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We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Pittsburgh

A cheat sheet for getting beyond your block.

The historic, walkable town of East Allegheny — neighbor to Allegheny Commons Park and Troy Hill — was a part of the original Allegheny City before it was annexed into Pittsburgh in 1907. It’s named Deutschtown because a lot of its early settlers were German immigrants. Today, it’s split in half by I-79 but still boasts innovative restaurants tucked between historic row houses and is just a skip to museums, stadiums, and Downtown attractions.

There’s a Historic Landmark Map at the corner of Cedar Avenue and East Ohio Street featuring 24 landmarks on more than 175 individual hand-painted, ceramic tiles. Check out historic homes like the 

 pours coffee seven days a week, and you can find fresh baked goods by Lawrenceville’s Driftwood Oven in the shop. For something savory, grab a breakfast sandwich from the new 

 at the corner of East Ohio and Cedar. While you’re there, pick up some 

Find flavors from India, China, Nepal, and Bhuta at 

’s fast-casual restaurant and bar that serves nostalgic eats alongside live performances, from lunch to last call. Tip: On game day, they have a 

There’s a reason why East Ohio Street is called “restaurant row.” 

 offers fresh takes on old favorites, filled with flavor from its wood-fired oven, and 

’s New American menu has drink pairing suggestions for its shareables and mains.

, which stands for “eat your vegetables,” serves veggie-forward dishes, and chef/owner Mike Godlewski says his goal is to support as many local farms as possible. My favorite is his mushroom barley risotto.

For local brews, food trucks, and live events, head to 

💐 Find flowers, candles, home decor, and more nature-inspired gifts at 

🎶 Browse for records while enjoying a fancy coffee at 

 for hair, face, body, and more wellness products.

🐾 Get nutritious treats, grooming supplies, and toys for your furry friend at 

⚾ See vintage photographs and other memorabilia from nine historic ballparks at the 

🌳 Go for a stroll under the towering old trees in Allegheny Commons Park, and find the 

🪕 Take part in the more than three-decade tradition of singing and dancing at 

. Their annual fundraiser, Johnny Cash Night, is Sept. 30.

🎤 If you’re a local music fan, stay tuned for the annual summertime 

The historic, walkable town of East Allegheny on Pittsburgh's North Side, also known as Deutschtown, is claiming a new name: "restaurant row."

Get to Know East Allegheny

Neighborhood Guides

Tucked between Schenley Park and Frick Park sits Squirrel Hill, a neighborhood bustling with businesses, the hub of Pittsburgh’s 

 and home to some of the best Asian food in town.

The neighborhood likely got its name from Native Americans who noted its abundance of black squirrels. The area was colonized after the French and Indian War, and one of the first houses built there, the 1700s Neill Log House, 

The neighborhood used to be a part of Peebles Township until it was annexed into the City of Pittsburgh in 1868. It's technically separated into Squirrel Hill North and South. This guide focuses on the south section.

, and take it to sip on while you wait in line at 

. (Yes, there will be a line, and yes, it will be worth it.) Take your pick from fresh, Kosher bagels, homemade shmears, and toppings. I got the vegan lox, and it was mouth-watering. Also try: 

 for sandwiches like the seitan melt or avocado with shiitake bacon. Don’t leave without a loaf of bread and a pastry, like a Hamantash cookie. Also try: global flavors at 

Watch the crew make fresh noodles in front of you at 

; or indulge in soups, stews, and meat pies at 

For drinks, escape the city with tropical creations at 

 or grab a stool at the neighborhood watering hole, 

There’s always room for dessert, right? Snag intricate French confections from 

; Korean sweet buns and bingsu (milk shaved ice) from 

; or soft, chewy waffles with ice cream from 

🎶 Music fans have to shop at the institution that is 

 branch on the corner of Forbes and Murray.

 for throwback T-shirts, and if you want to make your old kicks new again, take them to 

. They’ll fix anything, but they might tease you about your choices.

🎨 Feeling crafty? Shop at the employee-owned 

♻️ Make your home life more sustainable at 

, a “zero waste” store where you can bring your own container to refill with soap, lotion, laundry detergent, and more.

