austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Pittsburgh

City Cast Pittsburgh Staff

Now that the season is officially here, tell us what’s on YOUR summertime Pittsburgh bucket list!

Maybe you want to take in a Buccos game and get gorgeous views of the city. (Megan Harris / City Cast Pittsburgh)

Francesca Dabecco

⏪ Looking for a previous Pittsburgh crossword? Find it here:

A crossword puzzle all about Pittsburgh news and fun facts. 

Can You Fill Out This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle?

Try This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle

What Pittsburghers have been wondering. We break down why things in Pittsburgh are the way they are and how they work.

Pittsburgh, Explained

Want to try some of the best bites and bevs in the Burgh? Save room for these spring food and drink events, from food truck festivals to taste test contests.

Sample over 30 kinds of mac and cheese dishes and vote on your favorite. Then wash it down at the Bloody Mary and Mimosa Pavilion. 

 — buy general admission or VIP for extra perks.

📍St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Oakland

Celebrate this 64-year tradition with music, dancing, and of course, 

 like gyros, spanakopita, baklava, and moussaka. (

Stop into businesses along Forbes and Murray Avenues to try 15 different wines at this 

. You can stroll (and sip) at your own pace!

Join Humane Action Pennsylvania to explore our city’s 

. All week long, participating restaurants will offer discounts and specials. (I’m keeping my eyes peeled for what Chef Michael Godlewski is cooking up at 

, contestants compete to see who can make the best strawberry pretzel-inspired treat while raising money for a nonprofit of their choice. Tickets are $15 to taste test and vote on your favorites.

Enjoy brews and bites with proceeds benefiting nine parks through the Allegheny County Parks Foundation. There will be a kids fun zone, raffle baskets, live local music, and more at this 10th annual celebration. 

 while tasting specialty cheeses and desserts, browsing craft vendors, and grooving to live acoustic sets. The $27 ticket gets you a festival-branded glass and all the wine you can drink.

📍 Hollywood Casino at the Meadows, Washington

Head about 25 miles south of Pittsburgh to dig into grub from 

, take in live entertainment, cheers with craft beer and wine, and shop from regional artisans and vendors.

Celebrate craft and creativity at the first annual 

. It’s part culinary competition, part block party. Enjoy live music and get slices from Pittsburgh favorites like Badamo’s, Driftwood Oven, Spak, 77 Club, Slice on Broadway, Rockaway, and more.

📍 South Hills Village Mall, Bethel Park

Try gourmet dishes and sweet treats from 

, and shop from dozens of artisans showcasing handmade jewelry, art, and crafts. It’s free and family-friendly!

 with an iconic industrial backdrop. Live tunes, a roundup of food trucks, and arts and craft vendors will keep you busy while you tour the site. Not into drinking? Buy the cheaper designated driver ticket, and sip on nonalcoholic bevs.

Mark your calendar for Mac and Cheese Festival, Vegan Restaurant Week, Strawberry Pretzel Standoff, Pittsburgh Pizza Olympics, and more.

Pittsburgh’s Best Spring Food and Drink Festivals 2026

11 Food and Drink Festivals in Pittsburgh This Spring

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Pittsburgh. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Pittsburgh Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Megan Harris

Both local media outlets once owned and nearly ended by Block Communications Inc. have something to celebrate today.

Nearly all the former staff of Pittsburgh City Paper met back in the office this morning, just as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announced 

, a free alt-weekly founded in 1991, was purchased by BCI in 2023 and abruptly shut down last New Year’s Eve. In March, editor Ali Trachta announced plans to recall most of CP’s editorial staff for a relaunch under a new for-profit company called Pierogi Press LLC, which is owned by the new Pittsburgh-based nonprofit 

 in Philadelphia. Today marks City Paper’s first day back at work in a new space in Squirrel Hill. They say monthly print issues and a revamped digital experience are coming soon.

 is recognized as one of the nation's oldest newspapers. Its legacy dates back nearly 240 years, and the last 99 were under the stewardship of the Block family. Employees had endured a three-year work strike, the dissolution of multiple unions, and long stretches with few raises and minimal hiring — and that was before BCI told staff on Jan. 7 the paper would cease operations May 3. The Baltimore Banner is a nonprofit news outlet owned by the 

Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism

. They say the PG will retain its name, core leadership, and two print publication days. According to a release, the newsroom will likely “start smaller” than the Banner’s current 95 staffers. The PG newsroom currently stands around 100. Financial details haven’t been disclosed.

 to uphold union contracts and bargain in good faith. The Guild is still pushing for legal liabilities the PG has already incurred.

