$ Entrées less than $10
$$ Entrées $10–20
$$$ Entrées more than $20
Best Breakfast: Forget about Eat ’n Park. For an old-school, completely authentic Pittsburgh breakfast, go clog your arteries at DeLuca’s Restaurant ($$, 2015 Penn Ave., 412/566-2195, Mon.–Sat. 6 a.m.–3 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.–3 p.m.) in the Strip District, where Pittsburgh accents and gum-snapping waitresses are still delightfully in style.
Best Diner: Although not technically an authentic greasy spoon, Pamela’s Diner ($$, 60 21st St., 412/281-6366, www.pamelasdiner.com [1]) serves affordable American grub that tastes great. Plus, they have five locations citywide.
Best Patio: For prime people-watching and a party atmosphere, set up shop at Roland’s Seafood Grill ($$, 1904 Penn Ave., 412/261-3401, www.rolandsseafoodgrill.com [2]) in the heart of the Strip District.
Best Restaurant for a First Date: Show off your worldly and adventurous side by taking that possible Mr. or Ms. Right to Spice Island Tea House ($$, 253 Atwood St., 412/687-8821, www.spiceislandteahouse.com [3]), where cuisine from throughout Southeast Asia makes conversation starters a breeze.
Best Sunday Brunches: Join the city’s tattooed and pierced contingent for the phenomenally creative prix fixe Sunday brunch at the The Zenith ($$, 86 S. 26th St., 412/481-4833, www.zenithpgh.com [4]). Browse through the antique room on your way out. Looking for something a bit classier? Station Square’s Grand Concourse ($$$, 100 W. Station Square Dr., 412/261-1717, www.muer.com [5]) offers a luxurious (if slightly pricey) brunch experience.
Best View: To dine and drink while taking in one of America’s best-looking city skylines, head to Mount Washington’s Grandview Saloon ($$, 1212 Grandview Ave., 412/431-1400, www.grandviewsaloon.com [6]) sometime after dark.
Best Beer Selection: Find your favorite import or craft-brewed beer at Regent Square’s D’s Six-Pax and Dogs ($$, 1118 S. Braddock Ave., 412/241-4666, www.regentsquare.net/ds6pax.html [7]).
Best Neighborhood Restaurant: Pittsburgh’s East End residents converge at Point Brugge Café ($$, 401 Hastings St. at Reynolds St., 412/441-3334, www.pointbrugge.com [8]), a cozy bistro spot with European panache.
Best Coffee Shops: With seven Pittsburgh locations, free wireless access, and wonderfully eclectic atmospheres, locals flock to the nearest Crazy Mocha ($, www.crazymocha.com [9]). For a more refined and artistic experience, hit COCA Café ($$ 3811 Butler St., 412/621-3171), which serves an upscale Sunday brunch.
Links:
[1] http://www.pamelasdiner.com
[2] http://www.rolandsseafoodgrill.com
[3] http://www.spiceislandteahouse.com
[4] http://www.zenithpgh.com
[5] http://www.muer.com
[6] http://www.grandviewsaloon.com
[7] http://www.regentsquare.net/ds6pax.html
[8] http://www.pointbrugge.com
[9] http://www.crazymocha.com