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Plan Your Week: The Best Pittsburgh Events May 25-31

By
Kylie Thomas
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A dog lays on the grass of PNC baseball park at a pup night event with a baseball in his mouth.

The week’s best Pittsburgh events from May 25-31 begins with cinema’s biggest icon and winds up with a poignant love story. (Admittedly, a bit of a journey.) Read on for our picks in theater, film, nightlife and more — including dogs at the ballpark!

The Best Events in Pittsburgh May 25-31

Godzilla Minus One

Monday, May 25, AMC Theaters

The surprise 2023 hit Godzilla Minus One might be the best film about the giant monster. Less a kaiju rampage and more a tale of trauma in postwar Japan, the modestly budgeted film upset offerings from major studios to win an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. A sequel is due out later this year; in the meantime, see Godzilla Minus One on the big screen, revived by AMC as part of its Asian American Heritage Month series.

Pirates Pup Night

Tuesday, May 26, PNC Park

If you’re a lover of both dogs and America’s pastime, you are likely well aware of PNC Park’s Tuesday-night Pup Night promotion, wherein a specially purchased ticket admits not only one human but also one dog to a reserved section of seats. (We already have our chihuahua, Peanut, booked for a game later in the season; we’re considering outfits.) But consider this opportunity as a fan: If the Pirates do well, it’s a great night at the ballpark. If the Pirates struggle, you can just look at all the nice dogs. It’s a win-win.

Toadies

Wednesday, May 27, Roxian Theatre

The alternative-radio mainstays Toadies, best known for the sinister yet irresistible hit Possum Kingdom, are the headliners at this midweek show in McKees Rocks. Don’t arrive late, however, as the full lineup is worth your attention. The band will also be joined by fellow post-grunge outfit Local H and the western-tinged Vandoliers; the latter band is a personal favorite of mine, with a delightful fusion of punk and country.

Walk With Me Screening and Reception

Thursday, May 28, Union Trust Building

The documentary Walk With Me offers a rare personal look at early-onset Alzheimer’s, as accomplished casting director Heidi Levitt steps behind the camera to capture the journey of her husband, Charlie Hess, who was diagnosed with the disease at 57. The film will receive its local premiere on Thursday night in a screening as well as reception benefitting the Clear Thoughts Foundation, a nonprofit that works toward treatments for dementia. The evening is a chance to see a powerful documentary — in an impressive setting, the stately Union Trust Building. (Since it’s a private space, all tickets must be purchased in advance, and include access to the reception.)

The Great Gatsby

Friday, May 29, Benedum Center

The 2025-26 Broadway in Pittsburgh season concludes with a local premiere — and a lush adaptation of a beloved piece of literature. The Great Gatsby, still running today on both Broadway and the West End, features a jazz-influenced score by Grammy winner (and frequent Broadway producer) Jason Howland. The production has become known for its Jazz Age aesthetics and spectacle; in fact, it took home a Tony for its costume design. Try to dress to match — and make a night of it, old sport.

Attack Theatre’s Thirty Ball

Saturday, May 30, Rockwell Park

The Dirty Ball, the annual fundraiser for cutting-edge dance and performance outfit Attack Theatre, has a reputation as one of the city’s most intriguing parties; in their own words, “a bold blend of elegance, energy, and just the right amount of mischief.” You can expect a major milestone edition — the aptly named Thirty Ball, in honor of the organization’s 30th anniversary — to be elevated even higher than the typically impressive standard for the event. Catch surprising performances and more, as the party takes over a floor of Rockwell Park in Point Breeze.

Talley’s Folly

Sunday, May 31, South Park Theatre

It’s an odd-couple love story in real time: Talley’s Folly, which won the 1980 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, takes place in 97 minutes with no scene changes or interruptions. (The title character promises as much as the play begins.) It’s an intriguing and rich challenge for actors and an unusually realistic depiction for audiences — perhaps explaining why companies have gone back to Lanford Wilson’s play for more than four decades. South Park Theatre presents this two-hander at their charming home base through Sunday. (And you can add a picnic lunch!)

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

Story by Sean Collier
Photo by Harrison Barden From Pittsburgh Pirates 

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Pennsylvania Creative Industry’s Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Grants Turn Artists Into Professionals

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A bead bracelet with seashell charms on a crystal rock.

Kim Flurry was a retired educator with a passion for gemstone jewelry. Thanks to a Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Grant from Pennsylvania Creative Industries, she’s now a “serial entrepreneur” who turns her passions into vocations.

From Hobby to Business with Help from Bridgeway Capital and Other Community Partners’

“I’ve always liked jewelry,” Flurry says. “Ever since I was a child. I can remember my first piece of jewelry.”

Flurry’s thoughts turned back to jewelry after an unexpected surgery sidelined her career as an educator. As she recovered from open-heart surgery — which required two months at home — she began putting her energy toward gemstone-beaded jewelry.

Kim Flurry rearranges her jewelry on a white table.

“It started out as a hobby,” she explains, “then people asked me where the jewelry I was wearing came from.”

The interest in her work convinced her that her jewelry could sell. Unfortunately, there’s a long path from a hobby to a business; fortunately, she found an organization that would facilitate that journey. She participated in education sessions with other artists from the New Kensington area through Bridgeway Capital’s ACRE (Alliance for Creative Rural Economics) program. Those sessions led to a Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator grant from Pennsylvania Creative Industries.

