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City Cast Pittsburgh

Francesca Dabecco

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

Amanda Hicks at Clearview FCU

You’re minding your business, enjoying a cold brew in Shadyside, when a text comes through. “Did you make this charge for $325 at WALMART? Your account has been locked. Click here to verify.”

Panic ensues. There was no way that could be real. You haven’t been to that store this month. You go to click the link to verify when something hits you. This feels off.

Situations like this are becoming more common and can happen to anyone. The good news is that there are clear, actionable steps to take that can make a meaningful difference if you do fall prey to a phishing scam.

In the age of AI, scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated. They’re skilled at creating urgency, pressuring you to act and act quickly so that your account can be restored. It’s that pressure that often leads people to not think things through.

It’s essential to trust your instincts in moments like this. If something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t.

When the scam involves money or your accounts, your first move should be to contact your financial institution. Reach out to them using a trusted phone number, like the one on the back of your card or listed on their official website. Avoid using any contact information provided in a suspicious message or phone call.

Your financial institution can help you freeze your account(s) or card(s), flag or stop suspicious transactions, and walk you through next steps based on your situation. Even if you’re not sure whether something was a scam, it’s always worth reaching out. Having a real person on the line can make a stressful situation feel a lot more manageable.

If you clicked a link or gave someone your password or login credentials, it’s important to act quickly to secure your accounts.

Start by changing your affected passwords, especially for online banking. If you use the same password across multiple sites, you’ll want to update those as well.

Most financial institutions offer two-factor authentication as an added layer of account protection. Once enabled, someone can’t access your account as easily, even if they have your password. Simple steps like this make a huge difference.

Save the text message and/or phone number it came from. Screenshot any website you may have entered or any other online interaction you took during this scam. If you entered information anywhere, note what was shared.

This information can support your financial institution’s investigation and help identify patterns in similar scams. It can also help flag patterns that protect other people from the same scam.

After you report the issue, your financial institution may begin a review process.

Issuing provisional credits in certain situations

Following up with additional questions or updates

These steps can take time. Staying in touch and keeping an eye on your accounts can help you feel more in control as things move forward.

Getting scammed can feel unsettling, but taking a few quick steps can make a big difference. The sooner you act, the more control you have over what happens next. By staying calm, taking swift action, and leaning on the support of your financial institution, you can mitigate a scam’s impact and safeguard your accounts. Scammers may be evolving, but so are the strategies to outsmart them.

 Clearview Federal Credit Union has been in operation since 1953 and serves more than 140,000 members in the Southwestern PA region. Their commitment is to create an inclusive and thriving community where financial growth and prosperity are accessible to everyone. 

, you're part of a movement toward a brighter financial future for yourself and for everyone around you. Clearview is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration and is an Equal Housing Lender.

What to Do When You Get Scammed

Tips and tricks for living your best Pittsburgh life, by locals, for locals.

Pittsburgh Life Hacks

City Cast Pittsburgh Staff

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.

📍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

10 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

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?

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!

On the last day of the draft, locals and visitors can run or walk through the North Shore and Downtown in a 

. The route will take racers across our iconic bridges and right into the heart of the action.

This is the easiest way to avoid traffic headaches and high parking costs. PRT is expanding service to include 

 all weekend with the $25 Draft Pass on the 

 If you must drive, know that several streets in Downtown and on the North Shore will be closed to vehicle traffic. There are 

 leading up to and after the event. Heads up: The city increased street parking fees to 

Once you’re in the event area, you can take the Gateway Clipper Fleet between Point State Park and the North Shore for free.

Similar to Pirates games, the Roberto Clemente Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic so pedestrians can get from the North Side to Downtown.

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.

What To Do During the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

Free Parties, Concerts and More NFL Draft Events in Pittsburgh

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

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?

Sophia Lo

ICYMI, we hit 1,000 episodes of City Cast Pittsburgh! To celebrate, we're making a list of 1,000 things we love about our city — 

. Here are some of the themes we've seen so far, by the numbers.

 Pittsburghers think our city is just the right size. We're large enough to have all the big city amenities without feeling overwhelming and small enough so you're always running into your friends around town.

 of yinz mentioned you’re a big fan of our neighborhoods. You love that they’re cozy and walkable (depending on the hilliness) and that each one has a distinct and eclectic personality.

 of you said you love the view when you drive inbound through the Fort Pitt Tunnel — one of our favorite things to show visitors when we pick them up from the airport!

Want to see the city from another perspective? One person recommended looking down toward the river instead of up at the skyline. At night when the Mon is calm, you'll see the lights from Downtown and Station Square twinkling on the water.

 about the Pirates. Your comments ranged from cheering on the Buccos on a summer night to (even) finding joy when watching the Pirates lose. One person gets a kick out of watching Michael Keaton "relentlessly posting about his disgust" with the team on Instagram.

Of course, we also received notes about the pierogi race. Jalapeño Hannah is a crowd favorite!

 yinzers love our parks, especially Schenley and Frick Park. Did you know that we actually have more than 100 parks? We love hearing about your favorite neighborhood green spaces, so 

We got so many submissions complimenting our local restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries, including Polska Laska, Cop Out Pierogis, Angkor, Five Points Bakery, Spigolo, Brew Gentlemen, Pamela's, and lots more. Plus, a special shoutout for the ranch at Eat'n Park 😂

 Join us at 412 Day (a totally real holiday) to continue celebrating our city. We'll be at Southern Tier Brewing Co. on the North Shore this Sunday, April 12 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is totally free and family-friendly, and the fun includes a live DJ, vendor market, flash tattoos, and our exclusive Nebby Neighbor beer. 

City Cast Pittsburgh readers and listeners tell us what they love about living in Pittsburgh.

What Are the Best Things About Pittsburgh?

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

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.

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Francesca Dabecco

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