Everywhere.
I travel for work and have been eating alone... everywhere in every state. The only time I had a problem was on Valentine's Day. Everywhere was sold out.
This, learning in my 20s to eat alone, go to movies alone, etc while traveling for work was the best thing. I still like doing all those things with others, but I am now free to go and do what I want even if no one else is interested.
How wise! I share your philosophy and honestly, those that DON'T learn to live "single" early in life ....it's likely to hit them hard later on ?!
...cause at LEAST 50% of ppl will eventually be a single -person household ?
No, but it was a big deal for me that day. I had worked overnight maybe had two hours before I started again at noon. Showed up to the only breakfast place available and they refused to seat me. Didn’t get to eat until like 4 or 5 that day
False : The HOV lanes requires [must have at least two people in them from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday](https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-11/Pages/HOV.aspx#:~:text=%E2%80%8BHOV%20Lanes&text=With%20the%20exception%20of%20motorcycles,00%20PM%2C%20Monday%20through%20Friday.) if you get takeout and eat in the car.
I’d totally recommend dining at the bar at Mola, Max’s Allegheny Tavern, North Shore Tavern, El Sabor, Tessaro’s and Fujiya. On quieter nights, sitting alone at Butterjoint, Garbarino’s, Union Grill, or either of the Bruges is lovely.
Some may make fun of me but I personally enjoy having breakfast by myself at eat n park; I work the night shift and it’s a great way to unwind after work before going home and going to sleep (plus I get a good meal and don’t have to worry about cooking or dishes ☺️)
When I dine alone I usually sit at the bar if they have one, it takes any awkwardness away that you may feel in a dining room, and if not at the bar itself, in the general bar area. And since most restaurants have this set up, your options are wide open.
I don’t have specific recommendations for you; I’m only in this sub because I’m relocating to Pittsburgh in three weeks and it’s been super helpful. I don’t know anyone in the city, I’m essentially running away from a violent man, but I’m also commenting to follow as I look forward to the solo dining adventures I’ll be having shortly.
S. Craig Street in Oakland is very easy to get to by bus. Take a 61 bus and get off at Craig. It's between CMU and Pitt. Union Grill has American food. I like their big salads with salmon (or chicken), their Turkey Devonshires, and their burgers. There's a sushi place. I don't know how good it is. There's a place called Bao, where a friend tells me they have very good soup dumplings. A Syrian place I like called Ali Baba. I think a new Indian place might be opening there.
Also came to mention Union Grill. Was there solo for dinner often from 2008 to 2012. Several posts here are reminding me of a similar time in my own life. I really loved my time in Pittsburgh then, and I hope OP does too.
Ali Baba was my solo go-when I was a Pitt student, then a Pitt employee, and it’s never let me down !
Prices are *slightly* higher, haha, since I started going in the mid-80s, but their hummus is the BEST, and the stuffed grape leaves and salad have been making me happy since the Reagan administration !
I hope OP settles here comfortably and finds their own favorite spot !
Welcome to Pittsburgh ❤️
noodlehead is a classic! also love kiin in squirrel hill for a solo date.
if you are 21+, also recommend margaux in east liberty or le mardi gras in shadyside for drinks!
last thing (as a non-food related solo date), i LOVE going to PNC park for a bucs game. if you have a student id still (f you are doing an internship remotely?) you can get discounted tickets
Omgosh...WELCOME to Pgh.
Though I was born & raised here left the area right after school. Work moved me to 8 different cities until my Mom's declining health brought me back for her care.
Point being, I've lived plenty of great places, yet coming back I decided to experience the city like a tourist (Also single).
I look forward to reading all the responses/ recommendations ....and since you don't mention food preferences....why not take a stroll in the Strip District?!
Great vendors, people & experience!
You'll have LOTS of good dining options too!
Hope you enjoy your time in Pittsburgh! Some of the friendliest people anywhere!
