BY: CHRISTOPHER BROWN

 

Sometimes, you just need a quick escape. A change of scenery to recharge, explore, and break free from the daily routine.

 

The “Weekender” is a travel series that is your go-to guide for the perfect weekend getaway. Each article will spotlight a different destination, offering insider tips on where to stay, what to do, what to eat and drink, and how to make the most of your time—so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying your trip.

 

This weekend we’re going to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Steel City.

 

Pittsburgh feels like a second home to me. In a way, it feels like a larger Charleston. It’s a medium-sized city (still way bigger than Charleston) that is built along three rivers with lots of yellow bridges and a ton of hills. The terrain may be similar to West Virginia, but it’s the people and culture that keep me coming back. The city has an industrial feel but still has lots of charm. The locals are great and the community feels close-knit. I always feel like I belong when I visit.

 

Pittsburgh is around three and a half hours away from Charleston, WV. My wife and I usually travel up to Pittsburgh on the weekend for Steelers games. We of course always make an adventure out of it and take the opportunity to enjoy what sights, activities, and food and drinks that Pittsburgh has to offer.

 

For those of yinz that have already been there, you may be familiar with some of the places that I mention here, but there could be some that are new to you. Pause. Did he say “yinz”?  What is “yinz”? “Yinz” is Pittsburgh slang for “ya’ll”. It originated in the 17th century when Scottish-Irish immigrants settled in Pittsburgh. That’s enough history for now (there will be more), so here are my top recommendations for things to do during your next trip to Pittsburgh.

 

 

Where to Stay

 

Before we talk about where to stay. I first have to mention that when you first arrive in Pittsburgh and come out of Fort Pitt tunnel into the city, the view is absolutely breathtaking. It never gets old, no matter how many times you see it.

 

As I mentioned earlier, Pittsburgh is a medium-sized city. It’s not too spread out and most things are within a ten to fifteen minute drive. Driving is the best way to get around in Pittsburgh. Beware though, this city has some of craziest intersections and traffic patterns that I’ve ever experienced, especially in the hills. Pittsburgh does have a train/light rail system, called the “T” and depending on where you stay, it’s mostly useful for heading downtown.

 

We’ve stayed in both hotels and Airbnbs and usually make our decision based on the rates for that weekend. When there’s a sports event in town, the hotel rates skyrocket and your best deal is going to be an Airbnb. There are over 90 different neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and each comes with their own distinct personality. For Airbnbs, we like to stay in Dormont, Squirrel Hill, or Lawrenceville. For hotels, downtown is going to be the most central location, but it’s going to cost you more. Our hotel of choice is the Holiday Inn on the Southside or TRYP by Wyndham in Lawrenceville.

 

 

Things to Do

 

Strip District

The Strip District is easily my favorite place in Pittsburgh. We go here every time we visit the city. The Strip District is a half-mile walkable shopping district that is full of restaurants, shops, street vendors, markets, and more.

 

A little history here before I tell you more (skip to the next paragraph if you don’t like history). In the 1800s, the Strip District was a hub for iron mills, foundries, and glass factories. The location near train tracks made it ideal for industrial production. In the 1900s, it also developed into a produce wholesale and export district but near the end of the century, grocery store chains took business from the wholesalers. By the 1990s, small retailers and restaurants started moving into the district, creating what it is today. I tell you all of this because when you’re in the Strip District, it still has that industrial vibe and authenticity that made Pittsburgh what it is today.

 

On weekends, the Strip comes alive with energy and excitement. People walk the streets to enjoy dining, drinking, and shopping. The delightful aromas of fresh coffee, baked bread, pizza, and food from street vendors will overwhelm your senses in the best way. While there, I highly recommend getting a coffee and walking exploring what it has to offer. Some highlights are Wholey’s Fish Market and Pennsylvania Macaroni Company. These two classic markets help maintain the history of the Strip District and are fun to check out even if you don’t plan on buying anything. In 2023, the Produce Terminal Building, a five-block-long central hub in wholesale produce that helped define this district in 1929, was revitalized to become a new modern retail and restaurant location. There are endless options for food and drinks in the Strip District that I will mention a few of later on in this article. The Strip District is a MUST-VISIT location in Pittsburgh and should be one of your first stops.

 

Carnegie Science Center – 1 Allegheny Ave

If you’re looking to do something indoors on a rainy day or you want to do something with the kids, the Carnegie Science Center is a must for all ages. It’s a science exhibit/museum featuring 4 total floors with over 400 exhibits, including a planetarium, theatre, miniature railroad village, and an actual WWII submarine that you can tour. Each floor has a different scientific theme. It’s located right beside Acrisure Stadium and has convenient parking. Tickets are $15 for kids and $25 for adults. We visited on a rainy day and spent around three hours there.

