A BUCKET LIST FOR FOODIES

From hole-in-the-wall joints to storefront ice cream shops to meals on wheels to Steel City classics, Pittsburgh has plenty to offer during the lazy, hazy days of summer. Before the season slips away, check out our bucket list of traditional (and not so traditional) foods to eat and places to dine.

Conflict Kitchen

With diplomatic relations being restored between the United States and Cuba, the time has come to break bread with the island nation, and we can do it right here in Pittsburgh at the Conflict Kitchen. The pagoda in Oakland’s Schenley Plaza might look unassuming, but its menu is anything but. Serving food from countries that the United States is currently, or was at some point, in conflict with, the restaurant offers the chance to experience a more human side of our political conflicts. The menu offers yucca in mojo sauce, fried sweet plantains and slow-roasted pork, among others.

Waffallonia

Running late to an early morning baseball practice? Grab breakfast to go at Waffallonia (in Oakland and Squirrel Hill) where each waffle is served ready-to-eat for those on the run, complete with a “knork” (the love child of a knife and fork). The fluffy breakfast item is served with a variety of toppings such as Nutella, bananas and strawberries.

Wholey’s

Two whole, deep-fried wild-caught softshell crabs piled into a bun make an instant favorite. Wholey’s Kitchen also offers tempting jumbo butterfly shrimp, breaded clam strips and fresh-cut fries, which all transport you to foods along a boardwalk on the beach. They pair well with fresh coleslaw or fruit salad.

Potato Patch Fries

The award-winning Potato Patch Fries have been a staple of Kennywood’s food scene for more than 40 years. They are freshly peeled, sliced and fried on-site, and can be ordered plain, or with cheddar cheese, bacon and brown gravy, among other topping. And don’t let the long lines dissuade you.

Lincoln P&G Diner

Yes, first lady Michelle Obama ate here, but that isn’t Lincoln P&G diner’s only claim to fame. Come in to this

old-fashioned pharmacy/ soda-fountain/ diner for specials such as the Peach Melba Pancakes that is made with fresh peaches. Although it is part of Pamela’s P&G chain, the Millvale diner manages to maintain its unique charm, and is one of the few places in the city that still serves a classic malted milkshake in flavors such as chocolate, vanilla and cherry.

Nied’s Hotel

With an outdoor performance space in the lot next door, Nied’s Hotel draws crowds throughout the summer for concerts by its house band as well as other acts. The corner bar and restaurant is also famous for its fish sandwich, proudly advertised by a large neon sign out front, and has been serving the upper Lawrenceville neighborhood since 1941.

The Original Hot Dog Shop

Colloquially called the “O,” this hot dog shop in Oakland is open year-round. But the freshly grilled hot dogs and massively portioned french fries are especially satisfying during summer when ordered as takeout and taken to the park to eat while catching up on your reading or before a game of pickup football.

Greek Food Festivals

Just because you can’t afford to go to Greece, it doesn’t mean you should deny your taste buds the trip. Greek food festivals are ubiquitous in summer, and since nearly every region of the city holds a fest there is no excuse not to attend one. Try a classic gyro, or treats made with phyllo such as spanakopita or baklava. Upcoming festivals are:

Presentation of Christ/ Ypapanti (East Pittsburgh) Aug. 20-23

St. Spyridon (Monessen) Aug. 21-22

Holy Trinity (Pittsburgh/ North Hills) Sept. 2-6

St. George (New Castle) Sept. 11-13

Annunciation (McKeesport) Sept. 13

Ibiza Tapas and Wine Bar

Ibiza’s patio is set with candles on the tables and heaters for end of summer nights as the weather turns from warm to cool. It is a great place to kick back and enjoy a couple of courses of Spanish appetizers and a glass of wine. Try the Gazpacho (olive oil, cucumber, balsamic, crouton), Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, mint, jalapeno, duck, prosciutto) and Poached Salmon (zucchini, squash, white wine, butter sauce, basil oil) for a delicious three-course meal.

Pittsburgh Barbecue Co.

Looking for a great summer barbecue? Then look no further than Pittsburgh Barbecue Co., which is serious about its meats. All of the chicken, pork and briskets are smoked for 16 to 18 hours minimum at a low temperature in order to maximize flavor without drying the meat out, and topped with barbecue sauce. Homemade sides include baked apples, coleslaw and hickory baked beans and each one is just $2.

Crab Fries

Move over peanuts and Cracker Jacks, it’s time for another ballgame favorite. Grab some crab fries at a Pirates game at PNC Park. The Old Bay and salty seasoning on the fries marry perfectly with the melted cheese cup hooked on the side of the fry bucket. In fact, it is so perfect that you might have to spring for a second cup of cheese.

