Espresso A Mano: There’s a reason why this is one of the top-rated coffee shops in Pittsburgh - it’s legit. While it may get busy on the weekends, don’t let that deter you. The line moves quick and you shouldn’t have to wait long for a table. You’ll thank us later. (@espressoamano)
Constellation Coffee: This local coffee shop is a little more off the beaten path, and that’s exactly why we like it. Their coffee is strong, the menu is simple and the baristas are knowledgeable - we loved it! (@constellationpgh)
Zeke’s Coffee: Just a block away from The Ace Hotel, we made a b-line to Zeke’s Coffee because we’d heard they had a dog friendly patio. We were stoked to find out that their coffee is really good, too! Win/win! (@zekespgh)
Breakfast
Pear and the Pickle: This tucked away little cafe has some of the best breakfast sandwiches we’ve EVER had - and we don’t say that lightly. It can take awhile if they’re busy, but the wait is so, so worth it. (@pearandpickle)
Bobby’s pick: Egg and Cheese Sandwich + Bacon
Alli’s pick: Egg and Cheese Sandwich + Tomato
Pamela’s Diner: This popular chain of diners in Pittsburgh is famous for its crepe-style pancakes, and they 100% lived up to the hype. And don’t even get us started on their potatoes. (@pamelasdiner)
Bobby’s pick: The Morning After Breakfast Special
Alli’s pick: Gail’s Favorite Eggs
Cafe Raymond: You can’t go wrong at this order-at-the-counter breakfast and lunch spot. Everything on the menu is good, the servers are friendly, and the portions are hefty. Plus it’s in the heart of the Strip District, so there’s lots to see and do nearby! (@caferaymond)
Bobby’s pick: Blueberry Croissant
Alli’s pick: Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes
Gepetto Cafe: Located in Lawrenceville, this whimsical breakfast and brunch spot is a total hidden gem. If you have a sweet tooth, try their french toast or specialty crepes. Delish! (@gepettocafe)
Bobby’s pick: Croque Madame French Toast
Alli’s pick: Cheap Date Crepe
Pittsburgh Juice: Juices, smoothies, elixirs, small bites, and more… this juice spot was a daily stop when we were in Pittsburgh! Their organic cold-pressed juices are as healthy as they are tasty, and they’re really pretty, too! (@pittsburghjuice)
Lunch/Dinner
Primanti Bro’s: We’d only been in Pittsburgh for an hour and we already had locals telling us that we couldn’t leave without trying a famous Primanti Bro’s sandwich... Done and done! We won’t go into detail as to why they’re so amazing (it’s a fun surprise), but just trust us. They have locations all over the city. Go hungry. Very hungry. (@primantibros)
Bobby’s pick: Pastrami & Cheese
Alli’s pick: Deluxe Double Egg & Cheese
Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream: We’re suckers for a good artisanal ice cream shop, and Millie’s is one of the best in Pittsburgh! Their flavors are creative, the batches are made fresh daily, and they have vegan options too! (@milliespgh)
Bobby’s pick: Peanut Butter Chip
Alli’s pick: Dairy Free Banana Nut Ripple
Meat & Potatoes: If you’re in the mood for a hearty, flavorful dinner in a fun cosmopolitan environment, this is it! We rarely order meatloaf, but we did here and it was phenomenal. Highly suggest sharing, as the portions are quite large! (@meat_potatoes)
Share: Fried Brussels, Meatloaf (if they have it), Cobb Salad
Tako: Named “The Best Tacos in America” by Thrillist, this chic and innovative taco shop is one of the most sought-after restaurants in town. And we can see why it is all the rage! Make a reservation as far in advance as you can! (@takopgh)
Bobby’s pick: Carnitas Tacos
Alli’s pick: Korean Tacos (their specialty!)
Grist House: This friendly, locally-owned craft brewery is an epic spot to spend a Friday night… or any night for that matter! Their brews are flavorful and unique, they have rotating food trucks, and pups are welcome! We’d be here all the time if we lived in Pittsburgh! (@gristhouse)
The Pennsylvania Market: Located in the Strip District, this upscale market has it ALL. 6 kitchen stations, a wine library, local food vendors, craft cocktail bars, and more! There’s plenty of spots to sit, but we recommend grabbing a chair at the Second Floor Bar - and ordering a slice of pizza at the nearby vendor while you’re at it. ;) (@thepamarket)
Bobby’s pick: Last Word
Alli’s pick: Fancy PA G&G
Ace Hotel Pittsburgh: Ever since we stayed at the American Trade Hotel in Panama (It’s part of the Ace Hotel family), we’ve been big fans of this trendy chain. Their Pittsburgh location is in a revamped, century-old YMCA building in the East Liberty neighborhood, and it’s pretty darn cool. It merits a visit, even if you just pop by for a drink at their cozy lobby bar! (@acehotelpittsburgh)
Kimpton Hotel Monaco: If you’ve been following us for awhile, you know how much we love Kimpton boutique hotels. They’re modern, playful, dog-friendly, and their nightly complimentary happy hours are always a hit! This one is located right in the heart of the city, has all of the Kimpton amenities that we’ve grown to love, and even has a rooftop Biergarten! (@monacopgh)
Mansions on Fifth: If you’re looking for a unique, romantic, historic, and luxurious stay, this is it. Built in the 1900’s for one of Pittsburgh’s most prominent attorneys, this now 22 bedroom boutique hotel is a glimpse into Pittsburgh’s past… and it’s truly unlike any other hotel in the city! (@mansionsonfifth)
Duquesne Incline: Voted one of the “Top Ten Sites in the World for Viewing a Cityscape” by USA Today, the 140-year-old Duquesne Incline not only offers picture-perfect views, but it puts the “fun” in funicular! (And the ride is dog friendly, too! ($5 round trip for adults, $2.50 for kids. Don’t forget to bring cash - it’s cash only!) (Duquesne Incline on Instagram)
Randyland: Most artists wouldn’t be willing to open their private courtyard to the public, but Randy Gilson isn’t like most artists. Everyday from 10am-7pm, visitors are welcome to explore his many eccentric art displays around the property, and if you’re lucky you’ll get to hear from Randy himself! (@randyland.pgh)
Strip District: Located on the banks of the Allegheny river, just outside of downtown Pittsburgh, is the popular shopping and dining neighborhood The Strip District. This revitalized industrial neighborhood is packed full of international grocery stores, independent merchants, local retailers, shops, restaurants, and more. Go hungry!
Point State Park: Situated at the tip of Pittsburgh’s “Golden Triangle”, Point State Park has panoramic views of the city, lots of grass and space to wander or have a picnic, and an iconic fountain in the center. There’s no better place to be at sunset!
The Andy Warhol Museum: Did you know that the pop art icon Andy Warhol was born and raised in Pittsburgh? We didn’t either! The Andy Warhol Museum tells Andy’s story and explores his legacy through his personal art collection, archives, and more. Guests can even star in their own short film, inspired by the screen tests Warhol created in the 1960’s! (@thewarholmuseum)
We were pleasantly surprised with just how dog-friendly Pittsburgh is! We took Sally with us almost everywhere - some of our favorite Sally-approved spots were: The Ace Hotel Lobby Bar, Grist House, Allegheny City Brewing, and the Duquesne Incline. This city is a dream for pets!
