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One Day in Town
Mount Washington and Allentown are hilltop neighborhoods in the southern end of Pittsburgh. While Mount Washington has long been a popular destination for tourists, thanks to stunning views of the city, Allentown hasn’t always been as heavily trafficked. But that’s changing as the working-class neighborhood’s business district has recently been revived with new startups, shops and cafes.
Whether it’s the Monongahela Incline (5 Grandview Ave.) or the Duquesne Incline (1220 Grandview Ave.), a visit to Mount Washington must include a ride on one of the city’s two remaining inclines. Both take riders up to Grandview Avenue, but choose the Duquesne, if you’re looking for fine dining like Monterey Bay Fish Grotto (1411 Grandview Ave., 412-481-4414). The Monongahela will take you up to Shiloh Street, where you can find more affordable bars and restaurants like Shiloh Grill (123 Shiloh St., 412-431-4000). If you’re there on a Tuesday, make sure to check out bacon night.
If you’re in the mood for a relaxing experience, try the Zen Den (10 Boggs Ave., 412-589-9119), a massage-therapy and wellness destination. And before you make your way down the mount to Allentown, walk some of Emerald View Park’s 10 miles of trails, or try the whole thing, if you’re game.
Down in Allentown, you’ll find new unique shops and restaurants on Warrington Avenue. Looking for breakfast (or lunch)? Try the newly opened Breakfast at Shelly’s (740 E. Warrington Ave., 412- 245-6785). The Ty’s fries (french fries smothered in cheese sauce with jalapeños and crispy bacon) are already a favorite with locals. Also keep an eye out for pop-up brunches from Sweet Peaches, a catering company with limited hours at their café (639 E. Warrington Ave., www.eatsweetpeaches.com). And if you have time, stop into Spool (816 E. Warrington Ave., 412-481-1985), a fabric-and-sewing store that also offers classes, events and workstations.
Food
Alla Famiglia. One of the city’s best-kept secrets, this hidden gem features Italian cuisine. Reservations required. 804 E. Warrington Ave., 412- 488-1440
Altius. Contemporary fine dining with an amazing view. Seasonal menu features locally sourced, organic and sustainable options. 1230 Grandview Ave., 412-904-4442
DiFiore’s Ice Cream Delite. Ice cream is the main draw here, but the food, like giant fish sandwiches gets raves as well. 120 Shiloh St., 412-381-4640
Le Mont. Perfect for events, this venue has the best view on Grandview. Stop in for dinner or drinks. 1114 Grandview Ave., 412-431-3100
Leon’s Carribean. Affordable lunch and dinner menu with dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat and oxtail stew. 823 E. Warrington Ave., 412-431-5366
Micro Diner. Best known for breakfast specialties like stuffed pancakes filled with toppings like Nutella. 221 Shiloh St., 412-381-1391
Bars and Clubs
Bigham Tavern. Craft and domestic beers, wine and spirits. Stop in for wing night to try one or two of the 30 sauces. 321 Bigham St., 412-431-9313
Café Niko’s. A dive bar complete with darts and pool. Cheap drinks and daily specials. Cash only. 212 Shiloh St., 412-381-4322
Redbeard’s Bar and Grill. A sports bar with daily drink specials for Steelers, Pirates and Penguins games plus burgers, appetizers and more. 201 Shiloh St., 412-431-3730
The Summit. Unique selection of cocktails and craft beer, plus light bites and heartier fare like fried plantains and pork-belly ramen. 200 Shiloh St., 412- 918-1647
Music
Black Forge Coffee. This coffeeshop offers live music, poetry readings and more, with events almost every day. 1206 Arlington Ave., 412-291-8994
Arts and Culture
The Zen Den. This spiritual holistic business focuses on massage therapy, reflexology, yoga and intuitive readings. 10 Boggs Ave., 412-589-9119
Shopping
Fascino Boutique. Women’s clothing and accessories retailer hosting regular beauty and fashion events at the shop. 128 Wyoming St., http://shopfascino.com
La Petite Armoire. An upscale children’s clothing boutique featuring locally made wares and designer brands. 748 E. Warrington Ave., http://slaydapparel.com
This article appears in Jul 13-19, 2016.
