Penn Avenue Pizza & Steaks (PAPS) is a one-stop-shop for all things NY-style pizzas and Philly cheesesteaks.
While it is rare for a spot to do either of these on their own well enough to sing it from the rooftop, PAPS manages to make it work with delicious pies and an even more wonderful sandwich.
You’ll want to go hungry when visiting this one!
The Forge in Lawrenceville is one of those spots that you may not notice when driving along Penn Avenue. Apart from a small sign out front, this one is easy to miss if you’re not looking closely.
But for those who make the effort to stop and head in, a delicious cocktail bar with Mediterranean small-plates and a modest pizza menu is your reward!
Second Story Spirits is a spirits producer that opened its doors in Lawrenceville in September 2026.
Upon first glance, you may think Second Story Spirits is another distillery in Pittsburgh. We are happy to report, it is not.
This one is different in that they do not distill their base spirits in house, but rather engage in the art of infusion- that is, adding flavors to an already produced base spirit. Yes, there is no still here!
Where this could run in any number of ways, as we certainly have had our share of questionable infusions in the past, Second Story Spirits not only does this well, but their initial lineup is among the best in the game- distillery, infusion joint, or otherwise.
Titusz in Lawrenceville is an Austrian-Hungarian restaurant serving up comforting but elevated cuisine in an inviting atmosphere. With classic dishes, seasonal specials, and an outstanding wine and cocktail menu, there’s a lot to love at this highly anticipated spot. The attention to detail here in everything from the decor to the printed menu itself seals the deal and makes Titusz an all-around gem.
If you’ve been following the Pittsburgh dining scene over the past decade, you’re well aware of Chef Csilla Thackray’s past success at beloved restaurants like The Vandal and Legume Bistro. So it should come as no surprise that the buzz around Titusz’s opening was real. The spot finally gives Thackray a chance to showcase the food of her Austrian-Hungarian background.
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.
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!