first visit to pittsburgh
Ladies and gentlemen...I survived my first trip to Pittsburgh! Things you should know:
- it wasn't super cold except for the first and last day
- the area we live in is the perfect combination of quaint and modern
- we live in a house that's over 100 years old with four levels (my ass is going to look awesome with all the stair climbing)
- I didn't hate it
Yes. You read it here first. With all of my complaining, anxiety, and dread...I did not hate the city. Keep in mind, it's pretty difficult for me to say I hate anything. My Texas mama taught me to rarely use the words "hate," "never," and "always," otherwise you're setting yourself up for a big fat dose of karma (small disclaimer: I can unequivocally say that I still hate bell peppers).
However, Pittsburgh was...kind of cool. The people were friendly, the roads were fairly easy to travel (except in the 45° inclines in the South Hills...daaaaamn!), and the restaurant scene was great. But ask me again after my first real winter. Here are a few little highlights of my first visit to Pittsburgh before it becomes home.
our little street - check out the cobblestone road!
I'm really digging our new little neighborhood. Located in a little village northwest of downtown Pittsburgh, the Man Friend and I are now happily located in an area where shops, bars, restaurants, a grocery store, and a farmers market are within walking distance. We've even already met two of our neighbors!
Our house has an amazing backyard that I can't WAIT to plant some vegetables in. However...imma need someone to send me some Texas jalapeños, please and thank you. The teeny tiny bathrooms and the creaky stairs will take some getting used to. Speaking of getting used to...the basement. I don't know about you, but when you don't grow up with basements, basements are creepy AF. That will take some courage. Or I'll just wait until the Man Friend is home during daylight hours to do laundry.
where to eat & drink in pittsburgh
Keep in mind - this is a first run and I was getting over being sick, so I wasn't exactly on my travel A-game.
church brew works |3526 liberty avenue (lawrenceville)
Technically, we went to church on Sunday. Kind of. We went to a converted Catholic Church that now boasts huge brewing vats, several beer varieties, and a full menu. Though the beers weren't my favorites (I did really enjoy The Count Chocolate Lager), the atmosphere was amazing. However, be warned: I haven't ever really been in a brewery before. The strong smells of the fermentation process were overwhelming to me. It smells like someone puked up a lot of beers in the hallway. So now you know...
the abbey on butler | 4635 butler street (lawrenceville)
Stop in for happy hour and appetizers at this converted abbey (apparently Pittsburgh has a thing for drinking in church). The bar is relaxed, the bartenders are friendly, and the beer selection was great. Try the Sriracha honey hot wings if you catch them on special. Additionally, this is where I made my first Pittsburgh friend...I actually gave her my number so we could hang out again. Pretty crazy for an introvert like me.
roasted barrelhouse and eatery | 3705 butler street (lawrenceville)
Yes. There is a trend. I liked Lawrenceville. A LOT. It's a gentrifying area with so much character and great food. There's just no parking, otherwise, I would have demanded to live there.
So what do you do when you're not starving but you're not ready to go home yet? You stop in, have a drink, order an appetizer (OMGGG the meatballs with ricotta are outstanding), and chat with the bartender...who happens to be the owner. I really liked this place. I could become a favorite.
sharp edge bistro | 510 beaver street (sewickley)
I love a little neighborhood bar with a fun bartender, lots of locals, and great pub fare. This place was tons of fun. The mussels in white wine were delicious (though not quite as good as the ones in New Orleans, but I digress), and the beer selection was crazy. Not only do they sell draft beer, but they offer bottles to take home. They have a big selection with rotating draft choices, so we will definitely be back.
