The Vandal is an intimate spot in the heart of Lawrenceville with trendy bistro vibes, a focused seasonal menu utilizing local ingredients, and helpful, friendly service. Although the restaurant's concept has grown and evolved over the past decade of its existence, we feel like it's really hitting its stride now.
It's the kind of cozy spot perfect for a date night or friend's night out- just be sure to make a reservation since seats are limited.
For many years, we've been fans of Spirit for its mix of being an event venue and bar space, while also serving up some rather tasty slices of pizza to go along with it.
In late 2025, Spirit made a move to expand their pizza concept, not in their event space proper, but via a fully dedicated dine-in pizza restaurant in the back of the building (accessible via a side entrance).
As we are always about more places offering a pizza-forward menu served dine-in, with a bar program and more, we went to this one right away and really like how Spirit is elevating their pizza game all around!
Esquina Cantina (formerly known as Round Corner Cantina) has been a Lawrenceville institution for more than a decade, serving up tacos and other Mexican fare plus cocktails utilizing Mexican spirits and ingredients. The interior bar has a great cantina vibe, but there's nothing like sitting out on the cozy patio with outdoor bar on a nice summer night.
So whether you're a regular of the former Round Corner Cantina, or simply want to check out a new-to-you spot in Lawrenceville, check out Esquina Cantina!
We are always of the mindset that Pittsburgh needs more wine bars and bottle shops, and, thankfully, our wine scene is improving with each passing year.
In 2024, Lawrenceville's wine scene got a new addition- Solera Wine Co.
Not only is this one a wine bar offering an array of wines by the glass, but it also offers an on-site bottle shop, small bites, and a modest cocktail program, too!
Go for a glass, leave with a bottle? We're okay with this.
Since publishing our original review, Toma and Leona's have left Lawrence Hall and new concepts are coming soon. We have not updated this review since the change.
Lawrence Hall in Lawrenceville is a modern food hall with multiple dining stalls and a bar serving up a variety of cuisine styles, drinks, and desserts. The two-story space is a historic building from the late 1800s, and lots of the character of the space was preserved in the remodel.
With QR-code system for ordering both food and drinks from the comfort of your table (or directly from the vendors if you so choose), combined with the variety of food choices and the large space, this spot a great option for everyone- from solo visitors to group outings!
We love a good walking tour, especially one that revolves around a great brew.
With Walk the Burgh's Beers in the Burgh tour of Lawrenceville, you get just that as you explore several breweries and beer bars in this popular neighborhood in the heart of Pittsburgh.
We were fortunate enough to jump on this one as guests of Walk the Burgh, and we wanted to share a bit more about what the tour was like here!
Unspeakable closed between April and June 2024, but is now open once again. We do not know if the menu has changed since our visit prior to the brief closure, however.
We always love it when several brands collaborate for something greater than the sum of the parts. Unspeakable does just that with Vietnamese influences from Ineffable Ca Phe and select spirits from Noire Distillery next door, all with a speakeasy vibe.
A cocktail bar with Asian elements, local spirits, and well-executed drinks? We're in for this combo!
When it comes to buying meats in Pittsburgh, we always look for two things- local farms using ethical practices and, if possible, processed by a skilled butcher.
The former is easy to find, and the latter, well, let's say the art of butchering meat felt like it was on its way out for quite some time with only a few famed butchers remaining in and around Pittsburgh.
Thankfully, this profession is starting to make a resurgence in the city, and if it is anything like what the team at Fat Butcher in Lawrenceville is doing, we are sold on what the future will be like.
The Parlor Dim Sum, the latest concept by Chef Roger Li of Umami and Nanban fame, is a dim sum and Cantonese restaurant in Lawrenceville in the former Ki Ramen space. With a wide-ranging menu of dim sum, Cantonese barbecue, wok dishes, and more, this is the type of restaurant where it's best to bring a ton of friends and order family style to try some of everything.
We recently visited with friends and the meal hit so many high points for us with excellent cocktails, dishes with a mix of familiar and new flavors, and great service, all at a moderate price point.
Senti is an Italian restaurant in Lawrenceville with a modern vibe that serves up traditional plates alongside a solid wine list. While we left slightly underwhelmed by some of the dishes, we can see Senti being a good spot for a wine-focused outing with friends or pre-dinner drinks and a couple of appetizers.