On Navigating Pittsburgh

It is no secret that I did not enjoy my time in Pittsburgh. That fact was evident since I moved there two and half years ago, and sadly, not much changed when I finally moved. I had moved there to fulfill a dream of going to culinary school and working as a pastry chef, and it was most definitely a life changing experience. The things I learned at school, at work, and about myself have forever and fundamentally changed me. While most of the relationships I made won't be lasting, I do know that they will have a lasting impact on me, both positive and negative. That is as much as I choose to say about the bad.

This post is for the good things about Pittsburgh, and a guide for a 12-36 hour tour of the town (36 hour suggested only so you have enough time to get hungry and sober up between meals). I was reminded by my guests who visited me in Pittsburgh that they loved it, and I'm choosing to believe it was my awesome tour guiding skills versus the city in its entirety.

Things to do:

Shows:

Pittsburgh has a slew of cultural activities. In addition to a vibrant theater district, Pittsburgh is home to a world renown symphony, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Ballet, and the Pittsburgh Opera. I have been lucky enough to attend shows by all 3. Heinz Hall, home of the Symphony, is absolutely gorgeous, as is the Benedeum Center, where the Ballet and the Opera perform.

If you are total nerd, check out the PSO's schedule for when they play Legends of Zelda.

At the Benedum for the Nutcracker. The Nutcracker himself had an amazing ass.

Ceiling of the Benedum

Live Music: 

Stage AE is a dual outdoor venue as well a small club. I got to see Fitz and the Tantrums and Caught a Ghost there. There's also lots larger venues, and Pittsburgh is a big enough town that they draw some pretty big names there. 

Caught a Ghost's female lead, Tessa Thompson, and an old high school classmate Tim McKay on sax. Got to hang out with the bad afterwards, so cool!!)

Museums and Art:

One word: Dinosaurs. Old steel money brought them there, and the city runs with it. The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History are awesome. Check out the 21+ nights, where you can drink and hang out with dinosaurs!

There are lots of statues of dinosaurs all over the city. Probably one of my favorite aspects of the town.

There are also large outdoor exhibits, and while no Nuit Blanche, there's a huge art and culture festival in September.

Outdoor architecture:

There are a few pretty awesome views and vantage points. My favorite is from the water. Of water. and water related things.

6th street bridge

They like their fireworks displays.

View of the city from the West End Overlook. Night time scene from Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Outdoor activities:

Aside from kayaking (seen above), there's lots of nature and hikes all around, some a short as a mere 45 minutes out of the city. Not to miss is Ohiopyle. 

Linn Run State Park

View from the road near Ligonier, PA

Food: 

Having moved there to learn about food, it makes me sad this list is not longer, but at the same time, much allowance must be made because there was a good chance I was drunk as well. That being said:

-Cure: for smoked and cured meats. A tad overpriced for what I actually got, but enjoyable. Drinks were ok.

-Salt of the Earth: consistently made me happy. Late night burgers, yum. Drinks were ok.

-Eleven: solid, every time. Best Manhattan in the city. Wonderful prix fixe brunch.

-Tender: amazing drinks. AMAZING. Used to have the best tater tots of my life, but they got rid of it, so it made for a sad birthday dinner. Potential for food, but I go there for drinks.

-Meat and Potatoes: was open and close by when I got off work. Food was always solid, but never made me crave it. Then I ordered the bone marrow my last evening there..... Oh. My. Arteries.

-The Library: I am sad and happy to say that this was my number place I go to, and the place I have eaten the most at, because their happy hour is awesome, and then there's deep fried bar food. Who doesn't love that. Such a wonderful ever changing craft draft list, and my wallet loved it too.

-The Speakeasy: Original Prohibition bar. Love the idea and the atmosphere.

-Wigle and Maggie's Farm: 2 small distilleries, found and visited on the same day, with wonderful company. Amazing booze as well.

-Burgh'ers: Honorable mention, not in Pittsburgh, but nearly 40 north. Has special wild game burgers. I had a llama burger, and was sad that I missed the Swedish alligator meatballs.

Burgh'ers

The Library

Cities will evolve, and with much luck, I will too. Perhaps we'll meet again Pittsburgh. But not for a while, okay?