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Top Spots for Pie in Pittsburgh

By
Kylie Thomas
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Various pies with whipped cream, lattice tops, and in hand pie shapes sit on a purple picnic table.

There’s no question about it: pie is better than cake. What is cake but sponge and frosting? Yawn. Pie, however, is unpredictable. It takes us all over the flavor map with custards, creams, fruit fillings, curds, and some surprising things (see vinegar pie, below). The crusts are flaky or puffy or crumbly or sandy. The look is latticed or smooth, caramelized or vividly colorful. Sorry, Kylie. Pie wins. 

Cake or Pie?

Editor-in-Chief Keith Recker and Online Editor Kylie Thomas bicker regularly. At the office, it’s affectionately referred to as “the weekly beef.” A recent kerfuffle involved their very different feelings about cake and pie. Kylie likes the former and Keith the latter. Read Kylie’s piece to find out where the best cake in the city is and then make the decision for yourself: Cake or Pie?

Bakeries Serving Up the Best Pie in Pittsburgh

Piebird

5304 Butler Street, Lawrenceville

Their lemon custard pie recalls a time before those little boxes of Jello pudding mixes took over our taste buds. The eggy custard, fragrant with lemon, washes over the palate with its rich texture and lovely flavor.

Sidecar

200 North Craig Street, Oakland

Vinegar pie? YES, Virginia. Vinegar pie! It’s not possible to explain the sweet, tart, smooth, curd-style filling of this delight from Sidecar. You just have to try it…ideally alongside a cup of coffee or tea, with a few minutes to stop the world and really enjoy it.

Pie Place

1775 North Highland Road, Bethel Park

Is there anyone who does not LOVE the way a slice of key lime pie cleanses the palate after a great meal? (Pipe down all you chocolate cake lovers out there and leave some air in the room for the rest of us.) Pie Place makes a great version that avoids artificial coloring and leans wholeheartedly into the gorgeous tang of citrus. The filling of their mixed berry pie is also a winner.

Five Points Artisan Bakeshop

6520 Wilkins Avenue, Point Breeze

This place is seriously dangerous to those of us with sweet tooths. The croissants are bronzed and the cookies are complex. The muffins are memorable. The breads are bodacious. But the chocolate pecan pie is perhaps the most tantalizing thing on offer. The flavors take over the senses, provoking a little swoon of delight. A single-serving mini pie is a meal in and of itself.

350 Bakery

2427 South 18th Street, Allentown

Strawberry rhubarb and apple hand pies combine delightfully flavorful fillings with a crust that’s thick enough to support a handheld dessert, but flaky and delicate enough to delight you with every bite. Before you know it, there won’t be a crumb left.

Aunt Cheryl’s Cafe

416 Library Street, Braddock

Aunt Cheryl herself whispered into my ear the ingredient that she thinks sets her sweet potato pie apart from all others. I’m not going to repeat what she said. I will tell you, though, that she brings decades of experience and a lot of skill to the way she combines top quality ingredients to produce the best sweet potato pie you will ever have. She’s absolutely got the touch.

Story by Keith Recker
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Where to Get the Best Cakes for Any Occasion in Pittsburgh

By
Kylie Thomas
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Plates full of different sices of cake like strawberry, carrot, matcha, confetti sprinkles, and other types on a purple picnic table.

Covered with candles for birthdays, fancy decor for weddings, or just a simple frosting for the holidays, cakes are a constant at our most important occasions. Think about it, when your baby turns one, you look forward to putting together a smash cake for them to dig into with joy. At every anniversary party, there’s a cake to help mark the years of memories and love. When the time comes around to order another tiered marvel, head out to these bakeries for a cake that wows every person in the room.

Not as Much of a Cake Lover?

Editor-in-Chief Keith Recker and Online Editor Kylie Thomas bicker regularly. At the office, it’s affectionately referred to as “the weekly beef.” A recent kerfuffle involved their very different feelings about cake and pie. Kylie likes the former and Keith the latter. Read Keith’s piece to find out where the best pie in the city is and then make the decision for yourself: Cake or Pie?

Where to Order a Cake in Pittsburgh

Paris Baguette

5514 Walnut Street, Shadyside

If you think fresh fruit makes a pie delectable, Paris Baguette proves that it’s even better with the lightness of a cake. From a Strawberry Soft Cream Cake to a Blueberry Chiffon Cake or even a NY Style Cheesecake, fruit adorns nearly every choice at Paris Baguette. Sliced strawberries and perfectly round blueberries add an elegance and blast of juiciness to each slice. Unlike a pie, whose crust gets soggy quickly, the cake stays fluffy and moist. This bakery is new to the city so it’s sure to have something you’ve never tried before…like mochi donuts.

Grandview Bakery

225 Shiloh Street, Mount Washington

Close to the Mount Washington overlook, Grandview Bakery is your friendly neighborhood spot for sweet treats. Their cases overflow with a flavors like vanilla, chocolate, vanilla almond torte, chocolate almond torte, carrot, and my absolute favorite, red velvet. Some will say red velvet is simply cake that’s dyed red but at Grandview that’s the furthest thing from the truth. Their red velvet is subtly sweet and soft, letting their cream cheese frosting shine without overpowering the cake beneath. It’s the answer to wanting something different without having to go the pie route.

