While the slate of advertisements rolled out during the Super Bowl is a cultural event unto itself, you can’t attentively watch them all: You have plates to refill, prop bets to place and blown calls to bemoan. Here’s a list of anticipated spots worth shushing your companions to watch.
We recommend that you mix up a cocktail perfect for the team of your choice. Seahawk fans should try our take on the Last Word. Patriot supports can shake up a Ward 8.
6 Super Bowl LX Commercials You Won’t Want to Miss
If you saw the social-media buzz surrounding Lady Gaga’s rendition of the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood theme song, you may not have known you were seeing a preview for a Super Bowl spot. The pop idol’s cover of the classic (and Pittsburgh-penned) tune is part of a commercial by the real-estate company Rocket.
Horse lovers, take note: The famous Clydesdales frequently featured in Budweiser’s advertisements will be present this year. What’s more, teaser ads have promised that the horses will befriend a bald eagle. Know that there’s no shame in crying over animal friendship … even if that friendship exists to sell beer.
We don’t know exactly what will be in these company’s ads, but we know they’ll be well made — thanks to a big-name director. Both Squarespace and Grubhub announced that their spots will be helmed by Yorgos Lanthimos, director of Oscar winners Poor Things, The Favourite and current nominee Bugonia. Lanthimos’ favorite collaborator, actress Emma Stone, will make an appearance in at least one spot, having appeared in a teaser from Squarespace.
This one’s already out online: Andy Samberg plays “Meal Diamond” in a parody of Neil Diamond’sSweet Caroline, dubbed Sweet Sandwich Time. Get ready to have either the original or the spoof in your head for a few days … and to crave a trip to the deli. Oscar nominee Elle Fanning also appears in the ad.
We don’t know if this counts as an ad to watch or one to avoid, but grooming company Manscaped has teased something … strange. In a commercial set to run before kickoff, the company will showcase a new (or at least one-night-only) mascot: An anthropomorphic hairball. Approach with caution, if not a bit of curiosity.
While you’re here, prepare for the Super Bowl with our complete guide taking you through the best recipes and party tips!
Make yourself a plate, grab a drink, and grab a seat with a good view! It’s time for Super Bowl Sunday! Whether you watch it for the game, the commercials, or the half-time performance, according to the NFL, about 60% of the United States population will be watching kick off. Make the most of your Super Bowl this year with planning tips that’ll take your party from a couple of friends and a six-pack to an extravaganza of delicious foods, drinks, and plenty of fun. You’ll feel so prepared that you can plan on actually watching the game this year instead of tending to the party itself.
The Ultimate Guide to Super Bowl Party Planning
Mix Up a Ward 8 for the True New England Patriots Fans
Celebrate your New England spirit with this Patriots-ready Ward 8 cocktail. This is a Boston-born classic that blends rye whiskey with citrus and grenadine for a bold, balanced sip honoring its historic roots in the city’s Eighth Ward. It’s perfect for toasting Super Bowl LX as well as honoring the New England Patriots. Try the recipe here!
Shake Up a Cocktail for Seattle Seahawks Fans
The modern legend of the Last Word cocktail was forged in Seattle when bartender Murray Stenson resurrected the then-forgotten recipe. Raise a glass to the Seahawks with this spirited twist on this city staple. A balanced blend of herbal gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino, and fresh lime combine into something bright and tangy that’s perfect for Seattle’s Super Bowl LX journey. Shake one up here!
Prepare What You Can Ahead of Time
Rushing around the morning of the Super Bowl to make all the preparations you need for the evening can be stressful. Simplify things by making what you can ahead of time. Chili is a great dish to prepare in advance that’s easy to make in big quantities for plenty of guests. Try our crowd pleasing Wendy’s Copycat Chili… just make sure you double or triple the recipe depending on your headcount. Then, you can ask your guests to bring crackers, cheese, chopped onion, or other accompaniments for a potluck style garnish situation.
Create the Perfect Menu of Bite and Cocktail Pairings
Don’t leave your guests overwhelmed by sweet, spicy, or salty flavors. Create a menu that balances bold food flavors with a cocktail counterpart. In our Bites and Cocktail Pairing article, we give you a variety of perfectly paired bites and cocktails resulting in flavor profiles that are just right. You’ll look like a culinary expert in front of all your friends!
