Father’s Day is a special occasion to celebrate the men who have played such an important role in our lives. Finding the perfect way to honor them can sometimes be a challenge, but with a bit of planning, you can create a memorable day filled with activities tailored to your dad’s interests. Whether he’s an outdoors enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur, or prefers a relaxing day indoors, there’s something for every dad to enjoy. Find the perfect thing to do with dad right in the city of Pittsburgh.
It’s the perfect season for fishing as the sun shines bright over the waters of Pittsburgh. Head out to the Lakes at Deer Lakes Park or the Lake at North Park to relax along the water and let your pole take the lead. At Deer Lakes Park specifically, state fisheries stock the lakes with bluegill, crappie, perch, sunfish, trout, catfish and bass. Now all that’s missing is a little friendly competition to see who can catch the biggest fish.
Get out and hit the actual greens this Father’s Day instead of sticking to the same old indoor TopGolf games. The Bob O’Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park is in an accessible part of the city and features spectacular views of the downtown skyline. The Bob 9 takes you through 2,400 yards and 18-holes. They even have two indoor Trackman simulators in case you’d rather not stay in the heat.
Anytime is a great time to head to the fun at Kennywood but there’s something extra special this Father’s Day weekend that makes this the perfect time. From Friday through Sunday, walk through an endless selection of international cuisine, specialty cocktails, craft beer, and wine. The Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival offers you a taste of something you may never of had before. Plus, it allows dad to indulge in his favorite food no matter what it may be.
Is dad a car fanatic? Let him geek out at Settlers Ridge’s car show. The Pittsburgh Cars ‘N’ Coffee Club are bringing their finest vehicles to showcase and fill up the entirety of the parking lot next to Thai Foon. After, finish the day out strong by treating him to a special dinner at one of Settlers Ridge’s restaurants like Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza or Walnut Grill.
Feasts aren’t just for Mother’s Day. Aboard the Gateway Clipper for an evening of fulfilling bites that’ll leave dad satisfied under the city lights. The all-you-can-eat Father’s Day Buffet includes dishes like Garlic & Rosemary Roasted Pork Loin, Vegetable Paella Inspired Rice Pilaf, Parmesan Roasted New Potatoes, and plenty of chef’s desserts to choose from. Plus, after your family is done dining you can spend time looking across the Three Rivers at beautiful Pittsburgh.
No matter if dad is an artist or has no painting skills at all, plenty of laughs and smiles are sure to appear at Art and Soul Studio’s Dad’s Day Date. Here, dad and his kids will get to pick out a design to paint and take home to hang on the wall. Even if dad cannot draw a straight line, being with his children, guiding lessons, and free snacks will make the experience one-of-a-kind.
Story by Kylie Thomas Featured Photo Courtesy ofKelli McClintock
There was no small talk at this group hang. Each artist in the BOOM Concepts at Radiant Hall residency show, debuting as Group Hang on June 8 at Emerald City in downtown Pittsburgh, dove deep in both their work and their statements in the accompanying artist talk.
Rachel Stachelrodt, Imani Batts, Sandra Gould Ford, and Rici Brockinson worked across textile, photography, collage, and multimedia, finding common ground while also allowing their individuality to shine through. The down-to-earth fluidity that the artists spoke about their practice with was striking. Even if they had said nothing, the work could stand on its own. But Group Hang allowed for interactive dialogue around the work on display in a refreshing way. There were no sterile, stagnant wall text-reliant art. Everything in the show felt alive.
Sandra Gould Ford as photographed by LaToya Ruby Frazier.
Sandra Gould Ford Finds Strength in Storytelling
Enchanted Forest by Sandra Gould Ford is a standout piece, with gazelles and zebras leaping out of paisley and pearls. I saw echoes of both contemporary artists like Azzah Sultan and Candida Alvarez and the tapestry traditions of the medieval past like The Unicorn in Captivity.Ford took from her writing practice and interest in storytelling for her quilting, using cyclical images and motifs from Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. Though the patterns feel fantastical, the whimsy and mysticism you feel from looking at them is universal. Ford’s Turtle Quilt sees three-dimensional turtles leaping out of the mirage of fabric.
But Ford’s own story is as compelling as any myth. She has had a career as a photojournalist, a lunchroom cashier, a typist at the Poison Control Center, and at a major television station. She was one of the few women to work at the Jones & Laughin steel mill in the South Side, balancing the daily grind of work as a steelworker with being a young mother. Ford recently launched Steel Genesis, a photo-memoir series about working in the mill that sees “iron and steel production as metaphors for human mettle.”
“Star Makers Mothers Daughtrs” by Sandra Gould Ford
Too often, we portray Pittsburgh’s industrial history as manliness, like Steelers mascot Steely McBeam at the football game. Even Tim Kaulen’s industrial sculptures commemorating the South Side’s steel production history look masculine. But that doesn’t reflect reality. Over time, Ford has become interested in how different cultures’ mythology centers women. “It’s important to know that in other belief systems women are thought of as powerful,” she explained. Ford takes her creativity with the utmost seriousness, believing the humanities to be essential tools for shaping the world we want.
Photo by Vania Evangelique.
Get Ready with Imani Batts
Fashion designer Imani Batts runs a secondhand clothing business she calls Catherine Trendz. “Catherine was my aunt’s name, and my middle name. I wanted to separate my business from my actual name. But, ironically, people call me ‘Catherine’ now, which makes me feel like I’m in trouble with my family,” she said, laughing.