Third Space Bakery

5349 Penn Avenue, Bloomfield

Woman-owned and run, Third Space Bakery takes orders for custom cakes that think outside the box in both decoration and flavor. The bakery has a rotating menu of seasonal favorites that are as impressive as they are delicious. You can pick up a Black Forest Cake with chocolate chiffon, almond pastry cream, cherry compote, whipped cream frosting, and dark chocolate bark. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more nostalgic, they have options for a Fancy Funfetti Cake featuring orange-blossom syrup and house-made raspberry jam, Toasted Almond Cake, or Chocolate Caramel Cake. Plus, there are gluten-free options like Flourless Cranberry Orange Almond Cake and Bête Noire.

La Gourmandine

Various Locations

While I personally dream of sitting at a small table outside a cafe in Paris, reading a book and snacking on a pastry, that’s a bit out of my budget. What is in my budget is a trip to La Gourmandine. This traditional French bakery transports you with just a single forkful. Their Opera Cake is a tiramisu lover’s dream. It’s a coffee mousseline with dark chocolate ganache, and sponge cake soaked in La Prima coffee. There’s also their La Ruche cake, which in French is a beehive. This luxurious cake features a honey bavarois along with layers of apricot coulis and hazelnut biscuits. It’s your little taste of France from a local French family. And guess what? You won’t find any pie here because the French know that cake prevails.

Butterwood Bake Consortium

5222 Butler Street, Lawrenceville

If there’s one qualm we have about bakeries, it’s that they close too early. When our nightly sweet tooth hits, we have nowhere to go. But Butterwood Bake Consortium is open until 11 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. NOTE: The only pie you can get that late is at Eat n’ Park… we’ll pass and go to Butterwood Bake Consortium instead. Among my favorites are their seasonal Olive Oil Love Cakes. Currently, the bakery carries a Cardamom Rose olive oil cake with a strawberry cream in between the layers. Their Black Sesame Blood Orange with Matcha Cream is equal parts comforting and exotic. Don’t sleep on their purple sweet potato cakes, either.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Where to Eat Italian Food in Pittsburgh

By
Kylie Thomas
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A white plate with a chicken parm stacked high with toppings beside a bowl of pasta and two dishes of lemon tiramisu.
Cork and Crust

There is a specific kind of confidence that’s birthed when you grow up eating “the best Italian food” made by “the greatest family” in the entire world. (Don’t judge: you probably say the same about the meals shared around your childhood family table.) This is why skepticism simmers within me like a pot of Nonna’s Sunday sauce when it comes to recommending an Italian restaurant: it feels a little like betrayal. Please don’t tell a single member of my family that I am recommending these Italian restaurants as great opportunities to explore foodways outside the home. Nota bene: Every place on the list serves their own house-made handmade pasta.

Classic Pasta, Pizza, and More: Where to Get Your Italian Food in Pittsburgh

Dish Osteria and Bar

128 S. 17th Street, South Side

When people ask me what I think is the best restaurant in the Pittsburgh area, Dish rolls right off my tongue. I love the atmosphere of this unassuming gem tucked in the heart of the South Side, not to mention the thoughtful approach to every dish. I’ve never had a meal there that I haven’t enjoyed immensely. My recommendation? Close your eyes and drop a finger down onto the menu. Order that! You will not be disappointed!

Cork and Crust

5130 Bigelow Boulevard, Oakland

A newcomer to my list is Cork and Crust with renowned chef Kristin Butterworth at the helm. Though you’ll hear many reasons to flock to this newly-opened restaurant on the first floor of the Oaklander Hotel for the pizza, I have found the Chicken alla Milanese to be the draw. A perfectly hammered, lightly breaded breast of chicken from Footprints Farm sits on a plate of cracked black pepper cream, topped with arugula and tomato. Do not miss the lemon tiramisu for dessert.

Pino’s Contemporary Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar

6738 Reynolds Street, Point Breeze

The first time I ate at Pino’s, many years ago, the atmosphere reminded me of some of the little restaurants I visited on the Upper East Side of NYC while taking weekend trips with my sisters. Before I even filled my belly, my heart was full. My typical order at Pino’s starts with the crispy fried roman artichokes served with lemon aioli and an order of fried calamari. When it comes to the main dish, one of my favorites is the bolognese served with paccheri. Pino, the chef, is truly Italian, and so are his flavors.

Alta Via

46 Fox Chapel Road, Fox Chapel

Fresh, handmade pastas are the center of attention at Alta Via. There’s a pasta shape for everyone and gluten-free options for those with alternative diets. While I am pretty sure I have tasted every pasta dish on the menu (perhaps some stolen from the plates of dinner companions), the one I order with regularity is the beef short rib pappardelle. The rich ragu over fresh pasta is as comforting as a warm hug from Nonna.

Alla Famiglia

804 E. Warrington Avenue, Allentown

Known for its authentic Italian cuisine, you’ll find several classics on Alla Famiglia’s menu, but for me, there’s only one choice when it comes to this Pittsburgh treasure: the vodka sauce. With so many incredible offerings, you might wonder, “Why such a modest choice?” Since I have found none who do it better in the city, it’s cavatappi alla vodka all the way, every time.

