Eat Like a Local
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!
10 Places to Grab Lunch for Under $10
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!
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.
Pittsburgh’s Hottest Happy Hours
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.