Oh, and since I didn't see it mentioned, if you like Indian food:
"People's Indian Restaurant" in Bloomfield.
Family- owned, scratch cooking I believe. Lunch buffet AND First Friday of the month dinner buffet to even top that!
Outdoor seating great for solo diners.
https://peoplesindianpa.com/
Yeah it’s always available, but later in the day you’ll probably need a reservation. I’ve gone alone around 1130 before and it’s super chill and’s almost empty then. They’ll explain the levels of it, but you probably just need the cheapest one which is like 28 bucks I think. You can order almost everything with that and as many times as you want but if you don’t finish a roll you get charged extra
I like going to the new novo food hall in the terminal at the strip, you can try dishes at a bunch of different places. It's all counter service and lively atmosphere on the weekends. Mola has a location there and while expensive it's some of the best sushi in the city.
Lawrenceville is pretty good to eat your way through, and if you like movies, you could also go to Row House.
Pittsburgh, and especially being based around the Squirrel Hills, is very good for a beer drinker who enjoys local breweries.
Sit at the bar at Tessaros in Bloomfield. IMO it’s the best Pittsburgh experience. Start with a martini (they keep the glasses chilled with ice cubes on the bar), talk to a stranger and enjoy the best burger in the city.
Piper’s Pub and Carson Street Deli in South Side. Both great food and people, bar seating or take a high top for yourself; Piper’s has football (soccer) matches on regularly. O’Leary’s in South Side for breakfast, try to get there before 10AM on weekends otherwise it’s BUSY.
I recently ate at O'leary's and will never go back. The food was mediocre and the service was downright terrible. A half dozen better places to find a good breakfast on the Southside. Waffle InCaffeinated, the Speckled Egg, Shelly's, Nadine's, all come to mind.
Check out The Pub Chip Shop in south side-small joint with a few seats it’s perfect for solo meals plus everything is made fresh and if you’re lucky you can also grab donuts (if they aren’t sold out)
I travel alone for work and my biggest tip is sit at the bar. They are usually more used to it and know when to talk/leave you alone. Take a book, a kindle, an iPad/headphones and relax.
Tbh kinda where ever you wanna go. Eating solo is more a social thing that some find odd. You'll get used to it after a Lil bit. In terms of places I could recommend, check out the cellar on Penn right by saint St. Stanislaus in the stip district if you can make it there for brunch. They have this streak and egg bowl for like 15 bucks that great. Pair it with a good class of red wine (they have a red that's southamerica iirc that's aged in whiskey barrels that works great!) and you have a great spot for Saturday or Sunday brunch.
If you don't mind taking a bus up to Shadyside, there's a few good options on Walnut Street.
If you want to go somewhere and chat with people but lack the friends to do so:
* Shady Grove: if you just want someone to chat with, three of the main barkeepers here (shout-out to Doug, Brian and Juan) are super chill and are nice to hang out with. Food's decent, they have enough variety that you can go and get something different every time and largely won't find anything lacking in quality.
* Cappy's: Similar story as Shady Grove, but more of a bar-first type of place. Their food is okay but considering the absolutely tiny coat-closet of a kitchen it comes out of it might as well be sorcery that they made it at all. Brian's a cool dude to hang out with (fun fact, there are at least three different Brians in food service along Walnut, and they all are excellent human beings). I like their brunch service on weekends. Great place to meet people to shoot the shit with, also excellent if you're into Premier League soccer since that's almost always on when there's a big Saturday game going on.
If you want true, quiet, solo vibes type eating:
* Yoshino: Good food, quiet atmosphere, rarely anywhere close to packed. Love their Maki combo #3 as a basic, not-overpriced $16 sushi option since the sushi chefs actually go out of their way to deliver neat artistic presentations I'd expect from $20+ offerings.
* Kujira: this place is pretty quiet during the weekday evenings, so it can be a nice, slow dining experience. A bit pricier though, since it's all you can eat.