The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program Empowers Artists

The Creative Entrepreneur Program, an initiative of Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and Pennsylvania Creative Industries, gives “business development services and financial support,” according to a release, to individual entrepreneurs and artists — including a focus on those living in low-income communities.

The grant program will relaunch statewide this fall with support from Bridgeway Capital. Bridgeway has already supported 30 artists with a total $3.2 million in loans from its Creative Business Loan Fund.

Flurry says the support went beyond money, giving her “a great foundation that I never would’ve been able to afford. There was a photographer that took professional pictures. We met weekly … a jewelry business can be a lonely business. It brought together other entrepreneurs that had solo businesses and shared experience and knowledge.”

The grant also facilitated an appearance at popular maker market Handmade Arcade — and, Flurry says, that led to community.

“I got to meet all kinds of entrepreneurs … It was such a welcoming environment that we watched one another’s booths. We were total strangers when the day started, but if you had to go get something to eat, your neighbor would watch your booth. That was an experience I had never had.”

A woman picks a bead necklace off a crystal rock.

Becoming a ‘Serial Entrepreneur’

Flurry has since added a second business, selling homemade bone broth — and is developing a third, drawing on her previous professional experience to offer educational consulting. “I have to explain to people why these three businesses are connected,” she says, noting that the thread is in the name she’s chosen for her collected efforts: “A Kind, Loving World.”

“That’s the arching, overall thought for them. I feel as though, since the pandemic until now, we need that support that carries us through. The world has changed, and it didn’t give us any warning.”

Flurry’s website is being redesigned at the moment; for the time being, those interested in beaded jewelry (or bone broth) can reach out to her via email, at aklwbonebroth@gmail.com.

Successful and ambitious though she’s been, she says none of it would’ve been possible without support.

“Bridgeway Capital has supported me in many ways over the years — and provided that structured knowledge that you don’t really get from it starting out as a hobby.”

Story by Sean Collier
Photos From Bridgeway Capital

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What Was the Impact of the NFL Draft on Pittsburgh One Month Later?

By
Kylie Thomas
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Arts Landing in Pittsburgh Downtown with people walking among the grass and tall buildings in the background.
The new Arts Landing development, which was successfully constructed at an accelerated schedule to be ready for the NFL Draft.

In anticipation of 500,000-700,000 visitors to a city with a population of 310,000, it seemed there was no end to Pittsburgh’s preparations for the NFL Draft.

How’s Pittsburgh Looking One Month After the NFL Draft?

Electronic signs on 376 told drivers to avoid unnecessary travel. Pittsburgh Public Schools went remote, as did Allegheny County offices and Downtown-based corporations including Highmark and PNC. Parking garages upped their prices; public transit got a boost. A county-wide cleanup gathered 7.3 million pounds of debris across more than 40,800 volunteer hours. About 150 small businesses and local vendors partnered with the NFL, providing everything from food to fencing. 

From the NFL’s claim of 800,000 attendees to reports of an empty city outside of the event footprint, looking back at the Draft can tell any story you want. A rousing success or a case of public-relations spin? A long-term opportunity for the city or a notable loss?

The bottom line, however, is that no one yet knows the bottom line. 

“Independent analysis will provide a clear picture of the impact, expected in the coming months,” says Jerad Bachar, President and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, the tourism-centered organization that led the city’s Draft efforts. “Attendee event feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors consistently highlighted the city’s energy, accessibility and hospitality.”

Did Locals Get What Was Promised?

With life more or less back to normal, TABLE will check in with local businesses, artists and civic leaders about the promises of the Draft and its aftermath. We plan to continue across the year.

“This event was about more than a single weekend,” Bachar says. “It was an investment in Pittsburgh’s long-term visibility, tourism growth and economic momentum.” 

According to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, its Vibrancy Initiative projects included filling 53 vacant commercial spaces with retail business and art installations; the projects also involved 56 enhancements, such as sidewalk repairs and increased lighting in public spaces. 

“The Draft provided a great opportunity to showcase everything our region has to offer on a national and international stage,” County Executive Sara Innamorato said during her quarterly address to County Council on April 28. “It also gave us a deadline to do some really big permanent projects for the people who call Pittsburgh home.” 

NFL Draft Expansions That Lift Pittsburgh Up

Those projects included the $15 million renovation of Market Square and the creation of Arts Landing, a $31 million, four-acre civic space.

Arts Landing — billed as a once-in-a-generation change to the landscape of Downtown Pittsburgh — boasts a stage on a one-acre great lawn, a garden walk and pickleball courts. It also includes Downtown’s first playground as well as a visitor’s center with public restrooms.

Derek Scalzott, Senior Director of Strategic Communications for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, said the idea for Arts Landing took off in early 2024; a soft opening was held on April 17. (The grand opening will take place with June’s Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival.) “The 22 months between concept and ribbon cutting is really remarkable,” said Scalzott. “A project of this scope would normally take about four years.”

Businesses Left Underwhelmed

While pre-Draft hype seemed like the entire city would benefit, not everyone went all-in. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years,” says Square Cafe owner Sherree Goldstein. “We knew all the activities were [going to take place] in the North Side and Downtown.” 

The popular East Liberty breakfast spot — about four and a half miles from the outermost edge of the Draft footprint — saw a small bump from hotel traffic, but, Goldstein says, “it wasn’t out of the ordinary. We are always ready for high volume.” 

