Lawrenceville is one of the best areas in Pittsburgh to shop local whether it be for the holiday season or beyond.
Get a locavore jump on the holiday season! TABLE believes in the shop local movement for four reasons. First, when you buy local, you support our local economy.
This helps create jobs, boosts local investment in our streetscapes, and builds greater economic resilience.
Second, you will get better, more personal service than Amazon could ever deliver. Our shopkeepers know you. They see you when you’re out to dinner. They wave to you at the grocery. Plus, they know what’s important to you. All of that comes into play every time you enter their spaces.
Third, you will find a host of special and unique products. Outfox the algorithms that direct your online buying with fresh, original choices! Look for the unique, the unusual, the handmade: all of the things you won’t find in big-box stores.
Fourth, it’s healthier for the planet, and for you! All those blue delivery vans and their cardboard boxes take an environmental toll. Reduce the carbon emissions and packaging waste…and get your steps in by walking around town. You’ll feel better, and you’ll know you’ve done just a little for our the planet as well as for our community.
Shop Lawrenceville
A curation of art, home accessories, furniture, and more, all put together by designer Brenda Friday and her team. You’re sure to find something “now,” something timeless, and something you’ve never seen before. The store is also a hub where local artists show their work and has become known for carrying hard-to-find small-batch and vintage pieces.
Get your hands on a one-of-a-kind piece that’s only available when the owner releases a drop. Otto Finn, founded by Rona Chang, takes inspiration from Asian street style to create these works of art. Kids sizes make an adorable, fun statement and adult options bring some whimsy into your wardrobe. The best part is that each piece is made by transforming old kanthas that would otherwise go to waste.
Discover your imaginative side with Rosie’s decor, lighting, and more. Pick from a functional lamp made out of an old film camera, colorful retro clocks, or funky-shaped checkered vases. They also carry hand-poured candles, pop-culture coffee table books, and fun mugs that make good gifts.
Itching for a new outfit for the holiday season and its many get-togethers? Morrow and Dean carries seasonal edits that are on-trend every year. Aside from their evergreen stock of elevated basics and put-together sets, find velvet minis, metallic tops, and an expanded accessories section this season.
If you need a hand choosing a new outfit or accessory, Vestis is happy to help with personal styling. This men’s contemporary boutique opened in 2015 and continues to provide innovative quality pieces. Think high quality denim and knitwear, timeless outerwear, and hybrid workwear-casual options.
Give the kids in your life a reason to ditch the screens. Instead of guessing online what to order, walk through shelves of handmade stuffed animals, books, pull toys, and even craft sets for preteens. They’ve added more sensory play and STEM options to keep pace with the latest of learning and play.
Adorn your closet with men’s styles from around the world at Trim…and also your underwear drawer. Slip on a warm plaid coat for the winter, a pair of swim trunks for vacation, or pick up some elevated basics for the everyday. If you don’t feel like shopping in-store you can order online to get your favorite sweater delivered right to your door.
Lawrenceville Pet Supply carries a huge variety of pet food, toys, treats, and accessories. Whether it’s a new leash to make walking easier for you, a special toy to bring joy to them, or treats that follow the specific diet your furbaby needs — find it here.
No matter what type of gift your loved one would like, you can find them a home decor piece, apothecary product, or piece of apparel at this chic accessory store where everything is aesthetically pleasing. Sip a loose leaf green tea, add a gorgeous woven throw blanket over the couch, choose from ceramic and basket collections, and make sure to put this spot on your “to-gift” list.
Give yourself a self care day thanks to the relaxing atmosphere of Hippie and French. They are a cannabis boutique that carries CBD, THC Delta, topical, and edible selections. If you’re not into that, find other wellness trends like functional mushroom products. Everything is over-the-counter approved so there’s no medical card needed.
It’s not a museum, but you may get that glow of authority, rarity, and history as you walk through the wonderful groupings of porcelain, stoneware, furniture, and more. You’re sure to find a gorgeous antique or vintage treasure from Asia for your home. As unique home items surge in popularity, this shop will have something that can match any trend cycle.
Do you have a capsule wardrobe kind of guy in your life? At Franklin and Mercer the man in your life can feel confident in a new, modern style or a staple for day to day. Here, you can browse knowing that each brand brings quality and high aesthetic. A great spot for a simple man who wants to take dressing up a notch.
If you’ve ever used “extra” to describe yourself or the person you’re celebrating, this one’s for you. Impress party guests with wild balloon displays customized for your event. Party on Butler helps bring celebrations to life with party planning help and supplies available for purchase.
The Store at Contemporary Craft supports small-scale artists from all around the country by making their art available to you to buy. Check out pieces such as jewelry, ceramics, blown glass, handmade fiber art, and heirloom quality furniture. Functional items like cutting boards can be found there too and there are options within many price ranges so don’t hesitate to stop in thinking that art might be out of reach.
