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.
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, still stands in Schenley Park today.
Squirrel Hill South highlighted on the Pittsburgh neighborhood map. (pittsburghpa.gov)
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.
Vegan carrot lox bagel sandwich from Pigeon Bagels. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
🥯 Morning: Grab a cup at Commonplace Coffee, and take it to sip on while you wait in line at Pigeon Bagels. (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: 61C Cafe or UpStreet Diner.
🥖 Midday: Stop in the all-vegan Allegro Hearth Bakery 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 Taiwanese Bistro Cafe 33 or Kiin Lao & Thai Eatery
🍜 Evening: Watch the crew make fresh noodles in front of you at Everyday Noodles, sit down for Chinese cuisine at Yue Bai Wei or Chengdu Gourmet; or indulge in soups, stews, and meat pies at African Eats Cuisine.
For drinks, escape the city with tropical creations at Hidden Harbor or grab a stool at the neighborhood watering hole, The Squirrel Hill Cafe, aka The Cage.
🍰 Anytime: There’s always room for dessert, right? Snag intricate French confections from Gaby et Jules; Korean sweet buns and bingsu (milk shaved ice) from Sumi’s Cakery; moon cakes and tarts from Pink Box Bakery Cafe; or soft, chewy waffles with ice cream from Waffallonia.
Jerry’s Records in Squirrel Hill. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
Shop Local
🎶 Music fans have to shop at the institution that is Jerry’s Records, named one of the best shops in the U.S. by Rolling Stone. The namesake, Jerry Weber, died in 2022.
📚Book lovers can stop in Amazing Books & Records, Riverstone Books, or the Carnegie Library branch on the corner of Forbes and Murray.
👟 Head to Steal City Vintage for throwback T-shirts, and if you want to make your old kicks new again, take them to Squirrel Hill Shoe Repair. They’ll fix anything, but they might tease you about your choices.
🎨 Feeling crafty? Shop at the employee-owned Artist & Craftsman Supply Pittsburgh for all of your creative needs.
♻️ Make your home life more sustainable at The Refillery, 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 Vendor Bender. There are also specialty groceries like Murray Avenue Kosher, Panda Supermarket, and Squirrel HIll Market.
Go, See, Do!
🌳 Lace up for a hike in Frick Park, and listen to Mac Miller’s song, “Blue Slide Park” when you spot the slide. Or, take a swing at the Bob O’Connor Golf Course in Schenley Park.
🎞️ Watch a movie at the historic Manor Theatre, which first opened in 1922. You can even get a cocktail at the bar.
🌙 Mark your calendar for the next Squirrel Hill Night Market on Oct. 7. It’s pedestrian friendly, too.