Businesses closer to the event space relied on a different kind of experience. Jacqueline Schoedel, owner of the Speckled Egg, said she reached out to restaurant owners in Green Bay, host of the 2025 Draft, to figure out what to expect. One told her to expect to be as busy as a typical Saturday and Sunday all week long — for any restaurant within a mile of the event footprint.

Schoedel heeded the advice and doubled the order between her Downtown and South Side locations. “I’m talking, like, 10 cases of potatoes for each location, 35 cases of eggs for one location and then 15 at the other,” Schoedel said. “That’s a lot of eggs.”

At the End of the Day… It’s a One-Time Event

Schoedel was also selected to participate in Taste of the Draft on the first night of the event. She and her husband brought 750 sample-sized versions of the Speckled Egg’s fried chicken biscuit.  

In the end, her restaurant sales weren’t nearly as high as her compatriots in Green Bay predicted; in fact, they looked like a normal week.

“The NFL came like a circus. They had everything you needed once you got to the Draft campus,” she said. “In the South Side, it was like the Draft didn’t exist at all.”

The upside to over-preparing, she said, was being ready for the following weekend: the Pittsburgh Marathon, a home game for the Pirates and The University of Pittsburgh’s graduation festivities.

“It was the most amazing thing,” Schoedel said. “I was like, ‘This is how Pittsburgh does big events.’”

Story by Amy Whipple
Photo by Sean Collier

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Plan Your Week: The Best Pittsburgh Events June 1-7

By
Kylie Thomas
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A featured Greek dish at Kennywood's Bites and Pints Festival.
A Greek Baklava Cheesecake at Kennywood's Bites and Pints Festival

This week in Pittsburgh, the Three Rivers Arts Festival kicks off on June 5, but that’s not all that’s happening around the city. Let yourself explore what other institutions have to offer from throwback film showings to eating your way around the world.

The Best Events in Pittsburgh June 1-7

Taking Back Sunday and Bayside

Monday, June 1, Stage AE

If you came of age during a very specific span — say, the late ’90s through the early ’10s — a certain style of pop-punk is almost certainly nostalgic for you. Yet bands such as Taking Back Sunday and Bayside, who’ll team up at Stage AE this Monday night, are able to retain a fresh and rebellious sound despite their veteran status. Punks may grow up in age, but never in attitude. Leave the pit to the younger crowd, but feel free to dress like it’s 2001 at this indoor show.

North by Northwest

Tuesday, June 2, Row House Lawrenceville

Many cineastes consider North by Northwest, the tense masterpiece by Alfred Hitchcock, to be the prototype for the James Bond franchise: A dashing leading man on an unexpected, careening adventure with a beautiful love interest and a cadre of conspiratorial villains. I’d argue, though, that the comparison doesn’t do North by Northwest justice — it’s better than the Bond films. (All of them.) See Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason and a scene-stealing Martin Landau in this stone-cold classic; it’ll be on the big screen at Row House Lawrenceville this week, along with a trio of other Hitchcock flicks.

Batman at Flashback Cinema

Wednesday, June 3, Various Theaters

Is Michael Keaton the best Batman? Arguments can be made … but this is Pittsburgh, so we’ll just go ahead and say yes. His performance — and more vitally, Tim Burton’s inventive and stylish direction — set the tone for decades of superhero cinema with 1989’s Batman. The film will screen at several local multiplexes this Wednesday (as well as Sunday, May 30) via the Flashback Cinemas series. Now, is Jack Nicholson the best Joker? Too heated a debate, we’ll set it aside for now.

Javi Benitez

Thursday, June 4, Liberty Magic

At Liberty Magic, there’s nowhere for a magician to hide. The closest seats (which you can purchase, along with a post-show reception, as part of the VIP “Skeleton Key” package) are mere feet from the performer — and there are up-close views to the right and the left of the magician, as well. To pull off a feat of deception, then, the performer has to be world-class. Fortunately, Javi Benitez is just such an expert — Penn & Teller called him “the best sleight-of-hand artist we’ve ever seen.” This week, he’ll begin a residency at Liberty Magic with his show Handmade Miracles.

Disco Divas with the PSO

Friday, June 5, Heinz Hall

This isn’t just a disco show: It’s a disco evening. You’re encouraged to get into the spirit before you even leave the house; wear your best dance-floor duds, as competitors for the Best Dressed Disco Contest will be selected before the show begins. Long before the musicians take the stage, the party will begin in the Grand Lobby for DJ sets, trivia and a glammed-up pre-show soiree. Then, of course, the music will begin, as lauded vocalists Crystal Monee Hall, Kelly LeVesque and Shayna Steele join the PSO for an evening of hits by Donna Summer, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross and many more. The music continues through the weekend, as this show will be performed Friday and Saturday nights and at a Sunday matinee.

The Pharcyde

Saturday, June 6, Three Rivers Arts Festival

The annual celebration of art and music kicks off Friday, bringing the festival back to the Cultural District — for the first time, using the brand-new Arts Landing (and its dedicated stage) as home base. Great music and events are scheduled throughout the 10-day event, but make this show a priority: The Pharcyde, whose 1992 album Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde was ranked among the best in hip-hop history by Rolling Stone, will headline Saturday’s music lineup. The group’s innovative blend of soul, psychedelic sounds and alternative production was key to the genre’s early-’90s evolution — and will undoubtedly provide feel-good vibes for the festival.

