Here's an incomplete compilation of places to eat and things to do/drink in Pittsburgh.
Don't look at this as the definitive list of things to do in Pittsburgh, it's just a starting point for planning your weekend. For example, I've left off a lot of high-end dining places and a lot of tourist attractions (though, there are a few). There are other members of the community from Pittsburgh that will fill out these recommendations.
That said, don't let anyone try and talk you out of Primanti's. Some locals hate it, but it would be like going to Philly and skipping out on cheese steak.
Food near KeyCon:Primanti’s (Garfield) - Just do it. Naysayers be damned. There's even patio seating at this one.
Whitfield at Ace Hotel - It’s downstairs. Ez Pz
Bird on the Run - Great fried chicken north of the Mason-Dixon line
Kahuna - Build your own Hawaiian Poke bowls
Choolaah - it’s like a BYOB Indian chipotle
Noodlehead - Good thai food. Usually pretty crowded. Cash only
Tana - Ethiopian food
Kelly’s Bar and Lounge - it’s a bar.
BRGR - Burgers and boozey milkshakes.
Slice on Broadway - Pizza and sandwiches
Spoon - Real fancy joint ... we’re talking aftermarket artisan prices
Food around town:Hofbrauhaus - Gut essen und bier. Definitely a solid option for a larger group.
Burgatory - Multiple locations. Build your own burgers and boozy shakes.
Pub Chip Shop - British, Scottish and Irish food. Pickup type of joint
Caliente - award-winning pizza and an IPA-heavy draft list
Burgh’ers - Build your own burgers, my favorite burger spot, tbh
Nakama - Trendy, pricy sushi joint
For classier (read: more expensive) eats, see
this list
Drinking:This is a VERY LIMITED list. I’d strongly recommend doing more research on your own, but here are places that I have either been to, or have had recommended to me. This list prioritizes places where you can bar hop and not necessarily just check out one place. You can go drinking in just about every Pittsburgh neighborhood, but these are the big two imho.
East Carson StreetThe Library - Good food and they have a late happy hour
Wingharts - Whiskey and burger bar
Piper’s Pub - Scottish Pub
Jekyll and Hyde- Halloween Themed bar, no costume required
Dancing/“Club”: Diesel, SkyBar, Devils and Dolls
Dives: Jacks, Dee’s
LawrencevilleArsenal Cider House - it’s like hanging out in someone’s backyard, but with a food truck. Only open until 9.
Brillobox - Food, booze and dancing
Amsterdam - Bar with roof seating
Dancing: Remedy, Spirit, Cattivo (Gay bar)
Dive: Hambone’s, Nico’s Recovery Room
Gay Bars The intersection of Ellsworth and Maryland Avenue in Shadyside is referred to as Pittsburgh’s Gayest Intersection. 5801 is definitely the main attraction. It’s a huge bar.
Events and Things to Do:[/size]
Unfortunately the Buccos are out of town. So, no opportunities to go check out PNC Park. Easily one of the best ballparks in America.
Grandview Overlook and the incline - it’s the default tourist activity
Point State Park - it’s a pretty neat urban planning feature
Shop the StripSurf Pittsburgh - wake surf on Pittsburgh’s three rivers
Phipps Conservatory - another default tourist activity, highly recommended
Victory Pointe Arcade and Gaming - down in the southside. lots of cabinets, tabletop gaming upstairs
Kickback Cafe Pinball Arcade - pretty fleshed out pinball spot, decent food
Arsenal Lanes - somewhat of an iconic spot. Kevin Smith allegedly wanted to make a movie here.
Carnegie Science Center (21+ Night Block Party on 6/29)
Andy Warhol Museum (event on 6/29)
Luke Bryan at Heinz Field - Concert on 6/30 … don’t skip Keycon though, especially for this
Salsa Fridays and Late Night Happy Hour -Dancing, Friday at 10
Coffee:Zeke’s - near Keycon.
Artisan Cafe - my favorite spot. Not too far from Keycon. Run by arguably the best barista in Pittsburgh. Though, he may actually be coming to keycon
Black Forge - Black metal coffee shop
Constellation
Espresso a Mano
La Prima
Gentlemen Clubs:Blush - This is where the known pornstars go when they’re on tour. June 30 is “Country Night”
Cheerleaders - It’s where the other pornstars sometimes go