Have you ever wanted to make your own candle? Here’s your chance with the Mix and Pour Candle Experience. Choose from over 120 high-quality fragrance oils then select the perfect jar for your creation and even design your own label. It’s a great way to make something custom for a loved one, too. Or just take home one of their many pre-made aromatic scents.
If you want to make sure you own a piece of clothing that no one else does, Mello and Sons is the place to be. This vintage denim shop has overalls, jeans, shorts, jackets, and a variety of other unique items. You can find vintage tees, kids clothing, and pieces by coveted vintage enthusiasts such as Ralph Lauren’s RRL.
You could grab a drink at Lawrenceville Distilling but don’t pass up the opportunity to buy one of their small batch spirits. Each bottle is crafted with care for premium results. Try their Parking Chair Vodka for a taste of Pittsburgh in a bottle or a dry gin. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit stronger, buy a bottle of their 1129 Ridge Ave. Absinthe available in Traditionelle green and Rogue red. A bottle and a parking chair glass make the ideal gift for the spirit and ‘burgh enthusiast in your life.
Aptly named, Wildcard has been providing the area with unique cards, handmade gifts, stunning gift wrap & creative crafts, t-shirts, baby & kids’ gifts, original art and much more since it opened in 2009. They carry many items by local artists and have been recognized as “Best Card Shop” and “Best One-of-A-Kind-Store.”
For A Relaxing Bite While You Shop Locally in Lawrenceville
Hit Umami’s bar for a cool atmosphere complimented by delicious food. Umami is a Japanese pub that specializes in sake alongside sushi, small plates, skewers, and noodle or rice bowls. The kitchen is open and uniquely situated at the back center of the space and they often have a DJ playing tunes.
The dining area at this Thai restaurant is simply magical. The glass walls looking into a central courtyard garden set the mood for a warming dish in a comfortable space. Try their Jungle Curry featuring chicken, kabocha squash, banana peppers, and fresh basil that’s perfect for a cold day. For extra comfort in the colder months, try their slow-cooked pork belly or their pumpkin curry. Or both.
Craving a bowl of rustic Italian pasta? Piccolo Forno finishes off your long day with wood-fire pizzas, handmade pastas, and desserts like tiramisu. If you just want to graze and chat, it’s a great spot to choose from cheeses, meats, bruschetta, salads, and a cappuccino. Plus, if it happens to be a warm day out you can take advantage of their outdoor seating in the heart of Lawrenceville.
If you’re too tired for a sit-in dinner after shopping, stop by Grapperia for a quick cocktail instead. Sip on glasses of Italian wines, birra, grappa all while you bask in the completion of a productive day. This tiny bar offers an intimate, calm environment and allows you to order food from Piccolo Forno.
Not your grandmother’s bakery. In fact, this one’s decor is inspired by brothels of the old west. It’s even open till 11 p.m. (yes, seriously). What makes Butterwood Bake Consortium so great is on top of the hours you can indulge in espresso drinks, made-daily cakes, and pastries all in a peaceful atmosphere. They stand out for using clean, local, and organic ingredients.
Forget the stuffiness of a traditional wine bar. The casual atmosphere here paired with a large menu featuring wine, cocktails, beer, and food (think charcuterie heaven) is unbeatable. Note: They don’t open till 5 p.m. so make sure you save it for evening shopping adventures or the very end of your afternoon.
Warm sourdough and amish butter bread service. Hamachi crudo. Duck confit. Treat yourself to a celebratory dinner at the Vandal with food by Chef and Owner Joey Hilty. At this restaurant, the menu changes seasonally to always include the freshest, local ingredients.
If you truly cannot decide on one restaurant, why not have the luxury of enjoying four different ones instead? At Lawrence Hall you can grab Kazoku’s sushi, LOADED’s comfort food, La Palapa’s Mexican cuisine, and Cuddy’s soul food. Plus, you can even grab ice cream from Scoops & Cones or a cocktail at the Dear James bar after your meal.
Happenstance Cafe makes sure there’s something for everyone with coffee, wine, and beer options. Their menu also includes vegan options like their L’Ville’s Vegan handheld with avocado, hummus, tomato, greens, pickled red onions, and vegan pesto on sourdough bread. Fun seasonal drinks, themed events, and rotating charities often show up on the calendar here.
Step in for a bite of fresh local cuisine and take home the luxe ingredients that make their food so delicious while you’re there. Think fine olive oils, pastas, and sauces, and a fromagerie. Don’t forget to order a cup of their in-store brewed coffee with special touches like a Deconstructed Latte or Cereal Milk Latte. Seasonal drink menus and monthly pastry changes make your typical coffee run something to look forward to.
This low-fi coffee shop right on the main drag (literally, they do not have WiFi) is a perfect stop to try during a shopping trip since you won’t be needing to connect to a computer for work. They have a straight-forward, high-quality menu of all your staples, a chill atmosphere, and cozy seating area.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.