Bites & Pints Festival

Sunday, June 7, Kennywood

Pittsburgh’s answer to the beloved Food & Wine festival at EPCOT Center combines high-end food, beer and wine with Kennywood’s signature charm. This is the one time of year that we may actually recommend you skip the Potato Patch; grab a tasting card (available in 8- and 12-bite packages) and opt for Mojo Shrimp ala Plancha, Filet of Boeuf en Croute, Short Rib Ragu, Baklava Cheesecake and dozens of other options across eight stations. Bites & Pints continues Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June 28.

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

Story by Sean Collier
Photo Courtesy of Kennywood

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Tour Asia at These Authentic Asian Restaurants in Pittsburgh

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A white table with three blue bowls on it with Asian bulgogi, poke bowl with egg on top, and small fried balls with chopsticks on the table.

From Sichuan spice and Taiwanese comfort food to Korean pocha plates and sushi omakase, Pittsburgh’s Asian restaurants showcase the depth and breadth of Asian foodways. Though diverse in flavors and techniques, these restaurants share a deep respect for the traditions behind the food. Each kitchen draws from a distinct culinary culture, whether it is the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns, the bright herbs of Southeast Asian cooking, or the precision of Japanese sushi.

Authentic Asian Restaurants in Pittsburgh

Bombay To Burgh

1814 S Braddock Avenue, Swissvale

Chef-owner Gaurav Navin’s menu goes well beyond the North Indian staples usually found in the US. Start with the B2B chicken, fried and tossed with green chilies and curry leaves, or Paneer Kurkure, crisp outside and creamy within. From there, settle into richer dishes like Paneer-veg Korma thickened with cashews and poppy seeds, or coconut-laced Fish Moilee. New additions include Goan Xacuti chicken and Malabar Coconut Shrimp Ghassi, as well as Baghara Baingan and Gongura Chicken from Andhra Pradesh. The Sunday brunch buffet spotlights a different Indian region each week.

Chengdu Gourmet 2

4768 McKnight Road, Ross

Sichuan cuisine, one of the eight great culinary traditions of China, is known for its layered aromatics and the signature interplay of heat, fragrance, and the tongue-tingling numbness of Sichuan peppercorns. At Chengdu Gourmet, Chef Wei Zhu, a multipletime James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, builds a menu around those bold flavors. The Dan Dan Noodles arrive nutty and fiery, while Mapo Tofu is silky and electric with peppercorns. Fish Fillet in Chili Oil comes swimming in a scarlet broth, and Chongqing Chicken piles crisp bites among a forest of dried chilies. Order broadly and share.

Shabu Shabu Hot Pot & Grill

140 Quinn Drive, Robinson

Shabu Shabu Hot Pot & Grill in Robinson Township delivers a serious feast. Each table is fitted with simmering pots of broth where diners immerse thin slices of beef, pork, shrimp, and vegetables until just cooked, then dip them into garlicky soy or nutty sesame sauces. Much of the spread comes buffet-style, with rows of mushrooms, napa cabbage, tofu, noodles, seafood, cooked sides, and even desserts to load onto your plate. A rotating conveyor belt sends more plates around the room, and robots occasionally roll by with drinks. If you’re not with a crowd, the restaurant also offers individual mini pots for a steamy, solo hot pot session.

Taiwanese Bistro Café 33

1711 Shady Avenue, Squirrel Hill

Taiwanese cooking draws heavily from night market snacks and homestyle braises, and Café 33 Taiwanese Bistro is ready to take you on a tour of Taiwanese comfort food. Start with Popcorn Chicken — crisp, peppery, and impossible to stop eating — or flaky Scallion Pancakes and Soup Dumplings. From there, move into heartier comforts: bowls of Beef Noodle Soup with deeply aromatic broth or Braised Pork over rice, the island’s beloved everyday staple. Three-cup Chicken arrives glossy with soy, sesame oil, and basil, while Gua Bao Pork Belly Buns deliver a soft, pillowy bite of sweet, savory richness. The joy here is in sampling as many dishes as you can.

Soju

4923 Penn Avenue, Garfield

This compact Penn Avenue spot takes its cues from Korea’s soju drinking culture, where meals stretch late into the evening over bottles of the clear, lightly sweet spirit. The room is small and usually buzzing, with diners settling in for a broad sampling. Get the crackly Kimchi Pancakes or juicy Mandu Dumplings, then move on to bulgogi or kalbi served with rice and banchan. Bibimbap arrives hot and fragrant in a stone bowl, while Chicken Katsu Curry nods to the Japanese influences woven through modern Korean cooking. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so come early or be ready to wait.

Yotea & Yoka Kitchen

4615 Centre Ave

Yotea & Yoka Kitchen is a casual Asian café that blends bubble tea culture with a sprawling menu of Taiwanese comfort food, Chinese stir-fries, and hot-pot dishes. Start with a crisp Scallion Pancake before moving on to heartier bowls of Beef Noodle Soup, Stir-fried Rice Cakes, or Braised Pork Belly with Pickled Mustard Greens. There are hot pot options for groups, but many diners seem just as happy pairing noodles with a towering cup of Taro Milk Tea or Mango Fruit Tea.

Ramen King

Canonsburg and Robinson

Instead of Japanese ramen, Ramen King focuses on northern Chinese noodle traditions, especially long, hand-pulled strands served in clear, slow-simmered broths. Bowls arrive steaming and generous, topped with tender slices of beef, chili oil, and fresh herbs. Order the Lanzhou-style Beef Noodle Soup for the full experience. The noodles are famously long and chewy, sometimes so long that diners are given scissors to cut them at the table.

