20 replies to this topic

[wju2004]

Figured it doesn't look it's really been discussed much, if at all, but food in the Pittsburgh area. Just figured I would list a few of my favorite places and of course people can add on to the list with their own opinions. Plus it would be a good way for people not from the area to know what's good...within a reasonable drive or walk. I personally don't know TOO many restaurants within walking distance of the hotel other than fast food or Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, but that's a little pricey. lol.

Anyhow, a few of the places I really enjoy and plan on possibly visiting are:

Hofbrauhaus - A very nice German Restaurant in the South Side Water Works. They brew their beer on site. (There is also a Claddegh and a Cheesecake Factory in the same area, both very good as well.)

Primanti Brother's Sandwiches - Do I really need to explain at all? Meat + Slaw + French Fries = Goooooood. Just a few miles away in downtown, over in the Strip District.

Rock Bottom Brewery/Sing-Sing - Rock Bottom is a great Microbrewery chain. They again, make the beer on site. They do not serve anything but their beers and normal bar drinks. Very good food. Sing-Sing is actually a dualing Piano Bar. It is 21+ only because of the beer as well as the content of the show. Usually open up around 7pm and run into the whee hours of the morning. Thursday night there is no cover charge and usually not too crowded, but Friday & Saturday are usually $10 cover charge and packed to the gills. Have to get there VERY early to get in and sometimes gets overcrowded..so you can guess I am going Thursday night. This is over in Homestead, about a 10-15 minute drive, up to 30 minutes depending on traffic. The area is called the Waterfront and is loaded with plenty of other places to eat as well as a Dave and Buster's.

A few other places that I would at least commend:

Robinson: Quaker Steak & Lube, P. F. Changs, Tilted Kilt

Waterfront: P. F. Changs, Pittsburgh Fish Market (Fairly Pricey), UNOs Pizza and a few other good places.

South Side (as mentioned above): Claddegh & Cheesecake Factory. (Just be forewarned that at the SouthSide there is no free parking lol).

There is also Station Square, almost within walking distance. I know there is a Hard Rock Cafe there now, but not sure what else as it has been years since I've been there.

Also, for you Diners, Drive-In and Dives fans, there is the Starlight Lounge in Blawnox, about 20-30 minutes outside of Pittsburgh. Great Perogies and really a hole in the wall.

Anyone that's really good with downtown might be able to help recommend some good, close places as well! I am just more familiar with those in the outer areas.

[Reikoi]

I wish I could go to those places, though sadly I have no idea where they are, and since I have to walk I fear I would get lost xD

[Rosenal]

There's a Primanti Brothers near the hotel as well. My group ate there last year and it's certainly delicious, though I had to pass on the slaw. XD I can't remember exactly where it's located, but it's easily within walking distance. I know it was part of this large square and on the right. I just can't remember how to directly get there from the hotel. I want to say it's near some of the other fast food places, but I can't remember.

Even though it's fast food, McDonald's is within walking distance. Domino's Pizza will also deliver to the hotel. We found a deal online and ordered via website. It definitely took about 45 minutes to get food, but it was worth it. The guy who came had to bring quite a bit for other people ordering, but he called when he got there and the food was hot.

There's also a Dunkin Donuts nearby as well. We picked up a dozen donuts to have for breakfast Saturday and Sunday to avoid having to buy breakfast elsewhere. I believe this was in the same area as the Primanti Brothers.

If someone else knows how to get where I'm talking about, I'd appreciate it

[RedComet]

According to Google Maps, there are a whole bunch of restaurants in the Point State Park area.  The one that I'm most interested in is Primanti Brothers because Pittsburgh is well known for those restaurants, and (from looking at their website) the prices are pretty reasonable as well.

[Rosenal]

RedComet, on 26 February 2012 - 03:41 AM, said:

According to Google Maps, there are a whole bunch of restaurants in the Point State Park area.  The one that I'm most interested in is Primanti Brothers because Pittsburgh is well known for those restaurants, and (from looking at their website) the prices are pretty reasonable as well.

The portions are pretty big there too, so you leave stuffed. I can't remember what I paid, but it was worth every bit of it.

[Reikoi]

Rosenal, on 26 February 2012 - 01:16 AM, said:

There's a Primanti Brothers near the hotel as well. My group ate there last year and it's certainly delicious, though I had to pass on the slaw. XD I can't remember exactly where it's located, but it's easily within walking distance. I know it was part of this large square and on the right. I just can't remember how to directly get there from the hotel. I want to say it's near some of the other fast food places, but I can't remember.

Even though it's fast food, McDonald's is within walking distance. Domino's Pizza will also deliver to the hotel. We found a deal online and ordered via website. It definitely took about 45 minutes to get food, but it was worth it. The guy who came had to bring quite a bit for other people ordering, but he called when he got there and the food was hot.

There's also a Dunkin Donuts nearby as well. We picked up a dozen donuts to have for breakfast Saturday and Sunday to avoid having to buy breakfast elsewhere. I believe this was in the same area as the Primanti Brothers.

