Sharing The Best of Pittsburgh and Southwest Pennsylvania
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 moreAce Hotel Pittsburgh Review – A Trendy Stay in East Liberty
We have to be a bit honest in saying that the concept of a pop-up bar is becoming a bit overdone these days. In 2018, we had no fewer than six holiday pop-up bars in Pittsburgh and 2019 looks to be no different.
Thankfully, the new bars coming into the pop-up scene this year are being led by some of the city's finest bartenders. Chrismukkah in East Liberty is one such bar as it is managed by the team behind the bar program at Federal Galley (one of our favorite restaurants in the city).
Naturally, we went to this one as soon as they opened!
Read moreChrismukkah Review – Federal Galley Offers Holiday Libations for a Cause
From the moment you arrive at Commerce Bar in East Liberty, you know you'll be getting the full speakeasy experience.
That is because to even access this one you need to make your way to a back alley behind a popular stretch of restaurants and seek out the door to the bar. We could tell you which door, but where is the fun in that? (The end of this article will have a hint.)
Once you enter, the fun of this bar begins.
Read moreCommerce Bar Review – A Proper Speakeasy in East Liberty
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 moreSYN Taqueria + Pizzeria Review – Build-Your-Own Style in East Liberty
If there is any neighborhood in Pittsburgh that has changed the most in the last few years, it would be East Liberty.
The neighborhood is the poster child for gentrification and is now home to luxury lofts, numerous restaurants, and easy access to the growing tech hub in Bakery Square (in nearby Larimer).
While we could spend a long time discussing the gentrification of neighborhoods like these (we encourage it in the comments!), in our neighborhood guide series we want to take a look at what East Liberty is now and highlight the history and some of the spots we visit when exploring the neighborhood- namely the restaurants and a few limited attractions.
Read moreAn Attraction and Dining Guide to Pittsburgh's East Liberty Neighborhood
Bird on the Run is a small fried chicken joint in Pittsburgh's East Liberty that boasts late night hours, extra hot chicken, and frozen cocktails for those wanting something just a bit different with their meal.
We went to this one after having drinks in the neighborhood and are really pleased to say that this is not just another a formal sit-down restaurant!
Read moreBird on the Run Review – Hot Fried Chicken in Pittsburgh
Pizza Taglio in East Liberty is the kind of restaurant that's perfect for so many different situations- it's casual enough to be a good spot for dinner with friends, but also cute and BYOB, making it equally perfect for a date night. But best of all, the pizza is just downright delicious.
In our opinion, it's some of the best in the city.
Read morePizza Taglio Review – Exceptional Pies in East Liberty
Lorelei is the latest bar concept to open in Pittsburgh and is operated by the team behind Independent Brewing Company and Hidden Harbor in Squirrel Hill.
But rather than adding into their collection of bars at the corner of Forbes and Shady Avenue, this one is located in the heart of East Liberty– bringing a much welcomed addition to the neighborhood's drinking scene.
We were recently invited out by the team at Lorelei to check out the new space, and share our thoughts in this full review!
Read moreLorelei Review – Bringing Alpine Cocktails and Beer to East Liberty
In the ever changing landscape that is East Liberty, Spoon is one of the more established restaurants with a decade-long foothold in the neighborhood. With a stellar gin bar, a mix of classic and creative small plates and fine dining mains, and all-around great service, it's easy to see why Spoon is a mainstay in the neighborhood.
Spoon has long been on our list of restaurants to try, but we only recently made it in. Our hesitation was because on the surface the restaurant seemed like any other fine dining restaurant in Pittsburgh.
But after our visit we're convinced it's more than that with great attention to detail in the food and service, and overall a delicious and memorable dining experience.
Read moreSpoon Pittsburgh Review – Gin Drinks and Small Plates in East Liberty
Honeygrow is a fast casual restaurant that focuses on healthy stir fries, salads, and fruit parfaits.
We originally did not give this one a second glance after hearing it was a chain, but the folks at honeygrow invited us in for a meal to change our minds and we are certainly glad we took them up on the offer.
What sets honeygrow apart from other chains is its commitment to a seasonal, locally sourced (when possible) menu that's all organic and non-GMO. Basically, the food is good for you and also good for the planet!
With all of those constraints, you might think the dishes would be boring or uninspired, but on our recent visit we found our meals had unique ingredient combinations and sauces that kept things packed with interesting flavors.
Read moreHoneygrow Review – Healthy Stir Fries and Salads in East Liberty