Hyderabad House

20111 Route 19 #302C, Cranberry

The menu at Hyderabad House is unusually large, but it follows a clear structure built around Hyderabadi cuisine, a regional tradition from the Deccan plateau known for aromatic rice dishes, rich meat curries, and layered spice blends. Hyderabasi-style biryani blends long grained basmati rice with marinated and slow-cooked meat with spices whose aromas infuse every grain. The Chicken Dum Biryani is the classic order, fragrant with caramelized onions and herbs, but the menu runs deep with goat, fish, and paneer versions as well as regional variations like Gongura and fiery Vijayawada Biryani. Start with Andhra-style snacks like Chicken 65 or Crispy Pakoras while you wait for the mains to arrive.

Kiin Lao & Thai Eatery

5846 Forbes Avene, Squirrel Hill

The color-soaked dining room is a second-floor refuge from the bustle of Squirrel Hill. The menu moves between Thai comfort food and the herb-heavy cooking of Laos, introducing diners to dishes rarely found outside Lao communities. Nosh on Curry Puffs or Tamarind Spare Ribs before diving into brighter flavors like Laab, a minced meat salad sharpened with lime and toasted rice powder. Bowls of Khao Poon Noodle Soup are fragrant with coconut curry, while familiar Thai plates like Pad Thai and basil stir-fries keep the menu approachable. It’s an easy place to explore something new without straying too far from the classics.

Tram’s Kitchen

4050 Penn Avenue, Bloomfield

Tram’s Kitchen in Bloomfield is a nofrills Vietnamese standby known for restorative bowls of pho and other comfort classics. The menu sticks to the staples: the aforementioned pho, vermicelli noodle bowls piled with herbs, fresh spring rolls, and lemongrass beef or tofu. Grab your meal to go and then walk it down the block to Trace Brewing, where one of their lagers makes an easy pairing. Note: cash only.

Okane Sushi & Bar

4th Avenue, Downtown

“Omakase” translates to “I leave it up to you,” a Japanese dining style where the chef curates the meal, serving a progression built around the best fish of the day. At Okane Sushi downtown, that experience unfolds upstairs at the omakase counter, where chefs send out a steady rhythm of nigiri as well as sashimi alongside more elaborate bites like salmon cigars and delicate uni dumplings floating in a clear umami broth. Downstairs, the casual dining room leans into a livelier sushi-bar energy with creative rolls and sushi tacos tucked into crisp nori wrappings. A rooftop bar is also in the works, adding yet another layer to the restaurant’s downtown nightlife energy.

In case you’re looking to dig into more Asian cuisine, check out our restaurant picks from last year’s How to Pittsburgh issue!

Story by Aakanksha Agarwal
Styling by Anna Franklin
Food by Soju
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Meet Pittsburgh Zoo’s New Lion Cub

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A baby lion cub at the Pittsburgh zoo looking up.

Cue Circle of Life — there’s a new lion cub in town at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.

Roaring Over the New Lion Cub at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

On Tuesday, the zoo announced the birth of an as-yet-unnamed female lion. The cub, who was born on Sunday, April 5, is the offspring of 9-year-old parents Hondo and Scarlett.

A baby lion cub lays in the arms of her lion mom.

“Mom and baby are both doing very well,” says Dr. Jeremy Goodman, the zoo’s president and CEO. “They’re in a maternity den, back of house — so off-habitat [for now].

“Back in 2019, Scarlett was imported from a facility in Africa to introduce new bloodlines and genetics into the North American lion population,” Goodman explains. “The effort made for the birth of this cub involved five different institutions working cooperatively over the span of over a decade to make sure we have a healthy population and that we are contributing toward lion conservation.”

And She’s Already Making a Statement…

During the announcement, Hondo — the father of the young cub — stood in his habitat over Goodman’s shoulder, seeming to beam like a proud father.

A lion stands on top of a rock, roaring at the zoo.
Photo by Sean Collier

In a statement, Karen Vacco, the assistant curator of mammals, gave a glowing endorsement of the cub’s health. “Scarlett is an excellent mother and has been caring for the cub well,” Vacco said in a statement. “Animal care staff are carefully monitoring healthy nursing patterns and normal maternal behavior.”

The young cub, who was “about 2 pounds” at birth and is “a little bigger than the size of a football” now, will remain off-habitat while she continues to bond with Scarlett. She’s expected to make a public debut in late summer. Updates on the cub’s development can be found on the zoo’s social-media outlets — and an opportunity for the public to contribute ideas for the name of the cub is expected soon.

“I’ve been in this business a long time,” Goodman adds, “and it doesn’t get old — seeing a baby lion. I still remember my first one, and this one will be just as special. They are truly phenomenal animals.”

Story by Sean Collier
Photo and Video Courtesy of Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

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Plan Your Memorial Day Picnic

By
Kylie Thomas
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A bow sits on a picnic table filled with star shaped watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, and spinkled with tajin to make a red white and blue fruit salad.

Memorial Day weekend has a way of feeling like the official start of summer in Pittsburgh. The days stretch a little longer, the sun gets a little warmer, and suddenly, everything simply feels better when it happens outside.

Take this weekend as a way to slow down and gather your favorite people in the best way possible: a picnic. No overthinking or complicated hosting; just good food, great weather, and a day with the people you love. Here’s how to pull together a Memorial Day picnic that feels effortless, colorful, and very much like summer is finally here.

