If you wish you could experience the mythical, mystical aesthetic of Halloween year-round, Allentown is your spot. The south Pittsburgh neighborhood has found its niche as a “goth” or “metal” meeting place with oddity shops, a themed cafe, and more curiosities along its business district.
1 Thing To Know
The neighborhood once operated five inclines, and in 1888, it was the first site west of the Allegheny Mountains to run an electric streetcar. This accessibility to transportation led to Allentown’s early development, and it was a popular spot for laborers to settle. You can still see the trolley lines on Warrington Avenue, but there aren’t any regular stops there anymore; it’s now an emergency route for when the South Hills Transit Tunnel is closed.
Crack open a NA drink at The Open Road in Allentown. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
Eat & Drink
☕ The former Black Forge Coffee House is now Grim Wizard, featuring the same heavy jams and dark coffee. I tried the seasonal “My Dying Chai” and it was a perfect blend of sweet and spice!
🍺 Verona-based Inner Groove Brewing put down roots in Allentown with a taproom and outdoor space for events and food trucks.
🍝 Sit down for a family-style Italian meal at Alla Famiglia. Just don’t fill up on their homemade bread and “holy oil” — there’s lots of pasta to go around!
🍳 Don’t forget mainstays like Breakfast at Shelly’s and Leon’s Caribbean Food.
🍔 If you were wondering, I’m still mourning the loss of the vegan, Asian-fusion restaurant Onion Maiden. The good news is that you can still find their Chik Habit pop-up at the Bloomfield Farmers Market.
Halloween goodies at The Weeping Glass in Allentown, Pittsburgh. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
Shop Local
🍾 The Open Road is a nonalcoholic bottle shop with a variety of sober seltzers, cocktails, and more. If you stop in, tell Mel we sent yinz!
🔮 The Weeping Glass is an “oddities and curiosities” shop with unusual gifts, antiques, books, candles, and more.
🕯️ Dr. Tumblety’s is a “time-inspired specialty shop” that also has a secret speakeasy, The Storyville Lounge, behind a hidden door (unfortunately it’s only open for events right now).
- Celebrate Friday the 13th with a movie marathon at The Storyville Lounge; admission is $20 at the door and comes with two complimentary horror themed cocktails!
Bottlerocket Social Hall in Allentown, Pittsburgh. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
Go, See, Do
😂 Go to a stand-up show, movie screening, book launch, or even take a comedy class at Bottlerocket Social Hall — a new indie arts venue inside of a 70s time capsule bar.
🌙 Celebrate the season at the neighborhood’s bi-annual Night Market featuring food, vendors, artists, and performances on Oct. 14.
🌳 And of course, take a stroll through Emerald View Park for a beautiful snapshot of the city.
Allentown highlighted on the Pittsburgh neighborhood map. (City of Pittsburgh)
