Nikki & Alex's Wedding
Things To Do
Golden Age Beer Company
If we aren't at home, we are probably at Golden Age! You may call it our job but we call it our second PGH home! Home to the world’s best lagers and pilsners, smash burgers, woodfired pizzas and wings! An incredible spot that hosts jazz and other live music more times than not throughout the week. (It also has wine and cocktails for those non-beer drinkers).
Lorelei
Another place that Alex & I work for (sister company to Golden Age). We LOVE their woodfired pies (Peppy Pep and Cacio Pepe to be exact). Do we dare say the best pizza in the city? Yeah, we do. They have incredible bartenders, a unique tap list and a great ambiance. If you want to try some amaros, Alpine-Style cocktails and wine, and German beer, we couldn't recommend a better place.
Independent Brewing Company
This is another one of our sister bars that we frequent quite often. It is a cozy, ambient space that's air is filled with music playing from a record player, and who's walls are filled with the most unique pieces of art. The tap list offers beer that is only made by independent breweries (they are GOOD). We think it truly has the best tap list in the city. They also offer wine, cocktails, and a fairly extensive (and quite affordable) whiskey list. They boast a "from-scratch" kitchen, that has some of the best food in the city. It is connected to yet ANOTHER sister spot of ours, Hidden Harbor. Hidden Harbor is a tiki bar, that houses over 500+ different kinds of rums. If you want to see tiki in it's true form, please give this place a go.
Ruggers Pub
A Rugby Dive bar, that are Eagle's fans. Is there really anymore that needs to be said? Last year we watched every Eagles playoff game here, including the Super Bowl, and had a blast. Cheap (but good) beer, cocktails, and food, it is our favorite dive bar in the city. They also usually have Rugby (or another sport) playing on their TV's! For those who are willing, try the Steel Hurtin', it is a favorite in this household.
Dancing Gnome Brewery
Ok, we had to add 1 brewery that wasn't one of the places we work at so we didn't seem too biased. We believe Dancing Gnome is one of the best breweries in the city. If you love a Hazy IPA, this place is for you. They also make a few other fantastic beers, and have a wonderful lager program. They recently built a beautiful new taproom, so it is definitely worth checking out.
Polska Laska
Authentic Polish food, right up the street from Dancing Gnome Brewing. Handmade pierogies, kielbasa and haluski. We recommend getting the farmers cheese pierogies on the Polska Platter. Truly one of the best restaurants in the city!
Anthos Bakery & Café
A Greek bakery, breakfast and lunch spot. Authentic. Greek. Food. Nikki insists on taking everyone who visits Pittsburgh there, and I don't blame her, it is wonderful every time! A favorite is the Greek Frappe, give it a try!
Badamo’s Pizza - Northside
Our local pizza place in the North side of Pittsburgh just so happens to be one of the best in the city! Their Sicilian pizza is to die for!
La Prima Espresso Company - Strip District
Arguably the most famous coffee shop/espresso bar in the city. They roast their own beans, selling them to a lot of restaurants around the city and throughout the United States. Going to their original location in the Strip District feels like a trip to Italy. This is one of our favorite places to go in the city and hangout.
Steel City
A clothing store with locations in the Strip District, Shadyside, and Cranberry. The one in the Strip District will most likely be the best to visit in terms of proximity. If you are looking for Pittsburgh clothing, we couldn't recommend this place more. Cute designs, outstanding quality, and family/locally owned!
Randyland
Located in the Mexican War Streets is Randyland, just a few streets over from where we live. It's colorful, unique, full of art, and free to walk around. You probably won't be able to find something like this anywhere else. Afterwards, walk the streets of our neighborhood! It is one of (if not the most) beautiful neighborhoods in the city. Check out The Mattress Factory, which is also in our neighborhood and is a contemporary art museum. Maybe stop and get lunch at The Monterey Pub, our cozy local Irish Pub! Then, go for a walk through the gorgeous Allegheny Commons Park.
Strip District Terminal
We are using this recommendation to showcase the entire Strip District. The Strip District is arguably one of the more popular spots in Pittsburgh. It is home to a ton of stores, coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, etc. For breakfast we recommend: Cafe Raymond and Pamelas (arguably the most famous, but longest wait time). For coffee we recommend: La Prima and De Fer. For other shops, we recommend: Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop, the Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. and Stamoolis (If you are looking for some good food to take back, these are the places). There are also a ton of places that sell Pittsburgh gear throughout the Strip District.
Duquesne Incline
The Duquesne Incline is another one of the most historic landmarks in the city. It is still used as a form of transportation up and down Mount Washington. For just a few dollars cash, you can take a ride on this bad boy built in 1877. Once at the top, you will have one of the best views of the city. There are a few restaurants up there as well that offer a nice view while dining.
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
Pittsburgh is an extremely bike forward city. Most areas of the city offer a personal bike lane, separate to the car lane. There are numerous locations around the city to rent regular or electric bikes. You can either pay by card at the station or download the app PBSC. There is a beautiful trail near our neighborhood that lets you ride along the rivers and will take you next to all the stadiums. It also connects to the bridge (which has a completely separate bike/walking lane) that takes you across to the point and the rest of the trail. Whenever it's a nice day out, Nikki and I will take a ride along this trail, going to different parts of the city. If you are interested, along the part of the trail closest to our home, there is a pop up brewery (East End Brewing), a bicycle museum, the stadiums, and the casino. I do not think there is a place to dock your rented bike at the brewery or the museum, so please keep that in mind.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Phipps is a huge conservatory located in Oakland, on the University of Pittsburgh's campus. It is a wonderful place to visit in the summer. Per their website "Explore the beauty and wonders of nature at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, encompassing 15 acres including a 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens. Experience industry-leading sustainable architecture and green practices, stunning seasonal flower shows, exclusive commissioned exhibits, renowned orchid and bonsai collections and more."
Cathedral of Learning
Located on the University of Pittsburgh's campus, it is the second tallest educational building in the world. It is a beautiful work of architecture, and is home to the renowned nationality classrooms. The top floor offers a great view of the city. We both went to undergraduate school at The University of Pittsburgh, and Nikki liked it so much she got her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy there! We implore you to walk around the campus after you visit the Cathedral!
Downtown Coraopolis
For those staying at the hotel block, it is right next to downtown Coraopolis. There is a Farmer's Market every Saturday morning. There are also a few restaurants in the area. We have heard Big Shot Bob's has some of the best wings in the city, and there is a location in Coraopolis. Cobblehaus Brewing Company is also located close by, and looks like it has a very nice outdoor area.