Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on May 11, 2022.
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The Pittsburgh International Airport has been reinventing itself in a number of ways in recent years. One aspect of these changes we absolutely love is that the airport is embracing the local scene with the addition of many local vendors, restaurants, breweries, and distilleries into the mix.
As we love to visit these before taking flights out, this guide to local dining and shopping at the Pittsburgh airport was born!
Pittsburgh Express
Pittsburgh Express is a dedicated Pittsburgh gift shop for those who are looking for some last minute shopping from the Burgh. Whether you're looking for edible gifts, artwork, or more, this one will have something Pittsburgh related for you!
Pittsburgh Express is located in the central hub of the Pittsburgh airport, right after you come off the escalator.
Sarris Candies
Sarris Candies is one of the most popular chocolate shops in the Pittsburgh region and has been a local institution for over 50 years. The company produces a wide range of items from all varieties of chocolates, peanut butter meltaways, chocolate covered pretzels, and so much more.
In case you miss this one in stores throughout the city, their rather large airport location will give you one last chance to stock up before you go!
Sarris Candies can be found in the central hub of the Pittsburgh airport, right after you come off the escalator.
Gaby et Jules
Is chocolate not your thing? Perhaps you'll be interested in macarons instead.
Gaby et Jules is a popular macaron shop with locations in Squirrel Hill and Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh, and now has an airport kiosk for departing passengers to grab a pack of their delicious treats to go!
Gaby et Jules can be found in Concourse A.
Sportzburgh Shopping
It should be no surprise that a sports city like Pittsburgh will have a store dedicated to all things Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. If you are in the mood to pick up some branded clothes or paraphernalia before your next flight, odds are good Sportzburgh will have what you seek for a last minute purchase.
Sportzburgh Shopping is found in the central hub of the Pittsburgh airport, to the right after you exit the escalator.
The Strip Market
The Strip District is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and is home to a wide array of local vendors, international markets, and boutique shops.
For those who are looking to take a bit of the Strip with them to go, The Strip Market in the airport is a great option to pick up some of the neighborhoods most popular treats for a snack before your flight or for a gift for a loved one at your destination.
The Strip Market can be found in the central hub of the Pittsburgh airport, to the left after you exit the escalator.
Wigle Whiskey
Pittsburgh's first distillery, Wigle Whiskey, opened an expansion in the airport in mid-2019 with a beautiful tasting room to try their spirits, cocktails, and even a full food menu.
So whether you're coming or going, a visit to this one is a must to find out more about our local spirits (PA grains make some fabulous products), the Whiskey Rebellion, and more!
Wigle Whiskey is located in Concourse A about two-thirds of the way down the gates.
Penn Brewery
Penn Brewery is the oldest craft brewery in Pittsburgh, and opened a taproom and restaurant in Pittsburgh's airport in 2018.
This location features eight beers on tap plus one or two ciders from local favorite Arsenal Cider House. You can round out your visit with a German meal from the rather robust menu as well!
Penn Brewery is located in Concourse A about halfway down the gates.
Primanti Brothers
It only took several decades, but the famous sandwich chain Primanti Brothers finally got a dedicated location in the airport in early 2019!
This means that before you leave the city you can fill one last craving of the coleslaw and fry topped sandwiches. Just be sure to get a fried egg on top!
Primanti Brothers is located in the center core of the airport once you get off the escalators.
Beer at Local Craft
Local Craft is a fairly conventional gastropub style restaurant in the Pittsburgh Airport that makes this guide for one specific reason- their draft beer list is almost entirely local!
Aside from Penn Brewery (above), it is somewhat hard to find a good Pittsburgh beer in the airport. While the options at Local Craft are somewhat limited compared to most conventional draft lists, we'll take the local aspect any chance we can get.
Local Craft is located in Concourse A about halfway down the gates, across from Penn Brewery.
Local Exhibits at the Pittsburgh International Airport
The Pittsburgh airport is also home to many unique exhibits that show off Pittsburgh's rich history, arts scene, and so much more.
For those flying out, the local art begins in the ticketing hall with the Arch statue- a massive Transformers-esque robot comprised of the city's many bridges and signature colors.
The exhibits continue on the people mover as you enter and leave the airport, with many local politicians, celebrities, and personalities giving off Pittsburgh history over the audio.
As you depart the people mover and take the escalators up, you'll find historical and sports statues depicting George Washington (who participated in many battles in the region that shaped the course of the country), Nellie Bly (the journalist who made “Around the World in 80 Days” a reality in 72 days), and Franco Harris (in the pose from the Immaculate Reception in 1972)- part of the Heinz History Center collection.
Concourse A has a beautiful memorial to the local Tuskegee Airmen who participated during the fight in WWII, with the largest contingent coming from western Pennsylvania. Concourse D is home to a selection of artwork by the world famous artist (and Pittsburgh native), Andy Warhol. Concourse C is also home to a Kidsport play area with a Mr. Rogers exhibit out front as well!
When you arrive into the city, be sure to check out the exhibits to Fallingwater (Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece in Ohiopyle) and Meadowcroft (home to what is believed to be the oldest continually inhabited site in North America)- both located in baggage claim.
Looking for more local options at Pittsburgh International Airport? You're in luck, many new options have been announced (such as a Primanti Brothers expansion) as well as others in the works. Check back soon for more additions into this guide!
For hotels near the Pittsburgh airport for your next flight, click the previous link.
