Yahoo Finance 22 Reasons Why Pittsburgh is America's Most Underrated City
We'll be the first to admit that Pittsburgh is not a city one associates with luxury or travel bucket lists. While big cities with a small town vibe like Austin, Nashville, Portland, Philadelphia, Savannah and Charleston have earned a spot on our short list for long weekend getaways, word association games with this Pennsylvania city will likely yield not-so-chic results.
But upon arrival, I was surprisingly starved for time in the 'Burgh to hit all of the amazing restaurants, shops, cultural sites and quaint neighborhoods the city has to offer–and am still dreaming about some of the standout meals, cocktails and artwork I enjoyed during my stay. Below, our guide to the best of what we think may be America's most underrated city.
Where to Stay
Out-of-towners tend to visit Pittsburgh during key sporting events, so there are truly only two hotels to consider outside of a quaint rental when coming into town. Hotel Monaco, a Kimpton property ideal for guests looking for high-design, is a chic place to have a cocktail and guarantees proximity to the city's stadiums, event arenas and some of the best go-tos in the city's downright delicious food scene. Quirky decor, a daily complimentary happy hour for guests, and The Commoner, the lobby's delicious gastropub, are only some of the perks here.
The design of your room (no matter the size) will merit multiple Instagram shoutouts, and an easy-to-use bike rental service makes traveling around the city that much easier for hotel guests. If you're starved for something to do after dinner (highly unlikely) head to the roof for a craft beer and a game of life-sized jenga at The Biergarten. For those staying in the superior suites on the top floor adjacent to the bustling bar–not to worry; romantic floral wallpaper clad doors divide the elevator banks and the crowds from your room's earshot so you can still sleep soundly.
If you are after something less plush and more low-key, opt for East Liberty, a revitalized neighborhood that's quickly becoming one of Pittsburgh's culinary hubs. The Ace Hotel opened up in the neighborhood's old YMCA building, and the hotel retains the campy, dormitory-like vibes of the building's history with an upscale slant. Like any other Ace, brunch here is done simply and well at Whitfield, as is coffee in the lobby's barista bar. From happy hour until all hours, artisan cocktails are served in the lobby's down-to-Earth, borderline Brooklyn-style bar. Couples seeking an off-kilter place to host a wedding will love the original gymnasium and can have fun finding eclectic decor to adorn the ballroom (which is a far cry from the traditional, carpeted event spaces Pittsburgh is ridden with). For dinner parties, reserve the hotel's Big Table for up to 15 guests.
What to Eat
When dining out in Pittsburgh, prepare to be overwhelmed with options. This city is full of top-notch restaurants, and the meat and potato-loving crowds are finally warming up to more dynamic, ethnic and innovative food concepts. There are, without a doubt, a handful of restauranteurs that dominate the food scene here, and Justin Severino is at their helm. Cure, his first restaurant in Lawrenceville which many would dub the city's hipster epicenter (a.k.a. the Williamsburg of the 'Burgh), is not to be missed. Focused on a concise menu of "local, urban Mediterranean food," Severino turns to local farmers to help him craft his selection of cured meats, cheeses, proteins, vegetables and pasta. His flavors may feel rustic, but the presentation is anything but. Salumi plates are colorful and vibrant and entrées are gorgeous at first sight, but aren't too pretty to cut into.
Severino's latest venture, Morcilla, also in Lawrenceville, is equally as exciting to dine at. Focusing mostly on pinxtos, Basque region bar snacks and small plates, this spot was recently named Bon Appetit's #4 best new restaurant in the country, echoing our feelings that this is indeed the best place for Spanish food outside of San Sebastian. Cured meats abound here as well, as do oysters, and staples in Spain like Tortilla Española, patatas bravas and croquetas (our favorite came filled with braised pork cheeks) are executed as well (if not better) as they would be in most San Sebastian pubs. Service here is informative, timely, and incredibly attentive; my server immediately took on the task of pacing and pairing my meal, and her decisive recommendations were honest and authentic. If you eat nowhere else in Pittsburgh, start at Severino's spots...
...unless that means you won't have a chance to squeeze in dinner at Umami, Lawrenceville's latest Izakaya addition. Pot stickers here are to die for, ramen is a no brainer and melt-in-your-mouth Takoyaki (translation: grilled octopus balls that will make you forget meatballs exist) are addictive. For those looking for a cozy bowl of noodles that's packed with flavor in an environment with major cool-kid vibes, this is it. For those looking for something more casual, Noodlehead in the upscale Shadyside neighborhood is serving up riffs on traditional Thai street market fare. Next door, Millie's Homemade Ice Cream is taking homespun sweets to new heights, with delicate flavors like lavender, Vietnamese coffee, pistachio rose and salted hazelnut.
