Graduate Student Top Picks
Recently current graduate students were asked what their favorite restaurants and hang out places were. Below are their recommendations!
Oakland (a mile or so from Chatham-parking is limited, a very easy bus ride)
- Antoon's Pizza
47 Atwood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (412) 687-5446“Pizza, not quite as good as Mineo's (in Squirrel Hill), but at only 5 dollars for a large (more like a mediu2m) after 11pm it's very affordable.”-Jonathan, Physical Therapy Program ’11
- Chipotle
3619 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (412) 621-1557
4800 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (412) 621-1993
“If you haven't been to a Chipotle yet, get there! Great burritos that are large enough to eat for two days. Prices around 6-8 dollars. Good "fast" food.” -Amanda, Physical Therapy Program ’10
- Fuel and Fuddle
212 Oakland Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15213 (412) 682-3473“If you are looking for good beer, and great food, hit up Fuel and Fuddle! The waffle fries are hard to put down, the chicken chili is perfect, and the pizza is made in a fire right in front of you. Unique beers and a relaxed environment. There is usually a wait, especially on a Friday night so go early!” -Amanda, Physical Therapy Program ’10
- Lu Lu's Noodles
400 S. Craig Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (412) 681-3333“Good Asian food; a favorite for college students around town. Nice variety, delicious, reasonably priced.” -Amy, Physician Assistant program ‘10
- Pamela's Diner 3703 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
“The best and cheapest breakfast” -Christan, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
“They have the best pancakes!” -Courtney, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’11
- Spice Island Tea House 253 Atwood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (412) 687-8821
“Has meals for Vegetarians, Vegans and meat eaters, too! Owned and operated by native Southeast Asians, the Spice Island Tea House in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh offers a diverse menu encompassing the cuisine of Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. Fun, funky, and popular with the college crowd!” – Angela, Counseling Psychology Program '11
- Sushi Boat 128 Oakland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (412) 681-1818
“Has cheap sushi as well as noodle and rice bowls”- Christan,Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
- Union Grill 413 S. Craig St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (412) 681-8620
“Great fish sandwiches and burgers! Happy hour every day from 6-8pm! A block away from the Carnegie museums and library.” –Diane, Landscape Architecture Program ’11
Shadyside (walking distance from Chatham-parking is limited, best to walk)
- Abay Ethiopian Cuisine 130 S. Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 661-9736
“Traditional Ethiopian food, opened by a native Ethiopian. There are both meat and vegetarian options, all exquisitely spiced. Not only is it a great meal, but it is an experience as well, as you eat in the traditional Ethiopian way, using a bread called injera (like a huge, bubbly pancake) to scoop up food bites rather than using utensils. The food is high-quality and fresh, and the service is great as well. It's a must-go restaurant for anyone coming to Pittsburgh!” - Jessica, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
“Very nice atmosphere and excellent ethnic food. Lots of options, and you can get a sampling of different dishes to try yourself and/or share with friends. It's also BYOB.” -Amy, Physician Assistant program ‘10
- Alto Lounge 728 Copeland St, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (Located Above the Pittsburgh Deli Company) (412) 682-1074
“The best place to dance in Shadyside!” – Justin, Physical Therapy Program ’11
- Buffalo Blues 216 S Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 362-5837
“Great wings and ribs!” -Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
“Is the closest place to Eastside that has a mean burger, wings, and most other fare at a decent price. It's a sports bar so the place is pretty big, has lots of beers on tap and has a relaxed environment. I recommend this place if you want to relax after class or catch a Penguins game. Also they do pickup orders.” -Rowan, Interior Architecture Program ’11
- Cappy's Resturant 5431 Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (412) 621-1188
“They have the most amazing (non-fried!!!) food. Everything there is baked, even the french fries. I MUST recommend the sweet potato fries and the chili, both are AMAZING. They have specials every night as well that are really awesome, and often include drink specials.” -Amanda, Physical Therapy Program ’10
“A great place for karaoke!” – Justin, Physical Therapy Program ’11
- Capri's Pizza 123 N. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 363-1250
