Basil & Irene
Explore Our City
La Prima Espresso Company - Strip District
This is an espresso bar within Pittsburgh's bustling strip district. It's authentic Italian espresso, complete with old men playing chess and smoking cigars (outside), Italian daytime television, and the best baristas this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Colangelo's Italian Bakery is next door and the two shops coexist in beautiful sweet Mediterranean harmony. Get yourself a mele and a cappuccino and be prepared to speak with your hands as well as your voice. This would be a great place to kick off any morning in the Steel City.
DeLuca's Diner
If you're looking for a no frills local spot to get some breakfast, DeLuca's of the Strip District is the place to be. They have all the diner fare one could hope for. Don't let the line outside the establishment deter you. They have a quick turnover. Please note that they are cash only, so bring that paper! (There is a PNC ATM around the corner). If you're feeling hungry and want to sample the taste of 14 championships (at the time of writing, but likely not to change) then make sure to toss the menu and order the Steel City Breakfast of Champions.
Gaucho Parrilla Argentina
If you know, you know. Get in line and order a steak sandwich while singing songs from the musical 'Evita'. It's really really really good. Try all three chimichurris! They are fantastic.
Brew Gentlemen
Looking for a place to hang out before the ceremony? Brew Gentleman in Braddock has you covered. It is one of the certified best breweries in Pittsburgh and is a member of the local brewers guild. They often have food trucks too. Just don't be late and don't over do it before the ceremony.
Primanti Bros.
Listen. I don't have a lot to say about this, except the following: 1. Do NOT under any circumstances get the 'PittsBurger' - they may say it's the #2 best seller but that's because the other sandwiches are tied for #1. 2. Get an egg. Unless you are Irene's father. You won't regret it. This is not the original, but if you want to go to the original 1933 location, it's down the street in the Strip District where many other recommendations live.
Lot 17
This was where Irene and Basil had their first date. It is a local bar in Pittsburgh's Little Italy. They have a delicious Reuben (not Italian) and big Yuenglings (also not Italian) on the cheap. If you want to complete the first date experience, go see a movie at the Manor Theater in Squirrel Hill prior to indulging at this local establishment.
Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh
If you're into live German music, dancing on tables, taking your bier by the liter, and eating copious amounts of sauerkraut, then we have a wunderbar place for you! Ein, Zwei, Drei, G'suffa!
PNC Park
Pirates play the Red Socks the weekend of our wedding. If you're like baseball and beautiful views, get yourself a ticket on the cheap and catch a game with the backdrop of Pittsburgh's downtown skyline.
Arsenal Cider House & Wine Cellar
Do you like apple cider? Arsenal Cider House (literally, I'd like to see how they pulled off that zoning rigamaroll with the local government) in Lawrenceville has you covered. There are free samples and you can grab a growler, sit out in the yard with some friends, and listen to live music while sipping on effervescent, fermented fruit (mostly apple) juices.
Mount Washington
Overlooking the southern bank of Monongahela River is a large ridge called Mount Washington. It is home to many expensive homes but it does have a free view of the city that is rather priceless. It's a great spot to get some pictures and just hang out for a bit. There are a few restaurants up there as well. Try Shiloh Grill or Coughlin's Law.
Federal Galley
Federal Galley is local co-op in the North Side that contains a rotating list of restaurants. Local chefs typically set up shop there for a few months to show their stuff and hopefully pave a way for a permanent restaurant elsewhere in the city. If you can't decide on a cuisine, they often have multiple options. They also have a full service bar and outdoor seating.
Sienna Mercato
Nestled amongst the skyscrapers downtown is a restaurant called Sienna Mercato. Sienna Mercato itself is just ok in my opinion. Drinks and food are fine. However, the rooftop bar is something to see. It would be a good place to grab a few drinks and look up for a while.
Dancing Gnome Beer
If you are a beer person, don't miss out on Pittsburgh's brewery scene. We have about 30 of them and many are truly world class. Among the best is a little spot called Dancing Gnome. They specialize primarily in hazy IPAs, but dabble in other beer classes as well. It's very clean and kid friendly. Highly recommended.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
It is here that you will see many rare and exciting flora from around the globe. There is also a Koi fish pond and free smells in the heart of Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood. Here you will also find cacti similar to those found in Irene's bouquet. Good luck ladies ;)
Randyland
RandyLand? You'll just have to see it for yourself.
Point State Park Fountain
Is it nice out? Take a walk down to Point State Park and back to the hotel. It is here that the two (three? depends on which yinzer you ask) great rivers: Allegheny and Monongahela meet to form the mighty Ohio. There's also a fountain and hopefully a nice breeze.
Schenley Park
It's a big park with a lot of stuff to do. Run, jump, disc golf, have a picnic, go bird watching. It also has a low-key fantastic view of downtown.
Umami
On 38th and Butler sits an old hotel (now a Tex-Mex restaurant called Round Corner Cantina which is also excellent in its own right), on the side of the building is a single non-descript door. Behind the door is a dark staircase. Once the staircase has been climbed you will find red tinted lighting and Japanese artwork on the walls and a portal into Pittsburgh’s Japanese Teppanyaki bar. Here you will find traditional Japanese street food, cocktails and sake. They’re open late. Be adventurous. Try the Takoyaki.
Grist House Craft Brewery
Grist House is another fantastic brewery tucked back in Pittsburgh neighborhood of Millvale. They have all kinds of delicious beers of which to partake as well as a wonderful line up of food trucks. Also, and this is a big plus, they allow dogs in their brewery. So if you’re an animal lover and a beer drinker, check it out. Highly recommend the Hazedelic Juice Grenade.
Noodlehead
Various Thai street noodles. Possibly, the best in town. Everything is no more than $9, so it's definitely a great value. Cash only. Get Millie’s Ice Cream Afterwards.
Millie's Homemade Ice Cream
It’s July. It’s hot. What could be better than some delicious homemade ice cream?. There are various locations around the city, including a spot downtown near the William Penn. Try the vanilla. It sounds boring but you will not be disappointed.
Industry Public House
Lots and lots of taps. Good food. Get the Smoke Stack. If you’re really hungry ask for pot roast fries on the side.
Allegheny Wine Mixer
Step 1: Practice saying the word Charcuterie. Step 2: Drive to the Allegheny Wine Mixer Step 3: Ask for an Argentinia Malbec. If they do not have one, any Malbec from a southern hemisphere country will do. Step 4: Use your new found super power from Step 1 and ask for a charcuterie and cheese board Step 5: Leave a good tip, they work hard