Prep a Cocktail for Halftime
But, if you want something specific to Super Bowl LX, we’ve created a Hot Bunny Rum Smash cocktail in honor of Bad Bunny’s halftime performance. This recipe uses a Puerto Rican white rum along with orange juice, lime juice, habanero pepper slices, hot honey, as well as Tajín around the rim. Talk about a spicy way to heat up your excitement for the show!
Make Sure You Have Dietary Options
As much fun as the fried food on a Super Bowl night is, not everyone has the same dietary rules. By having some healthy plant-based, meat-free options, you can make sure that all your guests have something to enjoy. Check out our Healthy Game Day Recipes for a variety of dishes that are as delicious as they are good for you. Maybe you’ll make Fennel and Coriander Cashews for a quick snack or Edamame and Kale Hummus for a bigger bite.
Batch a Cocktail but Be Mocktail Inclusive
While many consider making a batch cocktail (like our Sparkling Pomegranate Cosmo) available at their Super Bowl party, mocktail inclusions for those who abstain from alcohol are all the rage. Don’t let your friends feel left out when toasting touchdowns throughout the evening. The best part is that many mocktails use the same core ingredients as popular cocktails so you won’t have to add much to your shopping list. Get started with our tasty Mocktail Recipes and then let your creativity fly. You can even create your own kid-friendly “mocktail” so the little ones can have a special drink too.
Don’t Forget About Dessert
Whenever you’re focusing on main dishes and drinks, it’s easy to forget about one of the most important preparations, dessert. But, you also don’t want your dessert dishes to take up all your cooking time and end up with a table of sweets and nothing else. Make things a little simpler this year with our Dessert Bar Recipes that can be made ahead of time and are the perfect handheld treat. We even have a recipe for Gluten-Free, Vegan Jammy Blueberry Bars so you can have an option for those with dietary restrictions.
For the Die Hard Steelers Fan
While we all know the Steelers won’t be in this year’s Super Bowl, we still can’t help but cheer them on. Bring a bit of your favorite team into your celebration with this Steelers game day menu made specifically for supporting the black and gold. Here you’ll find small bites like our Best Sloppy Joe Hand Pies and on-theme cocktails such as the Armchair Quarterback Cocktail. Needless to say, it’s a selection that even TJ Watt would love.
Set Yourself Up for Easy Cleanup
Using your regular dinnerware is fine for a small gathering, but, let’s be honest, most people will be paying attention to the game, not your plates. Cleanup is easier with paper plates that are compostable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly. When the time comes to clean up, just scoop any extra compostable food and the plates into your compost bin and let nature do its work. You can also ask guests to bring their own take-home container to take home leftovers.
Still itching for more Super Bowl recipes? Check out our Super Bowl Spread for more ideas.
The one appetizer that is always at our tables during game day, birthday parties, family gatherings, the Fourth of July, and so many other times, is Buffalo Chicken Dip. The combination of juicy chicken with just enough heat and a creamy, cheesy finish is truly addictive. Once you’ve dipped a chip in, it’s hard to stop yourself from consuming the entire bowl. This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe uses leftover rotisserie chicken to make it as simple as adding your ingredients to a pan and allowing it to cook.
A go-to for if you have guests over or a party coming up.
Ingredients
Scale
1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 cup ranch dressing
3/4 cup hot sauce
2 packs (8 oz each) cream cheese
1–2 cups shredded cheese (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
Add ranch dressing, hot sauce, cream cheese, and shredded cheese to the bowl.
Mix everything together until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a baking pan and spread evenly.
Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top.
Bake in the oven until the dip is hot and bubbly.
Looking for more ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken? Check out our article for leftover chicken recipes featuring stocks, casseroles, pastas, and more.
Recipe by Dominique Clark-Enos Styling by Star Laliberte Photo by Kylie Thomas
Valentine’s Day isn’t about the flowers… or the chocolates… or even a fancy dinner for two. Instead it’s about spending time with the people you love most and being thankful for them. So, some aspect of your heartfelt holiday celebration should include the people you care about the most, especially your children. Take this Valentine’s Day to teach your kids about the lessons of love by taking them for their own Valentine’s date. Just a simple outing to the library to create a themed craft can cast a glow around this festival of hearts!
Family-Friendly Valentine’s Day Events in Pittsburgh
February 8, The Westmoreland Museum of American Art
With love brews creativity at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art. Grab your little ones of all ages to enjoy hands-on art-making like making their own personalized valentines and candy leis. Then participate in sing alongs with all-ages karaoke, experience live performances, and even meet the whimsical Queen of Hearts.
