Not only does the city have two reigning champs (the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins) , it’s also a place full of hip, artistic culture. Visitors can browse nearly 100 boutiques for furniture, antiques, and art in the 16:62 Design Zone ; dine on hearty Italian foods along the Strip; and celebrate local vegetable growers at an amazing farmers market. Just follow these locals’ leads and you won’t be disappointed.
John Valentine, president, Palate BistroExplore evening culture …“Right above Palate Bistro is a little Off-Off-Broadway theater that very few people know about called
Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre [1],” says Valentine. “It has plays that are original, all written by local playwrights -- [even] some from August Wilson.”
Casey Hampton and Ryan Mundy, Pittsburgh SteelersEat like a local …Steelers safety Mundy, who attended Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, can’t get enough of
Hook Fish & Chicken [2] on the north side. “They have great fried chicken and fish,” he says. Hampton, the team’s nose tackle, doesn’t hesitate to schedule a meal at
Umi [3], a trendy spot in Shadyside. “They have the best sushi I’ve ever had,” he says.
Bill Flanagan; executive vice president–corporate relations, Allegheny Conference on Community Development; host, Our Region’s Business (a weekly television program)
Enjoy the best ribs and sweet frozen treats …Flanagan suggests visiting
Wilson’s Bar-B-Q [4], a take out place that’s been around for decades, and then dropping by the 1920s-era
Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor [5] afterward. “[Get] your ice cream soda, sit on a genuine early-twentieth-century bar stool, and gaze at antique apothecary jars lining the walls,” he says. Flanagan also loves
Glen’s Frozen Custard [6], a classic drive-in that sells custard made in machines dating back to the 1950s.
Lindsay Patross, IheartPGH.com bloggerFind the nightlife …Shadow Lounge [7] owner Justin Strong welcomes local and national acts. “Check to see if the Vipers Soul Club will be there for some great soul music,” Patross advises. “And there is almost always a great dance party on Friday and Saturday.”
Hilary Brown, community affairs, Massaro CorporationLinger over eggs and coffee …Brown says she enjoys a “killer brunch on Sunday” at
Point Brugge Café [8], an eatery in the Point Breeze neighborhood. The menu offers several prix-fixe options (including Liège waffles and steak and eggs ) and your choice of a mimosa, a Bloody Mary, or a glass of Champagne.