If someone else knows how to get where I'm talking about, I'd appreciate it

Ohh I know where the Mcdonalds is! Hopefully I can find the Primanti Brothers and Dunkin Donuts, I got very tired of eating mcdonalds for like.. 3 meals.. xD;

[wju2004]

Hmmm...did not know there was another Primanti Brothers right there in downtown, but there is! Learn something new everyday. I'm still a fan of the original since that's where I took my first bite of one, but kind of nice to know there is another that close.

The one you are looking for is at 2 Market Square. Looks like if you follow Liberty away from the river to Stanwix...then you should see a square across Stanwix. In that area there's the Primanti's, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Chipotle (Yum!), Original Oyster House (good place for Friday for those of the Catholic faith since they offer seafood), and a few other little places. Was unaware of that exact place, but might have to hit that up on Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday.

There is also Max and Erma's right across the street from one of the parking garages, for those that aren't staying at the main hotel (like me....I'm staying out in Robinson...saving about $200 lol). Then there are the Steakhouses for those with cash to blow. lol. Great food though, I must say.

Honestly, if anyone needs help getting around, I could probably help point people in the right direction. I have a weird sense of direction, or so I've been told. I can probably find my way out of the darkest alley in the city (though have driven through the Hill District...2 hours before a shooting in the same alley I used. lol) Hopefully get to meet a few of you while I'm there though!

[Starberry]

I live in the city, and if you don't want to drive or walk far, I highly recommend checking out some of the places in Market Square or going to the Max and Erma's, as mentioned in the post above. Both of these locations are about two streets over from the Wyndam. There's also a McDonald's right down the street, but if you plan on going there, go during a not typical eating time because last year it was PACKED!
Here's a link to a list of all the food places in Market Square: http://www.downtownp...are/attractions
On that same website there's also a section that includes all of the resturants around downtown.

[Rosenal]

Reikoi, on 26 February 2012 - 04:52 AM, said:

Ohh I know where the Mcdonalds is! Hopefully I can find the Primanti Brothers and Dunkin Donuts, I got very tired of eating mcdonalds for like.. 3 meals.. xD;

The Dunkin Donuts was my favorite find because it made breakfast much easier, if I ignored the fact I didn't have a drink XD It's very easy to get a box of donuts and be set. Also, the day we found it I had not slept well the night before, so the iced coffee was a godsend

[JohnZ]

Since it was mentioned, another Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featured restaurant is Kelly-O's Diner.  It's a relatively long way out of the way, being up near McKnight Road, but it's great food and worth the trip at least once if you're a local.  (Conveniently, it's also near two of my favorite tabletop/board game shops, Legions Games in the same plaza and Game Masters on Babcock Blvd. )

[Hightower]

Robinson: every resturant you could imagine. iHOP, dennys, AW, long john silvers, red robin, max and ermas, steak and shake, and hundreds more!

To get there take I376W, exit 60B for Campbells Run Road. Left at the end of the ramp, Left onto Stubenville Pike, and then Right onto Park Manor Drive for just about everything except long john silvers, aw, arbys, & kfc, those would be a Right onto Stubenville Pike. This is also the way to "the mall at robinson" is also at this location where, if your cosplay should fail or need quick mending, is micheals, jo ann fabrics, and other stores for your convience.

Directions to the Mall at Robinson(resturants are located all throughout this area)

Furthermore I376W to Exit 61 for Settlers Ridge takes you to a new stripmall style complex with a movie theater, with more resturants, grocery shopping.

Directions to Settlers Ridge

Walking Directions to Market Square This location also has several other resturants including Mcdonalds, Brueggers Bagels, Primanti Brothers, A Pizzaria, and mabe some i missed.
Mcdonalds is (or was) 24 hours there, primantis closes at 10. but can be a dangerous area after dark....

South Side has a great selection of weird and different resturants; however they are also PACKED with bars and clubs. Not a place to head to after dark unless you are 21 and older, can deal with huge crowds of drunk & disorderly people. but that is ONLY after dark. during the day its not too bad Also the southside is a real pain in the rear on parking (especially at night) This is 10th Street to 22nd Street. beyond that is a safer area

That being said Cheesecake Factory & Hofbraghhause Directions Here (PS: this is a safe area)

so personally i reccomend going to Robinson for all your food and shopping needs. Also last i checked, they should still have buses that run out that way (for those of you that dont drive). and on the subject of those that are walking for thier food needs, downtown can be, at times, dangerous, as with any big city. So if its after dark, go with friends, keep a vigilent eye out and avoid confrontation with ANYONE.

PS: i am speaking from experiance. i used to work southside and downtown after dark. orginally from Pittsburgh.

