Wandering through Pittsburgh’s hidden gems, unique parks, and more unexpected sites
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CITYGUIDE LISA CUNNINGHAM Editor-In-Chief RACHEL WINNER Director of Advertising KEVIN SHEPHERD Director of Operations
Cover Photo JARED WICKERHAM
2022-2023
AMANDA WALTZ A&E Editor JAMIE WIGGAN News Editor JORDANA ROSENFELD News Reporter DANI JANAE Arts & Culture Writer JARED WICKERHAM Photographer/Videographer LUCY CHEN Editorial Designer JEFF SCHRECKENGOST Graphic Designer HANNAH KINNEY-KOBRE Digital Editorial Coordinator ZACK DURKIN Marketing + Sponsorships Manager EMILY RADIMIS Advertising and Marketing Coordinator OWEN GABBEY Senior Account Executive MARIA STILLITANO Sales Representative JEFF ENGBARTH Circulation Manager REGE BEHE Featured Contributor NATALIE BENCIVENGA Featured Contributor MIKE CANTON Featured Contributor LYNN CULLEN Featured Contributor TERENEH IDIA Featured Contributor JORDAN SNOWDEN Featured Contributor RAYNI SHIRING Photo Intern LADIMIR GARCIA Intern DONTAE WASHINGTON Intern
You can also find us online, with new content posted daily, at:
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SHARING OUR FAVES
Whether you’re brand new to Pittsburgh, or just searching for some new-to-you spots, this year’s City Guide is here to help inspire you to seek out the unexpected. Fan of graffiti? Head to the park dedicated to the art form, one that encourages you to bring a can of spray paint so you can leave your own mark. Love vegan food? We’ve found your new favorite restaurant with Trinidadian cuisine sure to satisfy your cravings. From a brand new addition at a popular art museum to fresh sandwiches with a view of the Allegheny River, we compiled some of our favorite hidden gems, old favorites, and unique places for you to discover even more things to love about the Steel City. – Lisa Cunningham, editor-in-chief
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POP! goes
The Andy Warhol Museum has embarked on a major expansion of its North Side location with The Pop District. The ambitious development program started with the unveiling of Over the Rainbow, a public mural that quickly became a local selfie hotspot. 6 PGHCITYPAPER.COM
CP PHOTOS: JARED WICKERHAM
The long-term, multiphase project will also feature a new performance and event facility, a six-square-block public art initiative, and a workforce development program for area youth. J warhol.org
the Warhol PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER CITY GUIDE 2022 7
Find your joystick Adult arcades, or “barcades,” have grown in popularity, and Pittsburgh features an array of fun places to play, drink, and eat. Smash some buttons or take in a couple of rounds of duckpin bowling at Coop de Ville in the Strip District or Shorty’s in the North Side. Enjoy retro video games Downtown at Barcadia or at Victory Pointe in the South Side. You can also hit the machines at Kickback Pinball Cafe in Lawrenceville. J coopdevillepgh.com J shortysx.com J instagram.com/barcadia.pgh J victorypointe.com J kickbackpgh.com
CP PHOTOS: JARED WICKERHAM
OFFBEAT GIFTS Grab a deck of Pittsburgh Playing Cards from Commonwealth Press (compressmerch.com) where the diamonds are swapped out for hypocycloids and there are Jagoffs instead of Jokers.
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OUR CHILDREN’S SUCCESS IS BIGGER THAN ANY ONE OF US. High performing schools and equitable access to learning are critical to the advancement of our region. Through the Pittsburgh Learning Collaborative, A+ Schools has joined forces with over 80 organizations to build a network that supports EVERY child to have what they need to succeed.
There’s no mystery to better serving our children in the region. It will take a vision for our entire community that better is possible, and believing that we have everything we need to achieve it. We are connecting and coordinating the many organizations working to support student learning and helping our city’s children on a path towards success.
This is Project +Us.
There is plenty of room at the table. You can help play a role in making real, community-driven change! LEARN MORE AT PROJECTPLUSUS.ORG
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER CITY GUIDE 2022 9
CP PHOTOS: JARED WICKERHAM
Fresh perspective Farmer x Baker offers great food with a view of the Allegheny River in Aspinwall. Located in a shoreside shipping container, the restaurant serves up a rotating menu of meat and plant-based options ranging from fresh sandwiches to homemade soft serve. They also opened a second market location in Fox Chapel for customers looking for more than a quick, relaxing meal. J farmerxbaker.com
#PGHTWITTER R Looking to use your voice to enact change? ge? Follow Pittsburgh Protests (@PghProtests), a Twitter account run by local Black organizers, to be the first to find out about regional demonstrations, fundraisers, and more.