 

PGH Sports Game

 

Pittsburgh is home to three professional sports teams, the Steelers, the Penguins, and the Pirates. I highly recommend going to a sports game when you visit Pittsburgh. As a football fan, we usually go to at least one Steeler game every year. The environment is electric. Steelers fans also know how to have a proper tailgate. My wife and I don’t watch hockey but one evening, we randomly decided to go to a Penguins game one hour before it started. We purchased cheap tickets online and had a great time. Even if you’re not in town to go to a sports game, you’ll know when there’s one happening, not just because of the large amount of black and yellow jerseys walking the streets, but because the energy of the city becomes palpable.

 

*Pro Tip* If you’re going to any sports game and want to avoid the heavy traffic, high Uber/Lyft surge rates, and expensive parking fees ($40+), the easiest and cheapest thing to do is to take the “T”. For a Steelers game, we park at Dormont Junction or Station Square and take the T to Acrisure Stadium (Allegheny Station) for only $7 per person. After the game, it only takes 30 minutes to get back to Dormont Junction and even less for Station Square.

 

Randyland – 1501 Arch Street

Looking for something artsy and quirky that’s free to do? Randyland is an all-outdoor/courtyard art museum created by artist Randy Gilson. This is Randy’s personal home but he’s turned its outdoor space into a whimsical art exhibit using paint, plants, plastic animals, and second-hand items. It’s the most colorful place in the city. It’s open every day from noon to dark. As mentioned, it’s free to visit but donations are accepted.

 

Biking in the North Shore

The North Shore is an area downtown along the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers that is home to Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park, Rivers Casino, multiple museums, and more. If you want to do something active and see the landscapes of this beautiful city, biking the North Shore is perfect. The best way to do this is to rent bikes at the POGOH station ($4 for 30 minutes) at North Shore Riverfront Park and ride along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail up and down the river. You can also just walk the trail if you like. The trail is open year-round and the city views at any time of year make it a must.

 

Top Golf

I know there are Top Golfs everywhere and for some this is common, but my state doesn’t have one and it’s always on my list if I’m looking for something different to do. If you don’t know what Top Golf is, it’s a golf shooting range that serves food and drinks. It’s meant for all ages and skill levels. You rent a climate-controlled hitting bay for a specific amount of time. The pricing is from $36-60 per hour with up to 6 people per bay. You can hit the balls just for fun and to relieve stress or play games aiming for targets. They have a food and drink menu, but I’ll be honest, the food is mediocre and can be a good snack before you go to the places I’m about to mention.

 

Honorable Mentions: Duquesne Incline, Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, The Andy Warhol Museum

 

 

Places to Eat

 

Primanti Brothers – 46 18th Street (Strip District)

 

Primanti Brothers is an iconic Pittsburgh eatery. There are many locations around the city (and the US) but the original location is in the Strip District. In 1933, Joe Primanti started with a small sandwich cart. Within a year, he was able to open up a storefront and it’s been there ever since. Primanti Brothers sell their signature sandwiches constructed of meats, melted cheese, cole slaw, tomatoes, and french fries all between two large slices of Italian bread. These sandwiches were designed to make it convenient for truck drivers to eat while on the job. The sandwiches are huge. You can choose from pastrami, Italian sausage, ham, turkey, roast beef, salami… and the list goes on. Their #2 most popular item is the Pittsburger, right behind their #1 selling item, beer, although my favorite sandwich to order is the pastrami. Primanti Brothers has many accolades featuring them in many publications and has been visited by Presidents and professional sports players. The service here is fast, and even on a busy day (like a game day), they turn tables quickly even when the line is long. Primanti Brothers in the Strip encaptures the history and culture of Pittsburgh and it’s a must-stop when visiting.

 

Girasole Italian Restaurant – 733 Copeland St (Shadyside)

Just saying their name makes me melt. I fell in love with this place on my first visit. Girasole is a small Italian restaurant in Shadyside. It’s a family restaurant, owned by the Girasole family, that’s been open for 21 years. They serve incredible and authentic Italian food blending both old and new-world Italian dishes. The restaurant itself is very quaint, inviting, and cozy. The second you walk in, it feels like you just found where you need to be all along. The first time we visited, the owner, a charming older gentleman in a silk outfit, was sitting at the entrance with his friends, sipping a glass of wine. He welcomed us warmly and immediately led us to our table. They have a small menu, which is always an excellent sign that your food is about to be fantastic, and a great wine selection. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. If you want some of the best Italian food you’ve ever had in a warming atmosphere, go to Girasole and fall in love too.

 

Pierogi’s Plus – 342 Island Ave (McKee’s Rocks)

 

Pierogies are kind of a Pittsburgh thing. Pierogies were introduced to Pittsburgh when Polish immigrants came to the area. Pierogies are Polish dumplings made from unleavened dough that are typically filled with potatoes, cheese, meat, mushrooms, and more. Pierogi’s Plus serves the most authentic pierogies you can find in Pittsburgh. It was founded by a Polish woman, Helen, who migrated here from Poland in 1974. In 1991, she opened Pierogi’s Plus because she missed the comfort foods of Poland. Her place is now a staple in Pittsburgh. Located in an old renovated gas station, this isn’t a spot where you go in to sit down to eat. They only sell their pierogies to-go, however they do have outdoor seating if you want to eat there. If you want to taste authentic Polish comfort food (or if you’ve never had a pierogi), go to Pierogi’s Plus.