Does this mean Philly and Baltimore are the good guys now? 🥴

 just for City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors about the Block family and their antics over the years. If you're a Neighbor, you can hear it in your ad-free podcast feed in 

. If you're not a member, you can sign up for this and future bonus segments (plus local meet-ups, swag like our new parking chair hat (!!), and more) 

Won’t you be our Neighbor?

Both the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh City Paper will continue in 2026.

New Owners for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Baltimore Banner Buys the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Getting a good bagel in the Burgh is like going on a secret mission. We’re nothing like New York or New Jersey, where nearly every corner has a spot as good as the next. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have tasty bagels and schmears here!

So what’s the best we have to offer? The City Cast Pittsburgh team 

. For our research purposes, we only ordered from brick-and-mortar shops that specialize in bagels. And for consistency, we got everything bagels and cream cheese from each spot — plus a bunch of specialty flavors for fun.

Tune into the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast to 

 — from best texture to most flavorful — then scroll for more team favorites.

There’s a reason why a long line trails outside of this Squirrel Hill spot on the weekends — the 

 are worth it. The moment you step into the small corner shop, you’re hit with all of the best toasty, buttery aromas. I’m a big fan of the marble bagel, a hand-twisted blend of light rye and dark pumpernickel; it’s perfectly nutty and sweet and pairs well with their fig and honey schmear. Keep tabs on their specialty flavor of the month, like pizza or herbs de Provence. Tip: The coffee here is just as good as the bagels. I can’t wait for their blueberry lattes to come back! — 

Senior newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco

This family-owned shop in Glenshaw knows how to nail the right level of chewiness. Their 

 come in all the traditional flavors (including egg!), and they have an extensive bagel sandwich menu. If you're looking for a pastrami, egg, and cheese or classic lox, this is your spot. But the bagel texture is so perfect, all you truly need is a good ol' helping of scallion cream cheese. Tip: If you're throwing a giant party, consider 

I will happily wake up early, cross a bridge, and sit through tunnel traffic to get to 

in Castle Shannon. Their everything bagels delivered a balanced bite with plenty of seeds and seasonings on the top 

 halves of the bagel, and the rosemary bagel was just as flavorful. The bagels have a slight chew on the outside and a soft interior. I can't wait to go back for their za'atar or garlic bread bagel! The cream cheese here is whipped, so if that's not your thing, create your own cream cheese flavor at 

 in Bloomfield; this is the power pairing for my perfect bagel spread. — 

 (and producer Sophia) for teaching me what it means to taste a bagel with real flavor. Great chewiness, nice crumb. Less of a crunch on the shell (which I liked), and the bread itself tasted like something before you add the adornments. They have a huge sandwich and “build your own” menu, plus specialty bagels like French toast and jalapeño red pepper, which paired perfectly with all their savory schmears. Another plus: The everything bagel had the perfect amount of salt. — 

The City Cast Pittsburgh team tried some of Pittsburgh’s best bagel shops. Dig into our favorites.

Where To Find Good Bagels in Pittsburgh

Where Can You Get a Good Bagel in Pittsburgh?

This neighborhood has a popular overlook perched more than 700 feet above the Ohio River, offering a unique view of Downtown.

Pittsburgh's only public indoor pool, Oliver Bath House, just reopened after years of renovations. Where can you find it?

Famous actor Jeff Goldblum grew up in this Pittsburgh neighborhood.

