Flavor of the Neighborhood: Garfield & Bloomfield Dining Guide
Whether you are craving a classic Bloomfield burger or a modern Eastern European feast in Garfield, this area serves as one of the city's most exciting culinary destinations.
From historic wood-fired grills to avant-garde vegan tasting menus, the dining scene in Garfield and Bloomfield is a study in delicious contrasts. Here is a guide to the must-visit spots across the corridor.
The Bloomfield Classics: Little Italy & Beyond
These staples represent the heart of Bloomfield's dining history, offering comfort and tradition.
Tessaro's American Bar & Hardwood Grill | 4601 Liberty Ave.
A Pittsburgh legend famous for its hardwood grill. The aroma of their thick, custom-ground burgers hits you before you even walk through the door. It’s a classic American steakhouse experience with a neighborhood soul.
Thai Gourmet | 4505 Liberty Ave.
A local favorite for authentic Thai heat. Their Pad Thai and Green Curry are consistent crowd-pleasers, and the small, unassuming dining room is a perfect spot for a cozy, flavor-packed lunch.
Paddy Cake Bakery | 4758 Liberty Ave.
No trip to Bloomfield is complete without a stop at this traditional bakery. From their famous burnt almond torte to classic Italian cookies, it’s the sweet heart of Liberty Avenue.
The Garfield Trailblazers: Innovation on Penn
Garfield’s dining scene is defined by its creativity, often pushing the boundaries of traditional cuisine.
Apteka | 4606 Penn Ave.
This James Beard-nominated spot is a powerhouse of Eastern European vegan cuisine. Even the most dedicated meat-eaters rave about their pierogies and vegetable-forward dishes, all served in a chic, dimly lit space with a fantastic bar program.
Fish Nor Fowl | 5523 Penn Ave.
An upscale, contemporary Italian spot from the DeShantz group. It offers a more refined, sophisticated dining experience with a focus on fresh pastas and creative cocktails, perfect for a special night out.
Two Frays Brewery | 5121 Penn Ave.
While primarily a brewery, Two Frays is a vital part of the neighborhood’s social fabric. It’s the perfect place to grab a neighborly pint of Jen’s Porter and enjoy food from a rotating selection of local food trucks parked right outside.
Trace Brewing | 4312 Main St.
Technically on the border of Bloomfield and Lawrenceville, Trace is a must-visit. By day it’s a high-end coffee bar, and by night it’s a vibrant brewery and taproom with a massive outdoor courtyard that often hosts community events and drag brunches.
Unique Eats & Global Flavors
Fet Fisk | 4511 Liberty Ave.
A newer addition bringing unique Nordic and Scandinavian flavors to the heart of Bloomfield in a beautifully designed space.
People’s Indian Restaurant | 5147 Penn Ave.
A neighborhood pillar for over 30 years, known for its incredible lunch buffet and the family-owned Indian grocery across the street.
Tram’s Kitchen | 4050 Penn Ave.
A tiny, legendary spot nestled between Bloomfield and Lawrenceville, Tram's is known for authentic Vietnamese Pho and spring rolls that has a cult following among locals.
World-Class Slices
Caliente Pizza & Draft House | 4624 Liberty Ave.
Home to award-winning specialty pies and a massive craft beer list. It’s a great spot for fans of bold flavors and world-champion pizza recipes.
Spak Brothers | 5107 Penn Ave.
A cornerstone of the Penn Avenue corridor, Spak is the ultimate neighborhood pizza and hoagie shop. They are particularly famous for being incredibly vegan and vegetarian friendly, their seitan wings and vegan Pittsburgh-style steaks are legendary.
Planning Tips
- The Weekend Strategy: Many of the smaller spots in Garfield have limited hours, while Bloomfield’s classics can have long waits on Friday and Saturday nights.
- BYOB & Cash: A few of the older staples in the area may still be cash-only or offer BYOB options. It’s always a good idea to have a few bills on hand before you head out.
- The "Penn-Liberty" Loop: If you can’t decide, start at the intersection of Main and Liberty and walk toward Penn Avenue. You’ll pass over a dozen options within a five-minute stroll.