 

Pamela’s Diner – Strip District, Shadyside, & Mt. Lebanon

 

Pamela’s Diner is a classic Pittsburgh breakfast chain that started in 1979, serving traditional breakfast dishes. Their specialties are crepe-style pancakes, omelets, and Lyonnaise potatoes. They also serve brunch items. Pamela’s has multiple locations in the city, including one in the Strip District. Expect great breakfast food with a charming diner vibe. They’re only open for breakfast and brunch from 8 am to 2 pm. If you’re looking for a great spot for breakfast, Pamela’s is the place to go. Pro Tip: On the weekends, they can get pretty busy and the line can get long so get there early 😉

 

Honorable Mentions: Fig & Ash, Apteka, Ineffable Ca Phe, Meat & Potatoes

 

Places to Drink

 

Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange – 2005 Penn Ave. (Strip District)

 

The Allegheny Coffee Company makes incredible fresh brewed coffee, tea, and coffee-based drinks. One of the coolest things is that they have cold brew coffee on draft. They roast their own beans for their coffee and offer a crazy amount of different types of coffee beans and tea to purchase for home. Every time I’m in the Strip District, I stop here to get coffee. Allegheny Coffee is greatly responsible for that insane aroma of coffee that carries into the streets while walking down the Strip. The aroma wafting out of Allegheny Coffee casts a spell on you and it’s impossible to walk by without going in.

 

Industry Public House – 4305 Butler Street (Lawrenceville)

 

One of the first times that I visited Pittsburgh, I discovered this place by accident. Sometimes when we travel, we explore the streets to see what we can find, and one evening we stumbled upon Industry Public House. Industry Public House is a bar/restaurant serving artisanal cocktails, craft beer, and elevated comfort food. The drinks here are fantastic. They have an impressive beer list including local beers. The food is incredible and they make one of the best burgers that I’ve ever had. The vibe of the place is vintage, industrial, and modern all in one. If you’re looking for a spot to get a good drink and comfort food with cozy vibes, go to Industry Public House.

 

Cinderlands Warehouse Beer Co. – 2601 Smallman Street (Strip District)

 

Cinderlands Warehouse is one of my favorite breweries in Pittsburgh. Their location in the Strip District, fantastic facility, and great beers keep me coming back every time I visit. Their facility is a two-story modern warehouse with bars on both levels. On the first level, they have indoor games like cornhole, bocce ball, foosball, dome hockey, and shuffleboard. On the second level, they have a covered and heated patio with nice views of the actual brewery equipment. They do have a kitchen that serves gastropub fare if you’re hungry, although I’ve never eaten here so I can’t give any advice on how good it is. Their beers are some of my favorite beers in the city including Tracks Again unfiltered pilsner and Squish hazy pale-ale. If you’re not into beer, they also have cocktails, wine, cider, seltzers, and hop water.

 

 

Grist House Craft Brewery –  10 E Sherman St. (Millvale)

 

Grist House is another one of my favorite breweries in the city. Their owners started as homebrewers (like me) with a dream to open their own brewery in 2010. In 2014, they opened Grist House and knocked it out of the park, making some of the best beers in the city. Grist House is both an indoor and outdoor venue. They offer great beers, ciders, seltzers, and craft cocktails, and usually have food trucks outside if you need some grub. Grist House stays busy by always having some sort of music or event. The outdoor area has cozy fire pits and plenty of seating to hang out. My favorite thing about this place (other than the beer) is that they’re super dog-friendly but my favorite beers here are the Krisp kölsch and Twilight Hour Czech amber lager.

 

Dancing Gnome Brewery – 1025 Main Street (Sharpsburg)

 

Dancing Gnome is also in my top three favorite breweries in Pittsburgh. They focus on more hop-forward beers, but they make some of the best non-hoppy beers I’ve ever had. They’re a relatively smaller brewery with just a taproom and patio but their beer makes up for it. If you’re hungry, they have a food truck outside nearly every day. Not Always Present kölsch and Garavogue dry Irish stout are two of my favorite beers on the menu. Dancing Gnome beers are so good that I always get a 4 pack of beer to go. I do have a small grievance about this place though. It’s very clear that they’re not dog-friendly (not sure what that’s about) but since their beer is so good, I give them a pass.

 

Honorable Mentions: Eleventh Hour Brewing, Hitchhiker, Trace Brewing, Old Thunder Brewing

 

If you can’t already tell, I love Pittsburgh. It’s full of charm, and culture, with excellent food and lots of things to do. Of course, I’ve only begun to scratch the surface of what this city has to offer but at least what I’ve mentioned can help get you started. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway.

 

As always, remember to embrace the unfamiliar, try new things, ask the locals for recommendations, wear your seatbelt, and most importantly, get out and explore.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author:

 

– Christopher Brown is a freelance writer for Digital Wax. He grew up in West Virginia and works primarily as a dental hygienist in Charleston. His wife tells him that he has too many hobbies; a musician, hip-hop head, football fanatic, beer brewer, frequent traveler, & master home chef.