Bar Marco

2216 Penn Avenue, Strip District

For over a decade, this popular spot with a charming vibe in the Strip District has been a favorite. They focus on the use of seasonal ingredients sourced from local purveyors. They also offer incredible craft cocktails…but don’t expect to see a cocktail menu. Just tell your server your spirit of choice and the flavor profile you prefer, and they’ll create a cocktail just for you. A standout dish is the rich and earthy tagliatelle “Fun-Gal.” One bite draws you into the next with this deeply savory dish prepared with house-made pasta, tossed with locally grown mushrooms, shallot, and sage butter.

Fish Nor Fowl

5523 Penn Avenue, Garfield

This chic, modern restaurant may not be traditionally Italian, but the pasta dishes are delightful, nonetheless. Before ordering your main course, don’t pass on the opportunity to graze on the buckwheat focaccia. But be careful, you may find yourself in carb overload before you’ve had a chance to twirl the first bite of pasta onto your fork. I’m going with a Roman classic here, the bucatini all’amatriciana. I’m a sucker for the texture of a thick, hollow bucatini noodle smothered in a savory, spicy sauce of guanciale and tomatoes with a heavy snowfall of pecorino.

Monterey Bay Fish Grotto

1411 Grandview Avenue

Although MBFG is not an Italian restaurant, it is a great choice for fresh seafood dishes. If you’re longing for some coastal Italian cuisine, this just might fit the bill. Truthfully, I dream of enjoying a plate of grigliata mista di pesce overlooking the Ligurian Sea from the town of Monterosso al Mare. But magnificent view of the city from atop Grandview Avenue on Mt. Washington is a sight to behold while enjoying classically prepared broiled shrimp, scallops, flounder, and petite lobster tails.

Story by Star Laliberte
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Pittsburgh’s Latin and Caribbean Restaurants Bringing Flavor to the Table

By
Kylie Thomas
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A bowl full of habanero aguachile with fluke fish and green garnishes beside a bowl of corn tortillas.
Duo's Taqueria

Camila Alarcón, a new American from Guatemala, invites you to share a table with your loved ones at some of Pittsburgh’s amazing latin and caribbean restaurants. She hopes that each and every dish you try will be a joyful discovery of culture, and of how new Americans contribute their skills and their ideas to Pittsburgh. There is no better time than now to share with others and learn about what makes our communities so rich in diversity and flavor.

Pittsburgh’s Must-Try Latin and Caribbean Restaurants

Pupusas y Antojitos Helen

643 Broadway Avenue, McKees Rocks

As a Central American by birth, it brought me such joy to find a place where I can eat authentic pupusas. Pupusas are traditionally thick Salvadorean corn tortillas (sometimes flour) that are stuffed with delicious savory fillings like frioles, queso, and chicharron (beans, cheese as well as pork). They are usually dressed with tomato salsa and also pickled cabbage salsa. I was beyond excited to know that they have pupusas with cheese and loroco. Loroco is an edible flower bud with a distinct savory and bitter flavor that is found in Guatemalan, Honduran, and Salvadoran cuisine. The mix of the creamy melted cheese with the earthy flavors of loroco is a taste you must experience.

Duo’s Taqueria

5906 Penn Avenue, East Liberty

It is no surprise that Duo’s has made my Latin list yet again. Their investment in authentic Latin cuisine is appreciated and seen. Among many delicious options prepared by Chef Marcella Ogrodnik, I love her Aguachile negro de lenguado. This dish is a creative take on Sinaloan aguachile dishes. It marinates wildcaught fluke in a vibrant burnt habanero aguachile. Sip a beer with it. Try some sides. Linger a while.

Panaderia Jazmin

300 Beverly Road, Mount Lebanon

I can’t get enough of this authentic Mexican Bakery that makes desserts and sweets just like your abuela. Everything here is a reminder of the beauty of local Latin American bakeries that open at 6am to feed the local workforce before their jornadas and daily commutes. One of my favorite desserts here is their pastel de tres leches, a delicate sponge cake that is soaked in three different types of milk. Unforgettable.

Mezcal Mexican Cantina

4123 Butler Street, Lawrenceville

This one is new to my list, but hopefully this showcase of the many flavors of Mexican cuisine will become well-known to all of you. They have an incredible list of mezcals that you can enjoy at the bar, as well as a great happy hour menu. Their quesibirria tacos have made me a regular and also their biggest fan! Sure, there are a lot of places to try birria in Pittsburgh, but the consommé at Mezcal is on another level. Dunk the generously filled tacos into the savory broth and thank me later.

Secretos de Mis Abuelos

145 East 8th Avenue, Homestead

This is a place that is always on my list for the authentic Puerto Rican/Caribbean food on offer here. When you sit at their table, you can taste family heirlooms in the form of recipes that have been passed down through generations. Their commitment to fresh ingredients and highlighting the Latin immigrant experience is inspiring. I highly recommend ordering their Pernil, a signature slow roasted pork. This Puerto Rican dish will transport you to the warmth of the island, and we need that from time to time in the ‘Burgh.

Ceviche Peruvian Cuisine

3600 Brownsville Rd, Brentwood

I am constantly craving fresh seafood. In Latin America that urge usually can be satisfied with a great ceviche, which centers on seafood “cooked” in the acids of citrus juice and/or vinegar. You can imagine how thrilled I was to find a place dedicated to ceviche–especially Peruvian-style ceviche. This Brentwood gem offers an array of different fresh seafood plates from antichucho and tiradito to ceviche. I want to celebrate their leche de tigre. While not actually made of tiger’s milk, of course, its flavors are vivid and strong, earning the dish its name.