Batts called the collection she worked on during the residency “Get Ready with Me.” The beauty supply store, where you can buy barrettes, hair dye, liquid liner, and any manner of tonics. I bought my first makeup there, on the corner of 181 and Wadsworth as a teenager in New York. As a young woman, the cluster of products in the beauty supply store are a sort of guidebook to learning to come into your femininity. “I feel like I’ve lived so many lives just in the beauty supply store,” Batts said.
Batts often renders the clothes as a sort of anthropomorphic body of their own. “Play Time uses hair barrettes as an accessory over a jumpsuit, “Around the Way” is made of bamboo hoop earrings on top of denim. “Play Time” covers a thrifted jumpsuit with a rainbow of barrettes. “We Are History” collages magazine covers from Black history with bedazzled modpodge. It’s the joyful glitz of Y2K girlhood with the weight of history behind it.
“It was only through this residency I realized my work was art,” Batts said. Though it’s wearable, it tells stories, and her practice connects her to both her inner life and her faith. “I see being in the studio as God just comes into the space and uses me as a vessel,” she said.
“All roads lead back” by Rachel Stachelrodt
Rachel Stachelrodt Believes “Art Will Find a Way”
Every morning, Rachel Stachelrodt makes a collage. Often, it’s on a 2 inch by 2 inch strip. Then, she pastes it into her calendar. “I call it ‘wake and make,’” she said. Like her contemporaries in Group Hang, Stachelrodt also makes beadwork and sculpture, but Group Hang featured her digital collages from her “Black and Heavenly Bodies” series. “They’re inspired by the way I see myself and the way I see Black women in general. I joke that there’s sometimes a ‘man for scale’ in my collages. When there is a man, they’re small. The women are titans,” she said.
Though the women in her collages are titanic, Stachelrodt struggles with imposter syndrome in the face of the constant appropriation and re-packaging of Black creativity. Her collages wrestle with the question of how to assert yourself when the world around you wants to take your narrative over. “’Ghetto’ is nothing but creativity that hasn’t been stolen yet,” she said, quoting the writer Nezariel Scott.
During the artist talk, Stachelrodt highlighted the value of having a space just to work. “I live in a studio apartment, and my creative practice had spilled into every aspect of my life,” she said. The BOOM Universe residency forced her to plan for when to make and to create more of a balance between her work and her life. At the conclusion of the talk, the topic turned to grassroots arts advocacy in Pittsburgh, and if there’s a way forward. Though Stachelrodt noted she’s from Franklin, hours outside of the city, she poignantly articulated that “art will always find a way” and that if marginalized people get the right resources to be creative, they will.
Rici Brockinson Feels Most Free When She Gets Lost
Before the BOOM Universe residency, Rici Brockinson was about to stop marking art altogether. “I hadn’t worked on anything in close to a year,” she shared. Brockinson is a teaching artist and photojournalist from the Hill District whose photography has taken her all over the world. She shared that for her, where she feels most in touch with her creativity is when she has the freedom to drive around and get away from her surroundings. But when she got to Radiant Hall, Brockinson she had to just “sit in the space” to finally allow herself some stillness.
She was in the process of starting a production company and moving away from her photography practice when she got the call about the BOOM Universe residency. She chose to show a series of photos of women that she took to process her own feelings about her identity.
“There was a time that I thought, as a Black girl growing up, I was unworthy to better myself because of where I came from—‘the Hill District’—an area and its occupants perceived negatively,” she wrote in the context of a video she took of Louise Batiste Nedege, a teacher and community leader in Haiti who trained herself in disaster relief. Nedege created a fire drill system for buildings in Haiti for better, quicker, safer evacuations.
Brockinson’s photography centers women of multiple generations in joy and despair, in rushes of joy or in moments of peace. It almost felt like a mirror to Group Hang itself, women of different ages and life stages together in conversation. “I want to speak to what Black women can do,” Brockinson said. “And that’s everything.”
Story by Emma Riva Cover image: Heat Waves by Rachel Stachelrodt
The summer solstice takes place June 20 which means we are almost officially in the sunny season! Even if it doesn’t get all too sunny over here in Pittsburgh, we’ll enjoy the rays we can get. To take in as much of this season as you can, start off with these Pittsburgh events from June 16-22. Maybe you’ll even leave with a greater appreciation for the summer season in the city.
Feel the strength and rejoice in the voices of Pittsburgh. For Juneteenth, soprano ANQWENIQUE alongside violinist Omari Abdul-Alim, violist Gloria Wide, and pianist Irene Monteverde perform works from Black American composers such as Daniel Bernard Roumain and Nicole Mitchell. Let the sounds of jazz, opera, classical, and soul music whisk you away.
Out in Carnegie Museum of Art’s Sculpture Court, let the sun soak in as you listen to music as a part of their Inside Out series. This first opening show features club music and R&B from artists pvkvsv, Jaybee Jackson, Liftgate, ICY PISCES, and Arie Cole. While you dance along to the music, grab a bite and a dip from El Rincon Oaxaqueño and Café Carnegie Treats.