This neighborhood has a ceramics studio located inside of an old church

Which Pittsburgh neighborhood has the steepest street in the U.S.?

This borough is surrounded on all sides by city neighborhoods

What do you know about Pittsburgh neighborhoods and surrounding areas?

Pop Quiz: Fun Facts About Pittsburgh Neighborhoods

Think You Know Pittsburgh Neighborhoods? Take This Quiz

People, places, and scenes from Pittsburgh's past.

Pittsburgh History

Pittsburgh’s vibrant food scene has received a lot of national attention in recent years, from 

Now, Pittsburgh is set to join a global culinary map. Michelin Guide, a prestigious restaurant rating system and guide, announced it’s 

, which includes Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis.

“This recognition will help attract new visitors, support local hospitality jobs, and strengthen Pittsburgh’s reputation as an exciting culinary destination for taste driven travelers,” VisitPITTSBURGH President and CEO Jerad Bachar said.

The selection is based on evaluations from anonymous dining experts 

: quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, mastery of cooking techniques, how the chef’s personality shines through their menu, and consistency across multiple visits. They eat at a restaurant as many times as it takes to get a grasp on a place — so look around, you might be dining next to a Michelin judge!

restaurants serve “exceptional cuisine that’s rich in flavor, remarkably executed and infused with the personality of a talented chef.”

 is given to restaurants that offer high quality food for a good value.

 honors restaurants that are “pioneers in mindful gastronomy.”

, but they don’t necessarily meet the Bib Gourmand criteria.

The restaurant selections for the American Great Lakes Region will be revealed at a ceremony sometime next year.

Post-Gazette dining critic Hal B. Klein recently told City Cast Pittsburgh that 

we don’t need to be part of the Michelin Guide

: “We should be Pittsburgh and be our own place.” (Were we clairvoyant with this episode, or what?)

The rubric for what qualifies a Michelin star is pretty strict. “It puts a certain type of restaurant, with an old school, generally Western European-based service at an advantage,” Klein said. 

Getting the Michelin Guide to come to town is also a big expense, often paid for by a city’s tourism department. 

 that it cost Houston $90,000 per year to join the guide, and Atlanta 

What Pittsburgh restaurant should get a star?

 have name-dropped spots like Pusadee’s Garden, Fet-Fisk, Apteka, One by Spork, Dish Osteria, and Morcilla.

Others say we just don’t hit the mark. 

 “No restaurants here operate on a Michelin star level. That's not an indictment of the service anyone provides here, it's just not a game anyone here plays.”

 (because of the strict criteria) but should still be on everyone's list? Amazing Dumplings, Dish, Tasty Noodle, and Ramen King 2.

"All of those places serve food that's incredibly delicious and prepared from scratch with care,” he said.

Pittsburgh Michelin Star Restaurant

Tell Us: What Restaurant Should Get A Star?

The prestigious restaurant guide is expanding to the Great Lakes region, including Pittsburgh. What restaurants should get a Michelin Star?

What Pittsburgh Restaurant Will Get a Michelin Star?

The Michelin Guide is Coming to Pittsburgh. How Does it Work?

Pittsburgh has so many delectable dishes to try on any given day, but there’s something special about snagging some nosh from a pop-up spot. It’s like going on a treasure hunt. The reward could be anything from droolworthy pizza to melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Track down these pop-ups (not food trucks) for delicious bites and bevs around the Burgh.

Taste the bold and rich flavors of Malaysian cuisine with 

, often set up at Novo Asian Food Hall. Order something savory like rendang pot pie or chili pan mee, wash it down with a cendol slushie, and get some treats to go like pandan cake and cornflake clusters. Tip: My favorite is the cashew cookies. They are so buttery and just the right amount of sweet!

While we wait for this deep dish pizza spot to open in Lawrenceville, there’s still a way to get their pie — and dessert! 

 in Lawrenceville on “Tiramisu Tuesdays.” And they’ve added something new to the mix: Test Kitchen Mondays, a totally take-out pop-up out of The Vandal. Make sure to get in your order on Fridays. It’s pre-sale only!