Chicken Latino

2100 Broadway Avenue, Beechview

I have raved about Chicken Latina before! Now they have moved to the heart of the Latin community in Beechview. The owner, Shelbin Santos, wanted to bring her happiest memories to America in the form of her mother’s recipes for authentic Peruvian cuisine. Invite a couple of friends to come with you to order their Chicken a la Brasa, which is rubbed in a mix of Peruvian spices and slow roasted.

Colombino Coffee

Lawrenceville, North Side, and Bethel Park

While Colombino is known for authentic coffee and cacao, don’t pass on their food items. They have arepas for every occasion. Their breakfast arepas, for example, are packed with delicious Colombian flavors. My favorite item to order is their Panedebono de queso, made from their own family recipe from their Cali, Colombia roots.

Cilantro y Ajo

Lawrenceville and South Side

This spot fulfills the lifelong goal of two young Venezuelan chefs to open a restaurant of their own. Like many immigrant stories, particularly from Latin America, social and political instability forced them away from their hometowns. It is inspiring to see their goal realized in Pittsburgh with Cilantro y Ajo, which started on the South Side and then recently expanded to Lawrenceville. Invite friends and share their Parilla Mixta, a combination of their grilled steak, chicken, and chorizo, paired with their delicious ajo sauce. You will all go home happy!

Story by Camila Alarcon Cordon
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Where to Try Soul Food in Pittsburgh

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A white picnic table with tuna salad croissants, mac and cheese, sweet potato pie, and greens.
Aunt Cheryl's Cafe

Soul food is embedded in American history. It is a story told with skillets and soup pots and hot grills. From crispy fried chicken to slow-simmered collard greens, soul food carries the memories of kitchens where love was always a major seasoning. Born out of the struggle and strength of America’s Black communities across the United States, soul food connects generations through taste, memory, and pride. TABLE contributor Jackie Page shares some of her favorite spots around the city. She comments, “Though Pittsburgh does not have a lot of sit-down soul food restaurants, you can still get some of the best food around and take it home and sit down with it! Enjoy!”

Soul Food Restaurants to Dine at Around Pittsburgh

Aunt Cheryl’s Cafe

416 Library Street, Braddock

When you go to Aunt Cheryl’s Cafe, look for the double doors with a mural featuring her name and image, and you’ll know you’re in the right place. Recipes have been passed down from her grandmother, and Aunt Cheryl says the secret ingredients in the award-winning sweet potato pie are butter and love. And it’s the best sweet potato pie you’ll ever have. Soul food sides include sauteed greens, red beans and rice with sausage, and grits. Fried chicken and waffles are served for breakfast or lunch.

Grandma B’s

2537 Wylie Ave, Hill District

With thin, griddled pancakes that have crispy edges, spicy home fries, dirty grits with shrimp, onions, and green peppers, and meat sides like kielbasa or salmon patties, Grandma B’s breakfasts draw in the customers to this halal-friendly, Hill District spot. The narrow diner offers only counter seating and a few two-tops, but the close quarters make for some lively banter. Also open for lunch. Note: Grandma B’s is cash only.

Pauline’s Caribbean Soul Cuisine

1204 Federal Street, North Side

Goat curry served with sweet, buttery coco bread. Fall-off-thebone oxtail. Jerk chicken and salmon with a deep flavor and spicy kick. Pauline’s menu is legit, with plantains, red beans and rice with cabbage, and much more. Sip NA ginger beer, Kola champagne, and Ting, a tangy, grapefruit soda (which also mixes well with rum). If you are craving a taste of Jamaican soul food, make your trek to the North Side and look for the green awning. You won’t be disappointed.

The Soul Shack

719 Broadway Ave, McKees Rocks

A new kid on the block, the Soul Shack hits with some unique dishes: fried catfish, stuffed crayfish, deep-fried salmon, and grilled pineapple bowls with fried rice patties, shrimp, and a protein of choice. Their grilled meals have a solid sear. More delicate items like asparagus and shrimp get a lighter grilling, just enough to oomph up the flavor. The owner hails from Birmingham, Alabama and brings true Southern roots to his cooking.

Moodz Co.

2210 E Carson St Ste 1, South Side

Moodz is a delivery-only kitchen that is 100% vegan. Their soul food offerings are sold by the tray. Chkn wings use oyster mushrooms as the base and the ox-tails are made with their inhouse plant-based meat. Even the “honey” is vegan! Sides include yams, cooked kale greens, dirty rice, brussels sprouts, and vegan mac and cheese.

Walter’s BBQ Southern Kitchen

4501 Butler Street, Lawrenceville

Walter’s leans in deep to authentic Texas BBQ. Each day starts at 2 am to chop wood to load into the smoker (that coowner Chris Morgan designed). Briskets and pulled pork go in at 3 am, and as is BBQ tradition, when that day’s BBQ offerings run out, they run out. You’ll have to try again tomorrow. Everything that is served on Walter’s menu is made on-site — sausage gravy, biscuits, hand-breaded fried chicken, cornbread — and salad ingredients picked from their huge garden. It’s a fun, dogfriendly place with picnic seating, porch swings, and tent seating for chillier days. Come for pork ribs, stay for the fun.

