A Visit toPittsburgh

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skepticalobserver
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A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by skepticalobserver »

My wife and a couple of her friends are planning of spending a few days in Pittsburgh. Any suggestions of places to see, things to do, places to stay, dining, etc.?

Thanks
Iaqton
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by Iaqton »

Heinz Museum, PPG Aquarium, catch a Pens game if they're in town.

As far as food goes, Primanti Bros if you want the local schtick, there are plenty of nice restaurants in town.
buckstar
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by buckstar »

Make sure you take the "Incline" up to Mount Washington and have dinner up there, the view is incredible and the incline is a little bit of unique Pittsburgh history. LeMont is the classic, french restaurant, Altius is the new, hipper place but really it's worth going up there just for the view.
cmr79
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by cmr79 »

Pamela's is a classic for breakfast/brunch. The Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh has its "Nationality Rooms" decorated in the local custom of each respective culture for Christmas this time of year, which are pretty interesting.
Thrift Shop
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by Thrift Shop »

cmr79 wrote:Pamela's is a classic for breakfast/brunch. The Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh has its "Nationality Rooms" decorated in the local custom of each respective culture for Christmas this time of year, which are pretty interesting.
I second the "Nationality Rooms". Very unique and interesting.
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by Marylander1 »

For our anniversary this past May, we stayed at a B&B on the river that was extremely pleasant, and fairly close to downtown but very secluded:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1555296 We highly recommend it if's your style.

If you like tasty home-brewed alcohol, the pear, ginger, and blueberry wine at Arsenal Cider House are some of the tastiest drinks we've ever had:
http://www.arsenalciderhouse.com It's curiously placed in a row house across the street from the health department. You can bring your own food to eat and drink on-site, or carry it away. They refill bottles, with a deposit.

-Marylander1
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LadyGeek
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by LadyGeek »

This thread is now in the Personal Consumer Issues (travel).

I've heard that the The National Aviary - The Nation's Premier Bird Zoo is worthwhile.
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HurdyGurdy
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Re: A Visit to Pittsburgh

Post by HurdyGurdy »

Given recent threads about wedding rings I am wary to suggest this: the Carnegie Museum of Natural History has a very nice section on minerals, gems and jewels.

http://www.riversofsteel.com/ points to interesting stuff. (The Frick house would be the other coin of that).

Frank Lloyd Wright’s http://www.fallingwater.org/, out of Pittsburgh.

http://phipps.conservatory.org/ has a winter garden exhibit.
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Steelersfan
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by Steelersfan »

LadyGeek wrote:
I've heard that the The National Aviary - The Nation's Premier Bird Zoo is worthwhile.
It is, if you're into flying animal things.

If you're into green growing things, the Phipps Conservatory is outstanding, and has the nicest gift shop I've ever seen in a museum. The cafe isn't overpriced either.

http://phipps.conservatory.org/

Browse through the City Data forums for more ideas, or join for free and make a post there. Lots of helpful Pittsburgh folks spend time there.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/pittsburgh/
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by LadyGeek »

Steelersfan wrote:
LadyGeek wrote:
I've heard that the The National Aviary - The Nation's Premier Bird Zoo is worthwhile.
It is, if you're into flying animal things.
Yes, I am. I'm also into sports. If I went to Pittsburgh, I would definitely take in a Pens (hockey) game. They won't like my jersey colors, though. :)
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rooms222
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by rooms222 »

We enjoyed the Andy Warhol museum, especially the special exhibits they had. When the weather is good, we want to do the Ducks amphibious tour. My young teenagers loved going to Falling Water most of all, surprisingly (about 80 minutes from downtown).
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Steelersfan
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by Steelersfan »

I've never understood the allure of a Primanti's sandwich, except it is totally a Pittsburgh thing. It's too big to get in your mouth, the fries that they add between the slices of bread get soggy from the cole slaw that's in there too, and the grease content is crazy.

http://www.fatsecret.com/Diary.aspx?pa=fjrd&rid=1600281

But a lot of people say you've got to try one.
coalcracker
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by coalcracker »

Iaqton wrote:Heinz Museum, PPG Aquarium, catch a Pens game if they're in town.

