Pittsburgh’s booming food scene is unmatched.
From small neighborhood dives, to upscale fine dining and international cuisine, searching for dining options is easy, choosing between the delicious and diverse possibilities is not. However, here are some suggestions to help narrow down your search!
During the lunch hour, Downtown Pittsburgh is bustling. Luckily, lunch options are endless. If you want to explore the great food this city has to offer, try these 10 places to get lunch for $10 or less.
No. 1 Sushi Sushi
If you're craving sushi, you have quite a few options. No. 1 Sushi Sushi in Market Square serves fresh sushi and homemade soup and salad, with rotating daily specials as well.
Apollo Cafe
Apollo Cafe is the perfect place to stop if you're craving some homemade Mediterranean food. They have soups, salads, sandwiches and everything in between. This place is as quick as it gets for lunch. Dine in or take out.
Market Street Grocery
This local grocer offers both hot food and a deli. Their lunches are far from bland and provide a variety of hot and ready-to-serve options daily. Grab a meal or a sandwich with homemade soup and hang out in the grocery's quaint aesthetic. They also serve coffee and wine!
Yovi's Hot Dogs
It's been called Pittsburgh's best kept hot dog secret. Chicago-style dogs are the focus, but all of their options are top notch. The hot dogs are yummy, the bun and toppings fresh, and the french fries are always hot and crispy. The seating area inside is small, so this is best as a grab-and-go option!
Eadie's Market
This hidden gem on the ground floor of the BNY Mellon Center on Grant Street is a go-to for a quick and satisfying lunch. Hot and ready daily meals, homemade soups and sandwiches, grab-and-go salads, pizza and more. There's not much you can't get at Eadie's for lunch.
Sushi & Rolls Inc.
Another great sushi pick Downtown has bento lunch specials that are a great bang for your buck if you're hungry and craving sushi. The bento boxes come in many different variations and are packed full.
Condado Tacos
Have a hankering for tacos? Condado has you covered with their DIY style tacos. At $3-$4 each, this is probably one of the best deals for lunch. Enjoy the funky and edgy decor while you chow down, and get the guac!
Gaucho Parrilla Argentina
Just a little outside of Downtown in the Strip District neighborhood, Gaucho was voted one of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh. Known for their authentic wood-fired oven, Gaucho has a great selection for lunch including sandwiches and lots of greens. Their chimichurri sauce is to die for.
The Commoner Corner
The Commoner is a full bar and restaurant attached to Hotel Monaco. Just around the corner on Strawberry Way they also have a cute little lunch spot. This place is great to get a quick bite to eat. It's everything you love in a convenient lunchtime stop.
Nicky's Thai Kitchen
Probably one of Pittsburgh's busiest lunch spots, Nicky's Thai Kitchen has delicious comfort food for any day of the week. Get takeout or plan to take a long lunch because this place gets packed as soon as the doors open.
Everyone loves a good happy hour, and Pittsburgh has no shortage of them. Here are just some of the happiest hotspots around the 'Burgh for a sip and a bite towards pure bliss!
Smallman Galley
This "restaurant incubator" in the Strip District is known for helping young restaurateurs get their start, but they also boast a full bar. Signature cocktails and all Pennsylvanian beers on tap make this a must-visit spot. With half-off beer, wine and cocktails 5-7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, there is no excuse not to stop by Smallman Galley. Also check out Federal Gallery, the sister location in the North Side.
Bigham Tavern
This Mount Washington favorite is the perfect place to stop before or after admiring the skyline view on the Grandview Overlook. Check out their happy hour Monday – Friday from 5-7 p.m. for $1 off drafts, $2 domestic beers, $3 well drinks, $4 house wine and $5 'snacky things.' That's five reasons not to miss out on Bigham Tavern!
Union Standard
Union Standard is a new Pittsburgh favorite spot for a drink or a bite. Their happy hour, which runs Monday – Friday 4-6 p.m. and Saturday 2-6 p.m. is certainly worth adding to your list. Who else has happy hour on a Saturday? Stop in for half-off oysters (a specialty here) and burgers, $4 bottled beer and $6 select wines.