“Great pizza, they also sell beer!” - Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- Conflict Kitchen(Kubideh Kitchen) 124 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
“Featured on NPR, this place's menu contains one item at a time, always from a country with which the United States is in conflict. They know the names of the cows their meat comes from. They are open every day from 11am-2pm and Friday and Saturday nights from 11pm-3am.” -Margaret, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’12
- Doc’s Place 5442 Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (412) 681-3713
“Doc's is great bar/restaurant you can go to enjoy sporting events. They have a deck/bar upstairs that is open all year round. In the summer it is open to the sky, in the winter they close it off with a tent and heat the area. Sundays are half priced burgers of many kinds, and they have NFL Sunday ticket where you can go and grab a 1/2 lb burger and fries for about $3.75 and watch any NFL game you wish. Especially if you are a fan of a football team other than the Steelers, this is your place to go!” - Justin, Physical Therapy Program ’11
- Girasole Restaurant 733 Copeland Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (412) 682-2130
“Such a cute, romantic restaurant; sits below street level and has a brick patio. A small menu of delicious Italian food. A little pricey; lunch is more reasonably priced than dinner.” -Amy, Physician Assistant program ‘10
- La Feria 5527 Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (412) 682-4501
“This is a Peruvian Restaurant located above Pamela's in Shadyside. Some Peruvian friends disagree about the authenticity of the food there, but I, a 'pureblood' American, still think it's pretty good. They also have a gift shop there and sell Peruvian crafts.” – Amy, Physician Assistant program ‘10
- Oh Yeah! Ice Cream and Coffee Co. 232 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 253-0955
“Great ice cream, tons of mix-in choices, and great waffles.” -Margaret, Physician Assistant Studies ’12
- Pamela's Diner 5527 Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (412) 683-1003
“The best and cheapest breakfast” -Christan, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
“They have the best pancakes!” -Courtney, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’11
“This place has the most amazing breakfast food ever. It is all homemade and loaded with butter. Its the best kept secret on Walnut. I highly recommend everything on the menu, I have never had a bad meal here. I recommend going early and when you have time to wait, there is ALWAYS at least a 20 minute wait and they close around 3pm each day.” -Amanda, Physical Therapy Program ’
“Also in Oakland, Squirrel Hill, the Strip District, Millvale, and Mt. Lebanon! My favorites here are the crepé style pancakes, or the omelets that come with delicious (famous) Lyonnaise potatoes.” -Amy, Physician Assistant Program ‘10
- Shady Grove 5500 Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
“It’s a classier place to go in Shadyside and enjoy time with your friends. Food is a pretty good price and drinks are usually on special. Wednesday night is wine night; bottles of wine are half-priced. They have a small outdoor seating area where you can enjoy a nice summer day or any mid-day lunch. ”-Justin DPT ‘12
“1/2 wine night on Wednesdays!” -Jen, Physical Therapy Program ’11
- Spin Bartini and Ultralounge 5744 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (412) 362-7746
“$4 cosmos!”- Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- William Penn Tavern 739 Bellefonte Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (412) 621-1000
“This is the standard hangout place if you are looking to just go relax and grab a beer or two. They do have great food as well. Every night is a different drink special and it’s more of your sports bar type atmosphere. They also have an outside patio that is again open all year round but covered by a tent always. In the winter there are heaters outside. The bartenders are the friendliest at William Penn.” – Justin, Physical Therapy Program ’
Squirrel Hill (a mile or so from Chatham)
- Commonplace Coffeehouse 5827 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (412) 422-0404
“Hands down the best coffee in the city. The guys behind the counter roast the coffee, so they know it really well. They make some of their own syrups and avoid processed stuff as much as possible. The pastries come from a couple different local places.” -Margaret, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’12
- Mineo's Pizza House2128 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (412) 521-9864
“Has awesome pizza, voted best in the city at one point.” -Christan, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
- Murray Ave Grill 1720 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (412) 521-1272
“If you are looking for a really good burger, especially turkey burger, you have to try this grill. They have really good food and it’s not very expensive, great place to get together just for good food, good drinks, and a relaxed environment.”-Amanda, Physical Therapy Program ’10