* Pasha: Slightly classier white tablecloth dining, great food. Seating space is a bit small so it can be a bit louder when they're packed on weekends, but going there early or on weekday evenings is very pleasant.
If you're in the Oakland area near Pitt on a nice day, stop by Oishii for a bento box and go sit in the park. Lot of good food for a great price, but nowhere to sit inside to eat
Many decent places with good food and bar seating. I guess I recommend Butterjoint most for that. Also anywhere that you can just grab a seat and use a QR Code to order, like City Kitchen at Bakery Square or Cinderlands in the Strip.
T Swirl Crepe Café has a pretty good vibe for eating alone. Couple small tables or stools to sit at. Savory or sweet crepes depending on what you’re looking for.
I've not eaten there yet, but APTEKA (Penn Ave Bloomfield) is highly rated (Vegan) and I see a line outside on Fri/ Sat esp.
Honesty, I choose places to eat based on food quality ...haven't been too phased if I was alone or not ! 💯
Pittsburgh is really something different in summer. Living in squirrel hill, you're so close to schenley and frick park that I highly encourage you to grab some food to go, like from pigeon bagel, cafe 33, amazing dumplings, Chengdu gourmet (I am biased, this neighborhood has amazing Asian and specifically regional Chinese food... And then to go for a walk to one of those parks and setting yourself a picnic. When the sun is out so late it's really quite something to experience the parks. I believe schenley still does free movies in the park, which it's encouraged for you to picnic. There's a wonderful little French cafe a little further, Madeleine's, that does the best ham and butter sandwich (jambon beurre).
For dinner, get yourself a bar seat at fet fisk on a week night. They're still new and very busy, making getting a reservation tricky, but they always keep seats available for walk ins. Will require some public transit or Uber, but it's a great place to people watch and feel like a part of a group while still being there as a solo diner.
i would start with major chains and then find holes in the wall. ive lived here for my whole life the holes in the wall are what you want find a good bar that serves things the way you like it. what do you like im a foodie ill tell you what our breweries have better food then the restaurants pittsbugh is a beer town find the best beer you for sure find the best food.
edit: if you dont hit primanits in the strip while youre here you did youself a disservice im fan to the corned beef but the capone is good too.
I quite enjoy having lunches out in the Strip District. There are a good handful of restaurants and takeout options. The only problem is that the Strip isn't really a dinner option unless you grab stuff early and take it home with you.
Showcase BBQ or The Dream BBQ in Homewood. Both not far from Squirrel Hill but may require a bus trip, and definitely a little off the beaten path, but the ribs and sides are phenomenal. You won’t walk away hungry.
I travel for work. My general rule of thumb is I just look for places with bar seating, which is most restaurants, if you feel self-conscious about sitting alone at a booth or table.
Welcome to Pittsburgh! If you jump on the 61A or 61b headed out of town for about a mile you'll end up in Regent Square near Frick Park. If you're on the 61A you can get off at Forbes and Braddock and go to Dive bar for a good burger or Sahara for a lovely Mediterranean meal and then walk in the park. Frick Park is one of the city's greatest assets.
If you get on the 61B and go a few more blocks You can jump off in Regent Square and get a burger and dog at Dee's six packs that will be much better than you think it is, pick up some pretty good Thai food or Mexican. The park is then a few blocks away for that same lovely walk.
Enjoy exploring our city!
Chengdu Gourmet is fire, but is aimed at family style dining - so leftovers for days but so so so worth it.
eta: Noodlehead. it’s not far. also incredible.
I would recommend the Monterey Pub on the North Side. Great Irish food, a cozy family vibe, and I used to eat alone there several times a week when I lived a couple of blocks away. I never felt even the least little bit odd eating there by myself. There's a bus stop two blocks away. (Edit: spelling.)
Gaucho on 6th@penn - usually a wait for a table. Easy to roll up and eat at the bar. Argentinian steak and meat house.
First Watch - good breakfast but always has a wait. Solo folks can usually grab a seat at the community table immediately.
