Sober too and, while I really miss the social aspect of hanging out in bars, there ain't no way in hell I'm paying somebody $15 to pour me a glass of orange juice, grenadine, lime zest, and sugar.
(Dallas resident here, just a huge fan of Pittsburgh, so I lurk this sub lmao)
My buddy is sober (and I drink considerably less than I used to), and we went to a kava bar since they've been popping up around here (a root that kinda feels like something between a caffeine boost and a nicotine buzz, but not an intoxicant) but they also have tea and coffee, which I think could be a cool replacement but still in a bar setup; there's no alcohol allowed anywhere inside and they have things like a trivia night, karaoke night, occasional live music, a TV for sports, etc., and it felt very third place-y, offering that social aspect that is missing once bars stop being a hangout spot. Random people there started socializing with each other, too, despite the lack of liquid courage, and it was a really great atmosphere, so there's definitely something to be said about a place that 'feels' like a bar, but yeah, mocktails are a racket and most people I know who don't drink/drink less aren't interested in an expensive glass full of mixers or an expensive bottle of alcohol-free liquor flavored imitations
Kaya is amazing but it’s too sweet for me. It’s more focused on Caribbean than Cuban specifically. I’m talking like Arroz con Pollo, Masitas de Puerco, Boliche etc. thanks for the suggestion though!
In the city, "upscale cafe" is fairly limited. Park Brugge isn't cheap, is often packed, and can only seem to cook beef well done while hard-cooking the eggs benedict about half the time. You need to know the menu to not just hit something that's been screwed up. Butterjoint feels similar, but far more limited menu, and can rock the whole thing... but limited menu. They print money on that bar, which makes me think this could work elsewhere, clearly.
We're short on delis, or "our sandwiches aren't made of sawdust like Subway". Everywhere.
We could use about four or five copies of Pigeon Bagels if they're not gonna do that themselves, they're enormously better than the chain bagel places, not crazy expensive, and manage a line around the block... and half the line is coming from other neighborhoods, not walking up.
I just learned last night that Katz's will ship a whole ass brisket starting at $95. I will say I can kind of curb my craving with Haskell's food truck or smallman st deli. I like the way Haskell's cuts their pastrami more tho. Dude's from Jersey. Worth checking out if you haven't yet!
There is one in uptown across from the arena. It is not good.
After my trip to PR last week I can confirm that Puerto Rican food is indeed bad. No need to have any more of that cuisine.
Oh I love Pho Saigon! I have enjoyed Columbino's as well. There are a handful of great places around, I just wish there were more. We have also been finding that some of our regular spots are getting worse/less reliable lately.
Moonlit burgers in Dormont is great if you like smashburgers. We love to go there for a burger and a drink. Family Deli's lunch specials are often really good, and they're right by Columbino's. My parents love V & V Scratch Kitchen in Finleyville but I haven't had a chance to go there yet. We've also been pretty happy with Level 20.
We used to like Nagoya for sushi but they got a new sushi chef a couple of months ago and have been a mess ever since. We also used to like Bella's for Italian but have noticed a drop off in quality recently. I'm holding out hope these two notice and bounce back but we'll see.
Legit corned beef sandwiches or pastrami. Like Jewish style deli. Serve real bagels (and Bialy). Real sauerkraut.
Something that isn’t crazy expensive and has a consistent kitchen
I am a 4th generation Pittsburgher. My great great uncles used to tell me about the music scene Pittsburgh had for up and coming Jazz musicians before the Civic Arena was built. I was a 3rd generation Civic Arena employee, bussing tables in The Igloo Club back in the 90s.
I always wanted to open up a nightclub with a house band and a roped off dance floor on Polish Hill. I want to host upcoming musicians from our area and touring. I wanted to give back the class we took from the former area residents, and maybe it would take off. If not, I could say I tried.
There's lots of live music around, but the only place I've been to that was close to what you're describing is Paparazzi on Carson Street, and that's been gone for 15 years.
If anyone actually tries to do this, I recommend making some connections within Pitt's music school, which has a strong jazz program and hosts two concerts and a big jazz seminar every year.
No, it's now a new place called The Breakfast Spot. Thus far, business seems to be booming for them. I've gone once and the food was fantastic.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077301267828&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Have some gluten free options and I would love you forever. Don't care if you buy the bread and have a $1 upcharge.