The summer solstice and Pride Month coincide and the perfect celebration has you moving and relaxing. Join ASCEND Point Breeze and instructor Dana Kelly for an upbeat, disco yoga session. This 90-minute moving meditation course combines 60 minutes of rhythmic yoga and dance-inspired movement set to music as well as 30 minutes of restorative shapes.
Photo Courtesy of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center
You’ve seen the film starring Whoopi Goldberg, now see the musical live from Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center. Sister Act The Musical follows a woman disguising herself in a covent where she teaches her fellow sisters the importance of music and their voices. This feel-good story features music from Alan Menken and leaves you feeling full of hope.
For all the fresh berry lovers out there, enjoy the harvest season at Freedom Farms. Besides being able to indulge in your favorite berries, you’ll also find tractor rides, craft vendors, a petting zoo, and so much more. Bring out the whole family and immerse yourself out on the farm.
City experts, residents and determined changemakers join a roundtable discussion about our evolving city core in Downtown Pittsburgh.
A “table of optimists” discusses Pittsburgh’s Downtown.
A Discussion of Downtown Pittsburgh From City Executives and Bussinesspeople
On a chilly January evening, a group of passionate Pittsburghers gathered in the enchanting subterranean wine cellar of family-run Vallozzi’s restaurant. Over platters of charcuterie, bowls of fresh pasta, and amazing main courses, the group dove into the topic at hand — Downtown Pittsburgh: What’s working, what’s not and what enhancements are soon to come.
Native Pittsburgher and TABLE Editor-in-Chief Keith Recker initiated the discussion by sharing how he boomeranged back after 31 years away, deeming this a prime place for raising children. He encouraged roundtable participants to discuss differing perspectives and honest positions about the many reasons to come downtown today — with even more arriving in the months and years ahead. Publisher Justin Matase echoed the need to change the conversation around our city center, reminding residents how we all can play a part in helping this “awesome downtown” thrive.
Everyone agreed that “dahntahn’s” parameters are ever evolving, yet some things stay consistent. Current development projects (like the new airport terminal, which will have $2.5 billion in economic impact and generate 14,300 total jobs) and upcoming events like the 2026 NFL Draft will bring even more folks to the city’s core. This is no doubt accelerating the pace at which transformation is taking place. Then of course, there was Governor Shapiro’s announcement last fall of a 10-year $600-million-dollar plan to rejuvenate downtown Pittsburgh.
Lauren Connelly, Sara Innamorato, Melia Tourangeau, Chris Ragland, and Shawn St.-Pierre deep in pre-dinner conversation at Vallozzi’s.
What’s Already Working for Downtown Pittsburgh
Recurring themes throughout the evening ranged from downtown’s stunning architecture and alluring amenities to thriving culinary and cultural offerings — including popular festivals like Picklesburgh and newer ones like Oktoberfest. It was noted that huge events with record-number attendance have taken place without incident, like when 300,000 people visited last winter’s holiday market.
Herky Pollock, a local restaurant owner (Ritual House, among others), real estate developer and staunch Pittsburgh champion, thinks “there’s so much working right now, and there’s so much progress since the pandemic ended.” (“There’s no greater cheerleader for downtown,” piped in County Executive Sara Innamorato.)
“I view our downtown as a microcosm of our region, in that Pittsburgh is hugely resilient,” Pollock continued. “We built the steel mills and the aluminum factories and all the blue collar that built America, and most of that industry has gone by the wayside.” This happened to the six downtown department stores he points out, too. “Yet we’ve reinvented ourselves with white collar business and hi-tech, and we’re reinventing ourselves once again in the downtown.”
Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
A Lot in a Little City
Julian Vallozzi, host of the evening, said, “There’s so much that the city offers if you open your eyes to look at it.” As someone raised in Pittsburgh, whose family roots then brought him back, he’s lived downtown for 13 years. He’s wowed by all the nearby offerings sometimes overlooked, from the Science Center to The Point. Lauren Connelly, Director of Economic Development, chimed in saying, “I loved downtown as a kid, a young professional and now as a parent.”
President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Melia Tourangeau points to the entire Cultural District as thriving — with the Symphony’s 2024 holiday programming having its best season on record. “I think Pittsburgh has all of the great things that New York has to offer, and none of the bad,” she said. “It’s such a huge privilege to be here.”
Vallozzi talked about the positive domino effect such theater and cultural happenings have on businesses like theirs, as well as neighboring athletic events from Steelers to Penguins games.
Lisa Slesinger, Larrimor’s
The Power of Tradition
Innamorato pointed out that Pittsburghers love tradition and dislike change. “We need to maintain the through line of continuing these traditions (like Light Up Night and Arts Fest) that people remember as kids.”
On the human services and safety side, there’s encouraging evidence of progress. Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP), said, “The coordination of human services and public safety has never been better (at least I can speak to 13 years). The amount of conversing that’s happening on an almost daily basis – and action as a result of that.”
Lee Schmidt, Director of Public Safety, grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh and loves the downtown, too, which he deems key to so much greatness. He also values his team’s partnership with Jeremy and the PDP, and sees the need for folks living in neighborhoods outside of downtown and the city proper to care about what’s happening, too. “We don’t treat ourselves as a metropolitan region here,” he said. “But if the city fails, the metropolitan region is going to fail, too.”
Realtor, restauranteur, and Pittsburgh booster Herky Pollock.