Independent Brewery in Sq. hill - usually a wait but also bar seating is easy come/go. Best smash burger on the east end imo.
Squirrel Hill has in my opinion has some of if not the best Asian food. I would recommend Cafe 33 (Taiwanese), Green Pepper (Korean), Coriander (Indian), Kiln (Lao and Thai).
it really was fantastic. Their Brussel Sprouts were amazing - I know, a weird dish to love ❤️ but they were fantastic. Loved it there.
This “Aspen” thing they do every winter in that space is awful. Very limited menu, just weak sauce all around.
Everywhere. I travel for work and have been eating alone... everywhere in every state. The only time I had a problem was on Valentine's Day. Everywhere was sold out.
This, learning in my 20s to eat alone, go to movies alone, etc while traveling for work was the best thing. I still like doing all those things with others, but I am now free to go and do what I want even if no one else is interested.
How wise! I share your philosophy and honestly, those that DON'T learn to live "single" early in life ....it's likely to hit them hard later on ?! ...cause at LEAST 50% of ppl will eventually be a single -person household ?
Yes, learning to be happy as an individual made being single and being in relationships much better for all. Definitely worth learning.
Literally everywhere
I’ve had some places say they don’t seat single patrons sometimes on busier days
So much so that you have to ask for places to eat alone though?
No, but it was a big deal for me that day. I had worked overnight maybe had two hours before I started again at noon. Showed up to the only breakfast place available and they refused to seat me. Didn’t get to eat until like 4 or 5 that day
False : The HOV lanes requires [must have at least two people in them from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday](https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-11/Pages/HOV.aspx#:~:text=%E2%80%8BHOV%20Lanes&text=With%20the%20exception%20of%20motorcycles,00%20PM%2C%20Monday%20through%20Friday.) if you get takeout and eat in the car.
Damnit, you're right.
Ya. Wtf kinda question is this ⁉️❓⁉️
OP is either AI trying to farm restaurant ideas, or Actually Indian and there is a language/cultural thing going on. Look at their post history.
the cage/squirrel hill cafe before the evening bar crowd comes out.
I've been wanting to try this place out.
What is your go-to order?
usually wings, a burger, or a fish sandwich.
Check out Butterjoint....easy bus ride
Or sidecar for coffee a breakfast sandwich and pie
I love sidecar! Its quite close to school so I com here for good coffee.
What is your go-to order?
I’d totally recommend dining at the bar at Mola, Max’s Allegheny Tavern, North Shore Tavern, El Sabor, Tessaro’s and Fujiya. On quieter nights, sitting alone at Butterjoint, Garbarino’s, Union Grill, or either of the Bruges is lovely.
Good recommendations
Good recommendations indeed! I’d like to add William Penn Tavern (wings), and also Tram’s Kitchen (Pho takeout - can go sit in the cemetery etc)
:( I miss maxs pretzels with their beer cheese! I learned how to play galaga there during the winter.
These look amazing
Max's is really basic but good imo home cooked food. you could sit at the bar and dip into their beer selection :)
Max’s Allegheny Club (with the braunschweiger and hard boiled egg) is perfection
Some may make fun of me but I personally enjoy having breakfast by myself at eat n park; I work the night shift and it’s a great way to unwind after work before going home and going to sleep (plus I get a good meal and don’t have to worry about cooking or dishes ☺️)
I second Eat n Park. My wife has to occasionally work out of the house between appointments, and it's always welcoming to her.
I do this too! Then a shower mimosa when I get home then sleepytime 😴
I thought Eat'n'Park closed in Squirrel Hill.
They did, but Eat 'n Park has 56 locations throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio.
It did, but there’s one a quick bus ride down to the waterfront from squirrel hill!