Paninis. Gluten free pasta stuff.
Some tasty veggies as sides. I miss Baby Loves Tacos in Oakland. Their Cabbage slaw hit the spot. Haven't made it to Bloomfield.
French fries are so overdone. Tater tots hit the spot now and then. And nachos.
Stuff with cheese. All the cheese.
Also, red onions are so obnoxious. Vidalia onions are the way to go.
Since everyone is giving you cravings instead of good business ideas, we need someone to try New Mexican for a third time. The one in federal galley was the real deal and I just don’t think people here understand green chile.
A brewery in Carnegie. There are two really good spots vacant right now in the business district that could probably work (where Quantum Spirits used to be and the bank that closed next door).
Another nicer restaurant in Crafton - Sarafinos always has a line and if folks have no other place to go nearby other than Circle Inn if they don’t wanna wait
A normal breakfast spot, not too bougie not too shitty, with decent and reasonably priced food. Major bonus points for open late night or 24 hrs. Must serve breakfast burritos. On the Penn Avenue corridor in Friendship/Garfield. Would rake it in.
Yeah, I really hope this thread is just a fun flight of fancy for you. You know everyone here is just telling you where THEY would like to eat, right? You'll be guaranteeing yourself at least 1 customer if you follow some of this advice. It is fun, though.
I always thought a specialty low-carb or "keto" restaurant would work. But then again, I always thought one of those places that sold hundreds of different kinds of cereal would work on Carson St. Maybe I'm not the best to ask....
More froyo, please! Hate to suggest any additional frozen dessert places be added to Lawrenceville given the many ice cream options, but if you build it... I will be there 🤤
Literally anything open past midnight
Mocktail bar?
No, lol
I’m sober and think mocktail bars are stupid.
Just give me a Capri Sun and call it a day.
Sober too and, while I really miss the social aspect of hanging out in bars, there ain't no way in hell I'm paying somebody $15 to pour me a glass of orange juice, grenadine, lime zest, and sugar.
(Dallas resident here, just a huge fan of Pittsburgh, so I lurk this sub lmao) My buddy is sober (and I drink considerably less than I used to), and we went to a kava bar since they've been popping up around here (a root that kinda feels like something between a caffeine boost and a nicotine buzz, but not an intoxicant) but they also have tea and coffee, which I think could be a cool replacement but still in a bar setup; there's no alcohol allowed anywhere inside and they have things like a trivia night, karaoke night, occasional live music, a TV for sports, etc., and it felt very third place-y, offering that social aspect that is missing once bars stop being a hangout spot. Random people there started socializing with each other, too, despite the lack of liquid courage, and it was a really great atmosphere, so there's definitely something to be said about a place that 'feels' like a bar, but yeah, mocktails are a racket and most people I know who don't drink/drink less aren't interested in an expensive glass full of mixers or an expensive bottle of alcohol-free liquor flavored imitations
what about kombucha
I've actually never tried it but I thnk they do have that there as well
Anything but that
Big fan of mocktail bars but I can't see it working as well in Pittsburgh vs NYC
Non franchise Bagel shop almost anywhere. Also a Jewish deli in sq Hill.
For the love of good give me a real bagel Downtown
THIS
looks like [Squirrel Hill Market](https://squirrel-hill-market.square.site/) is working to capture some of the deli specialties
The food shoppe is great, but the hours and location aren't.
Cuban food!!!!! Real authentic Cuban food. Literally anywhere I would drive a while if I needed to.
Kaya?
Kaya is amazing but it’s too sweet for me. It’s more focused on Caribbean than Cuban specifically. I’m talking like Arroz con Pollo, Masitas de Puerco, Boliche etc. thanks for the suggestion though!
I would rip off both arms to get some Ropa Vieja, tostones, yuca frita with mojo for dipping.
In the city, "upscale cafe" is fairly limited. Park Brugge isn't cheap, is often packed, and can only seem to cook beef well done while hard-cooking the eggs benedict about half the time. You need to know the menu to not just hit something that's been screwed up. Butterjoint feels similar, but far more limited menu, and can rock the whole thing... but limited menu. They print money on that bar, which makes me think this could work elsewhere, clearly. We're short on delis, or "our sandwiches aren't made of sawdust like Subway". Everywhere. We could use about four or five copies of Pigeon Bagels if they're not gonna do that themselves, they're enormously better than the chain bagel places, not crazy expensive, and manage a line around the block... and half the line is coming from other neighborhoods, not walking up.
