WHERE TO EAT
Looking for fuel in between NCAA tournament games? Whether it’s a nearby place for fries and beer or something more unusual a little farther afield, here’s a collection that includes new places and reliable favorites for every type of diner, from the avid sports fan craving bar fare to a gourmand who’s interested in the next most delicious dish.
UPTOWN
Buford’s Kitchen: From the folks behind Toscana Brick Oven in Canonsburg and Andora in Fox Chapel and Sewickley comes Buford’s Kitchen, serving straightforward fare with some southern flair, including breakfast all day like the breakfast po’boy with bacon, eggs and cheddar and a choice of fries or grits. Otherwise, it’s soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and items like fried catfish or jambalaya. 1014 5th Ave. Uptown. 412-281-2583. bufords. kitchen.com
Z-Best BBQ: It’s mostly takeout, but there are a few tables at the barbecue gem that has culled many loyalists. This is the place for chicken and ribs with sides like mac’n cheese or sweet potatoes. 1315 5th Ave. Uptown. zbestbbq. com.
DOWNTOWN
Emporio, Mezzo and Il Tetto at Sienna Mercato: It’s three restaurants under one roof Downtown, with a familyfriendly meatball restaurant, a winefocused place with good pasta dishes and a top-floor beer garden with a terrific view. 942 Penn Ave. Downtown. 412281-2810. siennapgh.com/mercato.
Pork & Beans: A big open space that’s great for groups shapes the restaurant that’s a partnership between chefs Rick DeShantz and Keith Fuller. Order a craft brew on tap and consider the blue plate special: two smoked meats and two sides; the smoked wings; or the Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich. 136 6th Street. Downtown. 412338-1876. Porkandbeanspgh.com.
Original Oyster House: Visit for fish sandwiches, chowder and an iconic bar that has seen Pittsburgh history from the 1870s to the present. 20 Market Square. Downtown. 412-566-7925. originaloysterhousepittsburgh.com.
Penn Cove Eatery and The Warren: From the folks behind Penn Avenue Seafood in the Strip, this Downtown eatery offers seafood during the day to go or for counter service, including sushi, soup, salads and sandwiches. At night, the focus is The Warren, a top-notch cocktail bar housed in a room adjacent to the eatery, the domino-themed bar with a mid-century vibe offers a menu with fish and chips, wings, frog legs, and burgers. 245 7th St. Downtown. 412-201-5888. penncoveeatery.com.
Chevere: Here’s hidden gem cheap eats, a little mom and pop for arepas, empanadas and tacos from the people behind Bea’s Taco Town nearby. Most items are less than $5, such as the pabellon arepa with beef, black beans, fried sweet plantains and queso fresco or another with roasted pork, lettuce, pico de gallo and guacamole.Take note, however, that it’s on the ground level of the old Kaufmann’s parking garage, so it’s not an easy find. 400 Cherry Way. Downtown. 412-281-0610. No website.
STRIP DISTRICT
Primanti Bros.: Though it’s a sandwich you’re after — any variation with the fries on top— this spot also offers a slice of Pittsburgh. Even though it’s a tourist destination, chances are you’ll run into plenty of regulars. Order a sandwich with capicola or salami. 46 18th St. Strip District. 412-263-2142. primantibros.com.
Kaya: An expansive bar, outdoor seating and a varied menu dotted with Caribbean crowd-pleasers define this restaurant that has been around for decades. Locals know it’s vegetarianfriendly, too. 2000 Smallman St. Strip District. 412-261-6565.bigburrito.com/ kaya.
DiAnoia’s Eatery: This all-day cafe serves terrific coffee and pastries, moves into sandwiches and pizza for lunch and segues into red sauce favorites at night. It’s a bright, lively place with warm hospitality and great people watching, though peak hour can be pretty packed. Note that when it’s crowded the bar is also wait-list seating. 2549 Penn Ave. Strip District. 412-918-1875. dianoiaseatery.com.
Gaucho Parrilla Argentina: You can smell the meat and see the line down the block for this wood-fired Argentinianinspired meat joint that’s BYOB. The food is great and so is the value: Get the steak plate served with salad, toast and chimichurri for your crowd, or consider an extra special plate like roasted pulled pork, caramelized onions, and spicy Dijon mustard in small and large portions. 1601 Penn Ave. Strip District. 412-709-6622. eat-gaucho.com.
Smallman Galley: Detroit-style pizza, a banh mi and pho spot, a farm-to-table place and a Latin-American stall mark the food offerings at the immensely popular Strip District food hall with a plethora of communal tables and plenty of bar space. Take note that deep discounts during happy hours mean the place will be packed. 54 21st St. Strip District. 412-517-6100. Smallmangalley.org.
SOUTH SIDE
Piper’s Pub: This South Side staple is worth many visits for British-style pub food, an eclectic crowd, knowledgeable bartenders and an eclectic beer and scotch selection. 1828 E. Carson St. South Side. 412-381-3977. piperspub. com.
Carmi Soul Food:
Carmi brings soul food to the South Side in a Victorian row house from the 1900s. Look for a menu of southern classics like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits as well as fried chicken dinners, which include three pieces served with five-cheese macaroni, cornbread, stuffing with gravy, and fish stew. 1825 E. Carson St. South Side. 412-231-0100. Carmirestaurant.com.
Streets on Carson: Look for eclectic decor and a menu of global street fare from duck-fat fried poutine to egg rolls to arancini to brisket chili.1120 E. Carson St. South Side. 412-918-1006.. streetsoncarson412.com.
OAKLAND
Butterjoint/Legume Bistro: Great service and terrific casual fare define the Butterjoint, with a menu of burgers, pierogies, sausages and greens. Next door, Legume cooks up refined, beautiful dishes in a laid-back dining room. 214 N. Craig St. Oakland. 412-6212700. thebutterjoint.com, legumebistro. com.
The Porch at Schenley:
From the Eat’n Park family comes The Porch, a vast, family-friendly, indoor outdoor restaurant serving lunch and dinner. It’s reliable fare for a snack or a feast, including hummus and pickles, pizza margherita, burgers and sandwiches. 221 Schenley Dr. Oakland. 412-687-6724. dineattheporch.com/schenley.
The Original Hot Dog Shop: Open since 1960, “The O” is the college classic for variations on hot dogs and subs, cheap beer, mounds of fries, and a handful of characters. 3901 Forbes Ave. Oakland. 412-621-7388. theoriginalhotdogshop.com.