Heavenly music Music history fans will want to check out Johnny Angel’s Ginchy Stuff in Pittsburgh’s North Side. The museum spans the nearly 50-year career of Johnny Angel, a local musician known for covering classic hits with his bandmates, the Halos. See the impressive collection of instruments, records, personal photos with celebrities, and more. Make sure to also stop into Bicycle Heaven, another hyper-niche museum located right next door. J jaginchystuff.com J bicycleheaven.org
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CP PHOTO: AMANDA WALTZ
CP PHOTO: RAYNI SHIRING
Back to the ‘70s
What’s old is new again Kennywood Amusement Park decided to bring back a couple of classics for its 125th anniversary, and fans were more than ready to hop in. The Kangaroo and Old Mill date back to the park’s origins, and after being shut down or renamed, they have returned to delight new generations. Take them for a spin or experience the many other upgrades and refreshes unveiled at the park this year.
J kennywood.com
CP PHOTO: PAM SMITH
The ‘70s are alive in Pittsburgh, at least at two different bars. Effortlessly cool and surprisingly cozy, Millvale’s Whisper Nest draws crowds with a fun drink menu, neon-tinged interior, and extensive record collection. The recently-opened Bottlerocket took an abandoned social club in Allentown and transformed it into an entertainment venue. While the space hosts a number of events, its decor, which has remained unchanged for decades, will take you back in time with elements like wood paneling, velvet wallpaper, and disco-era artifacts, as well as a jukebox that plays vinyl. J whispernestpgh.com J bottlerocketpgh.com
GOING PUBLIC Ditch the car and save the environment, and your wallet, by taking public transit. Pittsburgh Regional Transit (twitter.com/ PGHtransit), the newly rebranded Port Authority of Allegheny County, posts frequent Twitter updates on delayed services, holiday schedules, and more.
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CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM
Playful reminder Come to a playground so cool that a whole music album was dedicated to it. Made famous by Pittsburgh native Mac Miller, Blue Slide Park in Squirrel Hill looks like most playgrounds, but has become a memorial for the late rap star. Bring the kids to take a ride down the famous slide, or just pay tribute to an artist gone too soon at this space located along Beechwood Boulevard in the city’s lush Frick Park. J pittsburghparks.org
#PGHINSTA A The nation has The Onion, but Pittsburgh has its own satirical news source in Pittsburgh Unfiltered (@pghunfiltered), one of the best places to find Steel City-specific memes, joke headlines, and more. 14 PGHCITYPAPER.COM PGHCITYPAPER.COM 14
Fierce Fashion Curated Cocktails Riverfront Revelling
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022
Pittsburgh’s most anticipated party of the year returns to the North Shore.
PR E S E N T E D BY
A fundraiser benefiting Riverlife
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THE MAIN EVENT 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM | $155 VISIT
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L O C A T I O N | The Riverfront Amphitheater at Rivers Casino S U G G E S T E D D R E S S C O D E | Creative Cocktail
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CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM
Every living thingg is is a machine machine c i built bu t to t survive.
Easy being green Pittsburgh has many green spaces, but Hazelwood Green stands out. The 178-acre development project is turning a formerly polluted industrial site into a community-focused center for innovation and sustainability. Throughout the year, everyone can enjoy free events on the grassy Hazelwood Green Plaza lawn, including outdoor movie screenings, brunches, concerts, and more. J hazelwoodgreen.com
Immersive tribute Pittsburghers are proud of the fact that playwright August Wilson is from the city. The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is a testament to that, and now visitors can view The Writer’s Landscape, the first-ever exhibition dedicated to his life and works. This 3,600-square-foot permanent exhibition examines how the city influenced Wilson, and looks at the fascinating history of the Hill District, where he grew up. J awaacc.org
Plan your visit today!
Nature’s Amazing Machines was developed by The Field Museum, Chicago, in partnership with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, with generous support provided by The Searle Funds at The Chicago Community and ITW.
