TABLE staff suggests a few Pittsburgh coffee shops shaking up the standards in the city. Stop by on your morning commute, after work, or just whenever you need a little extra energy from drinks made with care.
Pittsburgh Coffee Shops
De Fer Coffee & Tea
Multiple Locations
From coffee cocktails (ever tried a Coffee Old Fashioned?) to Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin aged in Earl Grey tea, caffeine and alcohol lovers alike will have no trouble finding something to love at this local chain. Did we mention the large selection of house-made pastries?
Mechanic Coffee Co.
5830 Ellsworth Ave
Even though that Mechanic Coffee Co. has been a hit in Verona, they just recently opened a new location in Shadyside. Here you can grab your favorite drink whether it’s a latte, cold brew, or Americano crafted by one of their “mechanics”. Plus, you can pick up a sandwich or breakfast burrito to go. They even have vegan options so all can feel welcome.
Coffee Tree Roasters
Multiple locations
On a hot workday afternoon, what’s better than a slushy, delicious, frozen coffee drink? Not much. The flavored Frozaccinos at this local chain hit the spot and cool you off on those brightly sunny days in Pittsburgh.
Grim Wizard Coffee
1206 Arlington Avenue
Have you ever been to a heavy metal coffee shop? At Grim Wizard Coffee, the menu is named after famous metal references, pinball machines sit against the wall, and a friendly staff is ready to assist you. Next time you’re in the area try their Dragonaut, an espresso latte with vanilla, honey, and cinnamon served shaken with ice & cream.
Soluna
1601 Penn Avenue
Beyond innovative tapas, cocktails and classic coffee, Soluna’s menu features a rotating cast of specialty coffee-based drinks. Their spring menu, for example, featured a Espresso Tonic with Dynamic Coffee espresso. You never know what options await at Soluna; it’s simply best to stop in and discover for yourself.
Arriviste Coffee Roasters
5730 Ellsworth Avenue
Specialty drinks like the Affogato, a scoop of Leona’s ice cream drowned in espresso, and the Mozart in the Jungle, Malagos chocolate ganache and espresso topped with Malagos cocoa nib cream, are available alongside Japanese-style Flash Brews and conventional coffee drinks.
Bunny Bakes
1926 Murray Ave
Inclusivity is the main theme of this Squirrel Hill. Named after Bernita “Bunny” Buncher, an advocate for equality in Pittsburgh, Bunny Bakes ensures that adults of all abilities have an opportunity to work in an accessible space. They serve kosher coffee courtesy of De Fer Coffee & Tea alongside dairy-free pastries so you can start the morning right.
Commonplace Coffee
Multiple Locations
Julie and TJ Fairchild named their coffee mecca after a Walt Whitman poem. There’s a shaggy, mellow friendliness here that the poet would have enjoyed. Not to mention a consistently great cuppa joe, no matter how you like it.
Redhawk Coffee
Oakland and Sharpsburg
While Redhawk Coffee’s offerings are pretty standard, what makes the small Pittsburgh-based roastery stand out is its use of fresh milk from Brunton Dairy. This ensures a cup that’s creamy and silky smooth from start to finish.
Gasoline Street Coffee Co.
643 First Avenue
While it’s a little out of the way from the bustle of Downtown, Gasoline Street Coffee Co. is a must see if even just for their decor. Decorated with old street signs, gas pumps, and other mechanical equipment, it’s the perfect spot to sit down with your cup of coffee. They proudly use Commonplace Coffee grounds for their drinks so you know you’re getting a quality product.
Orbis Coffee
675 Washington Road
Located in Mt. Lebanon, coffee, tea, wine, beer, and cocktails are available at this local specialty coffeehouse. Menu highlights include a Sweet Tea Earl Grey Gin Martini, apple cider (which can be spiked with bourbon), and frozen frappes. Don’t skip out on their vegan baked goods.
Allegheny Tea and Coffee Exchange
2005 Penn Avenue
Right in the center of the Strip District lies your destination for seasonal flavors and plenty of customization choices. One of their specials is their Draft Coffee. By micro-brewing and nitrogenating the coffee you get a full flavor with a smooth, velvety finish, taking the bitterness away. Their walls are even filled with the highest-quality coffees and teas from around the world so you can buy a bag of grounds or leaves for at home.
Story by Jordan Snowden and Kylie Thomas
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