Green tea fans must try the creamy, dreamy drinks from 

, from boutique shops to vintage markets. Look for speciality matcha latte flavors like coconut cream, strawberry, and banana bread. If you’re lucky, you might find a dessert, like 

 Luncheonette in Bloomfield? They were famous for farm-fresh ingredients and stellar soups, sandwiches, and pastries. The restaurant lives on today as a pop-up — and you don’t want to miss their 

 at Nancy’s Revival in Wilkinsburg. Menu items include pesto buccatini, arancini, Caesar salad, and chocolate cake with apricot jam.

I thought nothing could replace the hole in my heart left by the closure of Bae Bae’s Kitchen in Downtown — until I ate 

. The all-vegetarian Korean pop-up serves hearty bowls of japchae and bibimbap, side dishes like pickled radish and kimchi, and more. Find them at markets and festivals, and look out for future 

Get Malaysian goodies, deep dish pizza, veggie-packed Korean bowls, creamy matcha drinks, and more at these Pittsburgh pop-ups.

5 Favorite Food and Drink Pop-Ups in Pittsburgh

5 Food and Drink Pop-Ups Worth Tracking Down in Pittsburgh

The north end of Point Breeze feels like a working-class neighborhood, but it was once the home of Pittsburgh’s wealthiest families. In the middle of the community is Westinghouse Park — formerly entrepreneur George Westinghouse’s estate. That property, along with the lawn of Henry J. Heinz, was transformed into a green space in 1918. You can still see Heinz’s original carriage house (now the 

 apartment building), the stone wall that surrounded the estate, and a decorative iron fence along Penn Avenue.

Spend a day exploring shops, getting creative, and finding tasty eats in Point Breeze North ⬇️

Commonplace Coffee has several locations around the city, but this spot in 

 — a former industrial site turned eight-building campus — is by far the roomiest. It has plenty of space for remote work or catching up with friends. Look for latte specials, treats like muffins and scones, and local art displays. And keep an eye out for pop-up events in Rockwell Park, like 

If you’re passionate about the environment, organic food, and supporting local businesses, grab your reusable tote bag and head to 

. It’s been around for more than 40 years, and you can find lots of local goods, as well as bulk items like beans, flour, spices, and more. Become a member to support the store and get discounts, or 

 like cheese tastings, game nights, and craft workshops.

Looking for specialty items? Just a skip away from the Co-Op, you’ll find Pittsburgh’s newest Asian grocery, 

. Aisles upon aisles are stacked with every kind of rice, noodle, sauce, and spice. Freezer sections are packed with ready-to-go eats (I’m a big fan of the japchae mandu). A seafood and meat counter make dinners feel fresh. And if you’re not up for cooking, stop by the hot bar. Don’t forget to treat yourself on the way out with a salty snack, a fresh sweet bun, or something refreshing from the homemade ice cream and juice bar.

 is a center for salvaged, reclaimed, and repurposed materials — there’s even a section dedicated to toilets, which, to me, looks like a graveyard for Pittsburgh potties. It’s a great place to find small home project items like tile, light fixtures, or hardware. Construction Junction is also a drop-off recycling site. Find out what 

If you prefer crafting over construction, swing around back to the 

. It’s like a garage sale, your grandma’s sewing stash, and the clearance aisle in an old Pat Catan’s, all combined into one. Stop by to see a gallery from the 

Find coffee, creative reuse, and specialty groceries in Pittsburgh's Point Breeze North neighborhood.

Things To Do in Point Breeze North

Get To Know Point Breeze North

Everything to know about Pittsburgh neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Tell us your goals, plans, and dreams for summer 2024.

What's on Your Summertime Bucket List in Pittsburgh for 2024?

What's on Your Summertime Pittsburgh Bucket List?

Find the best that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

Hundreds of thousands of people are headed for the Burgh to attend NFL Draft festivities, April 23-25. But the party isn’t just on the North Shore draft stage — there are celebrations all throughout the city!