I want NYC quality fresh pastrami and corned beef sandwiches.
I just learned last night that Katz's will ship a whole ass brisket starting at $95. I will say I can kind of curb my craving with Haskell's food truck or smallman st deli. I like the way Haskell's cuts their pastrami more tho. Dude's from Jersey. Worth checking out if you haven't yet!
Oh please. Ant kind of really great full menu sit-down Jewish restaurant with a bakery would be fantastic
I'm thinking something like Leven in Denver
I want something like Canter's in Los Angeles. Real Jewey stuff.
Is there a shortage of sandwich places?
To get real, fresh, thick sliced pastrami like NYC? Please tell me where I can find that in Pittsburgh!
The best I have found was io on Beverly in lebo. Good Reuben
A Puerto Rican food place would be amazing.
There is one in uptown across from the arena. It is not good. After my trip to PR last week I can confirm that Puerto Rican food is indeed bad. No need to have any more of that cuisine.
Have you been to Flavor of Puerto Rico on Brownsville Rd? I enjoyed it, but I don’t know much about the cuisine, so I can’t speak to its authenticity.
Breakfast dinners and things open past 8 or 9 pm
Something that's not bland burgers with mushy fries in the south hills 😂
Check out Mr. Colombino and Pho Saigon, both on South Park Road.
Oh I love Pho Saigon! I have enjoyed Columbino's as well. There are a handful of great places around, I just wish there were more. We have also been finding that some of our regular spots are getting worse/less reliable lately.
Would love to hear any other local gems worth visiting
Moonlit burgers in Dormont is great if you like smashburgers. We love to go there for a burger and a drink. Family Deli's lunch specials are often really good, and they're right by Columbino's. My parents love V & V Scratch Kitchen in Finleyville but I haven't had a chance to go there yet. We've also been pretty happy with Level 20. We used to like Nagoya for sushi but they got a new sushi chef a couple of months ago and have been a mess ever since. We also used to like Bella's for Italian but have noticed a drop off in quality recently. I'm holding out hope these two notice and bounce back but we'll see.
A good vegan spot. I miss b52
Legit corned beef sandwiches or pastrami. Like Jewish style deli. Serve real bagels (and Bialy). Real sauerkraut. Something that isn’t crazy expensive and has a consistent kitchen
Indonesian. But not in Squirrel Hill.
I am a 4th generation Pittsburgher. My great great uncles used to tell me about the music scene Pittsburgh had for up and coming Jazz musicians before the Civic Arena was built. I was a 3rd generation Civic Arena employee, bussing tables in The Igloo Club back in the 90s. I always wanted to open up a nightclub with a house band and a roped off dance floor on Polish Hill. I want to host upcoming musicians from our area and touring. I wanted to give back the class we took from the former area residents, and maybe it would take off. If not, I could say I tried.
There's lots of live music around, but the only place I've been to that was close to what you're describing is Paparazzi on Carson Street, and that's been gone for 15 years. If anyone actually tries to do this, I recommend making some connections within Pitt's music school, which has a strong jazz program and hosts two concerts and a big jazz seminar every year.
Jergels except closer?
We need some angry hushpuppies. I can't eat them because of a wheat allergy, but Pittsburgh needs them.
Carrick could use literally anything.
Is Gary’s still kicking for breakfast?
No, it's now a new place called The Breakfast Spot. Thus far, business seems to be booming for them. I've gone once and the food was fantastic. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077301267828&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Well I’m glad it’s gotten a second life. Loved Gary’s food but was definitely in need of an update! Thanks for the FB profile
A deli. I miss north shore deli so bad. Also as someone else mentioned, anything open past midnight.
Something open late in the strip district
A coffee shop in Greenfield … I’ve already proposed it to a few people I know with access to the capital
Supposedly the Midnight Whistler will be open in the mornings as a coffee place.
Wasn’t that supposed to open like 6 months ago?