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CP PHOTO: AMANDA WALTZ
OFFBEAT O OF FFBEAT GIFTSS LLett everyone on the highway h hig ghway know you’re from fro om Pittsburgh with the “This Car Climbs Mt. Washington” bumper Wa sticker from Worker Bird stic (workerbird.com), which (wo features the famous fea Monongahela Incline. Mo
CP PHOTO: RAYNI SHIRING
CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM
Electric feel
Boutique brews and bite
Take on the city’s steeper hills with a boost from POGOH. The program lends out motor-equipped bikes perfect for new or senior cyclists, or for those who find traditional biking difficult. Pay as you go or buy a year-long membership. There’s even a discount membership for residents who receive government assistance. So grab one from a charging station and take it for a spin. J pogoh.com
At Sly Fox Brewery’s newest location on Pittsburgh’s South Side, head brewer Jon Ross crafts experimental, small-batch beverages on a seven-barrel system, including the company’s first-ever sour ale. Located next to a two-acre public plaza, Sly Fox offers one of the city’s best outdoor spaces, providing lots of space to enjoy their boutique brews along with tasty appetizers including wings, dips, and soup, plus sandwiches and pizzas made with house-made dough and cooked in a stone hearth oven. J slyfoxbeer.com
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Legend status Pittsburgh boasts plenty of tributes to its history as a die-hard sports town. In Lawrenceville, a former firehouse now serves as the Clemente Museum, touted as the world’s largest collection of archival materials, books, art, and memorabilia dedicated to the late Pittsburgh Pirates right-fielder Roberto Clemente. The museum covers Clemente’s extraordinary life as one of baseball’s most talented and beloved players and his humanitarian efforts. J clementemuseum.com CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM
New look, same great cinema The Harris Theater has shown moving pictures since the silent era, but new upgrades have brought it into the 21st century. After being closed by the pandemic, the historic Downtown theater returned with a new movie screen and soda fountain, as well as new carpeting and bathroom fixtures. Settle in for one of the foreign, arthouse, or documentary films that screen here. J trustarts.org CP PHOTO: LISA CUNNINGHAM
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Rockin’
Roxian
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at the
CP PHOTOS: JARED WICKERHAM
After almost 20 years, Roxian Theatre in McKees Rocks is back to its former glory. Originally opened in 1929, the space went through a number of different names and uses before finally readopting its original name in 2019. The fully-restored venue now hosts national touring musicians, dance parties, festivals, and more. J livenation.com/roxian-theatre-events
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Witchy and radical Fulfill all your occult needs at Maude’s Paperwing Gallery. Described as a “safe space for LGBTQIA+ witches and friends,” the queer and womenowned shop sells sage and crystals, books, and statement-making pins, stickers, and other items, many of which are made by local artists. Need a new tarot deck? How about some runes? Maude’s has those, plus so much more. Be sure to check out their events and reading services, too. J maudespaperwinggallery.com
OFFBEAT GIFTS Pittsburgh may not always smell great, but at least your home can with PGH Candle’s (pghcandle.com) scented, soy-based candles named after various neighborhoods throughout the city.
Walking on sunshine
PHOTO: COURTESY OF MAUDE’S PAPERWING GALLERY
CP PHOTO:
JARED W ICKERHAM
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Visit a re-purposed artifact of Pittsburgh’s industrial past at one of the city’s newest riverside green spaces, The Highline. Located on the South Side, the former warehouse has been converted into a 500-feet elevated walkway that extends to an overhang with views of the Monongahela River and Downtown. Grab a cup of coffee and a treat from de Fer Coffee & Tea and relax at one of the walkway’s many built-in tables. J highlinepittsburgh.com J defer.coffee
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wn ro
ou
ty in Pa Welcome to the most colorful place in Pittsburgh. The Color Park, a community space located on the South Side, is the brainchild of Pittsburgh Steeler Baron Batch, who sought to create a public space for artistic expression. Bring a can of spray paint to add your own graffiti to the landscape and access the park by foot or bicycle on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. J facebook.com/TheColorPark
rk pa
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CP PHOTOS: JARED WICKERHAM
Don’t leave a Trace
Shopping the Strip The Strip District is a must-see spot for weekend grocery shopping, good eats, and low-cost Pittsburgh souvenirs. Now, in addition to local favorites like Pennsylvania Macaroni Company and Pamela’s Diner, visitors also can visit The Strip District Terminal in the refurbished Pennsylvania Railroad Fruit Auction & Sales Building. The colorful exterior has been a prime spot for selfies, and businesses are slowly moving in, including local soap company Pip & Lola’s and garden gift shop City Grows.