As far as food goes, Primanti Bros if you want the local schtick, there are plenty of nice restaurants in town.
cmr79 wrote:Pamela's is a classic for breakfast/brunch. The Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh has its "Nationality Rooms" decorated in the local custom of each respective culture for Christmas this time of year, which are pretty interesting.
While these are "classic" restaurants, they emphasize quantity over quality and are just mediocre, especially if you are a foodie at all. The Pittsburgh food scene has exploded with tons of new and inventive restaurants over the past 5-10 years (I have lived here just over 10 years).

Just a list off the top of my head:

Salt
Kaya
Sushi Umi (among the best sushi I have had anywhere)
Soba
Eleven
Grit and Grace
Butcher and the Rye
Cure
Meat and Potatoes
Station street hot dogs (lunch place run by a local celebrity chef, not pretty but great hot dogs)
Everyday Noodles (amazing traditional Taiwanese noodle shop)
Spoon
BRGR
Pusadee's Garden (unassuming but great Thai)
Teppanyaki Kyoto
Piccolo Forno
Tamari

to name a few. New restaurants seem to pop up all the time.

Yes, I am a foodie. :D
ilisira
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by ilisira »

coalcracker wrote:Just a list off the top of my head:

Salt
Kaya
Sushi Umi (among the best sushi I have had anywhere)
Soba
Eleven
Grit and Grace
Butcher and the Rye
Cure
Meat and Potatoes
Station street hot dogs (lunch place run by a local celebrity chef, not pretty but great hot dogs)
Everyday Noodles (amazing traditional Taiwanese noodle shop)
Spoon
BRGR
Pusadee's Garden (unassuming but great Thai)
Teppanyaki Kyoto
Piccolo Forno
Tamari

to name a few. New restaurants seem to pop up all the time.

Yes, I am a foodie. :D
I'd add Mad Mex to the list. After ~4.5 years away from Pittsburgh, I still miss the spicy chicken burrito
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Steelersfan
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by Steelersfan »

coalcracker wrote: Station street hot dogs (lunch place run by a local celebrity chef, not pretty but great hot dogs)

Yes, I am a foodie. :D
Good list, but that one closed while the chef prepares to open a new restaurant. In Braddock, abandoned steel mill nexus.
Shadow_Dancer
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by Shadow_Dancer »

If you're interested in local/regional history, the Heinz History Center in the Strip District:

http://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/

If you're interested in historic preservation and mansions of the Gilded Age, Clayton, the home of Henry Clay Frick and located in the Point Breeze section of town, is definitely worthwhile:

http://www.thefrickpittsburgh.org/index.php

And, as others have mentioned, the Andy Warhol Museum on the Northside ... http://www.warhol.org/; and Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Oakland, whose dinosaur collection is surpassed only by the Smithsonian and the American Museum of Natural History ... http://www.carnegiemnh.org/.

The University of Pittsburgh's Nationality rooms and Phipps Conservatory, like Carnegie Museum, are also located in the Oakland section of the city, so they are all within walking distance of one another. And, Phipps Conservatory offers some permanent Chihuly exhibits among its displays.

If you're interested in "local foods," many would claim that The Original Hot Dog Shop in Oakland, on the edge of the University of Pittsburgh's campus, is the place to go for hot dogs and french fries.

And, if you are able to venture as far as Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, you might also check out Frank Lloyd Wright's other design, Kentuck Knob, which is about 14 miles away from Fallingwater. ... http://kentuckknob.com/

Finally, as others have written, a ride on the Duquesne Incline (http://www.duquesneincline.org/) from the South Side/Station Square to Mt. Washington with dinner at a restaurant overlooking the city's downtown is a must.
Last edited by Shadow_Dancer on Tue Dec 09, 2014 9:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
coalcracker
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by coalcracker »

Steelersfan wrote:
coalcracker wrote: Station street hot dogs (lunch place run by a local celebrity chef, not pretty but great hot dogs)

Yes, I am a foodie. :D
Good list, but that one closed while the chef prepares to open a new restaurant. In Braddock, abandoned steel mill nexus.
Bummer I didn't know that. But I live not too far from Braddock and I'm excited for his new place Superior Motors. Last I heard it's supposed to open in February.