Safety on the Streets
This year the OCHS (Office of Community Health and Safety) team grew from 12 to over 60, which houses their Co-Response social workers, ROOTS (Reaching Out On The Streets) homeless outreach teams, LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion), POST (Post Overdose Support Team) and PINS (Persons In Need of Support) high utilizer programs. “These teams work alongside our other public safety bureaus to address quality-of-life issues, which in turn reduces the revolving door of folks in the criminal justice system,” Schmidt said. “This team has significantly grown to expand these programs throughout the entire city.”
Innamorato spoke about the efficacy of programs like the “500 in 500” plan, launched in Allegheny County last June to help 500 people experiencing homelessness find affordable housing within 500 days. The Department of Human Services’ tracking of tents for the unhoused has been as low as they’ve seen it since tracking began, dropping from a high of 143 to a low of 21 over the past year. This winter also brought new shelters and tripled the number of beds (from 200 to 600). “I will continue to double down on human services,” Innamorato said, “because it’s working.”
Allegheny County Director of Economic Development Lauren Connelly.
Visions of an 18-Hour City
Much conversation arose around making downtown inviting to folks at all hours. This is increasingly relevant as more workers return to the office.
Lifelong Pittsburgher Innamorato thinks we have to change the narrative for people coming downtown, focusing on telling the great stories of wonderful events, businesses opening, all the excitement stirring. “We’ve all been working on this vision of turning it into a vibrant, 18-hour neighborhood — and making a space for everyone at all hours of the day, for all ages. It’s an exciting time.” (She admits to being an eternal optimist, joking that it’s a job requirement when in government, after all.)
Several roundtable guests truly walk the walk by working, living and playing downtown. Then-Acting Police Chief Chris Ragland grew up on the Northside but has lived downtown since 2008 in an old warehouse-turned-residence. Pollock also loves having a downtown address (since 2022), where he sees people jogging, strolling with dogs, hanging out in parks. “For the first time, we’ve coalesced a downtown district into a neighborhood,” he said.
TABLE Magazine Publisher Justin Matase.
Bringing Back the Popularity of Downtown Pittsburgh
Waldrup says it’s been an honor to see downtown evolve and grow. Recently, there has been a fundamental shift. While 140,000 people used to be downtown every day, the numbers are now between 85,000 and 95,000. But those numbers are rising once again as folks head back into the office and utilize downtown for other purposes. “It’s slow to steer that ship in another direction,” he said, “but it’s happening.”
Lisa Slesinger loves being part of the city and keeping things fresh for shoppers at Larrimor’s — the downtown retail institution her grandfather opened in 1939. It’s great to have so many people back downtown, she says, referring to the PNC building being bustling again once. ”Seeing these indicators of vibrancy is terrific. We are in the business of making people feel welcome, and we’re happy to be here.” Over the years, they’ve collaborated with local organizations from the Warhol to Audubon Society, and have helped with local fundraising efforts, too. (She says their small business’s role in the community is to make people feel good; they can help folks who’ve ripped a seam or popped a button free of charge.)
The conversation also turned toward outstanding needs, like the lack of a downtown grocery store and insufficient parking options. Downtown businesses like Larrimor’s still struggle with the latter, and have come up with creative solutions. “These are obstacles to overcome,” Slesinger said. “We offer validated parking so that people know it is easy and not a hassle to come downtown.”
When it comes to downtown office spaces, others agreed that since Pittsburgh was built as a blue-collar town with high-rises, it often cannot meet the needs of those seeking headquarters or campuses (especially in the world of AI, robotics and life sciences). Additionally, Tourangeau asked, “I’m mystified why businesses are going to the Strip since it’s the ‘hip’ place to be; why not make downtown the ‘hip’ place to be?”
TABLE Editor-in-Chief Keith Recker.
Outside of What You See on Your Screen
Many spoke of negative publicity being circulated by certain media outlets and political campaigns. Vallozzi agrees this fearful messaging merely perpetuates a “constant cycle of perception becoming [people’s] reality, whether it’s a reality or not.” Pollock believes there’s a dire need for more prominence in the media to tout all the recent successes and good news — on topics from public safety and housing to tourism and events hosted by the PDP. Certain stats regularly get exacerbated (about crime and the homeless population); in reality, these numbers are nowhere near the scale of other major cities.
The discussion also touched on the needs of making downtown friendlier for families and more residential. Waldrup spoke of this being a broader structural issue of the state. “While we’ve seen downtown residential population growing in the last 10 years, it’s often to the detriment of somewhere else.”
“We need to have more people living here, that’s how you activate a place and create an 18-hour city,” said Connelly. “That’s going to have to be the next wave to getting more people downtown, creating more residential opportunities.”
Tourangeau thinks that with the way the city’s built, It lends itself to vitality. She added, “I don’t know if our community appreciated how special downtown was before the pandemic, or understands how easy it would be to get that back.”
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato.
Rowing in One Direction
Many positive adjustments are already in progress. Pollock promises folks will see “meteoric change” in the next 24 months with all the new development projects, including the three main infrastructure projects at: Mellon Square, The Point and Arts Landing — a new outdoor, $31 million civic space in the Cultural District. Construction will begin for Arts Landing, a key part of the Downtown Revitalization Vision, on 8th Street between Penn Avenue and Fort Duquesne Boulevard in April 2025, with a soft opening projected for April 2026.
