Our love affair with Iron Born began pretty much on day one when their concept launched at Smallman Galley (now closed).
At first, we were suspect of the concept of Detroit-style pizza, because it sounded like an unusual attempt to improve upon Chicago deep dish. But after our very first bite, we were very, very happy to say that we were wrong.
Now Iron Born not only has a die-hard following at their brick and mortar stores in Millvale and the Strip District!
The Colombian Spot is a casual restaurant in the South Side and Oakland with a menu full of authentic Colombian dishes like arepas, empanadas, ropa vieja, tostones, and bandeja paisa.
There aren't too many places in Pittsburgh where you can find Colombian food, which is why we're super happy that The Colombian Spot exists and is delicious to boot.
The Commoner, located in the trendy Hotel Monaco in downtown Pittsburgh, is an equally trendy restaurant serving up elevated gastropub fare with a hipstery industrial vibe.
While the food was delicious, we couldn't help but think this one was significantly over-priced for what you get.
When it comes to drinking in Pittsburgh, we have a number of great options ranging from beer, to wine, to liquor, and even a strong scene of local producers for all three of those as well!
One industry that has been growing at a rapid pace in recent years is wineries, and more specifically that of the wine bar.
Today, we wanted to share some of our favorites from our explorations around the city!
Smokin' Toad's BBQ is located in Sarver, PA, just under an hour northeast of Pittsburgh, and is one of those places we've driven by a number of times but never quite made it in to try.
It was only when visiting the now closed Cellar Works Brewing (formerly next door) that I was able to put in an order from the menu.
While a robust menu with a number of options, I left wishing I was able to sample a bit more.
Apericena wine bar opened in late 2018 across from South Hills Village in Upper St. Clair. Serving higher-end wines in full pours or in flights, the bar had our name on it and we made our way to the South Hills to check them out shortly after opening.
Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe in the North Side is an old school establishment that serves up classics like burgers, deli sandwiches, and Pittsburgh salads (salads topped with French fries).
Located on Western Avenue in the historic Allegheny West neighborhood, this spot is great for a wallet-friendly quick bite to eat for a weekday breakfast or lunch.
We recently did just that and picked up a few sandwiches and soup to go. While simple deli-style sandwiches like chicken salad, BLT, capicola, and corned beef are available, we wanted to try something a little more unique.
If you've spent any time driving through Lawrenceville, specifically up Liberty Avenue from the Strip District, odds are good you've seen Dreadnought Wines (just a few blocks from Church Brew Works).
Odds are good you've also never checked this one out besides seeing it in passing.
The reason for this is because Dreadnought Wines is not a winery, but rather a specialty wine importer that serves many restaurants, wine shops, and other businesses in the state. But their sister business, Palate Partners, is for the public- and this one holds wine tasting events and more formal wine classes at the same location.
We recently visited for one of their informal First and Third Friday wine tastings events and wondered why it took us this long to go in the first place.
Totopo in Mt. Lebanon serves up well-executed traditional Tex-Mex dishes along with a few traditional-leaning Mexican plates. The quality of the service, atmosphere, and food make this one much more of a destination restaurant than your average Mexican joint.
Strange Roots (originally founded as Draai Laag) is one of the oldest breweries in Pittsburgh, and is certainly one of its most unique.
And to be completely honest, they're one of our favorite breweries in the region as they focus on wild fermentation that produces an array of stellar sour beers!