🍪 Want to try snacks and drinks from all over the world? Find them in vending machines at 

. There are also specialty groceries like 

🌳 Lace up for a hike in Frick Park, and listen to Mac Miller’s song, “

” when you spot the slide. Or, take a swing at the 

​🎞️ Watch a movie at the historic 

, which first opened in 1922. You can even get a cocktail at the bar.

 on Oct. 7. It’s pedestrian friendly, too.

Tucked between Schenley Park and Frick Park sits Squirrel Hill, a neighborhood bustling with businesses, the hub of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community, and home to some of the best Asian food in town.

Get to Know Squirrel Hill (South) Pittsburgh

Get to Know Squirrel Hill (South)

The north end of Point Breeze feels like a working-class neighborhood, but it was once the home of Pittsburgh’s wealthiest families. In the middle of the community is Westinghouse Park — formerly entrepreneur George Westinghouse’s estate. That property, along with the lawn of Henry J. Heinz, was transformed into a greenspace in 1918. You can still see Heinz’ original carriage house (now the 

 apartment building), the stone wall that surrounded the estate, and a decorative iron fence along Penn Avenue.

Commonplace Coffee’s newest location is in 

, an eight-building campus on a former industrial site. It has all of the familiar flavors, but with lots of space for coworking, meetings, or just catching up with friends. Fall drink specials are out right now: orange spice mocha, spiced pear latte, and hot Thai tea.

If you’re passionate about the environment, organic food, and supporting local businesses, grab your reusable tote bag and head to 

. It’s been around for more than 40 years, and you can find lots of local goods, as well as bulk items like beans, flour, spices, and more. Don’t forget to grab a 

 is a center for salvaged, reclaimed, and repurposed materials — there’s even a section dedicated to toilets, which to me, looks like a graveyard for Pittsburgh potties. It’s a great place to find small home project items like tile, light fixtures, or hardware. Construction Junction is also a drop-off recycling site. Find out what 

If you prefer crafting over construction, swing around back to the 

. It’s like a garage sale, your grandma’s sewing stash, and the clearance aisle in an old Pat Catan’s, all combined. P.S. They’re 

Find coffee, creative reuse, and co-op shopping in Pittsburgh's Point Breeze North neighborhood.

Get To Know Point Breeze North Pittsburgh

Get To Know Point Breeze North

Did you know Lawrenceville is one of Pittsburgh’s oldest and largest neighborhoods? It was founded in 1814, and William B. Foster 

, who served in the War of 1812. Foster sound familiar? His son is Stephen Foster, the “father of American music.” 🎧 We found out 

 in Oakland on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast.

Since Lawrenceville is so large, we’re exploring the upper half today!

I’m still sad about the vegan cafe B52 closing on Butler Street, but I’m glad that 

 moved into their old digs. Sit down for a coffee and breakfast sandwich, and don’t forget a pastry to-go. Also try: 

 is all of your favorite Japanese dishes like udon noodles and katsu with Korean influences like kimchi and bibimbap.

 There is nothing more serene than enjoying Pad Thai or a curry dish in the tree-shaded courtyard at 

 Let a sommelier help you discover your favorite glass at the 

 is open late with cake and pie by the slice, organic and vegan desserts, party cakes, espresso, and tea. I’m here for the 

Nurture your green thumb with seeds, plants, soils, pots, tools, and more at 

 hosts 30 local small businesses selling art, plus handmade and curated vintage items. Got a biz? You can 

If you want your space to look like it was pulled from a chic home magazine, shop at 

Contemporary Craft is a place for admiring, buying, and creating art. It offers 

 focused on multicultural diversity and contemporary art, 

 is great for bouldering, has lots of machines, and yoga classes, plus on-site coffee and tea.

Where to eat, drink, shop, and explore in Pittsburgh's Upper Lawrenceville neighborhood.

Upper Lawrenceville Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guide

Get To Know Upper Lawrenceville

In Allegheny West on the North Side, trees line brick sidewalks bordering Italianate, Victorian, and Greek Revival style houses. It’s the smallest neighborhood in the city of Pittsburgh and was added to the 

 in 1978. Today, restaurants and shops line Western Avenue, but the little town uphill from the confluence has its own storied history.