Having worked at six other Fairmont locations in North America before coming to Pittsburgh, General Manager Shawn St.-Pierre is impressed by the fact that everyone here seems to be working in the same direction — including government, local organizations, the police, businesses and so on. “Everybody is aligned and saying what we are doing, working together, and to me that’s very impressive.”
Pollock adds that in his 40 years of being involved in downtown, “I’ve never seen everyone rowing in the same direction like we are right now.”
Waldrup already sees a transformation in the conversations being had now versus in 2022 — and in a people-forward strategy focused on results. “It’s never going to be perfect,” he said, “and we’re always going to have work to do.” But there’s a unified commitment to moving forward.
Shawn St.-Pierre, General Manager of The Fairmont.
Looking Ahead 5 Years in Downtown
So where do these folks envision downtown in five years? Many spoke to the need for more residential options. Innamorato sees more strollers, more green spaces, more art in public spaces. Similarly, Waldrup pictures options where any family can come to relax, not only places to spend one’s money.
“I’d like to see a downtown that has a mix of all walks of life,” Ragland said, reminiscing about the “2015 downtown” he loved. “There were any number of mid-range restaurants/bars. The great aspect of that is you sit there — you have a CFO from PPG come in, you have the server from Ruth’s Chris come in, I would be there. You would all just start talking about life.”
It’s Up to Us
Vallozzi believes where we’ll be in five years depends on everyone at the roundtable, and everyone reading this article. “We are a community that’s committed to the city and seeing it go through its next renaissance,” he said, predicting that downtown will look different (thriving in a new capacity), and that’s healthy. “Things should change every 10 years.”
Waldrup gave a directive to those willing to listen. “We want people to realize this is your place, even if they don’t live here or work here,” he said. “It’s theirs. You have to be an active participant; you cannot be a spectator and just read about it. If you want culture here, you have to support it. If you want small businesses here, you have to show up.”
How You Can Support Downtown Pittsburgh
Connelly advised making a day out of downtown outings. “Stay for lunch, walk around, go to Mellon Square, there’s a whole bunch of cool stuff to do,” she said.
Slesinger agreed. “Having a vibrant community is about people who are in town taking advantage of what’s here — to enjoy it and love it.” The evening emanated much hopefulness. “Everyone wants to have downtown survive and thrive,” St.-Pierre said.
Pollock concurred, speaking to the philanthropic nature deeply embedded in the DNA of so many residents and corporations. “It’s not about us,” he said. “It’s about the future generations.”
“Here’s to a table of optimists,” Recker toasted, raising a glass to the room of hopeful changemakers. Indeed, it seems these passionate Pittsburghers won’t stop until their visions are realized — and downtown is thriving to pre-pandemic levels, and beyond.
The Downtown Roundtable Guest List
Justin Matase – TABLE Publisher
Keith Recker – TABLE Editor-in-Chief
Sara Innamorato – County Executive
Lauren Connelly – Director of Economic Development
What’s my last meal on Earth? A deluxe cheeseburger with extra onion, large fries, Diet Coke, and an entire dish of pickles. Pittsburgh is truly lucky to have such a wide array of restaurants doing burgers well — so much so that I feel like I’m adding a new place to my list every day. From staple bar spots to house-made ingredients piled high on house-made buns, check these Pittsburgh places off your list the next time you’re craving a delicious burger.
After being introduced to this spot years ago by a friend, it’s become an almost weekly watering hole for me. Whether catching up with friends visiting from out of town or an impromptu date night, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Trust me, I’ve just about tried it all. However, what stands out every time is the Bourbon Burger, loaded with Bourbon glaze, bacon, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese, at a price you can’t beat.
While this is a bit of a drive outside the city limits, it’s more than worthy of a mention. Every Wednesday is their burger night on Wednesdays. Picture this: a house bun filled with house pickles, 21-day dry-aged beef, American cheese, and special sauce. Yes, it’s as heavenly as it sounds. Don’t forget to order their pickle martini made with the same house pickles. I still think about it to this day! Prop tip: grab seats at the bar and chat with one of the incredible owners, Jillian. The other, Phil, is most likely in the kitchen.
There’s a good chance you’ve heard of Rugger’s Pub, and a decent chance you’ve been there before. They’ve been rockin’ in the South Side since 2000, for good reason: this South Side rugby bar serves up an unbeatable burger deal every Tuesday: BYO burger, fries, and a beer for $10. It has everything you need to set yourself up for success every Tuesday night. The fried pickles cannot be missed, either. In need of something late at night? Their kitchen is open until midnight every day.
South Side / Lawrenceville / Zelienople / Millvale
This may be one of my favorite smash burgers in town, and the best part is they have multiple locations. Crispy, juicy, cheesy, with a perfect ratio of fresh and unique toppings. Plus, you can’t forget the potato bun. I love that they name their burgers after different areas of the city; at the Lawrenceville location, my favorite burger is the South Side, two patties topped with cream cheese, white onion, juicy tomato, and crunchy jalapenos. Don’t knock it until you try it. This is also a spot where you don’t want to miss out on their craft beers. Be sure to visit their newest location in Millvale.
