Away from the bustle of downtown Pittsburgh, a cluster of charming suburbs flanks the Ohio River. The boroughs of Sewickley, Emsworth, and Bellevue have developed thriving business districts as young Pittsburgh professionals have moved there to start families or to buy their first homes. These Ohio River suburbs are relaxed enough for easy, out of the city living, but also have their share of hip bars, cozy restaurants, and diverse shopping and culture offerings. Businesses have started to realize this area’s potential for growth, and a night out in Sewickley, Ben Avon, or Bellevue provides a lower energy, more hometown alternative to the chaos of the North Shore. Each small town is a little different, but what they share is a combination of upscale and cozy vibes.
Find the Unexpected on a Night Out in Sewickley, Emsworth, and Bellevue
Where to Eat in Sewickley, Emsworth, and Bellevue
Thai Tamarind
172 Lincoln Avenue
In the heart of Bellevue, this Thai restaurant serves up classics like Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, and green curry, with a friendly staff and a cozy interior. Chef Jaroen learned to cook from his Thai grandmother and says that his goal is to “use the Best ingredients, take time to prepare, and cook each meal with love.”
Caffe Notte
8070 Ohio River Blvd
Casual Italian fare with a fireplace means Caffe Notte is the kind of restaurant you can sit and linger at for a long time, as quaint as the town of Emsworth around it. This is a great place to take an old friend to sit and talk for a while, without the dreaded instance of staff hovering over you to get you to leave during rush hour.
Vivo Kitchen
432 Beaver Street
We love Vivo Kitchen so much, we asked Chef Sam DiBattista to share some of his recipes. But while you can make his food at home, Vivo Kitchen’s space is lively and eclectic, well worth making a reservation in advance for a special night out. It manages to be impressive without being intimidating, a great night out spot for someone you want to wow on a night out in Sweickley.
Forma Pasta Café & Market
531 Beaver Street
For all the homemade pasta lovers out there, Forma Pasta Café & Market is a must-try. It’s also a woman-owned business, which is always good to support. They describe themselves as “Somewhere Tony Soprano would eat” and host BYOB pasta-making classes that make a great date night or group hang for the pasta-curious.
Where to Drink in Sewickley, Emsworth, and Bellevue
Mi Cita
418 Beaver Street
A newcomer as of 2025, Mi Cita (meaning “my date” in Spanish) is making a splash on the main street of Sewickley. This craft cocktail lounge with chef-driven small plates from Julio Peraza is on the upswing, bringing a luxurious but hip vibe to Beaver Street that promises to have more cocktail aficionados flocking to Sewickley.
The Slippery Mermaid
613 Beaver Street
When sushi is good, it’s incredible. The Slippery Mermaid embraces sushi’s chameleonic nature with something for adventurous sushi fans and purists alike. All this is in a tiki lounge style, making it a hopping happy hour spot.
Sunny Jim’s
255 Camp Horne Road
Sunny Jim’s has been providing bar fare to the Ben Avon area for over 80 years, making it a neighborhood staple. Their Saturday “steak and shrimp night” is always a hit and their smoked wings are legendary. They’re no-frills, none of the fuss and all of the quality.
Lincoln Avenue Brewery
538 Lincoln Avenue
This family-owned brewery and restaurant on Bellevue’s main drag is always packed and vivacious. Though the food is classic bar fare, it’s no dingy dive, with a refreshingly bright interior that looks out onto Lincoln Avenue. Live music also provides an exuberant atmosphere any night of the week.
Shopping & Culture in Sewickley, Emsworth, and Bellevue
Penguin Bookshop
417 Beaver Street
Next time you’re looking for a gift for the bookworm in your life, shop local at this indie bookstore in Sewickley. Penguin has been around since 1929—approaching its 100th birthday! They also host a plethora of events with local authors including readings and book launches.
Sweetwater Center for the Arts
200 Broad Street
Most of us love to draw as kids but then grow out of it as adults. Organizations like Sweetwater Center for the Arts make sure that kids who love art get to follow their passion and adults who are curious about creativity can explore it. This nonprofit art center offers classes for all ages, visiting and local artist lectures, group and solo exhibitions, and live musical performances.
Mark Rengers Gallery
549 Beaver Street
Mark Rengers began his creative career in architectural drafting and design and cabinet making, but then bought the Sewickley Frame Shop in 1999. From there, he developed it out into a gallery with a rotating program of exhibitions throughout the year.
The Lindsay Theater
418 Walnut Street
Every town needs an indie movie theater. In 2011, community members of the Ohio River suburbs realized they didn’t have one, and the Lindsay Theater was born. The Lindsay shows a rotating selection of both new releases and classic films.
Take a look at the rest of our neighborhood night out series:
- A Night Out in Sharpsburg, A Gem Just Outside of Pittsburgh
- A Night Out in Lawrenceville Is Never Boring
- Downtown Pittsburgh’s Best Bars and Restaurants for Happy Hour and Beyond
- Saturday Night on the Hilltop
- A Night Out on the South Side Beyond the Dive Bars
- A Night Out on the North Side, Not Just Stadium Food
- A Night Out on the East End, Part One (Bloomfield, Garfield, Highland Park)
- A Night Out on the East End, Part Two (Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, East Liberty)
- Plan A Night Out in Wilkinsburg, Edgewood, Swissvale, & Regent Square
Story by Emma Riva
Cover photo courtesy of Vivo Kitchen
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