Pittsburgh's North Shore & Northside: Neighborhood Guide

The focal point of Pittsburgh sports offers much more than meets the eye.

If you're coming to Pittsburgh, you're likely making a stop in the North Shore or Northside. Flanked by the Allegheny River on one side and artistic neighborhoods on the other, these neighborhoods are a staple for any Pittsburgh adventure. And luckily for you, the North Shore and Northside are two of my favorite of Pittsburgh's 90 neighborhoods. So come along as I tell you the North Shore and Northside's classics, hidden gems, and everything in between.

North Shore

EAT

The North Shore is chalk full of restaurants that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your party.

BAR LOUIE

Bar Louie is a great place for quick bites and delicious drinks. I always find myself sampling a ton of appetizers every time I go, whether it's before a game or a concert.

BURGATORY

There are a few Burgatory locations throughout Pittsburgh, but the one in the North Shore is by far my favorite. There's something about the atmosphere of it; maybe it's the magic of sitting outside while people walk by.

THE FOUNDRY TABLE & TAP

Now this is a place that I feel gets overlooked way too much. The Foundry is a place I stumbled upon and have been dreaming of going back to ever since. The salmon is absolutely to die for and the cozy atmosphere can't be beat.

DRINK

Besides the South Side, the North Shore might be Pittsburgh's go-to neighborhood to grabbing a drink with friends. Because of this, there are a plethora of options that you can bounce around between on a night out.

CONVIVE COFFEE

But of course, we have to start the day with some caffeine. One of Convive Coffee's newest locations is in the middle of the North Shore, making it the perfect place to kick off your morning or get an afternoon pick-me-up.

TEQUILA COWBOY

Tequila Cowboy is the definition of a Pittsburgh classic. A perfect place to start your night out, complete with different rooms for different vibes and giant drinks that you can share with friends.

JASON ALDEAN'S KITCHEN & BAR

Right across the street from Tequila Cowboy sits Jason Aldean's, a true country vibe in the city. Strap on your boots and prepare yourself for a line dance or two before heading here.

MCFADDEN'S

Calling all Irish! McFadden's, right next to PNC Park, is perfect for those feeling a little lucky. Make sure when you're there you get a Guinness!

TOM'S WATCH BAR

Tom's Watch Bar is great if you're looking for a gametime atmosphere but don't have tickets to the game. If you're going, make sure to get there early so you can get a seat!

SHORTY'S PINS X PINTS

I don't know about you, but I like my nights out to come with a side of an activity. That's why I love Shorty's, because you can enjoy your drink while playing an arcade game or while duck bowling!

SOUTHERN TIER BREWING COMPANY

If you're here while the weather is nice, you have to stop at Southern Tier. The beer selection is out of this world, and food is great (get the pretzel), and the outdoor space is truly the cherry on top of the cake.

MIKE'S BEER BAR

For those looking to get away from the main drag, Mike's Beer Bar is the place for you. Not only is it a few blocks away from the crowds, but it also offers a huge selection of beverages that will have you wanting to make a second trip just to try them all.

WIGLE WHISKEY

And if you're not really a beer person, I'd recommend checking out Wigle Whiskey at PNC Park. The cocktails are delicious and it's an ideal place to go either before or after a Pirates game.

SEE + DO

One of the beauties of the North Shore is that there's always something going on! This neighborhood is truly alive no matter the weather, and I love going to soak up the atmosphere.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Pittsburgh is a sports city, and there's no greater environment to be in than at a Pittsburgh Steelers game. Acrisure Stadium is right along the river, and it and the rest of the North Shore comes alive on a Steelers Sunday. While you're there, pick up a Terrible Towel and check out the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum inside the stadium.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

The Steelers might get more attention, but the Pittsburgh Pirates should not be slept on. PNC Park is, in my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful ballparks in the MLB. And I'm not the only one who thinks it! USA Today voted PNC Park as the #4 best ballpark in the country for 2025. Still need proof? Check it out for yourself, and make sure you take tons of pictures of that view; you'll thank me later.

KAMIN SCIENCE CENTER

Right next to Acrisure Stadium sits the Kamin Science Center, Pittsburgh's premiere place to satisfy your curiosity. From the planetarium to the submarine tours, I can guarantee you'll leave having learned something new.

MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS

Get your cameras out, because you won't believe what you're seeing. The Museum of Illusions is one of the North Shore's newest additions, and it's gained a lot of popularity. And for good reason! I still don't understand how some of the optical illusions work, but I love looking back at the photos I took to try and figure it out.

THE ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM

Andy Warhol, known for his iconic pop art style, is from Pittsburgh, so of course, we have a museum in his honor. The Andy Warhol Museum boasts several floors dedicated to the artist who gained national recognition throughout his career. You can even screen-print your own t-shirts in the basement.