Cinco de Mayo

No, we are not talking about the celebration in May that has become an excuse to party. We are talking about the stand at farmers markets that sells a piquant mango chutney. Sweet mangoes get a little kick from the spice in the chutney, which pairs well with chicken, pork or lamb.

Sand Hill Berries Farm

The Mount Pleasant farm kicks up the heat in summer by adding chipotle in traditional strawberry jam. Although the farm store is open year-round selling jams, jellies, barbecue and fruits sauces, and fruity syrups, don’t miss out on the delicious jam that is available at the Sand Hill stand at a farmers market near you.

Pittsburgh Popcorn Co.

Making s’mores over a bonfire is a great way to cap off any summer gathering, but what if you don’t have room to build a fire? The next best substitute is s’mores popcorn from Pittsburgh Popcorn Co., which sells classic flavors as well as eccentric weekly specials at store locations across the city. The Cookie Table flavor will be coming soon to its Downtown location. If you are more of a savory person, try the Dill Pickle or Buffalo ’n Ranch flavors.

Pittsburgh Pierogi Truck

Chow down ready-to-eat classic Pittsburgh pierogies (filled with potato and cheese), haluskies (cabbage and noodles) or golabkies (stuffed cabbage), or take home a package of frozen pierogies to eat later. The truck appears at the Whitehall farmers market from 3 to 7 p.m. on Mondays, Bethel Park farmers market from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Tarentum farmers market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Franktuary

When you think Franktuary, think fresh. The Lawrenceville restaurant has a garden on site where it gets herbs and veggies for its drinks and salads, making your cocktail or “mocktail” an especially refreshing drink to pair with your favorite hot dog or sausage.

Ten Penny

Sitting inside or outside at Ten Penny, Downtown, feels similarly satisfying as the walls are opened up on summerdays to leta breezein.The upscale rustic decor offers a laid-back, yet classy feel, and is a welcoming place for dinner or even just to have a drink at the bar. Try the cheese plate with fruit bread, light Mediterranean flat bread or steamed mussels in white wine.

Té Café

Stop by the artsy cafe along Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill for refreshing iced offerings such as its lavender, ginger or hibiscus lemonade. It is the perfect place to catch up with a friend, play board games that are scattered throughout the shop or just kick back and read for a while. Sit inside, or on the benches outside, all the while enjoying the extensive selection of teas and lemonades.

Pittsburgh Party Pedaler

With Pittsburgh’s emphasis on the biking culture, what better way to explore the sights and sounds of the city than on a bike — with 15 other people. Pittsburgh Party Pedaler offers guided tours of the Strip district, North Shore and Downtown on 16-person bikes (10 pedaling seats, six non-pedaling seats and a spot for the driver/tour guide). Patrons can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy, or stop at restaurants along the tour.

Antney’s Ice Cream

The West End shop sells more than great homemade ice creams. It also has delicious and brightly colored sorbets, made fresh with natural ingredients. The nearly neon pink grapefruit sorbet combines with the equally bright purple prickly pear sorbet to make a frozen treat that is refreshing and, well, colorful.

Mancini’s Bread

Stop by Mancini’s in August for its bread of the month, Jalapeno Cheddar, and slather the slice with its garlic butter for an elevated taste. This bakery consistently receives accolades throughout the region, and any Pittsburger can attest to the fact that the tagline, “A Pittsburgh tradition since 1926,” is no exaggeration.

Tender Bar + Kitchen

Located in the gentrified Butler Street area of Lawrenceville, this restaurant is housed in a former bank building, giving it a saloonesque, old-time charm which, along with its outdoor patio and $14 burger and cocktail combination, makes for a great date night.

Pennsylvania Macaroni

For authentic multicultural grocery items such as Beamster’s Graff Kaff cheese from Holland (made with fresh summer milk and available for only a limited time), look no further than Pennsylvania Macaroni. Though cheesemonger Carol “Dearheart” Pascuzzi no longer works here, the cheese collection at Penn Mac continues to be an impressive one, and combined with its extensive array of olives, nuts, bread, homemade pasta and fresh fruit makes this Strip District storefront a necessary stop for any shopping trip.

Robbie’s

Everything at Robbie’s is made from scratch from mac ’n’ cheese casserole to cornbread to freshly prepared collard greens. Pork, beef and chicken are charcoal grilled on separate open pits and served with a homemade barbecue sauce. The Forest Hills barbecue joint’s mantra is it’s “always summer at Robbie’s.”