Be sure to wear pink when you head to Vintage Max’s bookstore for a tweens-ONLY party. Start by making paper flower bouquets and building your own blind date with a book bundle before enjoying a”girl dinner” kid-friendly charcuterie spread by Haven Cafe. Plus, guests and any of their caretakers at pickup can also enjoy 20% off any book purchases made during the party.
Does your little one love music? Show them how to let that love shine at a Valentine’s Day Sing-a-long. As they make new friends they’ll learn catchy songs that remind you what the holiday is all about. Be sure to take other parents numbers to set up playdates later down the road.
Grab your partner and your kids for a visit to the gardens… without freezing. Families can craft heart‑ and love‑inspired creations inside the Peirce Education Rooms using natural and reused materials, enjoy games and stories, and nibble on small treats in a warm, cozy garden setting. It’s all about creativity, play, and togetherness into a joyful experience for children and adults alike.
No babysitter for a date night? No problem! Bring the kids along with you for an afternoon at the Schenley Skating Rink. Let the kids run laps around the rink as you skate slowly, hand-in-hand with the one you love. Tickets for the Family ALL Skate even include a special one adult and one child ticket for $9.
While this event is parent-free, kids in grades 6 to 8 will have the best time bonding with others while enjoying activities, games, and snacks. The activities include creating custom stamped metal keychains and friendship bracelets, designing your own stickers to keep or trade, learning to create duct tape accessories, and even a waffle bar as well as seasonal treats.
Story by Kylie Thomas Photo Courtesy of Anna Kolosyuk
Whether you call it Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, the city of Pittsburgh is ready to throw some purple, green, and gold-filled celebrations. Maybe you’ll choose to dance the night away at a ball. Or soak in some much-needed family time with a Disney princess. Either way, you’ll be feasting on New Orleans-style delights, cheers-ing to drink specials, and donning all the beads and masks you can imagine. So what are you waiting for? Dress up in your best party attire and hit the streets of Pittsburgh for a Mardi Gras you won’t soon forget (well… maybe you will depending on how many sazeracs you have).
February 13, Allegheny Ballroom at the Rivers Casino
Help raise money for the Pittsburgh Bereavement Doulas who support local families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. This fundraiser event includes a buffet of New Orleans essentials, a drink ticket, a Pittsburgh Cookie Table, plenty of beads, and the opportunity to dress for the occasion. What better reason to dress up all fancy and dine on exquisite cuisine?
This kid-friendly celebration includes a special visit from Princess Tiana! Here you’ll gear up with beads, decorate your own mask, enjoy beignet fries from City Kitchen, work on coloring pages, and explore the rest of Bakery Square. It’s the perfect opportunity for parents and kids alike to enjoy this holiday.
Dive into the Mardi Gras activities while supporting the Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. At this event honoring community leaders of Pittsburgh, you’ll be thrown into a New Orleans style celebration. Watch roaming musicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and magicians, while enjoying a French Creole-style sit-down dinner and open bar. The atmosphere is complete with a parade, extravagant decorations, beads, masks, and live music.
Whether you’re there for the New Orleans food, live performances, the raffles, or even to try to win Mardi Gras King/Queen, you’ll have plenty to do at the Allegheny Elks Lodge #339 party. After the kick off parade by the Eagleburger Band, you can look forward to dining on Shrimp Po’Boys, Beignets, Jambalaya, and Cheesy Grits.
Step into the spirit of New Orleans for A Night in the French Quarter, a Mardi Gras–inspired evening filled with rich flavors and live music. You’ll get to savor Southern-Style Fried Catfish, Classic Jambalaya, Corn Fritters, and plenty more right alongside inspired cocktails. Try a New Orleans classic, the Hurricane, or try Sophia’s own creation, Midnight on Bourbon Street.
Aslin Beer Company is turning their space into an all out Mardi Gras party including live jazz music and New Orleans style food specials. Plus, you can try the release of their latest barrel aged stout, take part in the King Baby Hunt for special prizes, and embrace the French Quarter spirit.
Story by Kylie Thomas Photo Courtesy of Hush Naidoo Jade Photography
Valentine’s Day is for the couples but Galentine’s Day is for the besties. Galentine’s Day has grown in popularity in the last few years, giving women the chance to get together and celebrate the feelings of love that come from a great friendship. Gather the women in your life and schedule a day of fun at one (or all) of the events around the city of Pittsburgh. You’ll sip special beverages, create take-home crafts and decorations, and most importantly, make lifetime memories with your best friend, mother, sister, or honorary auntie.