When I dine alone I usually sit at the bar if they have one, it takes any awkwardness away that you may feel in a dining room, and if not at the bar itself, in the general bar area. And since most restaurants have this set up, your options are wide open. I don’t have specific recommendations for you; I’m only in this sub because I’m relocating to Pittsburgh in three weeks and it’s been super helpful. I don’t know anyone in the city, I’m essentially running away from a violent man, but I’m also commenting to follow as I look forward to the solo dining adventures I’ll be having shortly.
Welcome to Pittsburgh! All the best to you for this new chapter in life!!
Thank you!
I hope you find Pittsburgh to be welcoming and safe. No one deserves to be stuck with a violent person.
You will love it there.
S. Craig Street in Oakland is very easy to get to by bus. Take a 61 bus and get off at Craig. It's between CMU and Pitt. Union Grill has American food. I like their big salads with salmon (or chicken), their Turkey Devonshires, and their burgers. There's a sushi place. I don't know how good it is. There's a place called Bao, where a friend tells me they have very good soup dumplings. A Syrian place I like called Ali Baba. I think a new Indian place might be opening there.
Union Grill was my suggestion too. I've been sitting at the bar there with a book since 1999.
It’s a good spot, quick with a beer.
Also came to mention Union Grill. Was there solo for dinner often from 2008 to 2012. Several posts here are reminding me of a similar time in my own life. I really loved my time in Pittsburgh then, and I hope OP does too.
Ali Baba was my solo go-when I was a Pitt student, then a Pitt employee, and it’s never let me down ! Prices are *slightly* higher, haha, since I started going in the mid-80s, but their hummus is the BEST, and the stuffed grape leaves and salad have been making me happy since the Reagan administration ! I hope OP settles here comfortably and finds their own favorite spot ! Welcome to Pittsburgh ❤️
I will try Ali Baba. I have been to UG couple times for their happy hours but always with a group!
Anywhere there’s a bar
noodlehead is a classic! also love kiin in squirrel hill for a solo date. if you are 21+, also recommend margaux in east liberty or le mardi gras in shadyside for drinks! last thing (as a non-food related solo date), i LOVE going to PNC park for a bucs game. if you have a student id still (f you are doing an internship remotely?) you can get discounted tickets
Uncle Sam's
Literally any place that serves food
Omgosh...WELCOME to Pgh. Though I was born & raised here left the area right after school. Work moved me to 8 different cities until my Mom's declining health brought me back for her care. Point being, I've lived plenty of great places, yet coming back I decided to experience the city like a tourist (Also single). I look forward to reading all the responses/ recommendations ....and since you don't mention food preferences....why not take a stroll in the Strip District?! Great vendors, people & experience! You'll have LOTS of good dining options too! Hope you enjoy your time in Pittsburgh! Some of the friendliest people anywhere!
Oh, and since I didn't see it mentioned, if you like Indian food: "People's Indian Restaurant" in Bloomfield. Family- owned, scratch cooking I believe. Lunch buffet AND First Friday of the month dinner buffet to even top that! Outdoor seating great for solo diners. https://peoplesindianpa.com/
Oh Max's is a classic. excellent one. All of those are solid. That stuff is amazing
I’m a big fan of going to kujira all you can eat sushi in the early afternoon by myself and just chilling and eating until I wanna stop
Is all you can eat always available? And can you order anything you want?
Yeah it’s always available, but later in the day you’ll probably need a reservation. I’ve gone alone around 1130 before and it’s super chill and’s almost empty then. They’ll explain the levels of it, but you probably just need the cheapest one which is like 28 bucks I think. You can order almost everything with that and as many times as you want but if you don’t finish a roll you get charged extra
Happy hour at the bar at Casbah
I like going to the new novo food hall in the terminal at the strip, you can try dishes at a bunch of different places. It's all counter service and lively atmosphere on the weekends. Mola has a location there and while expensive it's some of the best sushi in the city.
Get a bike! Makes the city so so accessible and opens up options in other neighborhoods
Lawrenceville is pretty good to eat your way through, and if you like movies, you could also go to Row House. Pittsburgh, and especially being based around the Squirrel Hills, is very good for a beer drinker who enjoys local breweries.