That also reminds me of Brew Gentlemen, the microbrewery in Braddock, and quite a few other microbreweries around town. Recently discovered a bar called The Independent in Squirrell Hill that only serves beer from local breweries, usually with 15-20 on tap.
Compound
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by Compound »

If you're into sports, going to watch the Steelers play is a blast.

As stated above, there are tons of amazing food options. From the inexpensive and uniquely Pittsburgh (e.g. Primanti bros) to the higher end and great (e.g. Salt of the Earth).
OSUmountaineer
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by OSUmountaineer »

Monterey Fish Grotto on Mount Washington/south side has some of the best food with unquestionably the best view in the city. Highly recommended.
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by jasper »

Falling Water is one of my favorite spots. and i know jack about architecture but i love going there. if they make it down that way, Ohiopyle is a great spot for rafting (OK not this time of year), hiking, biking, natural beauty, etc

If they want to go semi-luxury, Nemacolin Woodlands is right nearby
Zecht
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by Zecht »

My most entertaining dining experience there was definitely Offrahousen (sp?), a brewery/restaurant made out of an old coal processing building. Great food, local beer, and live entertainment.
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Steelersfan
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by Steelersfan »

Zecht wrote:My most entertaining dining experience there was definitely Offrahousen (sp?), a brewery/restaurant made out of an old coal processing building. Great food, local beer, and live entertainment.
I suspect this is the place you're talking about:

http://hofbrauhauspittsburgh.com/

It's a franchise operation by the owners of the original Hofbrauhaus in Munich, very touristy but can be lots of fun.
buckstar
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by buckstar »

OSUmountaineer wrote:Monterey Fish Grotto on Mount Washington/south side has some of the best food with unquestionably the best view in the city. Highly recommended.
I used to love this place when I lived in Pittsburgh, but was back a few months ago on a visit and was disappointed with the food (except for the Ichiban!).
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by pennstater2005 »

LadyGeek wrote:
Steelersfan wrote:
LadyGeek wrote:
I've heard that the The National Aviary - The Nation's Premier Bird Zoo is worthwhile.
It is, if you're into flying animal things.
Yes, I am. I'm also into sports. If I went to Pittsburgh, I would definitely take in a Pens (hockey) game. They won't like my jersey colors, though. :)
Won't like is a nice way of putting it :D
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by ivyhedge »

Thrift Shop wrote:
cmr79 wrote:Pamela's is a classic for breakfast/brunch. The Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh has its "Nationality Rooms" decorated in the local custom of each respective culture for Christmas this time of year, which are pretty interesting.
I second the "Nationality Rooms". Very unique and interesting.
^^ Did that move from PPG Place or was the latter presentation spun from the former?

I second Andy Warhol and Mt Washington ... and if the duck tours are still running (there are a few in Boston for the most intrepid quackers) the trip down to, and around, the Point is really nice.

Meat & Potatoes has some good grub (think free range grunge "meats" fusion), and you could add a show at the Cabaret since you'd be in the arts neighborhood (a respected symbol of the city's rejuvenation).
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by health teacher »

Depending on how soon you're visiting, there is an outdoor skating rink at PPG Place.

Fatheads on East Carson St. (The South side) has good food and a bunch of good beer on tap.

If you are into the casino scene, there is Rivers Casino right on the North Shore.

You definitely want to ride the incline up to Mount Washington, maybe even at night. Probably the equivalent of the cable cars in San Fran. Be sure to bring exact change ($2.50 each way) and you pay at the top.

You can take a boat tour on the Gateway Clipper Fleet.

Primantis is definitely a Pittsburgh must if you are from out of town or tahn as Pittsburghers call it.

Console Energy Center is a great arean and the Pens have one of the most exciting hockey players in the world on the team in Sidney Crosby.

