and Stanton Heights

A hidden gem that’s not very hidden at all, the Allegheny Cemetery walking paths offer a peaceful respite from the congestion and noise between Lawrenceville and Penn Ave. A lovely ecosystem within the city that automatically transports your mind and mood to a different place. Bonus points if you see all the deer!

Meadowcroft Rockshelter, Western Pennsylvania

Did you know that the oldest site of human habitation in North America is right here in Western Pennsylvania? Touring the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village means checking out 20,000 ancient artifacts, millions of plant and animal remains, and much more. The historic site was discovered in 1955, but not fully excavated until 1973, a process that took 6 years and uncovered ancient tools, pottery, and ice-age fire pits.

City of Asylum, Western Pennsylvania

A sanctuary for endangered and exiled writers located in the North Side, City of Asylum provides literary programs as well as public art like the House Poem, Jazz House, and Winged House. A deep dive into this unique Pittsburgh neighborhood can be pretty inspiring. Find more here!

Looking for even MORE Pittsburgh hidden gems? Add one or several of these suggestions:

1. Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, Washington County
2. August Wilson House, Hill District
3. Spoonwood Brewing Co., South Hills
4. Pittsburgh Glass Center, East Liberty
5. S&D Polish Deli, Strip District
6. Mr. Smalls Theatre, Millvale
7. Arsenal Bowl, Lawrenceville
8. St. Anthony’s Chapel, Troy Hill
9. The Murals of Maxo Vanka, Millvale
10. Walk the Burgh Tours, Downtown
11. Wildcard, Bloomfield
12. The Manor Theatre, Squirrel Hill
13. From Slavery to Freedom Garden, Squirrel Hill
14. Kelly Strayhorn Theater, East Liberty
15. Unblurred: First Friday Gallery Crawl, Garfield