Cobra is one of those places that transports you to somewhere other than The City of Bridges, and in the best way possible. To disclose, they are a client of mine. However, they had my loyalty long before I was an employee. An elevated, sophisticated, and delicious burger, the Cobra Wagyu Burger is made with a Japanese-style milk bun by local favorite Mediterra, provolone, cobra sauce, and cabbage slaw. With a side of Furikake fries and sesame ranch (as a saucy girl, this really speaks to me), it’s best enjoyed with a Sapporo to sip on. It’s only available on their barside menu, not the dining room, so book accordingly!
Chef-Owner Matt at Streets devotes all his attention and effort to curating a menu of classic dishes based on street foods from around the world. If you haven’t had his confit chicken wings yet, they deserve an award. My favorite dish, however, is his South Side Smash. Here’s the lowdown: a pair of seasoned ground beef burgers are smashed, then topped with American cheese, chimichurri, and onion straws on a Martin’s potato roll. It’s exactly how a smashed burger should be, with a few unique touches.
My love for The Speckled Egg extends far past its classic breakfast and brunch offerings, though those are worth noting for future brunch cravings. The team is serving up diner-esque items, from their spin on a tuna melt to a patty melt you’ll most likely pair with a nap after. They assemble theirs with two beef patties, caramelized onions, Swiss and American cheese, pickles, and a healthy serving of their infamous TSE sauce. If you’re feeling crazy, add an egg over-easy or bacon.
One of the simple yet unique luxuries we have in Pittsburgh is the beautiful brewery community. From spots like Trace Brewing with rotating food trucks to the home of Pittsburgh Sandwich Society, Strange Roots Brewing, your whole day can be entirely planned around what you’re craving for beer and eats. The sandwiches at family-owned Pittsburgh Sandwich Society are special in many ways, and their In-N-Aht burger is no exception. Two beef patties rejoice with American cheese, onion jam, spring mix, tomato, and pickles, all on a butter-toasted bun. They still also have their food truck out and about around the city; be sure to keep an eye on their social media for where they’ll be next.
I’m ending this list with a spot I genuinely wish I had checked out sooner, which cements a new commitment to making sure I add this to my rotating list of most frequented restaurants. Ideal for chatting with friends over a great drink, don’t miss ordering one of their House Smashburgers, like their Classic Smash. You must order a side of house-made ranch and curly fries — I’m making it a Hungry Jess rule. Plus, their bartenders are some of the best and most personable in the area.
Story by Jess Iacullo Styling by Anna Franklin Photography by Laura Petrilla Cobra Burger Photos by Justin Boyd Photo
The Short Rib Pappardelle from Alta Via is a paragon of comfort food.
One of the first things Denise Bortolotti missed after moving to America six years ago, beyond family and the language, was the food. Not just the ingredients or the dishes, but the way food in Italy is simply and honestly woven into the rhythm of life. Pittsburgh has slowly surprised her with a handful of restaurants where the texture of the pasta, the balance of flavors, and the respect for ingredients are heartfelt. She is pleased to share with TABLE readers eight restaurants that bring her a little closer to home. (Please note: she does not mention Alfredo anywhere in her comments!)
Dish is a full Sicilian experience dropped right in the middle of Pittsburgh’s South Side — which, with its gritty, grungy vibe, couldn’t be further from a sun-soaked piazza in Palermo. And yet, here it is: fresh seafood pasta that’s perfectly executed, never watery, and deeply flavorful. (Try the Spaghetti Ai Frutti di Mare.) The menu is bold, regional, and confident. Add bistro tables, low candlelight and thoughtful service, and you’ve got a place that quietly reminds you what real Italian dining feels like. It’s unassuming from the outside, but unforgettable once you sit down.
Il Pizzaiolo gets many things right, starting with the dough. Their Neapolitan-style pizza has that signature wood-fired char, and the prosciutto e rucola version is light, salty, peppery, and beautifully balanced. What I love most, though, is the atmosphere. The cozy back room — with its fireplace and tucked-away bar — feels like a secret you’re glad you know about. And the summer patio? It’s full of vines and statues and soft lighting that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into an Italian garden after dark. It’s romantic, a little nostalgic, and just theatrical enough.
Alla Famiglia doesn’t hold back — and that’s exactly the point. It’s abundant, old-school, and full of flair. Every entrée comes with generous sides, and the filet mignon is melt-in-your-mouth tender. But the real showstopper? You get to choose your side of pasta — Cacio e Pepe or Vodka Sauce — and they finish it tableside inside a massive wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano. It’s dramatic in the best way. Add in their custom aperitivi and attentive service, and it becomes a full evening, not just a meal.
The Pizza Fichi e Formaggi isn’t just delicious — it’s poetic. A white base layered with mozzarella, ricotta, gorgonzola, pecorino, figs, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic, it hits every note: sweet, salty, creamy, sharp. The vibe of Piccolo Forno matches its food: cool but unpretentious. It’s a place where the kitchen leads with flavor, not flash. And as someone who notices these things — yes, the Italian grammar on the menu is flawless. Grazie infinite.
You have to trust me on this one. Vitello Tonnato, veal in a chilled tuna sauce, sounds like something you’d politely decline, but done well, it’s one of the most elegant dishes in northern Italy. Bar Marco pulls it off beautifully. The setting — inside a restored firehouse — gives the whole place a handsome, industrial charm, and the upstairs loft is one of the city’s best-kept secrets for hosting stylish, intimate dinners. The menu changes often, but they get the details right.
