Ten years ago I lived in an apartment on Butler Street in Lawrenceville. I think my rent was $650 a month for a huge two bedroom apartment with a one car garage. I lived there for three years before I had the bright idea of buying a house. Fortunately that house was nearby, and I had the opportunity to not only watch, but participate in, the genesis of the “Pittsburgh Food Scene.”
Make no mistake, Pittsburgh has always had tasty food, but about ten years ago this beautiful city began to put its finger on the pulse of the nation’s culinary future. You could feel it brewing (literally) in the air. People started to care about what they were eating and drinking, and they began to make connections between community, quality, consumption and economic change. As a result, a new frontier of culinary revolutionaries has transformed the area into an exciting new hub of gastronomic dining.
Here is a little sample of brunch, lunch and dinner spots that are all the current rage, and for good reason. Ahem, James. Beard. You know. That guy.
Avenue B.
Seasonal menu is supplemented by daily specials that include additional options for your beginnings, as well as providing five or six main event dining options. avenueb-pgh.com
Amazing Cafe
Where eating becomes a celebration of life. Delicious and nourishing meals using only foods that are free from man-made chemicals and GMOs. amazingyoga.net
Bar Marco
Dinner. Wine. Snacks & Cocktails. But so much more. Just go. barmarcopgh.com
Butcher in the Rye
A destination for its extensive whiskey collection and creative menu, which offers contemporary riffs on rustic American dishes. butcherandtherye.com
Cure
A neighborhood restaurant with a small menu focused on local urban Mediterranean food to reflect the seasons in Western Pennsylvania and its local farms. curepittsburgh.com
Legume
A family-run restaurant with the goal of serving simple seasonal food in a gracious and friendly manner. legume bistro.com
Salt of the Earth
Menu built around locally sourced ingredients framed in an innovative, relaxed, communal setting. saltpgh.com
Piccolo Forno
Serving wood fired pizza, tuscan cuisine and fresh pasta all made with love. piccolo-forno.com
Square Cafe
Features a variety of options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests. Put your brunch pants on and get going. square-cafe.com
The Commoner
Located in Kimpton’s new Hotel Monaco, it is an homage to the Steel City’s industrial past, that showcases the present best of locally produced products. thecommonerpgh.com