A shopping celebration for you and your favorite ladies! Join Rue Boutique for a day of shopping, sips, and style. Enjoy live music, browse stunning new arrivals, all while savoring champagne and small bites. Take advantage of exclusive in-store promotions, a gift with purchase, and special guest vendors throughout the event.
Looking to get 2026 on track while rewarding yourself for the hard work? This workshop combines hands-on cookie cake decorating with an intentional vision board session to make the hard work less tricky. You’ll decorate your own 8-inch cookie cake and then create a vision board that helps you focus on your goals for the year in different areas of your life.
Celebrate self-love at an interactive afternoon featuring a build-your-own bouquet bar and botanical cocktails. Guests tickets include two drink tickets, light bites, and a custom bouquet to take home all in a positive and welcoming environment. This is a day for no one to be alone!
An elegant, vintage-inspired afternoon tea curated for a relaxed Galentine’s celebration. Indulge in freshly brewed tea, coffee, and lemonade alongside classic finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, homemade scones, and mini desserts served on tiered trays and vintage teacups. Each guest also receives a raffle ticket for themed gift baskets and a tea‑time favor to take home.
While this one isn’t exclusively a Galentine’s event, what is more girly-pop than a 21+ book fair? Head to Velum on the South Side to discover books (possibly spicy) from local authors and indie booksellers, small business bookish vendors, and craft stations for when you need a break. Not to mention, a live DJ sets the mood with music all afternoon.
Grab your girlfriends and get ready for a stylish celebration of women-owned businesses. Enjoy a captivating fashion show featuring stunning looks from Boutique Blue, Shop with Julz, Mainstream Boutique and Opal Rose, providing inspiration for your own wardrobe. Savor a delicious brunch while you shop for unique styles from these Pittsburgh boutiques.
An adults-only evenings out makes for a perfect night every time. Make all your book-nerd dreams come true with bouquet making, a curated blind-date-with-a-book bar, and a “girl dinner” charcuterie spread by Haven Cafe. Dress in pink, bring your bestie, and take advantage of the extra 20% off your purchase during this time.
Remind yourself of the most important person in your life… YOU! Take your time at an intimate, candlelit evening designed as a restorative ritual rather than a traditional party. The evening unfolds through a grounding sound bath, guided love-letter writing, intuitive art-making, as well as a hands-on self-care ritual. Small bites and a wellness beverage are also included for proper relaxation.
Spend Galentine’s Day with a delicious twist at Sushi Tomo Southside. Enjoy a hands-on sushi rolling experience alongside a build-your-own bouquet bar, blending food, florals, and friendship into one unforgettable afternoon. Make sure to bring your besties along to create the best vibes possible.
Gather in The Garden Room, where floor-to-ceiling windows and cozy fireplaces create the perfect backdrop for a beautifully crafted spread of sweet and savory dishes by Atria’s Specialty Catering. Raise a glass to friendship with optional brunch cocktails, wine, or beer, then continue the fun with a whimsical, bestie-themed scavenger hunt throughout the areas of the aviary.
Story by Kylie Thomas Photo Courtesy of Nate Johnston
Every music lover’s favorite time of year is here: it’s Grammy Awards season! The 2026 Grammy Awards take you through the best of the best in 2025. The list of nominees spans through generations of artists in a number of different genres and mediums. This year when you plan your Grammy Awards watch party, be sure to include a couple of these cocktails. Whether you’re cheering for Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, or even Bad Bunny, we have a cocktail to celebrate when your favorite wins! All you have to do is turn on the telly.
Grammy Awards Nominee-Inspired Cocktails for Your Watch Party
Our pop queen Chappell Roan is up for Record of the Year for her heartbreaking ballad The Subway. She also recieves a nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance thanks to the same song which features her strong vocals and emotional bellows.
Even though we made this cocktail in honor of Sabrina’s last album, Short ‘n Sweet, we think the fun and playful vibes still apply. This little pop star comes up with some big nominations including Record of the Year for her song Manchild, Album of the Year for Man’s Best Friend, Song of the Year for Manchild, Best Pop Solo Performance for Manchild, Best Pop Vocal Album for Man’s Best Friend, and Best Music Video for Manchild.