- Pamela's Diner 5813 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (412) 422-9457
“The best and cheapest breakfast” Christan, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
“They have the best pancakes!” -Courtney, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’11
- The Silk Elephant 1712 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (412) 421-8801
“Has authentic and fresh Thai food in a great venue!” -Christan, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
Point Breeze (a mile or so from Chatham)
- Point Brugge Cafe 401 Hastings Street, Pittsburgh PA 15206 (412) 441-3334
“15 min walk from Eastside. Moules et frites (mussels and fries, get the classic wine cream sauce), Belgian ales, fresh seasonal entrees. And since you probably won't have room after ale and dinner, make another trip just for dessert: the Belgian chocolate cake and the ice cream with Belgian chocolate sauce are exquisite.” – Amy, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’11
Downtown (15 minutes from Chatham)
- Bossa Nova 123 Seventh Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 232-3030
“Is a Cuban place and has the best mojitos!” -Christan, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
- Olive or Twist140 Sixth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 255-0525
“The food here is good, but the highlight is the martinis. If you are looking for a cool place to go with your girlfriends and just relax this is the place. They have really unique flavors and during happy hour they are only $5. As for food, try the Brownlow, a fish sandwich with a really cool twist.”-Amanda, Physical Therapy Program
- Redfin Blues 100 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
“Great marina atmosphere!” -Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- Six Penn Kitchen 146 Sixth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 566-7366
“A little bit pricey, but well worth it. Lunch is cheaper, and the portions are about the same. I have to say, for downtown restaurants this is by far the best I have ever been too. They have a great seating area and unique delicious food. Highly recommended, especially if they still have the great happy hour!”-Amanda, Physical Therapy Program ’10
Waterfront/Homewood (15–20 minutes from Chatham)
- East End Brewing Co. 6923 Susquehanna Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 (412) 537-2337
“Microbrewery of great, unfiltered beer. They are open for 'growler hours' when the keg is out on the sidewalk. Check out the website for details. Show up and taste a few beers, then buy a half-gallon or two to take home.” -Margaret, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’12
- Rock Bottom 49 W. Bridge Street, Homestead, PA 15120 (412) 462-2739
“A brewery/restaurant with a huge menu! Great for big gatherings!” -Christan, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
South Side (15 minutes from Chatham)
- Brewski's 801 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 481-9140
“Laid Back, your hometown bar, good drink specials.”-Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- Cambod-Ican 1701 E Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 381-6199
“THE BEST seafood wontons and Moon Sauce!”-Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- Cheesecake Factory 415 South 27th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 431-7800
“GREAT food especially Cheesecake!”-Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- Doublewide Grill 2339 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 390-1111
“Amazing food, great brews!” -Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- Elixir Ultra Lounge 1500 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 481-1811
“A chill place with plenty of seating and dancing!” -Christan, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
- Fat Heads Saloon 1805 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 431-7433
“Delicious!” -Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- Hofbrauhaus 2705 S. Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 224-2328
“Fun + outdoor dining + spacious” -Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- Ibiza 2224 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 325-2227
“A fine tapas bar (small plates) to share in the South side.”- Angela, Counseling Psychology Program ’11
- Kassab's 1207 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 381-1820
“Great Mediterranean food. The falafel is fabulous.” -Margaret, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’12
- The Library 2304 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 381-0517
“Outdoor patio, different selection of food and brews.”-Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- Michael's Pizza Bar 2612 Sarah Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 381-6102
“Great pizza! It is the kind of place you can go and not be bothered. A great first stop for a Southside night. One of the best kept secrets on the Southside!” -Kelly, Teaching Program ’11