This one isn’t a traditional Italian restaurant, but the quality of the ingredients — and the creativity — earn it a spot on this list. Their charcuterie board features bresaola, taleggio, and other hard-to-find items that immediately transported me back to Europe. The space is ultra-modern with a dramatic green wall and a long communal table that encourages conversation (or eavesdropping, if you prefer). It’s chic, inventive, and definitely not boring.
Here’s how I knew the OG Alta Via in Fox Chapel was special: someone once drove their car into the building because they were that desperate to get in. The short rib pappardelle is worth that kind of hunger. It’s rich, tender, and perfectly balanced. Similarly, the atmosphere is clean, bright, and modern, but the warmth of the service brings everything back to the heart of Italian hospitality. It’s elevated, but not cold. A true go-to for a beautiful night out.
Pino’s is quiet and understated, but if you know, you know. Their Sicilian octopus dish is delicately plated and perfectly cooked — no rubbery texture, just flavor and finesse. The space is intimate and welcoming, the kind of place where every table seems to be filled with regulars. There’s a quiet confidence in the cooking here, and it shows.
Story by Denise Bortolotti Styling by Anna Franklin Photography by Dave Bryce
Looking to elevate your gin cocktail game beyond a gin and tonic? TABLE has curated eleven essential gin cocktails that are both simple to make and guaranteed to impress. From refreshing classics to beloved favorites, these gin cocktails are your ticket to home bartending success. Plus, if you’re looking to learn all about gin, we have your complete guide to this clear liquor here.
Tasting Notes in Gin
The first thing to know is that all gin contains juniper berries. It’s a law: a neutral distilled spirit must be infused with juniper to be considered gin. The next thing to look for is the list of herbs, roots, spices, flowers, berries and other botanicals used by the distiller. Angelica root, coriander, and citrus peel are traditional. Modern distillers, however, wax poetic in their additions of pink peppercorns, cardamon seeds, exotic citrus, lavender, rosemary, and other flavorings. The goal is to create a subtle symphony on the palate which is sippapble on its own, or serves as a base for deliciously nuanced cocktails.
A colorful, cheerful drink whose seductive charm comes from the bit of orange marmalade mixed into it. Garnish with edible flowers for an extra bit of style and aroma in the presentation.
A Mediterranean twist on a bar favorite among gin cocktails, this Gin Mare concoction is sure to transport you to la dolce vita with its herbaceous flavor profile and citrus notes.
Is rizz over? Maybe this slang term has had a moment that’s come and gone. But this decadent gin fizz certainly will make you feel charismatic and cool while drinking it.
Earthy and grounded, just like the sign of Taurus. G&Ts are brimming with the lush botanicals the Earth sign will find comforting, and a well-crafted tonic is, like them, just the right amount of bitter.
Ok, it’s not actually blue, but it’s got blueberry simple syrup in it, and it’s an easy, classy drink. This French 75 will transport you, Emily in Paris-style, to a Paris vacation.
A very, very Virgo pro tip: make a large batch of martinis ahead of time. Because a good Virgo plans way ahead, there is very likely a batch bottled up in their freezer, ready to pull out at a moment’s notice.
This citrus forward cocktail is incredibly refreshing with a beautiful balance of bitter and sweet. Toast to the end of summer or liven up your palate in the fall with an orange spritz.
Infusing your gin can take your cocktail game to new heights. A tarragon infusion leaves this cocktail with a depth that introduces new herbal layers. The brightening yellow chartreuse adds a sophisticated touch of sunny weather.
The fruitiness of a pineapple syrup and crispness of cucumber mingle with the botanics of Jaggerbush American Gin. But don’t worry about the sweet side of this cocktail, we top it off with a few dashes of bitters to offset the natural sugars and build out a larger flavor profile.
The simplicity of gin and lime juice in a gimlet is one we can’t deny tasting. The balance between these two ingredients gets an upgrade with the addition of a rhubarb simple syrup. It’s springtime in a glass that can truly be enjoyed anytime, especially if you freeze some seasonal rhubarb ahead of time.
Green chartreuse mixes with grapefruit juice, Aperol, lime juice, gin, and a simple syrup in an easy craft cocktail you can make right at home. It’s a bit tangy and a bit herby with the refreshing chase of fresh juices. Plus, the Gin Foundry Europa we use counts grapefruit among its ten botanicals.
We’re an Italian household; open up our refrigerator at any given time and you’re bound to find at least one kind of sausage and plenty of cured meats, cheeses and pickled peppers. So it’s a no brainer to use our favorite foods to up the ante on Dad’s go-to brunch cocktail, an Antipasto Virgin Bloody Mary. After all, what better way is there to spend Father’s Day than waking up to a freshly made Bloody Mary for breakfast? Dad tested, Dad approved.
Are All Bloody Mary Mixes Non-Alcoholic?
No, not all Bloody Mary mixes are non-alcoholic. But, most stores will have exactly what you’re looking for in the case of a non-alcoholic recipe. The majority of commercially available Bloody Mary mixes are non-alcoholic, just waiting for you to add in vodka (or other spirits). They are essentially pre-made bases containing tomato juice as well as a blend of spices like Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, celery salt, and black pepper. However, it is still possible to find some pre-mixed, bottled Bloody Mary cocktails that already contain alcohol. To be safe, it’s best to always check the label to confirm.
