Gone are the days of smoking schwag and scarfing Doritos in your friend’s basement. You’re a grown-up now with sophisticated cannabis habits, and a worldly palate. So when the THC hits, followed by the inevitable tummy growl, pass the pantry. Instead, take yourself out to one of these exceptional Pittsburgh eateries that are perfectly suited for your enhanced tastebuds.
Umami
202 38th St., Lawrenceville. umamipgh.com
I doubt chef Roger Li and Derek Burnell had stoners in mind when designing and executing Umami, the stylish, Japanese-inspired sushi and ramen bar above Esquina Cantina (formerly Round Corner Cantina). Maybe it’s the intimate setting, the evocative red lighting, or the ability to order as many small plates as possible when the munchies set in. Add late-night eats and occasional DJs, and this spot proves a comfortable, yet stimulating environment for zooted diners to bliss out over plates of fried karage, fresh tamaki, and savory noodle bowls.
Nico’s Recovery Room
178 Pearl St., Bloomfield
Don’t let the divey sports bar feel at Nico’s fool you. This Bloomfield staple attracts diverse patrons, from neighborhood regulars to college students, looking for a chill place to chat over a few beers. The welcoming atmosphere helps to stave off any chance of cannabis-induced paranoia, with cozy, retro wooden booths, unpretentious vibes, and the enveloping din of chatty crowds. That the bar food slaps harder than most adds another compelling draw, with selections ranging from the usual fried faves to Greek and vegetarian options.
Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings
2773 Sidney St., South Side. nanxiangxiaolongbao.com
Admittedly I haven’t tried this yet (don’t green out at the LieMax, kids), so this entry is simply to #manifest and put this on Pittsburgh’s radar: what about getting a little high and nibbling on some Michelin-recommended soup dumplings? Nan Xiang Long Bao, a beloved N.Y.C.-based Chinese restaurant, opened its first Pittsburgh location in the Southside Works last month. In addition to bringing their signature soup dumplings — tasty scratch-made dough pouches filled with savory broth plus your favorite meat or veggie — they apparently serve all-day breakfast. Soup dumplings are perfect comfort food already, being light, noshable. And served in multiples in a little steamer basket, and since Nan Xiang’s have appeared in the Michelin Guide nine times and counting, I don’t think you can go wrong in any altered state. To stay local and opt for a known quantity, head to Everyday Noodles, especially for the Sunday shrimp dumplings.
Tana Ethiopian Cuisine
5929 Baum Blvd., East Liberty. tanaethiopiancuisine.com
Few global culinary traditions are as tactile as Ethiopia’s. Food from the east African country is traditionally consumed using injera, essentially a giant sourdough pancake made from teff flour, instead of silverware. The entrees are served in a colorful array similar to a painter’s palette. Using strips of tangy injera, you can build your own little crepe situations filled with everything from vegetarian entrees like Ya Abesha Gomen (savory collards with garlic and ginger) or tender Tana Tibs (simmered lamb in a zesty sauce), and wash it all down with a malty Ethiopian lager or off-dry honey wine. If you’re a finger food lover, this offers that sensory experience with more creative flair — and if you’re a cannabis lover, you can try a bit of everything by ordering a veggie and meat sampler for $35 (plus tip) and housing it in one sitting.
Walter’s Southern Kitchen
4501 Butler St., Lawrenceville. walterspgh.com
When intoxicated, I favor a food experience that doesn’t overwhelm me with choice. Pittsburgh has plenty of dives that offer fried food samplers, which can be perfectly adequate some days. But there are times when you want a meal a notch nicer than jalapeño poppers or a slice of pizza. In a city with a small but mighty barbecue scene, Walter’s stands out for its Lunchbox and Sandman specials, each a curated helping of tender smoked meats with cornbread and side options. Whether you dine in and grab beverages or slink in in your sunglasses, low-and-slow cuisine is perfect for a slow-and-stoned Saturday in Larrytahn. All you have to choose is the sides … Oh god, should I get greens? Mac and cheese? Fries?
East End Brewing
147 Julius St., Larimer. eastendbrewing.com
Dense, flavorful pizza. Delicious fresh beer. Outdoor seating with intimate booths inside if it rains. East End Brewing has been a Pittsburgh mainstay for 21 years for a reason — in a change-allergic city that struggles to handle restaurant rebrands, East End hasn’t fixed what isn’t broken beyond the addition of East End Chewing in 2021. For the hazy-headed and/or hungover, the pizza and sides offer just enough choice to satisfy your munchies while you bridge your lazy afternoon and night out.
People’s Indian Restaurant
5147 Penn Ave., Garfield. peoplesindianpa.com
You don’t need to be high to enjoy a buffet, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. One of the great things about Pittsburgh is, even post-COVID, there’s still a smattering of buffets, unmatched in their open invitation to fix a plate or three and indulge. You even have your pick of excellent Indian buffets. People’s Indian hardly needs an introduction — maybe it’s an obvious choice, but who cares? Let this serve as your sign to go get your fill of their samosas, paneer, vindaloo, and anything tikka masala, then do another lap for their desserts (gulab jamun, hello!), and comforting chai. Taj Mahal in the North Hills boasts an all-day weekend buffet as well, so you can also wander that direction to get your curry fix with unlimited naan to dip. We still live in an age of miracles.
Everyday Noodles
5875 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. everydaynoodles.net
Authentic Chinese food with authentic Yin-Yang. The cozy, minimalist interior gives inviting and chill vibes on one side of the room, while a bustling kitchen is happening on the other. Did we come here for Chinese food, or to stare at the Krispy Kreme-style assembly line? It sounds chaotic, but it’s a feast for the eyes.
There are so many choices on the menu that you may want to look up the simplified version on your phone, or decide ahead of time. Do yourself a favor and get a bench seat facing the large windows into the kitchen. You and your companions can sit side-by-side and watch long, hand-pulled noodles being created from scratch. Ever wonder how soup dumplings and potstickers are made? Order them and find out when your ticket goes down the line.
This article appears in Apr 16-22, 2025.
