Welcome to my personal guide to Pittsburgh, a city that has been my home for the past 2.5 years. While I may not have reached official "Yinzer" status, I've made a list of favorite spots and activities. Below is a curated selection from a collaborative Google Map my friends and I put together. Not exhaustive or in any particular order.

Bloomfield

• Trace Brewing: My favorite workspace during the day, with coffee transitioning to nice beers in the evening.

• Tasty Taquitos: Try the quesadillas (my favorite is the soyrizo) and tres leches for dessert.

• Tina's

• Brillobox
  
  

Downtown

• The Speckled Egg: Make a reservation for the best grilled cheese, set against the elegant Union Trust Building's lobby.
  
  

Lawrenceville

• Round Corner Cantina: Enjoy a casual evening on the patio with margarita pitchers and tacos.

• Bierport Tap Room: A cozy underground bar connected to Row House Cinema, a single-screen independent movie theater.

• The Confidant: Owned by and located behind The Goldmark, a nice speakeasy that is open only on Friday and Saturday. Directions here.

• The Abbey on Butler Street: Good place to grab a coffee or drink and check out their various spaces.

• Over Eden: Catch a view of the sunset from here.

• Mi Empanada

• The Nook

• Gepetto Cafe

• Oliver’s Donuts
  
  

North Shore

• Southern Tier Brewery: Indulge in exceptional seasonal stouts and whiskeys with the perfect backdrop of their outdoor area for a relaxed evening.
  
  

Oakland

• Crêpes Parisiennes: Savor the Mixed Vegetable & Cheese crêpe.

• Union Grill: Right next to Carnegie Mellon. Unwind during happy hour with a variety of potent mules.

• Fuel and Fuddle: In memoriam. It closed down in early-2023 after 27 years of operation. I loved this place.
  
  

Shadyside

• Condado Tacos: Customize your tacos; the Sweet Lucy shell with the Firecracker upgrade is a personal favorite. Also in Lawrenceville and Downtown.

• Noodlehead: Worth the wait for their delicious Chiang Mai Curry.

• Shady Dog: A seasonal hot dog cart which also has vegan options.

• The Urban Tap

• Mercurio's

• Fujiya Ramen
  
  

South Side

• Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh: The most German spot in Pittsburgh.

• Carmella's Plates & Pints: A beautiful space. I’ve just had a beer here but would want to go back.

• Benny Fierro's: Indulge in huge NY-style pizza slices.

• La Bodega: For a quick fresh taco and churro, open until late at night (when you probably shouldn’t be in the South Side).

• Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar: Visit for happy hour drinks and snacks; their burgers are spicy and delightful.
  
  

Squirrel Hill

• J Gough's Tavern: A whiskey haven paired with delightful flatbreads.

• Five Points Artisan Bakeshop: Queue up for their delectable bakery items and coffee. I would recommend going as early as possible, as they start running out of items very quickly.

• Pigeon Bagels
  
  

Strip District

• Wigle Whiskey Distillery: Explore whiskey samplers and find it hard to resist taking home one of their distinctive bottles.

• Colangelo’s Pizza

• De Fer Coffee & Tea: Ideal for a casual morning cocktail.

• Pizzeria Davide
  
  

Other Neighborhoods

• Namaste Momo Corner: Try the C Momos. A little out of the way, and a very small place, so perhaps order for delivery.

• Mintt Indian Cuisine: Our go to place for satisfying biryani cravings. We usually got it delivered, but dine-in is good as well.

• [UPDATE – 23 Dec 2023] On my last day in Pittsburgh, we went for lunch to Sagun Asian Restaurant and had the best momos! The food was well-presented, and I am sure everything on the menu would be delicious. We were the only customers; the staff was very hospitable, and they even brought us complimentary tea.
  
  

Activities

• POGOH E-assist Bike Rides: Explore the city on two wheels, especially on the Three Rivers Trail. Bike PGH offers helpful guides to get you started. This has been my absolute favorite activity in Pittsburgh, and I have easily biked over 100 miles all over the city with friends, each time attempting to explore at least a few new roads and neighborhoods.

• Yash’s 23rd Birthday Plan: Follow my birthday itinerary for a perfect day in Pittsburgh.

  • Boozy brunch at The Speckled Egg in Downtown.

  • Stroll through Point State Park.

  • Cross over to the North Shore via the Fort Duquesne Bridge.

  • Enjoy cocktails at The Foundry.

  • Walk around the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

  • End the day at Southern Tier Brewery.

• Kayaking by Venture Outdoors: I’d recommend their North Park or Sharpsburgh locations.
  
  

Pittsburgh is a city that grows on you. It has good public transport, is fairly safe, and strikes a balance between urban and suburban living. My time at Carnegie Mellon and the months that followed have been memorable. Having an outgoing group of friends has certainly shaped my experience.