These must-sees really only scratch the surface of the Pittsburgh food scene that's as vibrant as an Andy Warhol exhibition (more on that later, he's a Pittsburgh native). A craving for traditional tacos with a twist is leading foodies to täkō, a California-cuisine infused taco joint with sidewalk seating, strong margaritas and novel flavor combinations. Mainly consisting of tacos and small plates, the menu is edited and well-conceived. The customizable guacamole is not to be missed (don't get overwhelmed with the add-in options, just add corn and cotija cheese for crunch and some salty notes); and don't overlook the kale salad either. The Korean taco with short rib, pickled cucumber and peanuts is a standout, but gluten-free diners should proceed with caution here: the tortillas are all made with flour rather than corn.
Next door to täkō is Butcher and the Rye, a rustic American eatery that puts as much focus on its hearty menu as it does its cocktail program. Custom, local beers on tap join almost 30 cocktails, 30+ wines and 600+ varietals of whiskey at the main bar. On the second floor, the Rye Bar features a library for lounging and a private dining room available upon request. The chef/owner of täkō and Butcher in the Rye, Richard DeShantz, is as responsible for the updates Pittsburgh has experienced to their culinary culture in recent years as Severino. His home base in Downtown Pittsburgh is an exciting contrast to Severino's in Lawrenceville and his third outlet, Meat & Potatoes, gives old-school diners in town exactly what they're looking for–with a twist. The must-eats at this spot are fairly straightforward; stick with gastropub classics like the tartare, their burgers, and the protein-packed entrées–the flavors in their classic dishes will remind you of your favorites, but with subtle surprises in flavor along the way.
The standouts don't end here: the Strip District's Bar Marco and Lawrenceville's Grapperia (located right next to Umami and Morcilla) are some of our favorite wine bars in town, and Bar Marco's sister spot in East Liberty, The Livermore, is delicious for a cocktail and bite at the bar. For mussels and frites, head to Point Brugge Café in the East End–their Belgian beer selection and flavor variations on mussels (like a red curry and Spanish version) are absolutely divine. Lawrenceville is also home to The Vandal, which serves a well-crafted menu of new-American dishes, and Tender, which serves up craft cocktails in an old bank building and has one feeling like they're sipping in a Prohibition-era speakeasy.
Where to Shop
If the thriving food scene came as a shock to your system, Pittsburgh's shopping scene is sure to surprise. Antiques and vintage shops abound in this city, and its rich history of well-to-do steel and iron industry moguls and NFL Steelers residing in town make for thrift shops packed with well-preserved furs, jewelry and vintage denim. On a recent visit, I snagged a white mink fur capelet and two embroidered chokers from the 1930s at Eons Fashion Antique, along with a fur trimmed knit at Hey Betty! in Shadyside. Heading to the suburbs makes for endlessly more antiquing, and I have discovered some incredible china, furs, denim and jewelry at Wexford General Store, in the north hills suburb that is also home to all of Pittsburgh's malls and outlets. This antique mecca has over 10,000 sq. ft of curated rooms of antiques and vintage clothing and visitors can source anything from furniture to fashion in its never-ending treasure troves. A little advice: head to the Wexford General Store with no expectations and time to spare, some trips yield no results while others end in hours spent deep diving into racks of fur coats. If you're looking for top brands you know and love, like Alexander Wang, Lanvin and Aquazzura, Choices in Shadyside is your go-to for a curated selection of fine jewelry and designer labels. For gifts, handmade jewelry and home accessories you won't find anywhere else, Barberry Handmade in Sewickley carries only one-of-a-kind pieces made by artisans abroad.
What to Do
While the historic sites in Pittsburgh aren't as vast as Philadelphia, a visit to some of the city's notable cultural sites is a great way to work off a likely unbelievable lunch at one of the above mentioned eateries. Take a walk through Phipp's Conservatory to view one of the most amazing collections of plants, florals and foliage around; the museum is a greenhouse in the center of the city with some of the most unbelievable blooms you'll likely ever see.
Another key museum to visit is the Andy Warhol Museum, which honors the Pittsburgh native with its massive collection of his paintings, drawings and installations and walks visitors through the timeline of his life and his work. Walking through some of the cities quaint neighborhoods is also a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Sewickley is a reason to venture out of Pittsburgh proper, it's full of historic homes and independently owned cafés and boutiques. Shadyside is full of manicured tree-lined streets, and is home to Walnut Street, a main drag of shops and dining options. If you're already in Lawrenceville for dinner, stroll along Butler Street where most of the above mentioned restaurants are located; it's also home to some interesting and unexpected specialty shops.
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