Leon’s Caribbean Restaurant

823 East Warrington Avenue, Allentown

Leon Sr. has been a chef for more than 50 years and opened his eponymous restaurant in Allentown in 2014. It’s a spacious space to try brown stew chicken or red snapper, as well as unexpected dishes such as jerk lobster tail, curried crab, and chicken wings dressed in Jamaican Escovitch sauce, made with tangy, spicy, pickled vegetables.

876 Island Spice Authentic Jamaican Restaurant

7930 Frankstown Avenue, Homewood

There is a freshness to dishes at this Jamaican spot on Frankstown Avenue that leaves diners feeling Irie. Vegetables are bright in color and texture, which provide contrast to the depth of the stews and curries and jerk flavors (if you order the jerk, ask for extra sauce — not because they don’t give enough, because it’s just that good.) The portions are generous, so prepare to have two days of Island good vibes. Know before you go: there are only two tables, so you might be taking your order to go.

Showcase BBQ

6800 Frankstown Avenue, Homewood

For more than 20 years, Showcase’s chefs have been manning the grill, and selling cherry-wood pork ribs “by the bone,” as well as beef brisket, pulled pork, and chicken wings. But their one-of-a-kind, dare-youto-find-it-elsewhere-in-Pittsburgh offering? Turkey ribs. They are served with a choice of sauces, including their house made BBQ sauce, but we recommend the tangy mustard sauce. You might even say the turkey ribs are the star of the show. The unassuming spot, on Frankstown Avenue, serves a variety of soul food sides to pair with your protein. Pick a nice day to visit, as there are tables outside.

A&E Eatz

706 Island Ave, McKees Rocks

This takeout-only restaurant is known for its well-seasoned fried chicken and fish and a macaroni and cheese that has a gooey cheese pull when you dig in. On Fridays, stop in for cornbread bowls that you can top with proteins that range from pot roast, ox tails, lamb chops, and salmon, plus any of their sides, such as collards, sweet potatoes, cabbage, or baked beans. Also offered are Cheddar Bay biscuit bowls, with the same choice of toppings. Off the hook. The house beverage is their own A&E orange drink.

Story by Jackie Page
Styling by Keith Recker
Photography by Dave Bryce

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‘Samizdat’ From Bricolage Production Company Brings Hidden Locations to Pittsburgh Theater

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
Two men hugging in a black and white theater image.

Bricolage Production Company has a play scheduled for June 4-7 as a part of their Samizdat theater series. They won’t tell you where it’s happening.

There’s a New Revolutionary, Hidden Theater Series in Pittsburgh Thanks to Bricolage Production Company’s Samizdat

They’ll tell you the name of the show — Protest, by Václav Havel, the third of three plays by the Czech writer staged as part of this series — but the few tickets that were available sold out before that name was revealed. They won’t announce who’s performing; you’ll have to go and find out.

Can you get tickets? Maybe. (There’s a wait list.) But be quiet about it.

The project is Samizdat, a name for the practice of dissident Eastern Bloc writers publishing and distributing publications and works in hidden ways. In the case of live theater, that often involved quietly staging a play for a few friends or like-minded thinkers in a private space — say, a residential home, or the corner of an out-of-the-way warehouse.

“As artists, we can present work that helps us have a conversation about what we are actually able to do,” says Bricolage co-artistic director Tami Dixon. “How we can be better citizens of our country, of our neighborhoods, of the world.”

Taking to Intimate, Immersive Spaces

The first installment of the series, Havel’s Audience, found its setting at a brewery; the second, The Unveiling, in a private residence, with chairs lined up in the living room. Capacity was, by necessity, very low; both sold out early, with virtually no press and little promotion.

A man in an apron and shirt and tire drinks from a glass.

“There’s something about these small audiences right now that are really speaking to us,” says Jeffrey Carpenter, Bricolage’s founder and co-artistic director. “There’s something about that living-room space, where you’re just with people. We’re together in it.”

Performances of the plays, which are on the shorter side, are followed by open conversation between the crew and the audience, centered on the show’s themes, ideas and historic context. “The ability to be in conversation with the audience afterwards adds a whole other level of community that we don’t often get when we’re just presenting a show,” Dixon says. “This allows us to kind of sit with our audience and hear their response in a collective space, together.”

Like a Speakeasy but Theater

The presentation of the show plays into the underground trappings; you’ll have to knock on the right door for admittance, and even your pre-show instruction email will also playfully warn you not to tell your Uber driver where you’re going. If part of that attitude is intentional scene-setting, though, much of it echoes the reality of this approach: This is not carefully polished theater in a grand old hall. It’s warts-and-all, deliberately visceral — and thus vibrant — performance.

“It’s sort of like wearing a suit jacket inside out: look at the seams,” Dixon says. “Look at that. We are not covering up our tracks. We’re just artists; we’re not perfectionists and we don’t want to be. We’re not creating an illusion for you. What we are is inviting you in through the back door.”

And while that door may have closed to audiences just learning about Samizdat, whispers of more underground evenings of theater are already in the air.

“Given the state of our country,” Carpenter says, “it does feel like we would like to continue the series.”

