Other

Supper on Penn closed in 2020.

Supper on Penn first started as a concept at the incubator restaurant Federal Galley in the North Side. During its tenure, we were fortunate enough to eat our way around the menu and become quite big fans of the concept overall. So when this one spun out for its own restaurant in the Strip District and retained most of the styles perfected while at the galley, we were quite excited.

Despite being somewhat let down on the space of this one, the menu delivers with all of the things we loved about the galley concept (and more) with approachable takes on modern dishes. 

Read more

Whitfield and the Ace Hotel have been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and we are unsure if they will be opening back up again. As such, we are treating this restaurant as permanently closed until we hear otherwise.

Located inside the trendy Ace Hotel in East Liberty, Whitfield is more than just a hotel restaurant. With James Beard award-nominated chefs at the helm, an emphasis on farm to table cuisine, and a killer brunch, Whitfield is a dining destination.

We recently stayed at the Ace Hotel and of course had to check out Whitfield for both breakfast and dinner. As the restaurant and hotel are located in an old YMCA building, much of that character and vibe still remain. It gives the hotel an ultra-hip feeling but feels a little incongruent with a fine dining restaurant like Whitfield.

Read more

The Ace Hotel closed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and it is unclear if they will be re-opening or not. For now, we are treating this hotel as if it is permanently closed until we hear otherwise.

In a way, The Ace Hotel in Pittsburgh's East Liberty is a reflection of the neighborhood itself. It is trendy, modern, and is located in a beautifully restored YMCA building (a mark of gentrification if there ever was one).

That being said, this hotel offers some pretty comfortable rooms, a good night's sleep, and one of the best restaurants you'll find in the entire neighborhood. To us, this is all we need for a great stay!

Read more

Provision left Hop Farm Brewing in May 2021. Provision's menu is still available at Federal Galley in the North Side.

We always love it when breweries have a full food menu on-site, and in late 2019, Hop Farm Brewing in Lawrenceville introduced a food menu from Provision!

If that name sounds familiar, you are right. Provision is the same restaurant concept that was found in the inaugural class of chefs at Smallman Galley (now closed) and later at Federal Galley for a long stint as well. We were quite big fans of this one at both galleys, and are happy to report that their menu at Hop Farm features many of the favorites available at the stalls!

Read more

Larder closed in 2020.

We're always excited to hear about new food options available at local breweries, but we were even more excited when one of the best chefs in the city, Justin Severino, announced his partnership with East End Brewing. His restaurant Larder is a counter-service style barbecue-leaning joint located inside one of Pittsburgh's original craft breweries.

Read more

The Fairlane closed in 2020.

The Fairlane in Mt. Lebanon is a trendy restaurant with a menu that has Southern and international influences and utilizes local, seasonal ingredients. The cocktail program is top notch, too. It's the kind of restaurant that would fit right in in Lawrenceville, but instead it's in the suburban environs of Mt. Lebanon, which seems a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

Read more

Syn Taqueria closed in 2020.

SYN Taqueria + Pizzeria in East Liberty is a build-your-own pizza and taco restaurant at the neighborhood border of East Liberty and Friendship. Why no one has thought of this combination before is a mystery- tacos and pizza as a combo are a match made in heaven.  

We were invited to check this one out shortly after opening in July 2019, and share a bit about our meal including a few build-your-own tacos, pre-made pizza selections, and more in this one!

Read more

In late 2020, Replay FX announced that they are liquidating their assets and may no longer produce the convention.

Gamers, rejoice! Pittsburgh is home to an annual convention that has your name on it- Replay FX.

Known for being home to over 1,000 vintage and modern arcade, pinball, and console games, this one is truly a lot of fun for those needing to satisfy their gaming itch.

Read more

The Original Hot Dog Shop closed in March 2020.

The Original Hot Dog Shop is an institution in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood as it has been serving up hamburgers, hot dogs, and late-night weekend eats to hungry college students since 1960.

While hot dogs are never my go-to choice of food when eating out, at this one you know it is exactly what I had to get.

Read more

City Oven closed in 2019.

It took me years to get to City Oven in downtown Pittsburgh. This is not an exaggeration.

The reason for this is because this popular pizza and sandwich shop is only open from 7am to 3pm, Monday to Friday- the exact time I was never able to be downtown despite my best efforts.

With getting frequent pushes by those in the know about Pittsburgh's pizza scene, I finally made it happen. It was worth the wait.

Read more