Harris Grill
Check out Harris Grill in Shadyside for their signature Frozen Cosmo, half-off during happy hour, weekdays from 4:30-6 p.m. They also offer deals on select appetizers and half-off draft beer. Stop in on a Wednesday for $6 glass wines all night! You're bound to feel right at home in this house-turned-restaurant right on bustling Ellsworth Avenue. You can also check out their Downtown location for more deals!
Carmella's Plates & Pints
A stop at Carmella's Plates and Pints in the South Side is definitely worth adding to the schedule. This cozy spot offers 'social hour' from 4-6 p.m. on weekdays and Sundays for 25 percent off shared plates, brews, cocktails and wine on tap. You'll also find daily food specials throughout the week.
Hofbrauhaus
This is an old-school favorite that has something for everyone and a beautiful Biergarten for the warmer months. Located in the South Side Works entertainment complex, stop in for happy hour weekdays from 5-7 p.m. for $3 half liters of select drafts, $3 house wines and half-off most appetizers. Their pretzels and bier cheese cannot be beat!
Industry Public House
Lawrenceville's Butler Street is full of places to shop and dine, making it easy to spend a whole day exploring. When happy hour hits, Industry Public House is the perfect place to settle in. Stop in on a weekday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for $2 off draft beers, $7 featured cocktails and a variety of food specials. This warm space has lots of seating and several TVs!
SOBA
SOBA in Shadyside is a modern and upscale space with thoughtfully crafted cocktails and Asian-inspired cuisine. Stop in Monday – Friday in the lounge or bar area from 5-7 p.m. for $6 specialty cocktails like the Sichuan Sour, $6 select wines and $1 off all draft beers.
Penn Brewery
Pittsburgh's oldest brewery! Penn Brewery is a classic spot to soak in some Pittsburgh culture. Oh, and a beer. Head over on a weekday from 4-6 p.m. for $3 beers (the Penn Pilsner is a must-try) and half-off select appetizers from their German-inspired kitchen.
Find a full list of these and other nightlife spots on VisitPITTSBURGH.com.
Take the chill out of winter this season by trying one or more of these great soups and warm up with Pittsburgh's hot food scene!
Hofbrauhaus, Southside
Soups to try: Kartoffelsuppe - homemade creamy potato soup with vegetables and smoked bacon and Gulaschsuppe - homemade Hungarian goulash with rich beef, paprika and potatoes. Both are delicious!
Deli on Butler Street, Lawrenceville
Soups to try: Split pea, italian wedding, cream of chicken. You can't go wrong here!
Bluebird Kitchen, Downtown
Soups to try: Bluebird Kitchen hosts a daily selection of three soups. Their cauliflower soup is the absolute best, and they regularly offer vegetarian and vegan soups.
Smiling Banana Leaf, Highland Park
Soups to try: Tom Yum - spicy and sour lemongrass, and tom kha - creamy coconut milk, mushroom, cabbage, carrot and spinach. Another of my favorites is the glass noodle with cabbage in a clear broth.
Thai Me Up, Southside Flats
Soups to try: Coconut galangal soup - chicken or vegetables in lemongrass and galangal coconut broth. Also try the thai style chicken noodle, and the spicy dill soup with beef (om nue) which is beef soup with herbs and spices topped with dill.
Eat Unique Cafe, Oakland
Soups to try: Cream of tomato with feta and basil, and their white chili. Yum!
Apollo Cafe, Downtown
Soups to try: There are various homemade soups offered daily, including vegetarian chili.
Patti's Pasticceria, White Oak
Soups to try: Again, you can't go wrong at Patti's. Try their cheeseburger, stuffed pepper, dill pickle, loaded potato, taco and stuffed cabbage. What amazing choices!
Big Jim's, Greenfield
Big Jim's In Greenfield is a hidden gem with big flavor. They are known for their wedding soup, and the large portion is a meal in itself!