Shawnee and Delaware tribes called this land home until the late 18th century. In 1787, land was given to Continental soldiers as part of their pay for service in the American Revolution. By the middle of the 19th century, it was a popular residential district, especially among wealthy iron and steel families along “Millionaires Row” on Ridge Avenue. This was considered Allegheny City before it was annexed into Pittsburgh in 1907. Some of those residences still stand today, and a few have been integrated into CCAC’s campus.

 — a Pittsburgh institution since the ‘80s — for its popular subs, or grab a bite at 

, a family-run bar and cafe. Tip: They carry 

, an Argentinian winery with great jazz nights, or a craft beer from 

. For a sweet treat, go to Pittsburgh’s first Black-owned ice cream parlor, 

Buy your next read from Pittsburgh’s oldest used bookstore, 

. The owner, Arlan, always has a great selection of local authors up front, plus a “blind date with a book” section, which makes a great gift.

After you treat yourself to a new book, keep the self-love going at 

No matter your religion, you should visit Calvary United Methodist Church to see its trio of 

Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows

 — a dazzling design among the top 10 largest Tiffany windows in the world. Just down the street, find 

. The red brick church looks like it belongs in a storybook. See it for yourself at one of their Sunday jazz services.

For a taste of Pittsburgh’s arts history, visit 850 Beech Avenue, the 

, an American novelist, poet, playwright, and LQBTQ+ icon. Down the way on Allegheny Avenue, find the historical marker for 

impressionist painter and suffragist Mary Cassatt

Allegheny West on the North Side is the smallest neighborhood in the city of Pittsburgh and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Allegheny West Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guide

Get To Know Allegheny West

If you’re looking for a day trip, head about 50 minutes south of the city to Monongahela in Washington County, the oldest settlement in the Monongahela River Valley. The town, like Pittsburgh, was developed near a confluence, and named after the nearby river that joined with Pigeon Creek. The Monongahela tribe was indigenous to the area prior to colonized settlement in 1769. Monongahela means “falling banks.”

, a boutique family winemaker founded in 1987. Look for happy hours the second Friday of every month featuring live entertainment, food trucks, antipasto trays, wine specials, and more. The next one is this week, Aug. 11, from 5-8 p.m., with made-to-order pizzas from The Wooden Peel.

Summer and fall are the perfect seasons to visit 

, a pick-your-own farm and market. Check their website for what picking produce is in season. On my latest visit, I had a blast harvesting a bushel of peaches, lavender, and a bouquet of zinnias from their fresh flower garden. If you go this weekend, you can 

pick sunflowers benefiting Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Don’t leave Triple B Farms without getting a basket of goodies from the market: fresh produce, baked goods, jams, salsa, pickles, and more. For some secondhand shopping, check out 

If you’re looking for a day trip, head about 50 minutes south of the city to Monongahela in Washington County, the oldest settlement in the Monongahela River Valley.

Get To Know Monongahela in Washington County

A walk along the streets of North Side’s Manchester neighborhood will take you back to the early 20th century with red-brick, Victorian-style homes featuring ornate trim and wooden porches. This architecture makes up Pittsburgh’s largest district in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1962, the 

 was organized here to save houses from being demolished and restore them for low-income and marginalized families.

, who opened up his private book collection to the community, and legend says, lent books to Andrew Carnegie during his formative years. The home was used for hospice for many years, but in 2016, the title was transferred to the Manchester Community Association to create a community center. Not to freak you out, but 

.” That’s the mantra of Manchester’s only place for a bite and bev: 

 — a cozy hangout for creative drinks and new twists on classic pub fare. Tip: Get the garlic snack mix!

On Juniata Street, you’ll find a colorful rooster mural perched above a 

 with a greenhouse and chicken coop. It’s a labor of love for longtime resident 

 for the neighborhood. Check back early next year to support the shop.

Explore the neighborhood’s history and charm at Showcase Manchester, a home and garden tour, this Sunday, Aug. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be local art and food trucks. 

North Side’s Manchester neighborhood will take you back to the early 20th century. It's Pittsburgh’s largest district in the National Register of Historic Places.

Get To Know Manchester

Did you know there are two Mt. Olivers? One is a borough, the other is a city neighborhood, and they sit right next to each other in the South Hills of Pittsburgh.