Finally surpassing Taylor Swift as most popular streaming artist globally is Bad Bunny. Hailing from Puerto Rico, this rapper uses his Latin influences to create trap music that’s addictive to every listener. For the 2026 Grammy Awards he receives nominations in Record Of The Year for his song DtMF, Album of the Year for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, Song of the Year for DtMF, Best Música Urbana Album for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, Best Global Music Performance for EoO, and Best Album Cover for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.
Rather than a cocktail, wine seems better suited for the mature pop sophistication of Lady Gaga’s latest album, MAYHEM. It’s no surprise this album saw plenty of love from the Recording Academy with its unique approach to today’s hits. She gains nominations in Record of the Year for Abracadabra, Album of the Year for MAYHEM, Song of the Year for Abracadabra, Best Pop Solo Performance for Disease, Best Pop Vocal Album for MAYHEM, Best Dance Pop Recording for Abracadabra, and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Harlequin.
The gritty tone of Teddy Swims is back and wow-ing the Recording Academy. There’s no mistaking Teddy’s vocals so we’ve made a hot toddy to match his sultry touch. For the 2026 Grammy Awards he earns a nomination in Best Pop Vocal Album for his release of I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy — Part 2.
While the Grammy Awards normally call out creations outside of movies (there’s a whole category for that anyways) there are times a musical or movie song makes it into the mix. It’s no shock that Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s rendition of Defying Gravity takes a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with their mystifying vocals and undeniably compatible tone. Not to mention, the Wicked soundtrack also gets its own nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media and Erivo herself gets a nomination in Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for her song Be Okay.
We love seeing classic rock artists like Bruce Springsteen hitting the Grammy Awards list again after so many years. You may have missed Springsteen’s release of his compilation album Tracks II: The Lost Albums last year but we promise it’s worth a revisit, after all it is up for Best Recording Package. The box set as a whole takes listneers through previously unreleased songs from between 1983 and 2018 as a follow-up to his 1998 box set Tracks.
Whenever Sam Raimi gets some time off from franchise filmmaking, he returns to his favorite pastimes: ambiguous characters, survival situations and (forewarning) indulgent grossness.
An Honest Review of Sam Raimi’s Send Help
For the past few decades, he hasn’t had much opportunity for passion projects. In the 2000s, he helmed the gargantuan Spider-Man trilogy, a blockbuster demonstration of the narrative power and global appeal of superhero tales. In 2013, he tried to get Disney into the Oz business, taking the reins on the visually inventive but forgettable Oz the Great and Powerful. (Perhaps the Mouse should’ve gone for the Wicked rights.) Later that decade, he returned to the comic-book game; after some delays, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness proved a mixed success.
In the past quarter-century, then, he’s had just two opportunities to return to his roots. The first is 2009’s Drag Me to Hell, a campy yet occasionally troubling tale about a mild-mannered woman driven to extremes to survive. Then there’s this year’s Send Help, a campy yet occasionally troubling tale about a mild-mannered woman driven to extremes to survive.
He likes what he likes. And it’s usually pretty entertaining.
Making Movies on the Workplace
He also, at least in Drag Me to Hell and Send Help, enjoys a bit of corporate commentary — or at least the appearance of it. The latter film stars Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle, a frumpy middle-management type who toils in an undefined corporations strategy and planning department. She’s convinced her years of dogged service will land her a promotion and the attention of the dashing young CEO, Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien). Unfortunately, he’s got a fraternity buddy to promote — and he’s put off by Liddle’s unrefined exterior. (Casting the undeniably gorgeous Rachel McAdams as a Plain Jane stretches credulity, despite McAdams’ considerable acting chops.)
Preston invites Liddle to join a planned business trip to Bangkok, partially out of pity and partially to provide the boys’ club with a carry-on subject of ridicule. The plane crashes into the ocean in a harrowing sequence; only Liddle and Preston survive, finding themselves marooned on a desert island. Fortunately, Liddle is prepared; a devotee of the reality series Survivor, she’s been training for decades for just such a scenario. Whether Preston will accept that his former scapegoat is now his only chance at survival remains at question — all the way through the final reel.
