Things To Do
The Strip District
Jon & Abby recommend a visit to the Strip District for a taste of Pittsburgh culture! On weekends, you'll find plenty of street vendors, great shops to stop into, and great places to grab a drink or bite to eat. They recommend wandering around and visiting what you're pulled toward to get the full experience, but some of their favorite places are Bella Notte, Pennsylvania Macaroni Company (Penn Mac to locals), Mon Aimee Chocolat, and Peppi's. You may recognize some of these streets from our engagement photos! Note: Aslin Beer Company & Pamela's (mentioned below) are also located in the Strip.
Aslin Beer Company
Visit one of Jon & Abby's favorite breweries, with locations in both Alexandria & Pittsburgh! Our go-to recommendation is the Volcano Sauce.
Pamela's Diner
If you're looking for a great breakfast, visit one of Jon & Abby's favorite spots, Pam's! Abby's favorite dish is the Banana Walnut Hotcakes (add chocolate chips). IMPORTANT NOTE: Pam's is cash only!
Grist House Craft Brewery
Check out one of Jon & Abby's favorite Pittsburgh breweries! It has expanded over the years, but Jon & Abby remember when it was just a gravel lot and a small indoor space. The Grist House is also where one of Abby's bridesmaids, Sarah, gave Abby a taste of the first beer she ever enjoyed. Once Sarah introduced her to sours, the floodgates opened to many other types of beers over the years, much to Jon's delight. Jon & Abby have spent time here catching up with friends and family and have even rung in the New Year at the brewery a few times. Fun fact: this brewery is owned by one of our groomsmen's (Grant) brothers!
Downey's House
Experience the beauty of family owned Pittsburgh restaurants at Downey's House! Jon & Abby both recommend the Jalapeno Pepper Cheeseballs and the Pepperoni Rolls with ranch and/or garlic ranch.
Mad Mex
Mad Mex is one of Abby's favorite spots from her time at Pitt. While the original location in Oakland has closed (RIP), the Robinson location is near the hotel and wedding festivities. Abby's favorite meal is a Big Azz Margarita (she hasn't had a flavor she didn't like, but she loves the Sangria Blur), a Wing-o-Rito (with Classic Buffalo sauce and a side of ranch), and an Ice Cream Burrrrito (Sundae Style).
Lowkey Taco
Join Jon & Abby the day after their wedding for brunch at Lowkey Taco. Bottomless breakfast margaritas - need they say more?
The Yard
If you're looking for the heavy food Pittsburgh is known for, look no further than The Yard. The Yard specializes in gourmet grilled cheese, and Abby's favorite is Buffy the Mac Attack Slayer. Beware - come hungry!
Caliente Pizza & Draft House
Jon & Abby's favorite pizza spot in Pittsburgh! They recommend the Cluckin' Hot Rolls and the Grandma Honey pizza, but you truly can't go wrong with anything on the menu. This location in Sewickley is located on a picturesque main street with great shops to pop into.
Eat'n Park
Visit the restaurant chain where Abby interned during and after college as the Smiley Cookie mascot! She recommends the Fried Zucchini, the Buffalo Chicken Wrap, the Cookie Fudge Fantasy, and a swimming pool of their ranch dressing (Abby claims it's the best in Pittsburgh!). Don't forget to grab a Smiley Cookie on your way out! Jon recommends you skip this one, but don't listen to him!
Wings Suds & Spuds
One of Jon & Abby's favorite spots from high school. Order the wings "extra wet," and don't sleep on the Italian Hoagie!
Mike & Tony's Gyros
Both Jon & Abby love Mike & Tony's and haven't had a bad meal there. They recommend the M&T Fries with sides of gyro sauce and ranch.
Kip's Ice Cream
The local ice cream shop just up the road from both Jon & Abby's childhood homes. This shop is dog-themed, with photos of local pups on the wall. IMPORTANT NOTE: Kip's is cash only!
Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe
More for nostalgia purposes than particularly great food, visit a staple quick service spot that specializes in great hot dogs (their burgers are pretty good too!). Jon grew up going frequently, and Abby grew up getting an early lunch at the Hot Dog Shoppe with her dad every Saturday after gymnastics practice. Sit at one of the high top tables in the window - Abby & Ed's preferred spot! Abby recommends two plain hot dogs with ketchup. Jon recommends hot dogs with chili and onions.
Hemingway's Cafe
Visit Abby's favorite bar from her days at Pitt, and take a stroll around the Cathedral of Learning while you're there! The beer is cheap, the atmosphere is exactly what you'd expect of a great college bar, and the shot pitchers are a rite of passage. For food, Abby recommends the Cardiac Stix with ranch instead of bleu cheese.
Windmill Ice Cream
The Windmill is a bit of a drive from where the wedding festivities are located, but Abby loves the Chip n' Wich, a homemade ice cream sandwich. Skip the mini golf - it's seen better days.