STAGE AE

One of Pittsburgh's concert venues, Stage AE is a perfect blend for big shows in a smaller venue. There's an outdoor section utilized in the summer months, and an indoor space that has a balcony space if you don't want to be in the general admission/pit. Pittsburgh hosts dozens of concerts throughout the year; check out our list of upcoming shows.

RIVERS CASINO

Rivers Casino on the North Shore was the first casino I ever visited, and it really set the standard for any that I visit now. From the shows to the drinks and everything in between, I've never left in a bad mood (despite perpetually being in the red).

MR. ROGERS MEMORIAL STATUE

We all know and love Mr. Rogers, but did you know he's from the Pittsburgh area? As such, a giant statue of him sits on the North Shore, overlooking the city skyline and welcoming all our neighbors.

NORTH SHORE RIVERFRONT PARK

The North Shore Riverfront Park and Riverwalk are must-sees while in town. It might seem simple on the surface, but there's so much to admire while on the trail. Try to come during redbuds season, because the walk really comes alive with color for those few weeks.

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Pittsburgh Steelers

Northside

EAT

Northside is pretty expansive yet surprisingly accessible. Everything you'll want to see is within easy walking distance to each other, and getting there is as simple as taking Pittsburgh Regional Transit's T rail system and then taking a ten minute walk north. All of my favorite places to eat seem pretty far apart, but they're worth the journey.

FEDERAL GALLEY

I cannot tell you how many times I've been to Federal Galley, and each time has been different. But that's the beauty of it! Federal Galley is a food hall, so you have a handful of restaurants to pick from once you get there. I recommend getting there at least 30 minutes before a typical lunch or dinner rush, because the tables get taken fast here.

BADAMO'S PIZZA

Badamo's is one of my favorite pizza places in Pittsburgh. In fact, my boyfriend and I make it our mission to get Badamo's almost every time we watch a football game. While you're getting your pie, make sure you also get the garlic knots; they're my favorite thing on the menu!

FIG & ASH WOOD FIRE KITCHEN

If you're looking for a place that's a little more upscale, look no further than Fig & Ash. This is another place I've been dreaming of doing back to. The cocktails are in a league of their own and the food melts in your mouth. I highly recommend getting a reservation here, because the space is small and it fills up fast.

DRINK

Northside doesn't have as many places to drink as the North Shore, so it's perfect if you're looking to have a chill drink after work or you don't feel like being in a crowd.

THE GOVERNMENT CENTER

The Government Center is a true hidden gem of Pittsburgh. One part coffee shop, one part bar, one part record store, and one part concert venue, this place really does have it all.

COMMONPLACE COFFEE

Commonplace Coffee in the Mexican War Streets is my all-time favorite coffee shop in the entire city. From the rustic vibe of this corner coffee shop to the mason jars the coffee is served in, this is my favorite place to escape to after a long day and my favorite place to camp out if I need to focus. Not to mention the coffee and pastries are delicious!

MONTEREY PUB

Another Irish pub, this one in the Mexican War Streets. I went here on Saint Patrick's Day one year and had the best shepherd's pie I've ever had. It warmed my little Irish heart.

ALLEGHENY CITY BREWING

Allegheny City Brewing is tucked away on East Ohio Street and makes for a perfect place to stop by and hang out. I love going up to the second floor balcony and watching the street below.

SEE + DO

Northside really encourages its visitors to slow down and take everything in, and that shows with the types of attractions it plays host to.

NATIONAL AVIARY

The National Aviary is home to dozens of bird species, some of which roam freely throughout the building. From peacocks to penguins, you'll want to admire the beauty of these birds for hours.

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF PITTSBURGH AND MUSEUMLAB

Recently named the #2 best children's museum in the country by USA Today, the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh boasts a large campus sure to indulge your whole family.

THE MEXICAN WAR STREETS

I've mentioned the Mexican War Streets a few times, but you have to see it to understand its charm. From cobblestone side walks to houses proudly displaying every color you can think of, this section of Northside is truly magical to walk through.

RANDYLAND

Within the Mexican War Streets is Randyland, a free art display made by one man (Randy) at his house. There's something new around every corner of Randyland, and each time you go it feels like a different experience. Probably the most eclectic art display in the city.

THE MATTRESS FACTORY

No, it's not what it sounds like. The Mattress Factory is a contemporary art museum that spans multiple buildings throughout the Mexican War Streets. It blends right into the scenery, so it feels like you've discovered treasure once you find it.

ALLEGHENY COMMONS PARK

My favorite park in all of Pittsburgh, but something tells me I'm a little bias toward Northside. There's something so soothing about sitting along the water or walking across the bridge while looking out to the city skyline in the distance. I especially love perching myself by the monument and reading a book.

CITY OF ASYLUM

Speaking of books, City of Asylum is one of my favorite bookstores in the city. A restaurant on one side and a bookstore on the other, this is a great place to take a breather and catch up on some reading. There's even sometimes tattoo pop-ups held in the basement! There are also shows and lectures that are held here frequently.