Story by Sean Collier
Photos by @shotsbyscott Courtesy of Bricolage Production Company

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Hot Tickets in Pittsburgh With Sean Collier: June 8-14

By
Kylie Thomas
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A Roberto Clemente baseball with a painting of him on it and writing about him.
Artwork by George Sosnak, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1978, featuring Harold "Pie" Traynor, Bill Mazeroski, and Roberto Clemente, 1978. India ink on manufactured baseball. Courtesy of a private collector, supported by The Chrysler Museum of Art . Photo by Ed Pollard, Chrysler Museum of Art photographer.

Get your hot tickets in Pittsburgh for every day of the week June 8-14. Two very different mid-’90s movies return to the big screen this week — then, a lovely evening in the park and a great reason for a quick road trip await this weekend.

Get Your Hot Tickets for Shows and Performances Around Pittsburgh June 8-14

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me at Row House Lawrenceville

Monday, June 8, Also Showing Tuesday-Thursday

Ask a dedicated fan of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks about the series’ big-screen installment, Fire Walk With Me, and they’ll likely describe a beguiling yet lingering meditation on violence. Ask … well, anyone who isn’t a dedicated fan, and they might offer a less glowing opinion. Even if you don’t walk away thinking Fire Walk With Me is a classic, you’ll likely be haunted by its ethereal, uncanny atmosphere and imagery. It’s playing at Row House Lawrenceville as part of the excellently named Bleak Weak, featuring “devastating and powerful films” including The Piano Teacher, Requiem for a Dream and more.

Ben Folds at Carnegie of Homestead

Tuesday, June 9

I’ve seen the piano virtuoso and lauded songwriter Ben Folds a number of times, but no show was more memorable than a certain night in 2004 at the bygone I.C. Light Amphitheatre. After a complicated cross-brand prank from fellow performers Guster, Folds ended up improvising an epic ballad about the time he and some friends climbed Mt. Washington — a real incident that supposedly happened in the ’90s. I, and many others I’ve spoken with who were in attendance that night, can still sing the chorus of that improvised tune more than two decades later. Folds returns to Pittsburgh for a gig at the Carnegie of Homestead; improvised epics aren’t guaranteed, but are always possible.

The Birdcage via Fathom Events

Wednesday, June 10, Also Showing Sunday, June 7

One of the greatest comedies of the ’90s, The Birdcage stands as an inspiring and uniting piece of queer representation from an era where many were still trying to force LGBTQ people into the closet — a topic that the film deals with directly. More importantly, it’s hilarious, with brilliant and uproarious performances from an all-star cast that includes Robin Williams, Nathan Lane and Hank Azaria (“I’m a combination of Lucy and Ricky”). Fathom Events presents the beloved comedy in honor of its 30th anniversary; locally, it’s playing at select multiplexes.

Buffalo Rose at the Three Rivers Arts Festival

Thursday, June 11

The playful and melodic band Buffalo Rose is Pittsburgh-based but well traveled, having toured nationally and internationally with artists including Billy Bragg, the Wood Brothers and Lake Street Dive. While their original tunes are formidable, particularly owing to their three-singer harmonies, expect a few fun covers; their recent EP All You Can Eat features interpretations of tunes including Kiss From a Rose and Go Your Own Way. Buffalo Rose headlines a lineup of Pittsburgh favorites at the Arts Festival; the show also features Coltt Winter Lepley and the Briar Valley Rangers, Caleb Kopta and more.

Parks on Tap Beer Garden

Friday, June 12, Continuing Select Fridays Through Sept. 25

Few hours are happier than the early evening on a summer Friday, with a warm and relaxing weekend stretching out before you. Happier still is any excuse to kick off the weekend early — and there’s no better place to do so than Schenley Park when the Parks on Tap Tour rolls in. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy teams up with Eleventh Hour Brewing for an outdoor tasting and concert on select Fridays throughout the summer; the Lawrenceville-based brewery is even preparing a custom brew for the series. This Friday’s event also features live music from Turkeyfoot and food-truck fare from Revival Chili.

Play Ball! The Art of George Sosnak

Saturday, June 13, Continuing Through April 2027

If you’re going to paint about baseball, why not paint on a baseball? Self-taught artist George Sosnak created more than 750 portraits of ballplayers and the national pastime — drawn on baseballs themselves, painstakingly rendered with India ink. 60 of those balls are currently on display at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art; it’s a passionate and creative ode to summer’s favorite sport. While you’re there, be sure to drop by Steel Valley Visions: An American Legacy, a breathtaking collection of paintings depicting the region’s industrial legacy. (Don’t miss the hypnotic and evocative immersive element to the exhibit.)

The Eras Drag Brunch: A Swifties Celebration

Sunday, June 14

Never has Bad Blood been presented in such fierce fashion. Drag Queen Lola LeCroix presents The Eras Drag Brunch, a Taylor-filled afternoon of cocktails and performances by and for the Swifties. And don’t think it’ll be all pop anthems — word is a particularly tenacious performer may be attempting to tackle All Too Well. Head to City Winery for a drink, an a la carte brunch menu and some stunning looks.

Plus, check out our calendar for other events this week and beyond!

Story by Sean Collier
Featured Photo Courtesy of Westmoreland Museum of American Art

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Pittsburgh Events: Your Guide to June 8-14

By
Kylie Thomas
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Two sea turtles swimming in a tank at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Here at TABLE Magazine, we’re all about making time for yourself—and this week’s Pittsburgh events from June 8–14 offer plenty of opportunities to do just that. After a long week of working hard and possibly even caring for a whole family, you deserve to treat yourself at a decadent art party, gorgeous bridal luncheon with a famous guest, or evening at an immerse murder mystery dinner. But, just in case you feel up to bringing the family along, there’s an event at the Pittsburgh Zoo that’s bound to win over hearts of all ages.