Well… Maybe Don’t Send Help Too Quickly…
The marketing for Send Help has been primarily as a corporate satire, selling itself as an inversion of intraoffice power dynamics. To Raimi — and co-screenwriters Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, best known for the slasher-fight curiosity Freddy vs. Jason— this is just an opportunity for twists and shocks in an island paradise. (Drag Me to Hell had a similar relationship with current affairs, using the housing crisis as the backdrop to a tale of demonic curses.) The end product is far from cohesive and decidedly indulgent, but damn good fun — provided, of course, you’re comfortable with all manner of on-screen viscera and violence.
If it’s ever too much, just look at the sandy beaches in the background.
Others Movies Coming Out at the End of January 2026
Elsewhere at the multiplex, Jason Statham has typical business to deal with in Shelter, an actioner about — what else — an assassin on the run. This one has a sturdy supporting cast, though, including the unimpeachable Bill Nighy and rising star Naomi Ackie (who had a phenomenal 2025 thanks to Mickey 17and Sorry, Baby). Reviews haven’t dropped yet, but there’s slightly more buzz around this one than the typical January beat-em-up … A pair of curiosities are also theater-bound this weekend.
Iron Lung, a dark scifi/horror fable, is the feature debut of YouTube star Mark “Markiplier” Fischbach. He financed — and directed, wrote and edited — the picture himself, so it’s hard to know what to expect. (Given the size of his audience, though, it will hardly matter.)
Meanwhile, A24 releases the mockumentary, The Moment, starring Charlie XCX in a spoof of her own world tour…
On the small screen, build anticipation for the Milan Olympics with a viewing of the new doc Miracle: The Boys of ’80, an account of the underdog American hockey team that famously toppled the USSR’s squad at the Lake Placid games. The film, which features newly unearthed footage, should get even hockey novices to consider watching when the games kick off next weekend.
When asked to write this article on pizza in Pittsburgh, Jess Iacullo was intimidated. After living here for 10 years, she’s seen how seriously people take their opinions on pizza. “Pizza is held to a high standard, everyone has their go-to spot, and pizza slices are just as important as pizza pies,” she states. As a new year with old favorites and new emergences continues, Jess shares just a few of the spots that have kept her coming back consistently for their charm, character, and memorable “‘za.”
8 of the Best Pizza Spots in Pittsburgh from Hungry Jess
In my experience, the spots with no frills, no social media presence, and a family-staff feel always deliver the slices that feel like home. For me, Fazio’s is that spot. The plain pizza slices give me the nostalgic feeling of what I grew up eating: a crispy-bottom yet doughy crust, the perfect tang-to-sweet ratio of sauce, and cheese melted just right.
While they’re best known for their North Side location, their South Hills spot deserves some love. It’s similar to the original location, including a standing room for ordering pizza by the slice or by pie. But they also have some tables to stay and enjoy. They passed the takeout test for me, especially their square pepperoni slice. Their slice options change daily and per location, but I highly recommend any of their Sicilian options.
If you need to know something about my dedication to pizza, it’s the fact that my boyfriend and I have celebrated the past two Valentine’s Days with a pizza crawl … and Pizza Lupo is always the star of the show. While you can’t go wrong with any of their specialty pies, our favorites are the ‘Drunk Meatball’ (vodka sauce, Lupo’s meatballs, house cheese blend, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, basil) and ‘Lupo Loco’ (arrabbiata sauce, mozzarella, soppressata, pepperoni, pickled jalapeño, hot honey drizzle). This spot is strictly takeout only, and I suggest ordering online with plenty of time beforehand.
As a proud Pitt grad, I can’t leave out a college staple. While the pizza of Oakland has drastically changed since my time as a student (Sorrento’s is greatly missed), Benny Fierro’s has been proud and true to the late-night pizza scene, not to mention the value per slice. All slices are bigger than your head and range from plain and pepperoni to rotating monthly specialty slices. They now make their own ranch as well, for those who prefer a ranchy pizza bite. Need even more convincing? They’re also BYOB. Check on their social pages for the specialty slices of the month. If you show up at a party with a whole pie, I can almost guarantee you’ll be the favorite guest of the evening.
Speaking of pizzerias that have stood the test of time and have never let me down, Pizza Milano is high on that list. If you’re a student or grad of Duquesne, this was most likely your go-to pizza joint. Aside from hot, delicious, cheese-pull-focused plain pizza pies to surprisingly flavorful and juicy chicken wings and loaded buffalo fries, this is an ideal spot for multiple takeout (and delivery) purposes, whether watching the game, entertaining guests, or craving late-night pizza any day of the week. In case a Hawaiian pizza is your thing, they make a memorable one.
