This article was written by Megan Harris and Francesca Dabecco
The South Side used to be divided into four boroughs: South Pittsburgh, Birmingham, East Birmingham, and Ormsby. They were named by John Ormsby in 1763, who was given the land by King George III of England for his service during the French and Indian War. That’s where the Birmingham Bridge gets its name — after the town in England.
🎧 Long before: Learn whose land Pittsburgh was built on.
The South Side Flats on the Pittsburgh Neighborhood Map. (pittsburghpa.gov)
Today, the South Side of Pittsburgh is broken up into three neighborhoods: South Shore, South Side Slopes, and the South Side Flats, which extends from the Liberty Bridge all the way down East Carson Street to Becks Run Road. Most of Carson Street (East, not West) is part of a designated historic district, dating to the early 1800s when it was a center for glass production boasting nearly 100 factories.
😋 Eat & Drink
Grab empanadas with frothy garlic sauce at Cilantro & Ajo, grilled lamb from Kassab’s, or a delicious sub sandwich at Carson Street Deli. Celebrate an occasion under the stars at Cafe de Jour or sip something special at the old-school speakeasy, Acacia.
If you’re out late, don’t miss the classically uncouth art all over Jack’s Bar or the fried seafood wontons from Cambod-Ican Kitchen.
Grab a sweet treat from Page’s Dairy Mart, and try not to get dripped on under the high-level bridge.
🛍️ Shop Local
Pick up a new hobby at Pittsburgh Guitars, visit friend-of-the-pod Jess Scutella at Kyklops Tattoo, or stroll through aisles of modern and retro candy at S&S Candy & Cigar.
Find secondhand and vintage treasures at The Zenith (their weekend brunch is amazing), Highway Robbery Vintage, Three Rivers Vintage, Buffalo Exchange, Salvation Army, or Goodwill. Psst — here are some tips for thrifting in Pittsburgh.
A screenshot of The Color Park along the Monongahela River in the South Side Flats. (Google Maps)
👟 Go, See, Do
Hang out by the river at Color Park, one of the few legal graffiti walls in the city created by local artist and former Steeler Baron Batch. Hike or bike along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail that connects to the Great Allegheny Passage.
Climb on at Ascend or FA Climbing, lift your body weight at UltiMet or Crossfit Athletics, or try out aerial silks at the Iron City Circus Arts.
See a show at City Theatre, or dance the night away at Bar 11’s annual Christmas in July.