All of that fun inspired local influencer and coder 

) where you can find events all in one place. 

 on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast, then scroll for some draft weekend highlights ⬇️

. It’s your one-stop shop for check-ins, event schedules, maps, ticket management, transportation information, and accessing exclusive fan experiences.

Kick off festivities the day before the draft with a concert from hip-hop superstar Nelly at 

 — then return on the weekend for performances by ground-breaking EDM DJ Steve Aoki and Grammy-winning hip-hop artist 2 Chainz. The new outdoor entertainment space is right across from PNC Park and features a fast-casual restaurant, SugarBird, serving fried chicken, donuts, and soft serve ice cream.

Celebrate Pittsburgh’s culinary heritage and diversity with celebrity chef Andrew Zimmerman and more than 20 beloved local chefs at the Tower at PNC Plaza in Downtown. 

 tickets are pricey, but the proceeds help to bring healthy food to PA schools. Plus, word is that some Steelers and NFL Legends will be there!

Local businesses and restaurants are hosting local performers for 

. Kick it off with the grand reopening of Market Square and music by DJ Arie Cole, NASH.VILL, and Big Jus & Steeltown Horns. Then march through Downtown to enjoy R&B and funk at August Wilson Center and jazz at Con Alma. Or venture to other neighborhoods for indie punk at The Government Center, reggae at Club Cafe, and pop rock at City Winery.

The new four-acre civic space in the Cultural District will make its debut with a 

free party for Pitt fans and football lovers

. There will be food trucks, bars, a stage for live music, a gaming tent, vendors, and more — right along Fort Duquesne Boulevard with stunning views of the Allegheny River.

 all three days of the NFL Draft. Check out the 

, an immersive fan cave modeled after a 1970s Pittsburgh basement, photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, oversized replicas of the team’s six Super Bowl rings, and a custom art installation honoring the Terrible Towel.

Spread the love to small businesses! Head to the Pitt Building on Third Avenue to shop from some of Pittsburgh’s best Black artists and creators at a 

. It’s a collaboration between the Greenwood Plan and 

 will be spinning high-energy hip hop, R&B, and trap at Roxian Theater from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Come to dance with Arie Cole, DJ Shay, Solo Dolo, and Icy Pisces. The event is 21+, and a VIP package is available.

Take in the action with one of the best rooftop bar views in the city. 

 on the South Side will have a draft livestream, a special themed menu, and draft tracking sheets so you can follow along. Have a group? Reserve a table to get a complimentary bottle of a ready-to-drink cocktail and a commemorative event item.

Nothing says “iconic Pittsburgh" like a day in the Strip District. Close out NFL Draft festivities with 

. Shop local, grab a Parma Sausage sandwich, dig into a football-shaped pizza, cool off with Millie’s Ice Cream, sip on an East End Brewing beer, and more. Plus, if you spend $50 or more in the gift shop, love, Pittsburgh will buy you a drink!

Party for the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh with a music crawl, free fan festival in Point State Park, Slappers N Bangers dance party, Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing, and more.

Pittsburgh's Best

What's on Your Summertime Pittsburgh Bucket List?

City Cast Pittsburgh Staff

Share article

Pittsburgh's Best

Free Parties, Concerts and More NFL Draft Events in Pittsburgh

1,000 Things We Love About Pittsburgh: By the Numbers

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in April 2026

10 Spring Pop-Up Markets for Shopping Local in Pittsburgh

8 Ways To Celebrate Mister Rogers’ Birthday in Pittsburgh

Tell Us What You Love About Pittsburgh

5 Pittsburgh Stationery Shops for Cute Cards and More

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in March 2026

The latest in Pittsburgh

Try This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle

11 Food and Drink Festivals in Pittsburgh This Spring

The Baltimore Banner Buys the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Where Can You Get a Good Bagel in Pittsburgh?

Think You Know Pittsburgh Neighborhoods? Take This Quiz

The Michelin Guide is Coming to Pittsburgh. How Does it Work?

5 Food and Drink Pop-Ups Worth Tracking Down in Pittsburgh

Get To Know Point Breeze North