Come for the beer, stay for the vibe — that’s the philosophy behind Trace Brewing in Bloomfield. In addition to delicious craft beers, Trace regularly hosts events like drag brunches, dance parties, and yoga sessions. The business also works with local food trucks and other ventures to showcase the diversity of Pittsburgh’s culinary scene. Trace opened in mid-2020 as a takeout spot and has since become one of the city’s most unique brewery experiences. J tracebloomfield.com
J pennmac.com J pamelasdiner.com J stripdistrictterminal.com J pipandlola.com J citygrowspgh.com
CP PHOTOS: JARED WICKERHAM
#PGHINSTA Ready to feel some house envy? Houses of Pittsburgh h (@housesofpittsburgh) h) showcases the architectural diversity and history of Pittsburgh with an array of eyecatching exteriors and well-decorated interiors.
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Passion project Pittsburgh is a sports town, and that expands beyond just the city’s three major players. If you love the Steelers, don’t overlook the Pittsburgh Passion, the Steel City’s all-women American football team. Formed in March 2002, the team is owned by head coach Teresa Conn, Anthony Misitano, and sports legend Franco Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers. J pittsburghpassion.com
OFFBEAT GIFTS TripleAAAnimals (tripleaaanimals.com) puts a weird spin on Pittsburgh’s sports culture with a series of T-shirts, totes, and more featuring fake team logos, all designed by local artists, that pay tribute to the city’s wildlife and neighborhoods.
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Plant powered
CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM
Looking for vegan food? Shado Beni in the North Side offers a wide variety of flavorful, plant-based Trinidadian cuisine, including smoothies, customizable bowls, and more, to satisfy your cravings. Go for lunch or early dinner, or try the brunch offered every Saturday and Sunday, which offers some delicious alternatives to the usual eggs and bacon. J shadobeni412.com
OUR MISSION: Loving-Kindness, True Community and Real Healing for your Spiritual Liberation. (Sneha means loving-kindness in Sanskrit.)
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CP PHOTO: RAYNI SHIRING
Pan-Asian pastries Forego the usual cupcake or pie for treats at two Asian bakeries in Squirrel Hill. Head to the rosy-colored Pink Box Bakery for tantalizing Taiwanese sweet or savory buns and rolls, as well as cakes, cookies, and drinks. Right down the street from Pink Box is Sumi’s Cakery, where you can satisfy your sweet tooth with custom cakes, filled Korean-style donuts, and more. J pinkboxpgh.com J facebook.com/sumiscakery PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER CITY GUIDE 2022 31
WORK AT HAEMONETICS
Inked history
IS
HIRING!
CP PHOTO: PAM SMITH
You don’t have to love tattoos to appreciate the Pittsburgh Tattoo Art Museum. Located in Shadyside, this museum is dedicated solely to the art of tattooing and the artists who have made history in the realm of body ink. You can view sketches by Lew Alberts, a pioneer in the American traditional tattoo style, and so much more. If you’re struck with inspiration during your visit, schedule an appointment to get inked by the owner. J tattooartmuseum.com
30+ POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT THE BRAND NEW FACILITY! GREAT BENEFITS, MEANINGFUL WORK, EOE EMPLOYER! Haemonetics, a global leader in the medical device industry, is seeking talent to work on the production line in its brand new facility in Clinton, Pa, . Learn more about Haemonetics and review open positions at: www.haemonetics.com/careers.
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HAEMONETICS.COM 32 PGHCITYPAPER.COM
CP PHOTO: AMANDA WALTZ
More than a snapshot If you appreciate photographic art and history, check out In Sharp Focus at the Carnegie Museum of Art. The permanent exhibit honors the legacy of the late Charles “Teenie” Harris, a photojournalist who captured decades of Black life in the city. His extensive body of work can be viewed in the gallery either in person or through an interactive touch screen that allows you to search roughly 60,000 images from the Harris archives. J cmoa.org
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CP PHOTO: LUCY CHEN
#PGHINSTA TA Pittsburgh Fatties Social Club (@pittsburghfattiessocialclub) organizes events and resources designed to combat the stigma pushed by weight-loss and dieting culture, offering positive, progressive spaces for fun and community.
A taste of jazz Con Alma is here to give Pittsburgh a taste of New Orleans with its food, drink, and jazz lineup. Centrally located Downtown beside the O’Reilly Theater and across the street from Heinz Hall, Con Alma fits right in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. Vegans looking for a sophisticated night out might want to try Con Alma’s other location in Shadyside. J conalmapgh.com 34 PGHCITYPAPER.COM
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