Most locals know modern Brookline for its wide boulevard, shopping, hair care, public services, and food, but the South Hills neighborhood also has a long and fascinating history.
According to the Brookline Connection, early settlers — it’s not clear exactly who should get the credit — thought the rolling farmland and nearby streams looked a lot like the more famous Brookline, Massachusetts.
Here are a few suggestions to entertain yourself in the 21st century:
Dig into the biscuit breakfast sandwich at Oak Hill Post. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
Eat & Drink
First, coffee! Get your neighborhood tour started with a cup of something cozy from 802 Bean Company.
If you’ve been following this newsletter for awhile, you know that we're breakfast sandwich connoisseurs. One of the best we’ve had is from Oak Hill Post. It’s served on a buttermilk biscuit with all the classic fixings. They’re also known for their french toast, fried chicken, burgers, and soup.
A stand of freshly-wrapped pita at Pitaland. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
Just a couple buildings down is Pitaland, a Mediterranean classic offering an in-house cafe and bakery, catering, and wholesale to customers for more than 50 years. Check out their dry goods and spices, grab some baklava, and watch fresh pita travel on the conveyor belt at the large window in the front of the store.
And a skip down the sidewalk will take you to the famous Party Cake Shop, which has been serving sweets for nearly 100 years — and it’s a go-to for paczki season! It’s changed hands many times, but new(ish) owners Michelle and Zachary Zebrowski have stayed true to the neighborhood’s love of cakes, breads, cookies, donuts, and pastries.
Want more sweets? Scoops on the Boulevard started in the 1930s in Mt. Lebanon and expanded to Brookline in 2010. Flavors are a little different at every location, and you can find non-dairy and sugar-free options alongside the classics in each one.
Shop Local
Geekadrome supplies comics, games, and role playing supplies for newbies and seasoned gamers alike. Check out their how-to guide on getting into collecting here.
West Liberty Cycles offers sales and service on bicycles for the whole family. They’ll even help you get outfitted right there in the shop.
Brookline highlighted on the Pittsburgh neighborhood map. (City of Pittsburgh)
Go, See, Do!
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch in Brookline has been serving the community since 1930, and it has great natural light, comfy seating, and room for meetings.
Antonio’s Pizzeria is a hot spot for more than just pie – it’s a great place for community events. Head there for the “Monday Night Chill Lounge” with the Pittsburgh Vegan Expo every Monday in February through March.
In the warmer months, find the Brookline Farmers Market at Cannon Memorial Park every Sunday.
Pittsburgh runners can’t forget about the annual Brookline Breeze race in August.