Pittsburgh Events Happening June 8-14

World Ocean Day: Party for the Planet
Photo From Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium

World Ocean Day: Party for the Planet

June 8, Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium

Celebrate World Ocean Day with the Pittsburgh Zoo as you learn all about ocean habitats and wildlife. Held at the Aquarium & Water’s Edge, the event, included with your zoo admission, features interactive volunteer touch tables, special story times, and animal feedings, including sea lions and Humboldt penguins.

La Fleur at Phipps – Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Soirée
Photo by Dominique Murray

La Fleur at Phipps – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Soirée

June 11, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

If you love Phipps Conservatory, immerse yourself in their new Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland summer flower show in the best way. La Fleur takes you deeper into the conservatory with an evening of music, art, fashion, culture, as well as their beautiful botanical specimens. This sustainable soirée takes you throughout multiple rooms of Phipps’ historic glasshouse.

Garden Party: Gothic
Photo From Mattress Factory

Garden Party: Gothic

June 12, Mattress Factory

Be Mattress Factory’s VIP guests for the night as you party it up at their gothic garden party. Help benefit the art gallery as well as other community art programs with live performances, musical acts, open galleries, bars, and delicious bites of food. There’s even a special art auction featuring work from local creatives so show up in your best outfit of the night and embrace local artistry.

I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN: High Stakes Casino – Immersive Murder Mystery Dinner
Photo From Roost

I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN: High Stakes Casino – Immersive Murder Mystery Dinner

June 13, Roost

Do you watch mystery TV and movies with anticipation, claiming to know the murder far before the reveal? Then let yourself be the detective this time around at Roost’s interactive dinner theater show. You’ll solve the murder of a wealthy philanthropist as you seat yourself at his final estate sale, hosted by his daughter, that also features the auction of a rare artifact known only as The Yellow Brick Road.

A picture of a man, Randy Fenoli, in a pink jacket walking through a courtyard hand-in-hand with a bride.
Photo From Rivers Casino Pittsburgh

Say Yes to the Dress: Bridal Luncheon & Designer Showcase with Randy Fenoli

June 14, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh

If you’ve ever found yourself watching the hit reality TV series Say Yes to the Dress where brides find their dream wedding gowns, you’ll recognize the famous smiling face of Randy Fenoli. Now you can make your own dreams come true by planning your own wedding around Randy Fenoli’s Bridal Luncheon. You’ll get professional advice for all the details on your big day and then even have your chance to win a free wedding gown from the Randy Fenoli Bridal collection and a special reception package.

Plus, check out our calendar for other events this week and beyond!

Story by Kylie Thomas
Featured Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium

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Where to Watch the FIFA World Cup in Pittsburgh

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A soccer player holds a soccer ball in front of a net.

The FIFA World Cup™ is one of the worldwide events that brings every nation together as countries go head-to-head. This year, the World Cup reaches new heights with three nations hosting matches and 48 total teams competing for the first time. Ever since 2002, only one nation has hosted the World Cup but this year we’ll see matches as close as Philadelphia and as far as Mexico as well as Canada. If you can’t make it to a live match this year, you can head to one of Pittsburgh’s official watch parties or local soccer bars to celebrate with all your neighbors. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ runs from June 11 to July 19 so you have plenty of time to plan to head out, grab a cold one, and cheer on your favorite team. 

Where to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Around Pittsburgh

Official Watch Parties

FIFA World Cup™ Pittsburgh Fan Zone

Acrisure Stadium

That’s right, there’s an official FIFA World Cup™ Fan Zone coming to Pittsburgh! On July 4 and 5 the celebration kicks off with a festival full of free concerts, food vendors, giveaways, soccer clinics, and even a fireworks show over the Three Rivers. Then, come back June 9 and 19 for a viewing of the Quarterfinals and Finals along with more activities to be announced. 

Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Riveters Watch Party

F.N.B. Stadium

It just makes sense to watch the World Cup where the heart of Pittsburgh’s soccer teams lives. Join the Riverhounds and Riveters June 12 and 19 for a free watch party to cheer on the U.S. Families and guests can also check out interactive ABARTA Coca-Cola soccer and POWERADE experiences, try various products, and enter giveaways. They’re even giving away tickets to the World Cup match in Philadelphia on June 19 so it’s worth stopping by even for just one half. 

Tom’s Watch Bar

This sports bar is known around the nation for its 360-degree viewing experience, ensuring that no matter where you look you can see the game. This year, they’re offering VIP World Soccer Cup Experiences that guarantee you get a seat at this hot spot, with no wait, for any match of your choosing. The energy alone is bound to make it an experience to remember. 

Bars and Pubs Where You Can See the World Cup

Piper’s Pub

Over on East Carson Street is one of Pittsburgh’s football pubs… but not the American football you’re thinking of. Piper’s Pub is an authentic British pub through and through, so when you walk in the door, soccer is really football. They’re open for all football matches so the World Cup is a must here. Plus, their pub menu is a journey of its own with Scotch Eggs for starters, Shepherd’s Pie for dinner, and then Bread Pudding for dessert. 