How did that happen? In the 1800s, southern Pittsburgh neighborhoods had their own municipalities, and Mt. Oliver was under St. Clair Borough. Residents didn’t like the services they got, so they petitioned to manage themselves. When St. Clair Borough was annexed into the city in 1892, 

. There was, however, a slice of Mt. Oliver that became a city neighborhood.

 is a must-visit for homemade bread, pastries, and brewed Commonplace Coffee. Make sure to snag some of their special butters; I thought the lemon thyme was divine.

, too. The micro-roastery serves bistro-style food in the same building as 

 — a forging, welding, leather, fabric, ceramic, wood, and glass workshop. See their craftsmanship on display when you sit down for a latte and breakfast strata.

🇵🇷 For lunch or dinner, grab empanadas, red beans in sauce, sweet plantains, and house-baked breads from 

🧀 Your next party needs a charcuterie board or 

, led by Megan McGinnis. She shared her cheese expertise with the City Cast Pittsburgh team; 🎧 

listen to get her DIY board-building tips

. For a sweet addition to your serving platter, get handcrafted chocolates from 

 series for live music, local vendors, and Inner Groove pop-ups.

🥃 Experience ECHT Coffee’s side biz in the 

 with tastings and distillation classes upon request.

🥂 Look for The Cheese Queen events, like the yoga, charcuterie, and non-alcoholic cocktail series. 

Did you know there are two Mt. Olivers? One is a borough and the other is a city neighborhood; they sit right next to each other in the south hills of Pittsburgh. We're exploring the one that eluded annexation.

Mt. Oliver Borough Neighborhood Guide

Get to Know Mt. Oliver Borough

Brighton Heights is close to beautiful trails in Riverview Park — and the green space will soon be even more accessible. 

Engineering is underway to reconstruct the Davis Avenue bridge

 that used to connect Brighton Heights and Riverview Park.

 is a cute, little (and I mean LITTLE) shop for vintage, handmade, and local goods.

, established in 1955, is one of the last stores in Pittsburgh carrying fresh hanging meat that’s 

 is a charming spot to grab coffee, tea, smoothies, sandwiches, and soups.

 (meaning “snack” in Spanish) is a cozy hangout for small bites, sandwiches, and craft cocktails.

Explore unique architecture and landscapes at the 

 on Sep. 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees get to tour historic homes and lush gardens. There will also be an artist market and food trucks in Legion Park, plus a Molly's Trolley to take you around the neighborhood. Tickets are $25.

Keep an eye out for events, workshops, and more popping up at the mixed-use creative space, 

, on Brighton Road. I went to a handbuilding pottery class there and had a blast!

Brighton Heights is close to beautiful trails in Riverview Park — and the green space will soon be even more accessible. Engineering is underway to reconstruct the bridge that used to connect Brighton Heights and Riverview Park on Davis Avenue.

Pittsburgh's Brighton Heights Neighborhood Guide

Get to Know Brighton Heights

The Strip District was once booming with mills and factories along the Allegheny River — like Heinz, Westinghouse, and U.S. Steel. Today, the industrial buildings take on new life with housing, restaurants, and shopping destinations.

 right as you enter the Strip from Downtown or pick out your favorite blend at 

. If you’re looking for a place to work, 

 has plenty of seating and relaxing vibes.

 are what sweet dreams are made of, but if you’re looking for savory options, try 

, or the breakfast pizza and Bloody Marys at 

., founded in 1933, but for my favorite sandwich in the Strip, head to 

, eat Caribbean-style food on the patio at 

, or graze on charcuterie and wine at the 

i has every flavor of this Italian cookie you could wish for. The owner, Larry Lagattuta, 

. Stop in for a treat in his honor. If candy is your weakness, go wild for nostalgic sweets at 

, the old-school spot for shakes, floats, and sundaes, is 

The Strip is great for its international groceries.

 Find Italian meats, gourmet cheeses, and more at 

; Asian noodles, sauces, and cooking essentials at 

; Latin produce and ready-to-eat food at 

; a Halal butcher and Middle Eastern grocery items at 

; and all things pierogi and kielbasa at 

, as well as the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum located inside. It dates back to 1879, making it the oldest cultural institution in Western Pennsylvania. The museum was recently honored as the second best History Museum from the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards (along with The Warhol and the Children’s Museums). Throughout the month of August, you can 