How to Plan Your Memorial Day Picnic

Gather Your Picnic Materials

Before you even think about the menu, think about the basics. You’ll need something to sit on, something to carry everything in, and a few small details that make the whole thing feel intentional instead of thrown together.

The key to perfecting your outdoor spread is a sturdy blanket, a basket or oversized tote, reusable cups, and napkins that don’t blow away the second a breeze hits. For a full breakdown of what to bring, check out our guide to Picnic Essentials, where we walk through everything from practical packing to little upgrades that make a big difference.

Create a Spread That’s Colorful and Delicious

Memorial Day food should feel like summer on a plate whether that’s fresh fruit or BBQ right off the grill. To add a touch of patriotic personality to your menu, think red, white, and blue in an elegant and tasty way. If you’re leaning into the holiday theme, our collection of Red, White, and Blue Recipes brings together dishes that feel festive without being fussy and even looks just as good as it tastes.

A red, white, and blue gelatin cake decorated with fresh strawberries and blueberries sits on a platter while a woman holds out a cut slice on a small white plate.

The rest of your picnic spread doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. Instead, a bowl of creamy and comforting potato salad can easily bring everything together. Check out our Potato Salad Recipes where there’s a version for every kind of picnic personality.

A white plate is slathered in a crispy potato salad with dill pickles and a small plate to the bottom right holds a smaller portion.

Shake up a Mocktail

Every great gathering needs a celebratory sip that makes everything brighter, especially when it’s a cold beverage during a summer gathering. While classic lemonade or iced tea always have their place, a mocktail adds some extra fun to the afternoon.

Lowball glass with a pickleback mocktail inside topped with pickle spears and kosher salt on the rim as it sits on a grey table.

For something outside of the ordinary, our Pickleback Mocktail is equal parts refreshing and surprising. It’s like drinking the pickle juice at the bottom of the jar but way better with the use of Pittsburgh Pickle Co Picklexir . Bonus points if you make a big batch in advance and pour as guests settle in.

Fill in the Gaps with Pittsburgh Businesses

Even the most carefully-planned picnic usually has one or two missing pieces. Sometimes you’ll forget a dessert, need more ice than you thought, or even come up with a new idea just as you pull out of the driveway.

Three spot sit around a white picnic blanket digging into various foods.

Luckily, Pittsburgh is full of small businesses that make it easy to round out your spread. You can pick up fresh-baked bread, a last-minute dessert, or add a little local flavor to your basket. Our guide to Pittsburgh Picnic Businesses highlights the spots that are great for filling in those delicious gaps.

Pick the Perfect Spot

The final step, and maybe the most important one, is choosing where your picnic happens. In Pittsburgh, the setting is half the experience.

A white blanket with pillows lays at a picnic in a Pittsburgh Park with a table over top of it full of picnic lunch foods and flowers.

Maybe you want something open and lively, where other picnickers are scattered across the grass and there’s plenty of room for family and friends. Or maybe you’re looking for something quieter, tucked away under trees for pure relaxation.

Either way, Pittsburgh’s parks have plenty of picnic spots for you to choose from so you can make your Memorial Day a dream come true.

Now the only step left is to enjoy yourself!

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Pittsburgh Events: Your Guide to June 1-7

By
Kylie Thomas
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Pigs eat grass around people doing yoga.

Hello, June! We’re sure you’re feeling the same way we are this week: utterly happy to finally be in the designated summer months. This next week in Pittsburgh, from June 1-7, the events are heating up just like the weather. Maybe you’ll choose to learn how to grow your own food at home that’s also done in a visually appealing way. Or, maybe, you’ll spend the day at Pittsburgh’s only festival dedicated to women. No matter what you choose to attend this week, give yourself a moment to admire the city and then head out on your adventure.

Pittsburgh Events Happening June 1-7

A variety of small black potted plant sprouts with garden tags sticking out of them.
Photo From Grow Pittsburgh

FoodScaping with Grow Pittsburgh

June 3, The Frick Pittsburgh

You don’t have to have a huge outdoor garden to grow your own food. Instead, Grow Pittsburgh teaches you how edible plants can create spaces that are stunning and grow outside your average row gardens and raised beds. But, just in case you already have some started in the original fashion, there are ways you can upgrade the design and visual aesthetic of your edible garden.

Dine and Drill With a Distiller at Iron City Distilling
Photo From Iron City Distilling

Dine and Drill With a Distiller

June 5, Iron City Distilling

Master Distiller Matt Strickland takes you into the world of distillation, aging, and blending to show you how your favorite spirits come to be. Ask him all your questions about brewing as well as learn about the specific techniques he uses in his work. After the discussion, you’ll embark on a lunch in the Distillery Mezzanine and then sample some of their spirits right from the barrel in the distilleries’ brickhouse.

2026 Babesburgh Bash
Photo From Babesburgh Bash

2026 Babesburgh Bash

June 6, Allegheny Landing

Embrace the woman you are at Babesburgh Bash, a festival celebrating all the things it means to be a woman in today’s world. Treat yourself to a day full of unlimited drink sampling of ciders, beers, and wine, wellness activities, workshops, health discussions, shop at farmers’ markets and local vendors, as well as connect with other women and organizations in the area. Each ticket also comes with a swag bag so you can leave feeling your best no matter how you spend your time. 