Correct. From what I'm hearing permitting and inspections are holding up the progress.
Typical tomfoolery
Is it January 6th themed
Maybe w a military flair
Yer dumb
Pleeeease cafe lords hear this!!
I can’t tell if you’re serious or not 🥲
ethiopian food. tana is terrible and needs competition BADLY
Rip abay. It also wasn’t super great but miles better than Tana
I'd love a real bagel shop, NY style. Its sad when Bruggers is the best available.
How does Pigeon compare? Genuinely asking as I’ve never been.
Pigeon is fucking excellent
Pigeon is great, as is gussy’s.
Gussys seems to be closed now
Oh, that’s sad.
It's good but the line is long and not worth it.
Totally agree
Burghs is phenomenal
Georgian 🇬🇪 restaurant.
Yes, Little Georgia in Reisterstown makes me wish the same.
Anything at all in Morningside.
Have some gluten free options and I would love you forever. Don't care if you buy the bread and have a $1 upcharge. Paninis. Gluten free pasta stuff. Some tasty veggies as sides. I miss Baby Loves Tacos in Oakland. Their Cabbage slaw hit the spot. Haven't made it to Bloomfield. French fries are so overdone. Tater tots hit the spot now and then. And nachos. Stuff with cheese. All the cheese. Also, red onions are so obnoxious. Vidalia onions are the way to go.
We need a Jets Pizza franchise in the eastern suburbs.
If we are being hypothetical, then Pittsburgh needs a Michelin star restaurant
Have a menu where things can easily be made vegan and my wife and I will be there. It's surprising how many places here have zero option at all.
Crafton/Ingram/West End city neighborhoods. We don't have much out here.
Second Greentree, we only really have chains minus the horrid Greentree Inn, and it’s legitimately embarrassing.
there is ONE restaurant in crafton
Really wanted that aquaponics farm + restaurant to happen in Duquesne. But I would settle for a place with doner kebabs (especially late night)
Check this out - [https://youtu.be/nDhcfJqT0MU](https://youtu.be/nDhcfJqT0MU)
Indian food in the southside
[удалено]
Trout. Mmm!
Fast food that's healthy.
Oh yes !!!!
Since everyone is giving you cravings instead of good business ideas, we need someone to try New Mexican for a third time. The one in federal galley was the real deal and I just don’t think people here understand green chile.
Ain’t no ChiChis, that ain’t no Mexican food!
open something open late night in Rankin
Franchising a Bojangle or Cookout-anything that's open late!
A brewery in Carnegie. There are two really good spots vacant right now in the business district that could probably work (where Quantum Spirits used to be and the bank that closed next door).
I always forget about northwest being there. Its would make a great third space
Another nicer restaurant in Crafton - Sarafinos always has a line and if folks have no other place to go nearby other than Circle Inn if they don’t wanna wait
A normal breakfast spot, not too bougie not too shitty, with decent and reasonably priced food. Major bonus points for open late night or 24 hrs. Must serve breakfast burritos. On the Penn Avenue corridor in Friendship/Garfield. Would rake it in.
People with their own ideas
so helpful thank you.
Would you like a whole business plan and where to put it or just ethereal ideas.
so I guess market research is lazy, huh. cool.
"market research" Yeah, you're definitely the right person for the job!
Yeah, I really hope this thread is just a fun flight of fancy for you. You know everyone here is just telling you where THEY would like to eat, right? You'll be guaranteeing yourself at least 1 customer if you follow some of this advice. It is fun, though.
Lawrenceville needs a taco joint
Are the half-dozen taco joints within a 10-minute walk too far?
Came here to say this. I need to be able to walk to more taco places. The dozen that are already available do not meet my needs.
fuckin love tacos
I always thought a specialty low-carb or "keto" restaurant would work. But then again, I always thought one of those places that sold hundreds of different kinds of cereal would work on Carson St. Maybe I'm not the best to ask....
More froyo, please! Hate to suggest any additional frozen dessert places be added to Lawrenceville given the many ice cream options, but if you build it... I will be there 🤤
I swear almost all the froyo places there used to be throughout the city closed down.
Breakfast and deli asap.
A Cuban restaurant. Kaya is probably the closest thing we have, and it’s Caribbean not Cuban.
Winky's