Tram's Kitchen, Lawrenceville
A no-frills favorite where you really can't go wrong with the Mung Bean Noodle or Saigon soups. Be sure to load them up with chili and hoisin sauce, and get an order of the fresh spring rolls while you’re there!
Redbeard's on Sixth, Downtown
Soup to try: Onion soup baked with cheese. Great take on a classic!
Smallman Street Deli, Squirrel Hill
Soup to try: MATZO BALL. Enough said!
Kaya, Strip District
Soup to try: For a taste of the islands, try Kaya's conch and corn chowder with sweet potatoes and scallions.
Everyday Noodles, Squirrel Hill
Bonus "soup": Try your soup a new way by eating it inside a handmade steamed dumpling! The soup dumplings at Everyday Noodles are a specialty and not to be missed.
Pittsburgh is known for many claims to fame, ranging from our sports teams to our yellow bridges and iconic rivers, and increasingly for our food scene. While you're in the Burgh, be sure to check out these iconic Pittsburgh foods.
Pierogis
Pierogies hold a near and dear place to many Pittsburghers' hearts. In Pittsburgh, you'll quickly notice how beloved pierogis are, and how many different ways you can enjoy them.
Primanti Sandwich
No Pittsburgh food list would be complete without mentioning Primanti Bros. Primanti's is responsible for one of Pittsburgh's most famous sandwiches – their signature offering consists of grilled meat, melted cheese, and oil-and-vinegar based coleslaw, tomato, and French fries between Italian bread.
Pittsburgh Salad
The french fry love in Pittsburgh doesn't just stop at sandwiches. You'll find many menus offer something called a Pittsburgh Salad. The secret ingredient? French fries as a topping on a salad as if they were croutons.
Prantl's Burnt Almond Torte
Originating in Pittsburgh is the cake to end all cakes- the Burnt Almond Torte. Find a slice (or more) at Prantl's Bakery in Market Square and see what all the fuss is about.
It's a known fact: Pittsburgh does brunch well. Here's a few suggestions to get you started in the right direction.
Paris 66
If you want an authentic French brunch experience complete with champagne, macarons, and croissants, then make your way to Pittsburgh's East Liberty neighborhood for brunch. The menu offers a complete range of breakfast food and even has Gaby et Jules famous French pastries. The quaint interior along with the delicious food will make you forget that you are on this side of the pond.
Luke Wholey's
Of course, Bloody Mary's are an important part of Sunday Brunch. At Luke Wholey's, you can choose from a list of a la carte toppings to add to your drink including a whole soft shell crab. Pittsburghers know that you can always trust Wholey's to have the best seafood in town.
Smallman Galley
This restaurant incubator in the Strip District has everything you need if you're an indecisive bruncher. With four restaurants under one roof, you have all the options in the world. And if you're craving coffee, there is a full-service Commonplace coffee bar right on the other side of the restaurant.
Coca Cafe
This spot in Lawrenceville has an all-day brunch on Sundays. Homemade donuts taste even better when you're immersed in Lawrenceville's chic, cultural, vibrant neighborhood.
Bartram House Bakery
This cozy little spot has a full-service breakfast menu, too. Bartram House has something for everyone whether you're in the mood for homemade sweets like pastries and cakes, or a classic eggs benedict with home fries.
The Vandal
With a menu that is always changing, The Vandal is a great spot to spice up a Sunday brunch. You can BYOB or order a hand-crafted latte from the coffee bar in house. Their seasonal menu is always rotating so be sure to try it every time you're in Pittsburgh.
Caffe Mona La Bistro
Grab some crepes at Caffe Mona La Bistro. There are so many options to pile on your crepe that it makes it hard to decide whether to go sweet or savory. And if you really can't choose, then there's a three-course brunch special.
Grand Concourse
Sunday brunch here is a stylish Pittsburgh classic! The old train concourse has an extraordinary interior that makes this one of the fanciest brunches in town. The classic buffet-style brunch has options ranging from classic breakfast foods, prime rib and seafood, to homemade donuts and pastries.