[obsessedwithtea]

I'm not sure of what's around the hotel but I know there's a lot to eat in oakland and shadyside! just a short bus ride away.
Restaurants in oakland:
Chipotle
Qdoba
McDonalds
like 4 chinese restaurants
3 sushi places
razzy fresh (frozen yogurt)
primanti's
The O (famous hot dogs/fries)
Subway
Noodles and Co.
Wing places

Shadyside:
a bunch of good restaurants that are a little more pricey

[Hightower]

im sorry to dwell on this subject.... but as a former nighttime delivery driver for the area; again not great places to be after dark. oakland isnt too bad because its a college town... just be prepared for drunk idiots and possible riddicul if you are dressed nerdy (as we do so with pride! ) theres also a Brueggers bagels in oakland, but they are insanely expensive (i know.. thats who i used to deliver for )



shadyside is a very bad area late at night.

around the hotel i would reccomend Market Square (mentioned in my last post)

[obsessedwithtea]

I mean like market street in shadyside isn't a very bad area during dinner time hours.
as for Oakland, yeah late at night there are a lot of drunk college kids.

[newtypezaku]

obsessedwithtea, on 07 March 2012 - 05:49 PM, said:

I'm not sure of what's around the hotel but I know there's a lot to eat in oakland and shadyside! just a short bus ride away.

If by short you mean 15-20 minutes, which means it's probably going to kill over an hour of potential at-con time to get over there, eat, and catch a bus back.  Doesn't sound like the best plan.

Market Square is right behind the McDonald's downtown and has most of those same options.

[doodler]

Hey everyone! So, I work downtown. Right on Market Square, in fact. I eat there every day, and I'm here to share the info I've got with you guys.

So, pretty much everyone knows about McDonald's already (at least, based on the massive crowd I saw there every day of con last year). But half a block past it is Market Square, and there is a TON of food there. Ready?

Dunkin Donuts
Breugger's Bagels
Nola (upscale New Orleans style food, amazingly delicious but pricey)
Mancini's/Prantl's (bakery with sweets and delicious pepperoni rolls)
Shinobi (sushi!)
Las Velas (Mexican)
Diamond Market (burgers)
Original Oyster House
Noodles & Company (my favorite!)
DiBella's Subs
Chipotle
Cherries Diner
George Aiken's
Moe's
Starbucks
La Gondola (pizza)
Wingharts (burgers)
Subway
Primanti Brothers (sandwiches)

And that's just what is on the square directly. You can head downstairs into the PPG building during the weekdays to get to their food court, which includes Au Bon Pain, Asiago Express, Market Street Deli, and a handful of other places. By the PPG fountain you can find Ruth Chris Steakhouse (expensive!!!) and Einstein Brothers. And just a little further away is a Jimmy John's and a Wendy's.

So basically, you can eat at a different place for each meal, every day, and still not have hit them all. And all within a few blocks of Tekko.

[newtypezaku]

doodler, on 08 March 2012 - 08:12 PM, said:

Shinobi (sushi!)

Wait what.

*Google*

Sinobi2Go, eh?  You sir.  Are a bro.

[goomba]

newtypezaku, on 08 March 2012 - 08:21 PM, said:

Wait what.

*Google*

Sinobi2Go, eh?  You sir.  Are a bro.

Yeah I Just learned that recently as well. Im pretty thrilled

downtown has crazy amounts of stuff.
Mad pizza places,
Sharp Edge bistro (mmm beer)
Meat and Potatoes (gourmet place that has my heart)
Diamond Market Grill
Olive or Twist
Primanti Bros (as mentioned...feel it's almost a must while you are in the city..i've been here for a while now and still only had drinks there)

As for areas..
I disagree with this idea that specific areas are safer than others but I am also a male and spent a lot of time in "bad areas" the first time I lived in the area.... You have no reason to be in Shady Side at night either way...not much going on over there for food. Oakland has great food options but again, looking at travel (why bother? enough downtown to fill the void)
Sq. Hill has some great food....but again, it's just a bit further than oakland
If you are new to the city and want to explore a little bit, ask around the con someone may be willing to hangout outside the con for a bit and show you about. I know my girlfriend brought it up yesterday in conversation about how she almost wants to "adopt" an out of town person and show them our fine city.

Downtown Urban Spoon hook up

http://www.urbanspoo...CBD-restaurants

[wju2004]

Definitely looks like there are some good places to eat downtown that I didn't even really know about. I'm curious about The Oyster House, wondering if it's any good. (Not a fan of oysters, but looks like they have plenty of other good food...plus a likely place to go on Friday for my girlfriend.)

I am pretty much locked in on going to Hofbrauhaus on Thursday night and definitely going to Primanti Brother's as my girlfriend has never been there. Might just take her to the one at the square so we can spend a little more time at the con Thursday and maybe take her to the Strip District later on.

Not sure how late things run on Friday, but tempted to go to Joe's Crab Shack out in Robinson that night (since I'm staying out at Settler's Ridge to save $150. lol) Unfortunately means I have to deal with morning traffic, but already plotting how to get around all that. I know a lot of the places I'm going are out of the question for most Con goers though, of course.

[doodler]

I'm a fan of the Oyster House - keep in mind that it's mainly fried fast seafood, but it's good stuff. Their clam chowder is really good as well. One big thing to know about them, though, is that they're cash-only.