Food
Allegro Hearth
The kind of bread where quality is determined by the sound the crust makes when gently squeezed. There are several varieties of bread, and many of them are vegan. 2034 Murray Ave., 412-422-5623
Big Jim’s
Rib-sticking portions of toasted hoagies, burgers, calzones and other Italian-American classics. Located at the start of Greenfield’s Four Mile Run, or as locals know it, “The Run.” 201 Saline St., 412-421-0532
Chaya
There’s more than just sushi at this Japanese restaurant. The noodle bowls, hot pots and yakimono (broiled fish) are all great choices. 2032 Murray Ave., 412-422-2082
Chengdhu Gourmet
Arguably the city’s most authentic Chinese restaurant. Specializing in Sichuan cuisine (very spicy!), its extensive menu includes many less-common Chinese dishes like spicy rabbit and pork-blood tofu. 5840 Forward Ave., 412-521-2088
Dobra Tea
Drink tea as if experiencing one of many cultures’ “tea ceremonies,” and nosh on vegetarian fare. For the non-teetotalers, they even offer beer tea. 1937 Murray Ave., 412-449-9833
Everyday Noodles
Hand-pulled-and-slapped noodles, just like Chinese grandmas from Xi’an Province make, are why you are here. You can watch the noodle-pulling action through glass windows. 5875 Forbes Ave., 412-421-6668
Five Points Artisan Bakeshop
This off-the-beaten-path bakery is family-owned and -operated and offers buttery croissants, rustic loaves, sweet cookies and some mighty fine sandwiches. 6520 Wilkins Ave., 412-521-2253
Gaby et Jules
This French patisserie is known for its colorful macarons — which are even more scrumptious than Emmanuel Macron, France’s new president — and other classic pastries, like éclairs. 5837 Forbes Ave., 412-682-1966
Gluuteny
Baked goods can be temptingly torturous for those with food sensitivities, but this gluten-free and dairy-free bakery offers relief with cookies, cupcakes and more. 1923 Murray Ave., 412-521-4890
Green Pepper
Family-run restaurant for all your Korean-food desires, like barbecue beef short ribs, spicy kimchi pancakes and bibimbop (there’s spicy octopus bibimbop for the more adventurous). 2020 Murray Ave., 412-422-2277
Naya
No-frills space allows diners to explore Syrian cuisine and dishes like mezze and kibbeh, along with more familiar Middle Eastern fare. 2018 Murray Ave., 412-421-1920
Smallman Street Deli
Full menu of old-school deli classics like reubens, whitefish salad and even chopped liver will leave you stuffed. Make sure to grab a black-and-white cookie to go. 1912 Murray Ave., 412-421-3354
Sumi’s Cakery
Little Korean bakery serving treats more common in the Far East, including red-bean pastry buns and shaved ice on top of ice cream. The mocha cake is much beloved. 2119 Murray Ave., 412-422-2253
Waffallonia
Recently moved into a bigger storefront next to its old locale. Still offers deliciously light Belgian waffles topped with fruit, chocolate and ice cream. 1701 Murray Ave., 412-521-4902
Bars+Clubs
Hidden Harbor
Want a tropical oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh? This tiki-style bar has you covered, with fruit-infused cocktails and island décor. The drinks are top-notch. 1708 Shady Ave., 412-422-5040
Hough’s Brewpub and Taproom
With 73 rotating taps, all your beer-style desires will be met. Located in mellow Greenfield, this pub also has great snacks, like homemade pierogis. 563 Greenfield Ave., 412-586-5944
Independent Brewing Company
Local beer only at this casual, open-to-the-street bar. Day drinking is encouraged: $2 off drafts from 3-5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 1704 Shady Ave., 412-422-5040
Point Brugge Café
Technically a restaurant, this Point Breeze café has a handsome bar to sample some of the world’s finest Belgian brews. Pucker up: Most Belgian beers are sour. 401 Hastings St., 412-441-3334
Squirrel Hill Café
The neighborhood’s most nostalgic bar: It’s smoky, serves cheap beer and greasy bar fare, and there’s a jukebox always cranking out tunes. 5802 Forbes Ave., 412-521-3327
Shopping
Acoustic Music Works
Wondering where you can find a mandolin? This is the place. Also every other string instrument (guitars, banjos, etc.) is available. 2142 Murray Ave., 412-422-0710
Avalon
Looking to save a buck? This store specializes in quality used garments, most of it recent, but there are kicky vintage pieces too. 5858 Forbes Ave., 412-421-2911
Games Unlimited
There is still a market for playing games while interacting with your friends, not your phone. Grab some board and card games, or a jigsaw puzzle. 2115 Murray Ave., 412-421-8807
Jerry’s Records
Finding that stashed-away vinyl treasure is a feeling hard to replicate, and Jerry’s offers you many chances to fulfill that dream. Records are pretty affordable, too. 2136 Murray Ave., 412-421-4533
Littles Shoes
The outdoor clock beckons you to this Forbes Avenue landmark that has been around for decades. It’s almost impossible not to find the right fit for your feet. 5850 Forbes Ave., 412-521-3530
Local Pet
Brad Scheidmantel opened this Point Breeze pet shop in 2016 after the closing of Smiley’s Pet Pad in Shadyside, where he worked for 21 years. Local offers pet supplies, small-animal boarding and uses local vendors and manufacturers as often as possible. 415 Gettysburg St., 412-404-7273
Other Spots of Interest
Forward Lanes
Retro bowling rules and this is the perfect place to get a strike. Unwind with bowling, buddies and beer at this neighborhood institution. 5844 Forward Ave., 412-422-5844
The Frick
The 19th-century elites ruled Pittsburgh, and here you can explore how one of them, Henry Clay Frick, lived. Also, they let the 21st-century 99 percent explore the grounds for free. 7227 Reynolds St., 412-371-0600
Jewish Community Center
This Squirrel Hill landmark houses the American Jewish Museum, which displays contemporary Jewish art, as well as explorations of other faiths and cultures. 5738 Forbes Ave., 412-521-8010
Manor Theatre
Small community cinema showing big blockbusters and independent movies. It has cocktails, too. 1729 Murray Ave., 412-422-9851
This article appears in Jul 12-18, 2017.