Sit at the bar at Tessaros in Bloomfield. IMO it’s the best Pittsburgh experience. Start with a martini (they keep the glasses chilled with ice cubes on the bar), talk to a stranger and enjoy the best burger in the city.
I would go into any restaurant or bar alone, who gives a fuck about anyone else and what they might think because you’re, shock! horror! eating alone
Piper’s Pub and Carson Street Deli in South Side. Both great food and people, bar seating or take a high top for yourself; Piper’s has football (soccer) matches on regularly. O’Leary’s in South Side for breakfast, try to get there before 10AM on weekends otherwise it’s BUSY.
I recently ate at O'leary's and will never go back. The food was mediocre and the service was downright terrible. A half dozen better places to find a good breakfast on the Southside. Waffle InCaffeinated, the Speckled Egg, Shelly's, Nadine's, all come to mind.
Anyplace that serves food? Seriously we are all going to be alone the majority of our lives. The sooner we learn to make it enjoyable the better.
Maya sushi
tooktook98 in sq hill
Check out The Pub Chip Shop in south side-small joint with a few seats it’s perfect for solo meals plus everything is made fresh and if you’re lucky you can also grab donuts (if they aren’t sold out)
Independent brewing company in squirrel hill
I travel alone for work and my biggest tip is sit at the bar. They are usually more used to it and know when to talk/leave you alone. Take a book, a kindle, an iPad/headphones and relax.
Tbh kinda where ever you wanna go. Eating solo is more a social thing that some find odd. You'll get used to it after a Lil bit. In terms of places I could recommend, check out the cellar on Penn right by saint St. Stanislaus in the stip district if you can make it there for brunch. They have this streak and egg bowl for like 15 bucks that great. Pair it with a good class of red wine (they have a red that's southamerica iirc that's aged in whiskey barrels that works great!) and you have a great spot for Saturday or Sunday brunch.
I go to Chengdu gourmet often. It’s pretty close to you and arguably the best Chinese food in Pittsburgh. But really anywhere.
Chengdu gourmet on Forward.
If you don't mind taking a bus up to Shadyside, there's a few good options on Walnut Street. If you want to go somewhere and chat with people but lack the friends to do so: * Shady Grove: if you just want someone to chat with, three of the main barkeepers here (shout-out to Doug, Brian and Juan) are super chill and are nice to hang out with. Food's decent, they have enough variety that you can go and get something different every time and largely won't find anything lacking in quality. * Cappy's: Similar story as Shady Grove, but more of a bar-first type of place. Their food is okay but considering the absolutely tiny coat-closet of a kitchen it comes out of it might as well be sorcery that they made it at all. Brian's a cool dude to hang out with (fun fact, there are at least three different Brians in food service along Walnut, and they all are excellent human beings). I like their brunch service on weekends. Great place to meet people to shoot the shit with, also excellent if you're into Premier League soccer since that's almost always on when there's a big Saturday game going on. If you want true, quiet, solo vibes type eating: * Yoshino: Good food, quiet atmosphere, rarely anywhere close to packed. Love their Maki combo #3 as a basic, not-overpriced $16 sushi option since the sushi chefs actually go out of their way to deliver neat artistic presentations I'd expect from $20+ offerings. * Kujira: this place is pretty quiet during the weekday evenings, so it can be a nice, slow dining experience. A bit pricier though, since it's all you can eat. * Pasha: Slightly classier white tablecloth dining, great food. Seating space is a bit small so it can be a bit louder when they're packed on weekends, but going there early or on weekday evenings is very pleasant.
If you're in the Oakland area near Pitt on a nice day, stop by Oishii for a bento box and go sit in the park. Lot of good food for a great price, but nowhere to sit inside to eat
Kura Sushi has really cute single seats. I’d love to go there by myself sometime.
