Year: 2024

Triangle Bar Review – Massive Deli Subs in Swissvale

In Pittsburgh, if you hear the word Battleship, your first thought may not go to a war-time vessel of the seas, but, instead, a loaded hoagie full of cold cuts.

But the Swissvale-based Triangle Bar does not just offer any hoagie. True to its name, the famous Battleship sandwich clocks in at over two feet in length and joins other naval-themed sandwiches for an impressive lineup of exceptionally large sandwiches.

After driving past this one on many trips over to Kennywood, we decided to stop and see what the tirangle-shaped bar and deli is all about.

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Braddock Public House Review – A Food and Beer Delight

Braddock Public House is the newest venture from the folks behind Brew Gentlemen, a local brewery also based in the Braddock neighborhood. Located just down the street from their original taproom, Braddock Public House brings approachable yet elevated bar food with a Pittsburgh-Asian slant, along with their world class beer.

We visited during opening week and were so thrilled with the space, the friendly vibe, and the beer, but what surprised us most was the excellent food.

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The Allentown Night Market Offers a Weird and Wonderful Time

When an event brands itself as “a most curious bi-annual market,” we can safely say our interest is piqued. When that event is the Allentown Night Market, typically taking place on a Saturday night in June and October, after our first visit we knew we had to visit every time.

“Most curious” is an understatement here!

So whether you're into the off-beat, macabre, or simply want to check out what is new in this fun corner of Pittsburgh, the Allentown Night Market evenings should be on your radar.

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Butler Ballooning Takes Flight North of Pittsburgh

It appears that Butler Ballooning ceased operations in June 2025.

We've been fortunate enough to take a hot air balloon ride in Tanzania, and we always wondered what a flight in the Pittsburgh region would be like.

In 2024, we got to find out that Butler Ballooning opened up just north of the city to provide sunrise hot air balloon rides high above Butler County.

We were guests of Butler Ballooning to check out what a flight is like shortly after this one opened, and we have to admit, this one is quite the experience well worth getting up early for!

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Pittsburgh Pinball Dojo Offers All-You-Can-Play Fun

As budding pinball fans, we decided to start checking out places to play pinball in Pittsburgh. Over time, one spot came recommended to us again and again- the Pittsburgh Pinball Dojo in Bellevue.

This modest pinball hall features two rooms loaded with roughly 50 machines, all set to free play mode after your initial ticket fee, and, best of all, is BYOB and BYOB friendly!

So on one rainy Friday night we made our way over to the dojo to check out a free play night and we have to say, we can understand why this one is so popular.

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Traveler’s Rest Hotel Review – Boutique Hotel on the GAP

As avid travelers, we've done our fair share of overnight stays in hostels and boutique hotels- from $3 hole-in-the-walls in central China to high-end lodge-esque accommodations dedicated to hikers in Patagonia. Whenever we need to travel economically, we look toward shared dorms and private rooms in order to meet our travel goals.

One thing that always bothered me about the Pittsburgh hotel scene is that our budget and boutique hotel offerings are much more limited compared to higher-priced chains.

Traveler's Rest is one boutique hotel that opened up in South Side near Station Square and it certainly fills a need!

I was invited to the hotel for an overnight stay and wanted to share a bit more about this hidden gem in the South Side.

Note: I was a guest of Traveler's Rest Hotel for this review and have since returned for a tour after the property was upgraded to take updated photos and see the changes first-hand. As always, all opinions are my own.

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Latin American Cultural Center Showcases a Vast History

The Latin American Cultural Center is part of an outreach initiative put on by the Latin American Studies Association that has called Pittsburgh home since the 1980s.

The group's headquarters can be found in a beautiful and historic building right in the heart of Oakland, and features a modest exhibition space sharing the history and culture of Latin America, a theater space for performances, periodic temporary exhibitions, and more!

So while a visit to this one can be quite brief, if you are looking for a unique museum right in the heart of the city, don't overlook this one!

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JJ Poke Bowl Review – Fast Casual Poke in Oakland

Oakland is becoming a hub of excellent fast casual dining for the large college student, hospital, and office crowd in the neighborhood, and we're always finding new gems on every visit.

JJ Poke Bowl is one such restaurant and focuses on all things poke and Taiwanese bubble tea with large portions, great flavor, and, perhaps best of all, a rather attractive price point!

So if you're looking to feast on seafood for less, don't overlook this great little restaurant right in the heart of Oakland!

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5 Great Mini Golf Courses Near Pittsburgh for a Competition

When it comes to playing mini golf in Pittsburgh, there is no shortage of options in the region. From the historic courses that have been around for years to modern designs with every bell and whistle and some that are just plain unique, we have just about everything here.

So check out a few of our favorite mini golf courses we've tried in southwest PA in this one!

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