Uncorked is a wine bar and restaurant featuring live jazz, located in the main business district of Sharpsburg. With prohibition-style cocktails, a full food menu, plentiful wine options, and live music, this intimate spot is a great addition to the neighborhood. Although the noise level on our visit made it somewhat difficult to have conversations with our table, we appreciated the cocktails, homemade pasta, and small plates.
Restaurants
Esquina Cantina Review – Cocktails, Tacos, and a Patio
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!
10 Delicious Restaurants for Valentine’s Day in Pittsburgh
Valentine's Day is always a great holiday to have a nice meal out with a loved one. It feels like a great time to get fancy, try something new, and, for some, really go all-out to impress your partner.
In this one, we wanted to share a selection of great Pittsburgh restaurants that you may want to consider for a Valentine's Day celebration with a special someone- be it a spouse, long-time partner, or new romantic interest.
This guide is not comprehensive, nor does it solely focus on expensive, fine-dining restaurants. We wanted to provide a cross-section of restaurant ideas, cuisine styles, and other special aspects to remember for a special meal out. Some are expensive fine-dining, and others are much more approachable for those who may be newly dating or on a budget.
But as Valentine's Day is an incredibly popular time for dining out, we have one recommendation for every restaurant featured below unless otherwise noted- get your reservations early!
One by Spork Review – A Prix Fixe Delight in Pittsburgh
One by Spork is a bold new restaurant concept in the former Spork space at the border between Garfield, Friendship, and Bloomfield. The dining experience consists of a roughly 10-course tasting menu with drink pairings (and many additional welcome bites) where diners are seated around a circular chef's counter.
We visited One by Spork shortly after opening and were intrigued by the inventive techniques and ingredients being used in both the food and drinks here. While some of the courses were more cohesive than others, we think One by Spork is ambitious and exciting, and hope that it kindles more creativity in the Pittsburgh restaurant scene.
Spirits & Tales Review – Elevated Dining With a View in Oakland
Spirits and Tales is a modern brasserie-style restaurant on the top floor of The Oaklander hotel. The restaurant holds it own, though, and is more than just a place to eat while staying at the hotel. With craft cocktails, seasonal house made pasta and entrees, and stunning views, it's a destination in its own right for some solid upscale dining in the Oakland neighborhood.
We have dined at Spirits and Tales a few times, but most recently when we were staying at the hotel as guests of the property. On a week night during the Christmas holiday season it was packed full, so we ended up sitting at the bar. A reservation is a good idea here, especially on the weekend and during the holidays.
Arepittas Review – Delicious Venezuelan Arepas Downtown
Arepittas on Cherry Way in downtown Pittsburgh is one of those blink-and-you'll-miss-it kind of spots.
Part of this is because it is on a less frequented stretch of downtown Pittsburgh outright, but the main reason is that it is tucked on the first level of a large parking garage. So much so that it feels almost like it is inside the garage properly.
So when we drove down this road and saw the small Venezuelan street food restaurant, we had to do a double take. But after hearing many glowing reviews from others who have visited before us, we knew we had to get in right away.
To put it bluntly- Arepittas may be the best cheap eats in downtown Pittsburgh.
La Bodega Taqueria Review – A Surprising Find in South Side
La Bodega Taqueria is one of those places that we absolutely love to discover in Pittsburgh.
We did not know this one had opened up right on the heart of East Carson Street in South Side, and only stumbled upon it while driving to meet friends for drinks at Acacia a few blocks away.
In the brief seconds it took us to drive by, we knew where we had to end up for dinner after, and a short while later we made our way down the block for some delicious, delicious Mexican food.
Golden Gai Review – Premium Japanese Dining in Bakery Square
Golden Gai brings an izakaya-type dining experience to Bakery Square, complete with sushi, hot dishes, craft cocktails, and an extensive sake menu. As a sister restaurant to downtown's high-end sushi spot Gi-Jin, Golden Gai brings a slightly more relaxed vibe while still delivering the same great flavors.
We dined during opening week and were especially excited about the delicious noodles and grilled dishes that reminded us of our time in Japan just a few days prior.
Beercode Review – Gastropub With Local Beer at PIT
We've often wanted more local options at Pittsburgh International Airport, and whenever a business with a local connection gets announced, we visit it as soon as we can the next time we're at the airport.
Beercode was no different, and this gastropub took over the former Bar Symon space right in the heart of the airside terminal.
True to the name, this one is focused on all things beer and has a rather impressive lineup of local brewers alongside some national favorites.
Triangle Bar Review – Massive Deli Subs in Swissvale
In Pittsburgh, if you hear the word Battleship, your first thought may not go to a war-time vessel of the seas, but, instead, a loaded hoagie full of cold cuts.
But the Swissvale-based Triangle Bar does not just offer any hoagie. True to its name, the famous Battleship sandwich clocks in at over two feet in length and joins other naval-themed sandwiches for an impressive lineup of exceptionally large sandwiches.
After driving past this one on many trips over to Kennywood, we decided to stop and see what the tirangle-shaped bar and deli is all about.