NorthSide

The Science of Speed Gives a First-Hand Look at Racing

When the Carnegie Science Center announced it was rebranding to be the Kamin Science Center thanks to a generous donation from the Kamins, word trickled down that many exhibits at the facility would begin to get a refresh over time.

We were quite excited for this one as we always love new and updated exhibits in our local museums.

One of the major overhauls was the announcement of a new exhibit, Science of Speed, taking over the annex building that held SportsWorks. After a significant changeover, this one opened to the public in August 2026, and I got a chance to check it out ahead of opening for a media preview.

Let's take a look at all the new features in this one!

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Fry Bar Review – Killer Wings and Loaded Fries in North Side

Fry Bar in the North Side is a bit of an unassuming restaurant on Galveston Ave- just a few blocks north of the Western Avenue business district.

Although its name suggests that the restaurant is a spot to visit for French fries, which they do have in abundance, this one offers a rather large menu beyond that, including fried and smoked wings, sandwiches, and more that you absolutely should not miss.

To say this one surpassed all expectations is an understatement, and their wings may be our very favorite we've had in the city to date.

Yes, they're the real deal.

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Park House Review – Historic Bar Returns to the North Side

Park House in Pittsburgh's North Side is a historic bar in the city as it is often thought to have received one of the first licenses to serve alcohol after Prohibition ended.

For many years, Park House was a favorite neighborhood bar of many thanks to having food, regular live music, and more. But, sadly, like many businesses, this one closed in 2020 and only reopened in late 2025 after a several-year hiatus.

Naturally, we were thrilled that this staple bar has returned, and have visited a few times since reopening.

Park House is back and better than ever!

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The Monks’ Bar Review – The Smallest Bar in PA Packs a Punch

In many cases, we often overlook that Pittsburgh hotels often have on-site cocktail bars. Some of these may be your conventional hotel bar, while others may be a bit more.

At The Priory Hotel in the North Side, you get what is perhaps the most interesting hotel bar experience in the city, for one unique reason- it is said to be the smallest bar in the state of Pennsylvania.

Yes, The Monks' Bar is tiny, and according to The Priory's website, it seats just 14 customers. So cozy up with your fellow patrons, get to know your bartender, and grab a drink from this limited, albeit expertly curated, bar menu!

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North Side Sandwich Week – The Best Sandwich Competition

Do you love sandwiches? We know the answer is yes, but we feel like we have to ask anyway.

Since you likely fall into this category, we're just going to cut to the chase and tell you that you need to make it over to the North Side to check out their annual sandwich week- taking place starting October 27th in 2025.

This annual event challenges all North Side restaurants to showcase a special sandwich for the week and throw down against each other for a judged event at The Priory Hotel to kick off the festivities.

We were invited to check out the opening night party in 2025 as guest judges and were able to get a sneak peek at some of the creations.

This is one party you don't want to miss in future years!

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Shore Thing is the Perfect Pittsburgh River Experience

If there is one thing we want more of in Pittsburgh, it would be more amenities on the rivers.

Yes, we have great bike trails and numerous boating opportunities to get out on the water, but it often feels like businesses (like restaurants) and public spaces to relax along the shores are lacking at times. With three rivers, we would love waterfront amenities everywhere you look.

So when Riverlife announced that they were bringing a new concept to the Allegheny River in 2025, called Shore Thing, we were in. Not only was this one set to be a space for everyone to get out and enjoy the views of the water for free, but they went one better- it is built on the water!

We went to this one on opening day and loved it so much that we returned the next day for more. It is just that good.

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Pittsburgh Banjo Club’s Wednesday Practice is a Classic

When it comes to music institutions in Pittsburgh, it feels like we've sadly lost many to history.

But there is one musical experience in Pittsburgh's North Side that still exists to this day, and that is the Pittsburgh Banjo Club. Founded in the 1980s, the Pittsburgh Banjo Club has become a beacon for banjo lovers to play together. Even better? Their Wednesday night practices take place weekly at the Elks Lodge #339 on Cedar Avenue starting at 8 pm, and is completely free for visitors to attend!

Free live music from a Pittsburgh institution? You'll get just that with the Pittsburgh Banjo Club!

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Things to Know Before Attending a Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Game

Pittsburgh is a sports town, and for the past several decades it seems like the Pirates have not gotten the memo.

Despite the fact that the Pittsburgh Pirates have been, well, awful, PNC Park is often ranked among the best ballparks in the country- and we agree. It really is hard to beat taking in a game at this stunning ballpark.

So whether you are an armchair Pirates fan, a baseball fan at large, or are a die-hard Buccos loyalist, there are many things to keep in mind when visiting PNC Park for a game. 

In this guide, we want to share everything you should keep in mind before visiting!

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5 Reasons to Love Living in the Mexican War Streets

Pittsburgh's housing scene has been booming in recent years, and some neighborhoods have really become quite the popular spots to live, work, and play.

In this series, we thought it'd be fun to take a look at the major neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and share some reasons why you will love living there, plus give additional tips and insider advice you need to keep in mind before deciding to rent or buy a house in the Mexican War Streets.

So let's take a look at one of our favorite areas in Pittsburgh, the Mexican War Streets, and share some of our favorite details for residents!

Looking for a real estate agent? Get in touch with a Pittsburgh real estate agent today!

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Alberta’s Pizzeria Review – Pizza and More in the North Side

Alberta's Pizzeria is a wood-fired pizza shop offering small plates, salads, oysters, pizzas, and more on a stretch of Western Ave. in the North Side that has seen a flurry of new business development in recent months. After operating a successful food truck for several years, Alberta's brings their experience and delicious pies to their first brick and mortar location with a lovely traditional Italian pizza shop feel.

We have been dedicated followers of Alberta's food truck for years, sometimes planning our days around which breweries they were parking in front of. The dough of their thin-crust pies has great flavor complexity and beautiful leopard spotting, and their toppings are flavorful but simple, as all good wood-fired pies should be. It always impressed us that they could execute such deliciousness with a mobile setup, too.

One of Alberta's frequent brewery stops was Four Points, located on Western Ave., which just so happens to be right next door to Alberta's new brick and mortar spot. It's a match made in heaven!

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