- Nakama Japanese Steakhouse 1611 E Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 381-6000
- Rizzo’s Margaritville 2200 E Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 352-1527
“25 cent taco night every Thursday!” -Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- Rumshakers 1224 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 431-5910
“One of the only places that play HipHop.” -Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- S Bar 1713 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 481-7227
“Has drink specials and a dance floor!” -Christan, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
- Shootz Café 2305 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA (412) 488-3820
“Plenty of Pool tables!” -Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- Smokin’ Joe’s 2001 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 431-6757
“The best honey wings, nice bar, spacious, two floors.” -Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- Tiki Lounge 2003 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 381-TIKI
“Amazing Polynesian Paradise atmosphere!”-Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
- Villa 1831 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 431-3535
“Free admission, roof top deck and dancing!” -Christan, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
- Yo Rita 1120 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 904-3557
“Crazy good tacos and great cocktails. Veggie friendly.” -Margaret, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’12
“This place has a nice atmosphere, great sushi and hibachi. It's fun to go to for happy hour and appetizers, or to the sushi bar, or for hibachi. I recommend making reservations for dinner; they're usually booked.” -Amy, Physician Assistant Program ‘10
Strip District (15 minutes from Chatham)
- Bella Noche 1914 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 281-4488
“This at first seems to be just your typical pizza and sub joint, but the pizza is amazing. Anytime your in the strip district, it is a great place to stop in for a bite. The quality is great, and the choices for toppings are quite extensive. The best part is if you don't want a whole pizza, they sell it by the slice--and each slice is about the size of 2 slices elsewhere--for only $3.00, and extra toppings are only $0.50 each!” -Jessica, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
- The Firehouse 2216 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 434-1230
“Has a roof top deck and appetizer menu.” -Christan, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
“Great music and dancing, outdoor bar in the summer.”- Mary, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
- Mancini's Bread Co. 1717 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 765-3545
“They make great bread, but get the pepperoni roll. It is so good, so huge, it's just $5, and you probably won't get hungry again until the next day.” -Margaret, Physician Assistant Studies ’12
- Pamela’s Diner 60 21st Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 281-6366
“The best and cheapest breakfast” -Christan, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
“They have the best pancakes!” -Courtney, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’11
North Hills (20 minutes from Chatham)
- Sushi Tomo 4812 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 630-8666
“The best, freshest sushi in the 'Burgh. This place is amazing! Vegetarian options, too!” - Angela, Counseling Psychology Program ’11
Bloomfield/Lawrenceville (15 minutes from Chatham)
- Belvedere's 4016 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 (412) 687-2555
“Best 80s night in the city on Thursdays. Cheap drinks.” -Mary, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
- Brillo Box 4104 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (412) 621-4900
“Great trivia on Wednesdays, good drinks, dancing, vegetarian food.”- Mary, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
- Café Sam 5242 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (412) 621-2000
“Nice, quaint restaurant with excellent food. Cute bar area in the front. Huge menu with lots of variety, and specials that change every month or so so there's always something new. Everything from pastas, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, huge salads, and entrees of fish, chicken, steak, veal, ... and much more. Oh, and dessert too! They also have a 4 course dinner for $18.95: soup, salad, entree, dessert. Check them out :)” -Amy, Physician Assistant Program ‘10
- Piccolo Forno 3801 Butler Street, Pittsburgh PA 15201 (412) 622-0111
“The noodles are homemade and the food is delicious.” -Lindsay, Occupational Therapy Program ’11
- Pusadee's Garden 5321 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 (412) 781-8724
“Affordable ($10-$15 entrée) and enchanting outdoor Thai dining, BYOB. Great service!” -Jared, Physical Therapy Program ’10
- Quiet Storm 5430 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 661-9355.
