Our love affair with Iron Born began pretty much on day one when their concept launched at Smallman Galley (now closed).
At first, we were suspect of the concept of Detroit-style pizza, because it sounded like an unusual attempt to improve upon Chicago deep dish. But after our very first bite, we were very, very happy to say that we were wrong.
Now Iron Born not only has a die-hard following at their brick and mortar stores in Millvale and the Strip District!
The Colombian Spot is a casual restaurant in the South Side and Oakland with a menu full of authentic Colombian dishes like arepas, empanadas, ropa vieja, tostones, and bandeja paisa.
There aren't too many places in Pittsburgh where you can find Colombian food, which is why we're super happy that The Colombian Spot exists and is delicious to boot.
The Commoner, located in the trendy Hotel Monaco in downtown Pittsburgh, is an equally trendy restaurant serving up elevated gastropub fare with a hipstery industrial vibe.
While the food was delicious, we couldn't help but think this one was significantly over-priced for what you get.
Smokin' Toad's BBQ is located in Sarver, PA, just under an hour northeast of Pittsburgh, and is one of those places we've driven by a number of times but never quite made it in to try.
It was only when visiting the now closed Cellar Works Brewing (formerly next door) that I was able to put in an order from the menu.
While a robust menu with a number of options, I left wishing I was able to sample a bit more.
Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe in the North Side is an old school establishment that serves up classics like burgers, deli sandwiches, and Pittsburgh salads (salads topped with French fries).
Located on Western Avenue in the historic Allegheny West neighborhood, this spot is great for a wallet-friendly quick bite to eat for a weekday breakfast or lunch.
We recently did just that and picked up a few sandwiches and soup to go. While simple deli-style sandwiches like chicken salad, BLT, capicola, and corned beef are available, we wanted to try something a little more unique.
Totopo in Mt. Lebanon serves up well-executed traditional Tex-Mex dishes along with a few traditional-leaning Mexican plates. The quality of the service, atmosphere, and food make this one much more of a destination restaurant than your average Mexican joint.
Walter's Southern Kitchen is a Texas style barbecue joint located in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood that opened in 2018.
While this one has an array of sides, starters, and even brunch, when I visited this one I had one thing on my mind: the meat.
It did not disappoint.
Anyone who has spent some time in Pittsburgh knows of the raging debate between Mineo's and Aiello's pizza in Squirrel Hill. Both have die hard followings behind them, and are the kind of places you hear coming up in favorite pizza shop lists time and time again.
We ordered Mineo's with great excitement (after a very long gap since our last visit when we lived in Squirrel Hill), and we've got to say, we were really let down.
Aiello's is a popular pizza shop in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood that has a rather die-hard following behind it. Throw in a customer rivalry with neighboring pizza shop, Mineo's, and you have the makings of a great spot to visit.
We used to frequent Aiello's often when we lived in Squirrel Hill, and despite a fairly large gap in our visit history, I finally made it back in for a few slices!
Siempre Algo in Deutschtown is a modern American restaurant with a seasonal menu and a solid bar program.
As North Side residents, we are extremely grateful for the new life that Siempre Algo and other new stores and restaurants are breathing in to East Ohio Street. And we are even more ecstatic that Siempre Algo is actually doing a great job so far!