The Bulldog Pub

The Bulldog Pub, a soccer bar in Morningside, is family-friendly so you can start a World Cup tradition with the kiddos. Their menu is one of the most expansive too, ranging from classic chicken wings to Stuffed Banana Peppers, dips for sharing, deep-fried apps, ribs, sandwiches, pizza, and so much more.  

The Pitch on Butler

The World Cup’s start on June 11 is already on The Pitch on Butler’s calendar. Their happy hour Monday through Friday, from 5-7 p.m., is the perfect time to give them a visit. If you come during happy hour you’ll get $2 off all craft drafts and starters like Lemon Garlic Roasted Hummus and Beer Brat in a Blanket. They even have an English brunch available Saturdays and Sundays.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo From Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

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10 No-Fuss Summer Lunch Ideas

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
On a white plate to the left sits Salmon Tartare in the shape of a goldfish. To the right sits Salmon Grilled Cheese.

Whenever summer days heat up and the kitchen feels like the last place you want to be, you need summer lunch ideas that come together with ease but taste amazing too. Don’t settle for store-bought sub sandwiches or warm salads, these recipes prove that summer lunches are worth yearning for.

10 Refreshing Summer Lunch Ideas for Any Day of the Week

Lunchtime Tamales Recipe

An open tamale sits on a table with the filling sitting in a square on the banana leaf accompanied by chips and wrapped tamales.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous than your usual salad, these Lunchtime Tamales may be your answer. Banana leaves wrap up bundles of masa dough with a savory chicken and chipotle pepper filling. Serve with chips and your lunch dreams are answered!

High Protein Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt

Three plates full of High Protein Chicken Salad with nuts on top.

If you’re going to make a chicken salad sandwich, you might as well make it high protein with the addition of greek yogurt. This recipe mixes a greek yogurt and curry powder dressing with chunks of chicken, red onion, celery, cucumber, green apples, golden raisins, and pepitas.

Grilled Summer Squash with Lime Crema and Salsa Macha

Grilled green and yellow summer squash on a black platter topped with lime crema, salsa macha, and pickled onions.

Summer squash is one of the ingredient’s of the season with their earthy flavor and tender texture after cooking. After grilling and adding a bit of char, you’ll make a Lime Crema that’s cooling and refreshing to match the bit of spice in the homemade Salsa Macha.

Pink Radicchio Salad with Strawberries and Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette

A bowl full of pink radichio and strawberries with a pink peppercorn vinaigrette in the upper right corner and gold silverware in the left.

For those craving a salad, why not dress up your plate to match the bright palette of summer? This salad uses pink radicchio as its base that’s a bit bitter but perfectly matches the sweetness of strawberries and the forward-flavor of a Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette.

Chilled Cauliflower Soup

An above shot of a bowl filled with a yellow, Chilled Cauliflower Soup.

You may be thinking that soup isn’t for summer but this Chilled Cauliflower Soup is here to prove you wrong. Cool down with a bowl full of slow-cooked cauliflower featuring a lemon yogurt drizzle and cilantro mint oil. To complete this dish, we add crushed pistachios on top for a nutty finish.

Heirloom Tomato Tripoline

An above shot of a white plate that holds pasta, Heirloom Tomato Tripoline

Heirloom tomatoes are the key to creating a pasta that tastes as fresh as it would be in Italy. All you need for this recipe is your favorite type of pasta (though we recommend tripoline for its long strips), butter, basil, and tomatoes from your local farmers market. Serve with crusty bread for a lunch that’s easy to put together and delicious to taste.

Seafood Stuffed Poblano Peppers

An above shot of a sea-green, light blue bowl filled with Seafood Stuffed Poblano Peppers.

Seafood dishes take us to our happy place: on the beach, lounging in the sun. Our Seafood Stuffed Poblano Peppers use a filling that mixes together crab meat, octopus, and chopped shrimp along with dried apricots, shallots, and Granny Smith apples. Serve with a cashew sauce, orange slices, and mint for a flight to the coast.

Salmon Tartare and Salmon Grilled Cheese

On a white plate to the left sits Salmon Tartare in the shape of a goldfish. To the right sits Salmon Grilled Cheese.

You deserve to indulge this summer. Whether you choose to make a Salmon Tartare or use your salmon in a grilled cheese instead, you deserve luxury on a plate. One pairs with avocado puree, white soy dressing, and goldfish crackers. The other cushions cold-smoked salmon, pickled onions, horseradish vinaigrette, and your choice of cheese between two homemade slices of sourdough.

Eggplant and Smoked Mozzarella Tart

An eggplant and smoked mozzarella tart cut into pieces on a white table beside silverware and plates.

You’ll find eggplant throughout July and at their peak in August so let the summer season guide you to their deliciousness. Use store-bought pie crusts for your tart base before dressing with eggplant slices, goat cheese, smoked fresh mozzarella, honey, and herbs like chives or basil as your garnish.

Crab Pasta Salad

A white pot of Crab Pasta Salad with chunked tomatoes sits beside a white plate of grilled red pepper halves filled with the pasta salad.

You can’t have summer without a pasta salad. This dishes presence at cookouts and picnics is a crowd favorite and adding crab in just makes it so much better. We recommend you scoop the Crab Pasta Salad into lightly grilled garden peppers and then garnish with parsley.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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