Ruby’s Wine House Review – Classic Italian Done Well

Ruby's Wine House is a family-run restaurant and wine bar near Coraopolis serving up crowd-pleasing Italian small plates and pastas along with a diverse selection of wine.

The welcoming atmosphere and shareable nature of the food make this a great spot for hanging out with a group. It's the kind of place you settle in and order several rounds of antipasti and wine, all while enjoying the friendly service.

Our first visit here was with a group of friends who suggested the place, and at first we were not quite sure what to expect from this spot that's a bit of a drive out of the city in a quiet, somewhat remote location. Looking at the food menu, you could easily think this is just another red sauce joint cranking out mediocre pasta.

But once we stepped inside, we realized one of the things that sets Ruby's apart is the excellent hospitality. And on top of that, as dish after dish came out, we realized that the food is also executed quite well and belies the seemingly simple menu.

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31 of the Best Pittsburgh Ice Cream Shops to Visit

I have a serious frozen concoction problem. I think it all started when I first moved to Pittsburgh during a bloody hot summer and the apartment I was renting didn't have air conditioning. But what it did have was an ice cream store next door, and I ended up eating my fair share of ice cream during that time.

Ever since then, my quest to find the best ice cream in Pittsburgh was born, and in this one we share some of our favorites!

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Butcher and the Rye Review – Whiskey and Modern Cuisine

Butcher and the Rye is a whiskey bar and meat-forward restaurant located in downtown Pittsburgh in the heart of the cultural district. Shuttered during COVID, the restaurant recently reopened with a revamped menu. The massive wall of whiskey remains the focal point of the space, while the food is perfectly designed to pair with the spirit-forward drink list.

We made it in to Butcher and the Rye during their re-opening week and were happy to see that the space still has multiple dining nooks acoss each of its levels, creating a cozy and intimate feeling. We were seated on the second level in front of the den-like library complete with a giant stuffed black bear. The menu matches the vibe – think bourbon-focused cocktails, dry aged meats, lots of game dishes, and other hearty fare.

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27 Bakeries in Pittsburgh You Must Try to Satisfy a Craving

Although our bakery scene in Pittsburgh is somewhat small, the emergence of several high quality, creative bakeries over the past few years has been encouraging.

Sure, there are the big guys that have been around seemingly forever like Prantl's, Oakmont Bakery, and Breadworks, but what about little neighborhood spots where you can get a buttery croissant or a danish that's a work of art?

Fortunately, these types of artisan corner bakeries have been popping up in recent years. Everything from crusty breads to gluten free goodies to French pastries can now be found right here in the Burgh.

Lucky for you, we have no shame when it comes to bakery hopping (yes, we're making that a thing) and are here to clue you in on where to go to get your fix of baked goods.

As with most of our guides, this list is only a selection of bakeries we've visited to date. As we visit more bakeries in Pittsburgh we will update this article accordingly!

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48 Pittsburgh Coffee Shops to Grab a Delicious Brew

I love coffee. And I don't mean sugar-laden, heart-attack-in-a-cup frappuccinos.

When I say I love coffee, I mean I love single origin coffee that actually tastes like something besides burnt beans (sorry Starbucks). Because I love experimenting with coffee brewing techniques at home, and have a good idea of how to brew a good cup, it takes a really excellent coffee to get me excited about visiting a coffee shop.

There is good reason for this. When I first moved to Pittsburgh I was pretty underwhelmed with the coffee scene. Luckily things have greatly improved over the past few years and they continue to get better all the time. Thanks to this new scene of coffee shops in Pittsburgh, I am on a quest to find the very best.

So which Pittsburgh coffee shops are worth your time?  Our ever-expanding guide gets to the bottom of that question.

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Jillian’s Review – Farm to Table Perfection in New Kensington

Jillian's in New Kensington is a fine dining farm-to-table restaurant with a menu that changes daily, showcasing all the best produce and proteins from across the region. The unassuming brick exterior belies the hospitality and delightful chef-driven food that's going on inside the cozy space. It's the kind of spot perfect for bringing a group of friends, sharing a little bit of everything, and lingering with good conversation and a bottle of wine.

We'd heard lots of good things about this fine dining haven in an unlikely location, so we knew we had to check it out. The space is pretty small with just a dozen or so tables, so a reservation is essential. Around the timeframe that we visited, they were offering a burger night on Wednesdays, with their regular chalkboard menu on other nights Thursdays through Sundays.

Although the burgers sound great, we knew our first visit had to be to experience the entire menu- and oh are we glad we did.

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Vinoteka by Apteka Review – Wine and Casual Vegan Dining

Apteka has long been one of our favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh, so when they added another day of the week to their business hours, we jumped for joy. We were even more excited to learn that there is a twist to their service on this extra day.

On Thursdays Apteka transforms into Vinoteka, offering a more focused food menu with casual bites like sandwiches and salads, with an expanded, carefully curated wine list. It's Apteka's even cooler, even more chill, wine-focused little brother.

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Senyai Thai Kitchen Review – Classic Thai in Shadyside

Senyai Thai Kitchen in Shadyside is a modern Thai spot serving up classics as well as lesser-known dishes in a comfortable atmosphere. Although you'll of course find popular options like pad thai and curries, we'd recommend sticking with dishes on the Chef's Recommendations section of the menu for more unique flavors.

Be sure to snag a reservation if you want to sit inside the converted house with clean, modern decor, or walk in and enjoy patio seating.

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Titusz Review – Hungarian Cuisine at Its Finest

Titusz in Lawrenceville is an Austrian-Hungarian restaurant serving up comforting but elevated cuisine in an inviting atmosphere. With classic dishes, seasonal specials, and an outstanding wine and cocktail menu, there's a lot to love at this highly anticipated spot. The attention to detail here in everything from the decor to the printed menu itself seals the deal and makes Titusz an all-around gem.

If you've been following the Pittsburgh dining scene over the past decade, you're well aware of Chef Csilla Thackray's past success at beloved restaurants like The Vandal and Legume Bistro. So it should come as no surprise that the buzz around Titusz's opening was real. The spot finally gives Thackray a chance to showcase the food of her Austrian-Hungarian background.

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Senza Review – Wine Bar and Restaurant in Etna

Senza in Etna is an intimate wine bar and restaurant with a focused menu of plates perfect for sharing. You may remember the original Senza in this location – we loved the former Senza concept and were sad to hear the owners left the area for a new opportunity elsewhere.

But, we were thrilled to learn the folks behind Bar Marco swooped in, keeping the vibe true to the intent of the original concept, while bringing all the best things we love about Bar Marco.

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