Oct. 18 - 24 is Pittsburgh Coffee Week! To get you in the mood, we’re sharing our favorite spots to get caffeinated (or enjoy an herbal tea) — whatever the reason or time of year.
💻 Best for Working
📍 East Liberty
Lorelei by night, LV Coffee Project by day. Great natural lighting and plenty of seating make this one of my favorite places to post up with my laptop. I love getting the hojicha or matcha latte, but everything there is preciously sourced and delicious. LV is a project of Kira Hoeg, who has been providing Pittsburgh with high-quality goods and beautiful experiences for years (notably, the tiny, gone-but-never-forgotten 4121 Main in Bloomfield). — Emma Honcharski, audience development manager
Redstart Roasters takes its claim as a bird-friendly coffee shop seriously: they’ve got lots of (stuffed) feathered friends around the space! (Mallory Falk / City Cast Pittsburgh)
📍 East Liberty
Long wooden tables and lots of natural light make this the perfect spot to get some work done with the help of a cup of certified bird-friendly coffee. Redstart gets its beans from farms that provide a good habitat for migratory birds. You'll see lots of themed decor throughout the space, including a bunch of felt birds to keep you company while you respond to Slack messages. — Mallory Falk, executive producer
📍 Lawrenceville
This woman-owned space is cozy, on the quieter side, and has a laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to want to settle in and stay awhile. Plus their bagel and lox sandwich is FIRE. I never made it to the legendary Beehive on the South Side, but I imagine the vibes were something like this. I could be completely wrong, so if you were a Beehive regular, consider this your invitation to visit and tell me if I’m correct. — Marla Kauffman, creative producer
🗣️ Best for Socializing
📍 Strip District, Troy Hill
De Fer has a special place in my heart for socializing because it’s where I went on my first date with my now-fiancé. But even without the sentimental attachment, it’s one of my favorite places to meet up with friends. The coffee is excellent (they roast their own beans), the breakfast sandwiches are delicious, and the big industrial-style space is perfect for hanging out. I’ve enjoyed working here, too, but fair warning: It can get pretty crowded and noisy, especially on the weekends. Not ideal if you’re really trying to focus, but perfect if you’re looking to socialize. — Marla
Spigolo is a place for friends: Bring your bestie, bring your dog and they’ll find something to enjoy! (Emma Honcharski / City Cast Pittsburgh)
📍 Edgewood
My favorite place to run into literally everyone I know. I love how easy it is to strike up a conversation with someone new, and that it feels like we’re on Cheers 🎵where everybody knows your name 🎵 The patio is perfect for catching up with a friend and being visited by lots of dogs, eager to get their pup cups, and toddlers playing with pine cones. Check their Instagram for pop-up events like music from the May Day Marching Band, local flowers available for sale, and more. — Emma
📍 Lawrenceville
This former motorcycle shop has a spacious outdoor patio plus plenty of indoor seating options — from comfy, velvety chairs to sleek booths — so you can catch up on the latest gossip without feeling like you're squeezed right next to an eavesdropping stranger. Order a bánh mì or vermicelli bowl to go with your coffee, and you'll leave feeling nourished in more ways than one. — Mallory
✨ Best for Taking Yourself on a Date
📍 South Side, Shadyside
Delanie's is my go-to spot for inventive seasonal drinks. (Think maple miso latte or salted coconut ube cold brew.) When I want to focus on a good book and great flavors, without any distraction, there's no better place. — Mallory
📍 Bloomfield
My favorite way to spend a day with myself is by spending money on a little treat. And the only thing better than one little treat (the drink) is two little treats (the drink and the book!). White Whale has all your basic coffee and tea drinks, as well as seasonal specials. I can’t wait to try their banana bread latte and apple pie chai! — Marla
📍 North Side
What’s better than a little caffeinated drink with a book in a magic garden? When I feel like I want to get out of town but only have time to cross a bridge, this is the spot for me. The inside is cozy and bright, and the tables outside and across the street are a nice extension of the space. Plus, there’s often a food truck, and it’s a quick walk to the Mattress Factory, City Books, or Allegheny Commons Park. — Emma
