Temperatures are hitting close to 100 degrees this week (and no, I’m not being dramatic), and all I want to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is ice cream. While that certainly makes its way onto the list, here are a few other Pittsburgh restaurant highlights that’ll also cool you off.

Hungry Jess’ Cooling Pittsburgh Restaurant Highlights for Summer

We went into a hot, hot summer really fast. While I’m not entirely mad (mostly because I have a city pool pass now), it’s challenging to find dishes that actually cool me off and feel refreshing. Thus, I’m dedicating this hotlist to my favorite cold, nostalgic, satisfying, go-to menu items I’ll be planning my meals around for the next month.

For the Pool Days

Carson Street Deli

South Side

While I am a big fan of everything they make (the Have A Gouda Day sandwich especially), they currently have a special called The Pool Rat, consisting of ham, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, Miracle Whip (you can sub mayo), and Doritos on wheat. Nostalgic for what mom would pack for a pool day growing up? You know you want this! 

Brothmonger

Bloomfield

Speaking of pool day necessities, Brothmonger is also bringing pool day essentials to the cold case: a snack of seasoned pretzels, plus The Beach Hoagie: turkey, bacon, ranch, cheddar, dill, pepperoncini, and romaine on a Martin’s hoagie roll. You can also find a rotating selection of soups and other deli items to-go daily. 

Cool as a Cucumber, Veggie Favorites

Rolled Up Poke

East Liberty (Plus a Food Truck)

With a newly opened spot on S. Highland Ave., this food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar is serving up everything cool, from sushi burritos to poke bowls. While they offer a variety of combinations, you can also create your own poke bowl by choosing from their seafood selection, sauces, and other toppings. 

Pusadee’s Garden

Lawrenceville

I’ve been dreaming of the Khao Yum, aka the 17-ingredient salad. Mixed tableside, this crunchy, layered, and spicy salad combines an array of ingredients that you’ll be thinking about until your next visit. 

From the Grill

I can’t bring you a list of July favorites without highlighting summer essentials: are you team hot dog, burger, or both? 

Winston’s

Millvale

Open every day of the week, this new venture from the team of Pittsburgh Sandwich Society is serving up classic, char-grilled burgers, chili cheese dogs, and frozen custard. Did I mention they do dipped cones? A sweet cherry dip is currently calling my name… 

Penn Avenue Pizza & Steaks

Lawrenceville/Bloomfield 

This might be the most talked-about spot on my feed right now: PAPS, aka Penn Ave Pizza & Steaks. While people show up for the pizza, they stay for the cheesesteaks. A quote from their own website: “[Our cheesesteak] is the real-deal Philly classic—made with 100% ribeye, Cooper Sharp, and grilled onions on a fresh-baked seeded roll.”

And, of Course, Sweet Treats 

Mango Mango Dessert

Squirrel Hill

An option for dessert that isn’t just ice cream, you can level up your dessert game with anything from sticky rice to shaved ice. If you’re looking to balance hot and cold, dive into a crepe or waffle topped with fresh fruit and ice cream. 

Page’s

South Side

I obviously have to end this list with my neighbor, Page’s. I’ll gladly wait in this line for a Nancy B’s Cookie Sundae, Arctic Swirl, or, my latest craving, a root beer float. 

Plus, learn about Jess’ favorite late night eats around the city.

Story and Photos by Jess Iacullo (Hungry Jess)

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