Sure you could make up omelettes or bagels for brunch but why miss out on the sweet treats that are Cinnamon Rolls? These swirls of cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar with a decadent cream cheese icing on top will have you filling up your plate again even after you finish the first. The best part is that you can make up the cinnamon rolls and freeze them so you can then thaw for a later time. That means even if your brunch gathering is during the weekend, you can prepare the week before and let the stress simply bake away.
Active Dry Yeast vs. Instant Yeast in Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
While you may think yeast is just yeast, there are many components that make active dry yeast and instant yeast different, especially in our Cinnamon Rolls. Both types of yeast are leavening agents that come from the same species. But the way these two different types process affects their behavior. Active dry yeast has a protective layer of dead yeast cells around the live ones. Therefore, you have to “activate” it before using. To activate, all you have to do is dissolve it in liquid until it the liquid becomes foamy. Instant yeast, however, doesn’t have that outer layer, so it can be mixed directly with dry ingredients. For cinnamon rolls, active dry yeast offers a slightly slower, more controlled rise. This means a deeper flavor and overall better texture for your rolls.
With Father’s Day right around the corner, we asked some of our staff to have their dads pick out recipes for the perfect meal they’d like made. Some put a cocktail at the top of their list while others focused on savoring a sweet element at the end of their meal (in true dad-fashion). Either way, we invite you to take inspiration from our own dads when making your Father’s Day meal. Maybe you’ll choose to add in Bombay-Style Sandwiches for a quick and cooling lunch in the heat. Or, much like our own fathers, you’ll choose to make dessert the star with our Hazelnut Avocado Semi-Freddo.
Father’s Day Recipes to Make Dad for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Advertising and Editorial Coordinator Ethan Chmura’s Dad’s Picks
Starting off dad’s morning with a meat-filled breakfast pastry means he starts his day with a smile on his face. These pastry puffs burst with smoky ham, crumbled bacon, and slices of cheddar cheese. It’s a satisfying breakfast all in a handheld form.
A hearty soup can be a lunch all on its own. Not only does this Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup have anti-inflammatory properties but it’s also delicious. You can cook this recipe ahead of time in case the holiday is a packed schedule of family events. Just be sure to pick up some crusty bread for dipping.
Something about Europeans and Deviled Eggs just makes sense and for Ethan’s dad, it’s reminiscent of his upbringing. These Paprika Deviled Eggs carry a bit of spice to them, something we know all dads can appreciate. Plus, we have tips at the ready so you can create the smoothest filling possible.
Even though Ethan’s father is a meat-lover at heart, cheese runs a very close second. Our Ricotta Vegetarian Meatballs are so juicy and delicious you won’t even miss the ground beef. They also come with a homemade tomato sauce that his dad notes they don’t often get a chance to have at home, making this dish a winner all around as part of his dinner choice.
Wrapping up his Father’s Day recipe picks, Ethan’s dad points out Beef Short Rib Plov as a main course. He notes that if all the best foods in the world were combined in one super recipe, the above would be what he goes for first. Imagine slow-cooked beef short rib with savory rice and hearty vegetables. We promise this is a dish that’s worth the wait.
Nothing screams Father’s Day like a burger fresh off the grill! Our Great Gourmet Burger is the ultimate experience made with four-meats and any toppings you desire. Who knew bacon, beef, turkey, and pork could go together so well?
This street-food combines the textures of creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumber for a simple but flavorful lunch. Make your own Peanut Mint Cilantro Chutney to smear between the layers of cheese and vegetables and complete our Bombay-Style Sandwiches.
Classic and Italian, Spaghetti alla Nerano uses thinly sliced zucchini and the addition of provolone which coats the spaghetti in a creamy sauce. Plus, this recipe, inspired by Stanley Tucci’s, brings the dad-vibes fully to life.
Who says pink, fruity drinks can’t be for dad too? We wouldn’t blame him for wanting to sip on our version of a Cosmopolitan, flirting with orange liqueur, lime and cranberry juice, simple syrup, and vodka. Bonus points if dad’s a Libra too!
Watermelon may not be your first choice of salad topping but we promise this Watermelon Salad will immediately change your mind. We complement the sweet taste of watermelon with chunks of salty feta cheese, the tang of lemon juice, and earthy, farm-picked vegetables.
A filling bowl of seafood may be just what dad craves, and is so easy for you to make. Just coat shrimp, clams, asparagus, and leeks in butter, white wine, lemon, and parsley before roasting in the oven.
Director of Operations Star Laliberte’s Dad’s Picks
While this meal looks complicated in the photo, it’s actually as simple as wrapping your Halibut and Asparagus in parchment paper (papillote) accompanied by a brushing of Olive and Herb Relish. It’s then baked in the oven for a tender and elegant result.
Salads should be made to leave you satisfied and this Baby Kale Salad hits all the marks. We top it with citrus marinated artichoke hearts and a homemade lemon vinaigrette dressing. It’s fresh, summery, and great for lunch on Father’s Day.
Of course you have to end Father’s Day with a treat as sweet as dad. The use of avocado in this Semi-Freddo adds a touch of unique flavor while also creating a super smooth base for caramelized hazelnuts to be sprinkled over top.
