Flavor of the Neighborhood: Oakland Dining Guide
From Morning Coffee to Late‑Night Cocktails
Oakland is a hub to local favorites, hidden gems, and historic spots that cater to all types of pallets.
Coffee & Breakfast in Oakland
Pamela’s P&G Diner | 3703 Forbes Ave.
A unique, independently owned and beloved local breakfast and lunch spot, Pamela’s is president-approved. Voted Best Breakfast in Pittsburgh and named in the top 10 of USA's Hotcakes. Don’t forget, Pamela’s is a cash-only establishment.
Redhawk Coffee Roasters | 120 Meyran Ave.
This cozy cafe serves espressos, cappuccinos, and other coffee drinks, plus pastries.
Divvy Coffee & Buns | 3714 Forbes Ave.
This coffee shop is known for signature buns served alongside sweet and savory treats, teas, and sandwiches.
La Prima Espresso Company | 3400 Fifth Ave.
You’re in for a treat at La Prima. This coffee shop, with locations around the city, is known for its sweet espresso, modern vibe, and friendly staff.
Sidebar Coffee and Bake Shop | 200 N Craig St.
If you’re in the market for more than just coffee, you’re in luck at Sidebar. Here, you can pick up breakfast sandwiches and freshly baked goods like scones and pies.
Shibam Coffee | 4630 Centre Ave.
Unwind in this simple, stylish cafe serving Middle Eastern desserts and coffee in a warmly lit, Yemeni-inspired atmosphere.
La Gourmandine | 116 Meyran Ave.
An authentic French bakery offering croissants, pastries, baguettes, and desserts baked fresh daily. It is an ideal stop for a quick, European-style breakfast or a mid-morning treat.
Casual Lunch & Oakland Classics
The Porch at Schenley | 221 Schenley Dr.
The Porch is a neighborhood bistro in the heart of vibrant, bustling Oakland. Situated within beautiful Schenley Plaza, this concept is a come as you are, no reservations restaurant serving the University community, neighborhood regulars and park users alike.
Atarashi | 120 Oakland Ave.
A fast food-style eatery where customers design their own sushi rolls & Japanese salads.
The Café Carnegie | 4400 Forbes Ave.
Under the direction of two time James Beard Award semi-finalist Chef Sonja Finn, The Café Carnegie brings approachable cooking using responsibly-sourced ingredients to Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.
Butterjoint | 208 N Craig St.
A hip spot for cocktails, beer, wine & bar bites, plus New American fare from sister bistro Legume.
Oishii Bento | 119 Oakland Ave.
A health-minded counter-serve option offering diners Japanese & Korean bentos & bowls plus sushi.
Dinner Stops
CHiKN | 3712 Forbes Ave. Unit 3
A casual eatery serving up quick bites including hot chicken sandwiches and Nashville-style hot fries.
Union Grill Oakland | 413 S Craig St.
A bustling spot popular with the college crowd & known for piled-high burgers & waffle-cut fries.
Cork & Crust | 5130 Bigelow Blvd. (The Oaklander Hotel)
There’s a fresh pizza scene in The Oaklander Hotel, and it goes by Cork & Crust. They’ve turned the tables on your favorite staples, establishing an elevated wine bar experience to sip and dine as you see fit. Eat indoors, or out, and get a taste for the simple pleasures, revamped.
Stack’d Oakland | 3716 Forbes Ave.
A relaxed pub for burgers with creative toppings & craft beer, plus multiple TVs for sports watching.
CAVA | 3619 Forbes Ave.
A Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.
Bars & Nightlife in Oakland
Mario’s Oakland Saloon | 116 Oakland Ave.
A staple to the Pittsburgh bar and club scene, Mario’s in Oakland is your place to go if you have no bedtime.
Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar | 3803 Forbes Ave.
Home of the almost famous sandwich. Born in 1933 from a small wooden lunch stand in the Strip District to today with over 20 locations in Pittsburgh and South Florida, Primanti Bros. is a Pittsburgh tradition. These over-stuffed sandwiches with your choice of grilled meat topped with fresh hand-cut french fries, sweet and sour crunchy coleslaw, two slices of tomato all between two fresh slices of Italian bread have become world famous!
Bootleggers | 403 Semple St.
A local watering hole offering pool, darts, and a selection of beer and liquor, plus sports on TV.
Gene’s Place | 3616 Louisa St.
A popular hangout offering cocktails & draft beer in no-nonsense surrounds with trivia nights.