When I first moved to Pittsburgh, DiAnoia’s was one of my go-to spots for every meal of the day. I didn’t think they could get any better, but then they opened a pizza spot. Focusing on Old World and New York-style pizza, there’s truly a slice here for everyone. Their Old World slices are memorable. Let your tastebuds explore this creation of provolone cheese on the bottom with sauce on top, parmesan, oregano, and basil. They also make an incredible cheesesteak, and I highly recommend trying them while they last: they make a limited amount per day.
While the owner, Josh Sickels, made history during his time in White Oak, there’s a vast following anxiously awaiting his Regent Square opening … me included. While everyone has their favorite at this New York-style pizza spot, their sesame-seeded, beautifully crusted, square Sicilian pies put them on the map for me. I still think about their vodka pie to this day. Plus, Josh did a dedicated pizza tour up and down the East Coast recently as research and included one of my childhood New Jersey staples. That’s how I know he’s the real deal.
While most of my list includes restaurants focused on takeout and casual dining, Piccolo Forno hits all the marks for an upscale, classic pizzeria. There’s nothing I love more than meeting a friend for dinner and being lucky enough to snag a seat outside. It’s everything a pizzeria and Italian restaurant should be. Be sure to go hungry, with room for antipasti and their traditional pizzas. My recommendation: the Calabrese with crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, provolone cheese, Calabrian chili peppers, crispy pancetta, and hot honey drizzle. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Continue the ideal evening (or lunch!) by visiting their wine and cocktail bar, Grapperia, next door.
Alberta’s | Photo by Hungry Jess
New Additions to Try
Jess has recently been exploring some of the newer pizzerias around Pittsburgh so here’s her top suggestions with some from her original list and some new blood too!
Alberta’s on the North Side: “I went there last week, and I’m still thinking about it. I regret giving my friend all of the leftovers, that’s how much I loved it! They are definitely up there for the best pizza I’ve had in a while.”
Benny Fierro’s: “They’re just celebrating 10 years, and they’re delivering deals in honor.”
Our other resident pizza expert Dan Gigler has been busy exploring new pies for himself. Here are some of the latest restaurants on his radar to check out in the coming months.
Valentine’s Day is all about saying what words sometimes can’t. Often flowers do the talking beautifully. Classic red roses and modern, artful arrangements turn romance into something you can hold in your hands, and give to your beloved. Whether you’re planning a grand gesture, a sweet surprise, or a last-minute delivery that still feels thoughtful, Pittsburgh’s local florists shops offer creativity, quality, and heart on this special day.
Pick up a bouquet of flowers or a special arrangement for your partner. Choose from bouquet, vase, and arrangement designs to perfectly suit their personality. You can even pick out a special arrangement that’s just for pet owners to make sure toxic flowers don’t come into the home.
The magic of floral designs at The Farmer’s Daughter starts at their farm where they source many of their flowers. After careful prep, they form the flowers into beautiful arrangements in colors of pink and red for Valentine’s Day. Then, they’re delivered straight to your home to make gift buying as easy as possible. They have an excellent gift assortment, as well.
At Fox and the Fleur the vase the flowers are arranged in is just as important as the flowers themself. Whether you’re looking for bursts of red and pink as lovey colors or a more neutral arrangement, they’re each finished off in an exquisite vessel.
Don’t give your loved one just flowers this Valentine’s Day! Shop Armful of Flowers’ selection of edible gifts alongside their beautiful floral designs. When you go to order your gorgeous bouquet in person, check out their shelves of novelty items too that are perfect beside an arrangement.
For the men (or women) who have no idea how to order flowers, Honey Bunch Bouquets makes it easy with three size options for Valentine’s Day. Choose from large, small, or a Galentine’s duet of two mini arrangements. Each order comes with free delivery or in-store pick-up, fresh roses, satin ribbon, color options of soft pink or red, a black hat box, and loose rose petals for an extra touch.
The Ludig family is proudly celebrating their fifth generation as Pittsburgh florists, so you know you’re getting an expert with their flower service that goes the extra mile. Take a look at their homepage to find the best flowers for your loved one. They have large vases full of colors and greenery, small vases of just roses, and much more.
Pair your flowers with a deliciously indulgent treat from your local Pittsburgh Chocolatiers.
Story by Kylie Thomas Photo by Rachel Rowland of Gold Dust Floral Arrangement