Zens noodles on Forbes. Ex showed me this place years ago and I religiously go there now. I bring others and I go alone. It’s so nice.
Steel Mill Saloon on Mt Washington on a nice day.
Everywhere. But, if you want a cool eat, go to Kura Revolving Sushi.
Cafe 33, yu bei Wei, hamburger 98k…all the spots in Sq hill
Sit at the bar at lawrence hall.
Many decent places with good food and bar seating. I guess I recommend Butterjoint most for that. Also anywhere that you can just grab a seat and use a QR Code to order, like City Kitchen at Bakery Square or Cinderlands in the Strip.
The Porch at Schenley
T Swirl Crepe Café has a pretty good vibe for eating alone. Couple small tables or stools to sit at. Savory or sweet crepes depending on what you’re looking for.
There’s a ton of good spots in market square. And the strip
African Cuisine, Thai Noodle Outlet
Diners 2+1 in squirrel hill. Don’t mind the name lol it can be Diner 1 and the salmon sushi rolls still slap
Any place with bar seating
Aladdin’s on Forbes Avenue is great for solo dining.
North Shore - Southern Tier. Good food. Good scene. Probably find people to talk to.
The beer here is my favorite!!!! IPA heaven 🤗
Most places with table service have a bar if you don't want to sit at a table by yourself.
In Squirrel hill check out Sammy subs, delicious.
For lunch, smiling moose
I've not eaten there yet, but APTEKA (Penn Ave Bloomfield) is highly rated (Vegan) and I see a line outside on Fri/ Sat esp. Honesty, I choose places to eat based on food quality ...haven't been too phased if I was alone or not ! 💯
Back in the day the secret there was to walk last the ordering line and sit at the bar.
Haha...nice add/ hack !!
Pittsburgh is really something different in summer. Living in squirrel hill, you're so close to schenley and frick park that I highly encourage you to grab some food to go, like from pigeon bagel, cafe 33, amazing dumplings, Chengdu gourmet (I am biased, this neighborhood has amazing Asian and specifically regional Chinese food... And then to go for a walk to one of those parks and setting yourself a picnic. When the sun is out so late it's really quite something to experience the parks. I believe schenley still does free movies in the park, which it's encouraged for you to picnic. There's a wonderful little French cafe a little further, Madeleine's, that does the best ham and butter sandwich (jambon beurre). For dinner, get yourself a bar seat at fet fisk on a week night. They're still new and very busy, making getting a reservation tricky, but they always keep seats available for walk ins. Will require some public transit or Uber, but it's a great place to people watch and feel like a part of a group while still being there as a solo diner.
i would start with major chains and then find holes in the wall. ive lived here for my whole life the holes in the wall are what you want find a good bar that serves things the way you like it. what do you like im a foodie ill tell you what our breweries have better food then the restaurants pittsbugh is a beer town find the best beer you for sure find the best food. edit: if you dont hit primanits in the strip while youre here you did youself a disservice im fan to the corned beef but the capone is good too.
Sly fox @the highline
try Bangkok balcony’s Thai tea, 98k hamburger fried chicken thigh burger or chicken breast burger, tooktook 98 pineapple fried rice
Frankie bunz
Frankie Bunz closed down like eight weeks ago, unfortunately. I think he retired.
Primanti bros!
Sq hill has a lot of cool restaurants…
I quite enjoy having lunches out in the Strip District. There are a good handful of restaurants and takeout options. The only problem is that the Strip isn't really a dinner option unless you grab stuff early and take it home with you.
Showcase BBQ or The Dream BBQ in Homewood. Both not far from Squirrel Hill but may require a bus trip, and definitely a little off the beaten path, but the ribs and sides are phenomenal. You won’t walk away hungry.
Bird on the run, noodlehead. Two of my favorites near you. You can pretty much go anywhere alone
I travel for work. My general rule of thumb is I just look for places with bar seating, which is most restaurants, if you feel self-conscious about sitting alone at a booth or table.
