One thing I love about Pittsburgh's hotel scene is that it seems like the best years are still to come thanks to the boom of new hotels opening in the city. One of the newest on the scene, Embassy Suites Downtown Pittsburgh, recently opened in early 2016. We decided to pay a visit to this one just a few weeks after it opened to see if it would be worth your time when visiting the city.
Downtown
The Original Oyster House Review – Pittsburgh’s Oldest
There is something to be said about an over 150-year-old restaurant in any city, as being able to survive the test of time is something only a few businesses ever accomplish.
In Pittsburgh, this distinction falls on the Original Oyster House, which is the oldest bar and restaurant in the city and is also recognized historic landmark. With such a reputation preceding it, we went in with great expectations.
Nicky’s Thai Kitchen Review – Curry and Noodles
Thai food is one of our favorite cuisines and one that we make a lot at home, so it takes a really good Thai restaurant for us to get excited.
Luckily there's no shortage of Thai restaurants in the city for when we just don't feel like cooking- Nicky's Thai Kitchen being one of the most universally loved and acclaimed.
Waffles INCaffeinated Review – Brunch in South Side
I'm a sucker for a good breakfast spot, so when we heard about Waffles, INCaffeinated we knew we had to check it out. With several locations around the city, this is a casual, brightly colored joint with lots more on the menu besides waffles if they aren't your thing- but the waffles are definitely the main attraction.
Taking in the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall
Pittsburgh is very fortunate to have a thriving arts scene. For those who are looking to take in a show or performance, odds are good you'll be heading to one of the many halls and theaters in Cultural District right in the heart of downtown to make it happen.
For a recent show we made our way to the historic Heinz Hall to check out the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as they put on yet another incredible performance worthy of their 100-year history.
Pizzaiolo Primo Review – Authentic Italian Experience Downtown
I remember when Market Square consisted of not much more than Chipotle, Starbucks, and PPG Place. Luckily things have dramatically changed for the better with the gradual addition of great restaurants.
On a recent visit we decided to visit Pizzaiolo Primo to check out their Neapolitan style pizzas made with an authentic wood-fired oven, as well as their incredible pastas that ended up being the biggest surprise of the night.
Christmas in Pittsburgh – The City Comes Alive for Holidays
If you're looking to experience some holiday cheer this year, you should definitely plan a visit to downtown Pittsburgh where you'll find an incredible collection of Christmas displays, a European winter market, and so much more!
So what all can you expect to enjoy when heading downtown for the holidays? The following are some of our favorites from our latest visit!
The Yard Pittsburgh Review – Grilled Cheese Overload
The grilled cheese trend has not been one we've been particularly excited about, so when a few friends asked us to meet up at The Yard for late night grilled cheese, our hopes were not high.
Luckily, The Yard came through with many unique offerings, an incredible dessert menu, and for those who aren't into grilled cheese as much, a fantastic bar.
Exploring Point State Park and the Fort Pitt Museum
Downtown Pittsburgh is unique in that it sits at the point where three rivers, the Ohio, the Allegheny, and the Monongahela, converge.
The resulting land at the tip of downtown Pittsburgh has played an important role for the city throughout its history, and today is a gorgeous public space known as Point State Park that is a must see spot for all visitors to the city.
Ephesus Pizza Review – Turkish Food and Pizza in Pittsburgh
Note: Some of the Turkish pizzas and specialties mentioned below may no longer be offered at some Ephesus locations. At last check, the downtown Pittsburgh and Aspinwall location still offered some of the menu items discussed below but the Bellevue location did not.
When I first heard of Ephesus Pizza, I clung to the hope that they would actually serve some Turkish food and that the name wasn't just a pizza restaurant trying to sound exotic.
Specifically, I was hoping the restaurant would serve Turkish pide (basically a Turkish pizza), one of our favorite dishes from our travels in Turkey.
As I checked out the menu online I couldn't have been happier. Not only did they have our beloved pide complete with sujuk, a dry-cured meat sort of like pepperoni, but they also had lahmacun (another type of meat-topped flatbread), kebaps, and other gyro-esque wraps.
We just had to visit, and it only took us a few days in between hearing about this place and actually getting there. Since that first visit, we've found many reasons to return time and time again.