“Great vegan and vegetarian meals. Fun atmosphere.” -Mary, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
- Ritter's Diner 5221 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (412) 682-4852
“Is open 24 hours and has really good diner food, good fried green tomatoes!” -Christan, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
- Thai Cuisine4627 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (412) 688-9661
“Amazing Thai food, check out the Spicy Basil Noodles or Pineapple Curry, and don't forget to get a Thai Ice Tea to quench your thirst.” -Autumn, Teaching Program’10
“Sit down or take-out Thai restaurant in Bloomfield neighborhood, which is very close to Shadyside. They offer noodle and rice dishes, as well as many Thai curry dishes. And don't forget the Thai iced tea! The quality of the food and the service are impeccable.” -Jessica, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’10
- Tram's Kitchen 4050 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (412) 682-2688
“Healthy, delicious, cheap Vietnamese food. The pho (pronounced 'fuh') is amazing. So is everything else. Veggie friendly. BYOB.” -Margaret, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’12
Robinson Town Center (20-30 minutes from Chatham)
- Bahama Breeze 6100 Robinson Center Drive, Robinson Township, PA 15205 (412) 788-5790
“Although this restaurant is about 20 minutes from Chatham, it’s probably my favorite restaurant, and well worth the drive. Its Caribbean themed food that specializes in fish. I have been there at least 15 times and have never had a bad meal. I recommend the onion rings for an appetizer, the seafood chowder for soup, any of the fish in the mango butter sauce or lemon butter sauce, and as for desert the key lime pie is so good its mouthwatering. As for drinks, they serve the best Pina Coladas in all of Pittsburgh. I highly recommend this restaurant; make a night of it, because there is a lot to do out in Robinson Towne Center.”-Amanda, Physical Therapy Program ’10
Brookline (about 20-25 minutes from Chatham)
- Senor Frogs 2506 W. Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15226 (412) 531-4666
“The best wings and best selection of wings, 15 cents” -Rebecca, Landscape Architecture Program ’12
Highland Park(about 15 minutes from Chatham)
- Food Glorious Food 5906 Bryant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 363-5330
“This bakery is only open on Saturdays. They open at 10am and close when they sell out. Show up early for the most jaw droppingly delicious selection of pastries—sweet and savory—you have ever seen. Walk around the corner to Tazza d'Oro and enjoy some coffee with your goods; they're fine with that.” -Margaret, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’12
- Smiling Banana Leaf 5901 Bryant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 362-3200
“Great Thai food in an intimate atmosphere. Bring a bottle of wine if you want—it's BYOB here. The fresh spring rolls are great to start with, and the Tom Yum Soup is phenomenal. Veggie friendly.” -Margaret, Physician Assistant Studies ’12
“Great Thai food in a quaint restaurant in Highland Park; also have takeout. Reasonable prices. Can't-go-wrong with curry of any flavor here.” -Amy, Physician Assistant Program ‘10
Monroeville(about 30 minutes from Chatham)
- Udipi Café 4141 Old William Penn Highway, Monroeville, PA 15146 (412) 373-1619
“Amazing, South Indian food. The place looks like a total dive, but the food is divine. Kind of a drive, but well worth it. Super cheap and all vegetarian.” -Margaret, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’12
Regent Square/Swissvale(about 30 minutes from Chatham)
- D's Six Pax and Dogz 1118 S. Braddock Avenue, Swissvale, PA 15218 (412) 241-4666
“Great food, fun atmosphere. The fries are really good. Ridiculous selection of beer.” -Margaret, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’12
- Legume Bistro 1113 S. Braddock Avenue, Swissvale, PA 15218 (412) 371-1815
“Widely considered the best restaurant in Pittsburgh, and I personally have had the best restaurant experiences of my life here. Save up for this: it's totally worth it. The chef is passionate about quality ingredients, and he sources them as locally and/or responsibly as possible. Reservations are a must. (412) 371-1815. BYOB, and dress up or down. Seriously, don't leave Pittsburgh without experiencing this place.” -Margaret, Physician Assistant Studies Program ’12