You could check out a show at Heinz Hall or the Benedum Center.

You could always travel 25 miles west and visit my hometown of Weirton, WV where the movie Super 8 was filmed.

There are some shops restaraunts in Station Square.

You can also check out the strip district.

That's all I have off the top of my head, but I often find myself taking Pittsburgh for granted since I live so close, but it is a prettt diverse and interesting city.
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by mbk734 »

Great view from Mt. Washington after an incline ride(rated best urban view in the country). Also, south side bars are like Mardi Gras every weekend (most dense bar area in the country).
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by prudent »

As cool and unique as Fallingwater is, I would not go there from Pittsburgh if the forecast calls for any snow. Fallingwater is in a rural area and located in the Laurel Highlands (if Pittsburgh proper gets a dusting of snow, the Laurel Highlands area can get anywhere from 1"-8").
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by Boglegrappler »

Ask someone where you can get an authentic hoagie. They're different in Pittsburgh and you'll like them. Usually a half-hoagie is adequate for a meal.

I second the Phipps conservatory suggestion.
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by LadyGeek »

Boglegrappler wrote:Ask someone where you can get an authentic hoagie.
Philadelphia: History of Hoagies
The Hoagie was originally created in Philadelphia. There are a number of different versions to how the Hoagie got its name, but no matter what version is right (historians cannot seem to agree on the correct version), all agree that it started in Philadelphia or the towns' suburbs.
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by livesoft »

Ride the 28X from the airport to your hotel. See how humanity travels in Pittsburgh.
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by 4nursebee »

1729 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
The above is an address for one of my favorite spice shops. Many blocks of unique stores up and down this street, especially for foodies.
Street view link below
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Penze ... 92!6m1!1e1
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kybourbon
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by kybourbon »

I'll throw Pointe Brugge and E2 in the mix for great smallish restaurants. No reservations, but worth the wait.

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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by ilisira »

livesoft wrote:Ride the 28X from the airport to your hotel. See how humanity travels in Pittsburgh.
About 15 years ago, when we moved to US, this was the way we entered the city, and I still remember how Pittsburgh skyline looked that night at the end of the Fort Duquesne bridge. This was before 28X started to use the newer express way.
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Re: A Visit to Pittsburgh

Post by RooseveltG »

I have given many informal tours of Pittsburgh. A few thoughts:

1. One of the coolest areas is the Strip District, which is filled with food shops, restaurants, sports paraphernalia, etc.

2. Downtown is filled with many architectural gems from turn of the century buildings to PPG Place, which was designed by Philip Johnson and is the headquarters for Pittsburgh Plate Glass.

3. You can drive up Fifth Avenue in Oakland and still see mansions that were owned by steel magnates. I second the suggestion to visit Clayton, the home of Henry Clay Frick.

4. Pittsburgh has a legacy wealth cultural district with magnificent theaters (Heinz Hall, The Benedum, O'Reilly Theater, etc) and a full schedule.

5. The views from Mt. Washington and Schenley Park are spectacular.

6. In the warm weather, visit Kennywood Park to experience an old style amusement park.

7. Check out the Bohemian side of Pittsburgh on East Carson St. on the South Side. (Usually at night with bars, grills, etc).

8. Try some of the excellent small restaurants (Dish, Avenue B). Many college students like Lulu's for pan Asian and Ali Baba for middle eastern food between the Pitt and CMU campuses.

9. The dinosaur collection at Carnegie Museum in Oakland is second to none. While you are there, check out the ornate marble entrance to the auditorium. They don't build them like that anymore.

Roosevelt.
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Re: A Visit toPittsburgh

Post by Mr-et-Mrs-R »

We love Pittsburgh, and I grew up in it's shadow, and still have family there.
Dinning does not really get any better than the neighborhood bistro Point Brugge- worth the trip alone.
CMU & Pitt, two great schools with a ton to see and do around them.
The Strip - My nemesis and mistress. Mrs R doesn't mind so much since she always gets a great meal out of my shopping there.

Oddly enough, we didn't care for the Andy Warhol museum; so your mileage may vary.
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