The East End is classic Pittsburgh. It’s the bucolic-with-a-touch-of-grit playground of youth in of Michael Chabon’s Mysteries of Pittsburgh, and it’s many people’s first introduction to the city because of the fact that it houses the city’s major universities. Though I was out of college by this time, my first apartment in Pittsburgh was in Squirrel Hill. I learned to say “where Poli’s used to be” to describe where it was, efficiently using the shorthand of experienced, lifelong ‘burghers.
Shadyside, Point Breeze, and East Liberty are home to some of Pittsburgh’s oldest, biggest names, but also some hidden gems. Part of what makes going out in this pocket of the East End so much fun is that it’s extremely walkable. If you’re drinking and don’t want to drive, you can get from one neighborhood to the other fairly easily on foot or by bus.
A night out in Shadyside can easily turn into a night out in Squirrel Hill, East Liberty, or Point Breeze. Grant Catton, a painter who lives and works in Shadyside, said “It’s a beautiful neighborhood architecturally, and it’s close to everything. also close to everything. Within an easy walk, I can reach the business districts on Walnut, Highland, and Ellsworth. And within a mile are some of the greatest neighborhoods in the city.” Rachael Yahn, a legal professional who lives in Squirrel Hill, said “It’s just the right amount of interesting things to do without being too flashy. Squirrel Hill is a real neighborhood where people can live their whole lives.”
A Night Out on the East End, Part Two (Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, East Liberty)
Eat
Lilith
238 Spahr Street
Jamilka Borges and Dianne DeStefano’s recently opened restaurant has fast become one of Pittsburgh’s hottest dining spots. An all-star cocktail program from Landon Frame and Sicilian-Puerto Rican fusion dishes from Borges and DiStefano make Lilith a must-try eating experience in Pittsburgh.
Point Brugge
401 Hastings Street
Point Brugge is a much-loved restaurant, particularly for its moules-frites and steaks, but it also has some excellent vegetarian food. It feels a little upscale, but not overly so, a nice place for a weeknight night out or a weekend excursion on the East End. Those fries are big enough to be a meal of their own!
Coriander
2201 Murray Avenue
Coriander on a cold night in the south end of Squirrel Hill is one of Pittsburgh’s greatest pleasures. The Malai kofta sizzles with spices, the naan breaks apart delectably, and the chai is warm and not-too-sweet. The diner-style seating also adds to the coziness of the space, making Coriander a true comfort food restaurant.
Garbarino’s
5925 Baum Boulevard
Pittsburgh has a lot of good Italian food, from DiAnoia’s and Vallozzi’s to Dish Osteria on the South Side. Garbarino’s in East Liberty is a mellow but upscale vibe. It has a dedicated following of regulars, friendly service, and hefty pasta dishes. (You almost always get two meals out of a night out there).
Drink
Margaux
5947 Penn Avenue
A European style café bar, Margaux is a great “starting out the night” bar if you’re planning to hop to nearby Kelly’s or want to grab an aperitivo before going out to eat on Baum Boulevard or further up Penn Avenue. It’s just the right amount of classy and chic while not feeling sterile or unapproachable.
Squirrel Hill Café
5802 Forbes Avenue
The above header is just about the only time I have ever written out the official name of the dive bar better known as “The Cage” or “the Squirrel Cage.” The Squirrel Cage is one of the few places on earth seemingly unaffected by inflation—everything is cheap, and not only that, it’s good. Their burgers are an amazing steal, and it’s a wonderful place to grab a booth with a friend and spend a night talking over a shot and a beer.
5801
5801 Ellsworth Avenue
My fellow TABLE editor Kylie Thomas, who lives in Shadyside, said “You had better put 5801 on this Shadyside list.” 5801 is one of Pittsburgh’s only active gay bars, but anyone can hang out there and enjoy cocktails and snacks. Kylie loves that there’s a downstairs bar, a second floor with a dance floor, and a place to chill outside on the heated deck. No matter what atmosphere you’re looking for, 5801 has something for you.
Blue Sky Kitchen
211 N Whitifield Street
East Liberty’s largest outdoor dining area is tucked away on Whitfield Street in the 211 Tower. Blue Sky is known for its creative cocktails, including the signature Blue Sky cocktail with Skyy Vodka, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, Lemon, Butterfly Pea Flower Tea. Bartender Tyler Lewis also brought his A game to the 2024 TABLE Magazine cocktail shake-off!
Arts/Culture
Romance
5429 Howe Street
Margaret Kross, a writer and curator who formerly worked for the Whitney Museum of American Art, moved back to Pittsburgh to start her own gallery in 2022. For both a combination of contemporary work from artists around the country and a sense of local flair, Kross’s space is one not to miss for anyone interested in expanding their creative horizons.
Bottom Feeder Books
415 Gettysburg Street
A used bookstore focused on artbooks that’s also an art gallery that’s also a performance space…whatever you want it to be! Bottom Feeder Books is one of the best places in Pittsburgh to hear local and national authors read their work, as well as to find rare and esoteric books. Beware, though—it’s difficult to leave without seeing something you want to take home.
Kelly Strayhorn Theater
5941 Penn Avenue
Bearing the names of Billy Strayhorn and Gene Kelly, this non-profit performing arts space in East Liberty always has something interesting going on. Where else in Pittsburgh could you see both a series of experimental one-act plays and a Star Wars-themed burlesque show? KST focuses on social action through theater, while also being a whole lot of fun.
The Manor
1729 Murray Avenue
The Manor is a deeply enjoyable indie movie theater that also happens to have a great bar, saving you the trouble of having to go to a separate establishment for a cocktail on a night out. Seeing a movie there is always extra-fun because of the East End ephemera on display in the front foyer—the building is a historic landmark and was once a ballroom!
Story by Emma Riva / Photo courtesy of Margaux
Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition
