Pittsburgh’s neighborhood of Friendship has changed from land belonging to the Delaware tribe to a crop-bearing stretch known as Friendship Farm that played a role in Civil War commerce and into the charming residential corner of the city we know today.
Much like the bonds of affection that exist across life events, the exact boundaries of Friendship live most deeply in the mind. But just know: Friendship welcomes all. It’s an ideal neighborhood for a breezy outdoor hang with an acquaintance or a long, meandering chat with a childhood friend.
🥯 Food & Drink
Friendship Perk & Brew is quintessential Friendship: family-run, exposed brick and rafters, fully customizable breakfast sandwiches and omelets, and sides of crispy hashbrowns and homefries. Come back for dinner or a snack to try their Italian wedding soup, small bites, and craft beers.
A step or two outside Friendship, grab a burger or a slice of pie at Ritter’s Diner or get a falafel bowl at Mezze with a tahini orange blossom shake.
Baum Grove is one of the many green pockets in Friendship; bring a book and some snacks for a chill picnic. (Sophia Lo / City Cast Pittsburgh)
🐙 Go, See, Do!
You probably already know about Unblurred, Penn Ave’s monthly art festival. Friendship’s artisans are also hard at work being creative geniuses at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, where visitors come to watch free lectures and demonstrations.
For worlds where art and nature meet, The Octopus Garden grows community alongside produce with a constantly evolving garden chalkboard and longtime-residents and sea-monster friends Octavia and Doris.
The star of the Octopus Garden might be Olivia, but don’t forget to visit Doris in the back. (Sophia Lo / City Cast Pittsburgh)
Bring a book or friend and stretch out at Baum Grove, site of the annual spring Friendship Folk and Flower Festival and the Friendship Summer Picnic.
Or, explore the architecture of Friendship at the August Neighborhood Yard Sale and the occasional historic home tours.