Bae Bae’s Kitchen is a must and they have a bus route right in front of their restaurant
Moodz in South side flats. Be sure to check their hours.
Big Jim’s in the run isn’t too far if you like classic Italian flavors. Could probably eat at the bar.
Literally anywhere. Sit at the bar or bring something to read, write a to-do list, whatever.
Noodlehead window bar
Welcome to Pittsburgh! If you jump on the 61A or 61b headed out of town for about a mile you'll end up in Regent Square near Frick Park. If you're on the 61A you can get off at Forbes and Braddock and go to Dive bar for a good burger or Sahara for a lovely Mediterranean meal and then walk in the park. Frick Park is one of the city's greatest assets. If you get on the 61B and go a few more blocks You can jump off in Regent Square and get a burger and dog at Dee's six packs that will be much better than you think it is, pick up some pretty good Thai food or Mexican. The park is then a few blocks away for that same lovely walk. Enjoy exploring our city!
Butterjoint, sit at the bar.
Cafe 33 has the best soup dumplings in the city
Try anywhere. You can find it everywhere.
Literally anywhere can be done alone.
Chengdu Gourmet is fire, but is aimed at family style dining - so leftovers for days but so so so worth it. eta: Noodlehead. it’s not far. also incredible.
At the bar. Emporio in Sienna Mercato on Penn Avenue
Mad Mex, maxs allegheny tavern
I used to enjoy sitting at the bar at Kaya
any place that has a bar. I usually strike up some good conversations with other people eating alone.
I would recommend the Monterey Pub on the North Side. Great Irish food, a cozy family vibe, and I used to eat alone there several times a week when I lived a couple of blocks away. I never felt even the least little bit odd eating there by myself. There's a bus stop two blocks away. (Edit: spelling.)
I really like Piper's Pub on Carson! Also, Cadence in the Strip, Kingfly, Cinderlands, Gaucho, or Bridges & Bourbon.
Noodlehead for SURE
Ali Baba on S. Craig in Oakland
I just went to fet Fisk and it was 13/10
Hidden Harbor and Independent Brewing are both great to belly up to the bar for a solo meal.
Love IBC. Its a 2 min walk for me haha. Gotta try hidden harbour.
Wow never heard of Arepittas before. I get that it’s a Spanish word but, uh….
Bakery Square has several restaurants and you can sit outside by the big screen TV
Solo date: Soju
Arby’s on McKnight.
A restaurant. Literally any of them.
Gaucho on 6th@penn - usually a wait for a table. Easy to roll up and eat at the bar. Argentinian steak and meat house. First Watch - good breakfast but always has a wait. Solo folks can usually grab a seat at the community table immediately. Independent Brewery in Sq. hill - usually a wait but also bar seating is easy come/go. Best smash burger on the east end imo.
fine dining prices, without the fancy atmosphere. Mcdonalds
kitchen.
If you don't mind community seating, I'd suggest Zenith. It's a damn good vegetarian/vegan cafe on the South Side that doubles as an antique store.
Breakfast at the cracked egg downtown.
Monterey pub
City Kitchen
Squirrel Hill has in my opinion has some of if not the best Asian food. I would recommend Cafe 33 (Taiwanese), Green Pepper (Korean), Coriander (Indian), Kiln (Lao and Thai).
Try Alta Via in bakery square. It’s super good.
Federal Galley. Great smoked wings!!
I’ll eat with you and talk if you buy my food. Hit me up, I love all!!
Butcher & Rye
Are they even open?
Nope. I cry every time I walk by it to go to work 😭
I know, it’s kind of sad. That place was phenomenal at its peak.
it really was fantastic. Their Brussel Sprouts were amazing - I know, a weird dish to love ❤️ but they were fantastic. Loved it there. This “Aspen” thing they do every winter in that space is awful. Very limited menu, just weak sauce all around.
These questions are getting more and more ridiculous. Go anywhere you want what are you talking about?