Pigs eat grass around people doing yoga.
Photo From Pigsburgh Squealers Rescue

Swine and Unwind: Pig Yoga

June 6, Pigsburgh Squealers Rescue

You’ve heard of goat yoga, cat yoga, and puppy yoga, but what about pig yoga? These little hogs make the perfect yoga companions as beginners and experts alike relax into a simple hour session. You’ll then get to tour Pigsburgh Squealers’ grounds after the yoga session to meet the rest of their foster piggies and see how this rescue cares for a variety of pigs young, old, and everything in between.

Two regatta boats race on the river.
Photo From Pittsburgh Brewing Company

2nd Annual Iron City Rockin’ Regatta

June 6-7, Pittsburgh Brewing Company

Your favorite boat race by the Three Rivers Outboard Racing Association is back and ready to rush you into summer. Sit on the banks of the Allegheny River outside of Pittsburgh Brewing Company as you enjoy one of their beers and watch powerboats speed by. Outside of the races, there’s also live music, food, and plenty of family fun as junior drivers race around the river as well.

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

Story by Kylie Thomas
Featured Photo Courtesy of Pigsburgh Squealers Rescue

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Ice Cream Wars Part 2: What’s the Best Ice Cream Parlor in Pittsburgh?

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A pink colored ice cream in a sugar cone.

Pittsburgh, we heard you loud and clear: You were not thrilled that we left out a few of your favorites in our last Ice Cream Wars piece. And honestly, we get it. We’re incredibly lucky to have so many great ice cream options to choose from in and around the city, so we had to treat ourselves to round two — with another big batch of Pittsburgh’s best ice cream (and a few extra scoops along the way). Who emerged victorious this time? It was a tough competition, but … read on to see who rose to the top.

Who Has the Best Ice Cream in Pittsburgh? Part 2

A vanilla ice cream cone with pink and purple sprinkles.
Photo From Swissvale Dari Delite

Swissvale Dari Delite

1990 Monongahela Avenue, Swissvale

One of the cutest little spots to get your ice cream fix is Swissvale Dari Delite on Monongahela Avenue in Swissvale. It has been a community staple for decades (with new owners taking over in 2021), and it serves some of the best classic ice cream treats around. Go here for the basics: a vanilla soft serve with sprinkles tastes exactly like summer did when you were a kid. Or, level up with a Swissvale Swirl (with mix-ins ranging from peanut butter cups to chocolate-covered strawberries), or go with a specialty sundae. Their dirt sundae, layered with Oreo cookies and twist soft serve, is especially popular. Their soft serve ice cream is exactly what you want it to be: light, airy and perfectly nostalgic.

A scoop of cookies and cream ice cream in a cake cone.

Sarris Candies

511 Adams Avenue, Canonsburg

In any form of hard-hitting journalism, it’s best to lay all your cards out on the table. So, I have to admit: Sarris Candies is my hometown ice cream shop. It’s where I went growing up, so I’m probably not the most unbiased person to judge it. But… it’s just so good, folks. The Canonsburg chocolate shop has an attached, old-school ice cream parlour, and their hand-dipped cones, sundaes (always get the hard cap, a pour-over of their signature chocolate sauce that hardens over the ice cream), and giant milkshakes are the kind of treats that keep you coming back. There are usually around two dozen flavors on the menu, from Pralines n’ Cream and Strawberry to French Vanilla and Oregon Peach, and every scoop is dense and velvety. Sarris leaves you with that classic homemade ice cream-shop feel.

A birthday cake ice cream scoop on a cone by a parlor window.

Antney’s Ice Cream

1316 Poplar Street

If you’re not a fan of Antney’s Ice Cream in Green Tree, it’s probably because you haven’t been there yet. This beloved seasonal shop makes its ice cream fresh daily, and they’ve created hundreds — literally hundreds — of flavors over the years. That’s what makes every visit so fun: You truly never know what’s going to be in the case, and if you find something you love, you’d better grab it because it might not be there next time. Flavors like Gooey Butter Cake, Lemon Ricotta and Dubai Chocolate sit alongside standards like Cookies & Cream and Vanilla.

I tried the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and it was incredible — generous ribbons of cookie dough swirled throughout with a silky texture and a base that stayed balanced without being overly sweet. What really sets Antney’s apart is the way they build every flavor from its own custom recipe. Instead of starting with the same vanilla base and adding mix-ins, each flavor gets a specifically tailored ice cream base designed to match whatever they’re creating.

A vanilla ice cream with brown sugar in a waffle cone.

Scoops

Various Locations

We’re lucky enough to have four Scoops locations in Pittsburgh: Mt. Lebanon, Bloomfield, Bellevue and Sewickley. No matter which one you visit, you’re in for a great treat. The original Mt. Lebanon location has been around for more than 25 years, but they all offer incredible ice cream in dozens of flavors, including classics and more adventurous options (such as Bittersweet Sinphony — coffee ice cream with fudge swirls and fudge chunks — Amaretto Cherry and the ever-popular Pittsburgh Pot Holes, made with dark fudge ice cream.

The Salted Caramel Truffle is my favorite, with threads of sweet caramel throughout rich vanilla ice cream and mini caramel cups tucked into every bite. It sounds like it could veer too sweet, but the flavor stays balanced thanks to the smooth, mellow base underneath it all.

A pink colored ice cream in a sugar cone.
Photo From Handel’s

Handel’s

9020 St. Simon Way

Handel’s is a small chain that started in 1945 in Ohio, and has since grown to more than 100 locations throughout the United States — including one Pittsburgh spot in McCandless. They’re known for their towering ice cream cones, which defy the laws of gravity: scoop stacked on scoop of some of the best ice cream you’ll ever eat. There’s a depth to Handel’s ice cream that comes from the fact that each batch is still handmade.

Flavors like Cherry Vanilla, Chocolate Pecan, New York-style Cheesecake, and Birthday Cake rotate among the roughly two dozen flavors that are on the board each day. And honestly? I think that Handel’s chocolate ice cream is some of the best I’ve ever had. It’s deeply chocolatey, smooth, creamy and somehow both decadent and straightforward. There’s usually a line, but don’t worry; it moves quickly, and it’s completely worth it.

And the Winner Is…

This one couldn’t have been tougher. I loved every single bite that I took on this journey (and all of the bites I stole from my companions, too), but for me, it came down to variety … and I’m crowning Antney’s Ice Cream to be the champion of Ice Cream Wars Part II. Part of what I love is that you truly never know what you’re going to find there — and that the lineup goes so deep with creative, unexpected flavors. I don’t end up in Green Tree very often, but Antney’s is always worth making a special trip.

Story and Photos by Emily Catalano
Featured Photo From Handel’s

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The Best Burgers in Pittsburgh According to a Yinzer

By
Kylie Thomas
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0

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the price of ground beef has risen by a whopping 15.3%. This information is presented not to exacerbate feelings of economic anxiety, but rather to underscore that if you are going to indulge in the most American of treats – a hamburger – you have got to Make. It. Count. TABLE contributor Dan Gigler suggests some spots that won’t leave you wanting.

Places to Grab a Burger in Pittsburgh From a Local

The Brinery

914 Main Street, Sharpsburg

If there’s a smashburger holy trinity in Pittsburgh, Moonlit & Burgh’ers are two-thirds of it. Joe & Madi Bardakos’s The Brinery completes the triad. The small Sharpsburg shop was born out of a Covid-era food truck that’s become a beloved family-run brick and mortar. They run a weekly special, but go for the 916, a classic smashed patty with American cheese, lettuce, onion, and a special sauce.

Hey Babe!

120 South Whitfield Street, East Liberty

After decades of toiling in other people’s restaurants, Pittsburgh service industry legends Danielle Cain and Rob Hirst finally hung their own shingle, and it is a total delight—the fun and funky Hey Babe! Stashed inside the Maverick Hotel, this spot boasts bangin’ cocktails and an eclectic food menu that includes a double smashburger with cheddar, a zippy horseradish-mustard aioli, crunchy shredded lettuce, and pickles on a lightly sweet potato bun.

Cafe Momentum

268 Forbes Avenue, Downtown

Set aside the laudable mission and vital work that Cafe Momentum does—providing paid internships with professional culinary training and mentorship for Pittsburgh kids who have had a previous encounter with the justice system—this is just straight up good food. Their namesake Momentum burger with short rib and bacon, herb sauce, white cheddar, caramelized onion, and shredded lettuce in a housebaked brioche bun is a foodcoma inducing belly buster. Only available at lunch.

Gaucho Parilla Argentina

146 6th Street, Downtown

Ground in-house daily from the same steaks they serve, then grilled over woodfire, the Steakburger on ciabatta with house chimichurri is note perfect. You can add some toppings, but they’re almost extraneous. Pair it with a big red from an interesting and unique list of South American wines.

Poor Richard’s Public House

10501 Perry Highway, Wexford

Surrounded by suburban strip mall sameness, Poor Richard’s stands alone as a genuinely laid-back neighborhood hang on the Wexford stretch of Perry Highway. An excellent tap list will provide the lubrication to wash down their Pub Burger, that’s leveled up with house-made pastrami, pickle, gruyere, and their pub sauce.

Carmella’s

1908 East Carson Street, South Side

If Parks & Recreation character Ron Swanson lived in Pittsburgh, he’d be a regular here. Carmella’s, easily among the best-looking bars in Pittsburgh, was hand built by co-owner Mike Alberter, and tastefully decorated with antiques that give it a classic, warm tavern feel. Add that to what is likely Pittsburgh’s single greatest collection of bourbon, scotch, tequila, and mezcal. Contemplate all these riches over their Wagyu Burger. Served with sharp Cheddar, Burgundy onions, steak sauce aioli, roasted tomato, and dill pickles, it’s an absolute classic. Ask for a scotch pairing!

Piper’s Pub

1828 East Carson Street, South Side

There are but two relatively simple and delicious burger options here: the Black Watch (sharp white cheddar, vindaloo bacon, mustard sauce, and a fried egg) or the Pub Burger (bacon, Danish bleu cheese, and dill mayo). The common thread is an excellent half pound patty laid between a Scottish-style bap – a sublime, soft, almost silken, buttery house-baked roll that’s the only one of its kind here in PIttsburgh. Get either burger, they’re both terrific, but it’s the rare place where the bread is the star.

Cold Friends Kitchen

South Side and Lawrenceville

The backstory and mission of Cold Friends – a band of chefs navigating sobriety while making meals for the homeless and food insecure – is reason enough to support them. But when they come up with fantastic madness like “The Jelly Belly” – a single or double smashburger, with Muenster cheese, crispy pork belly, jalapeño apricot jam, and peanut butter with a candied peanut crunch – you have got to check them out. Accomplish that mission either in their trailer outside of Velum Brewing on the South Side or indoors at New Amsterdam in Lawrenceville.

Looking for more burger spots? Check out Jess Iacullo’s burger picks from last year!

Story by Dan Gigler
Styling by Keith Recker
Photography by Dave Bryce

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