Food
All India Restaurant
The vegetarian and vegan options at this spot are out of this world, and the buffet is incredible. 315 N. Craig St., 412-681-6600
Dave & Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream
A neighborhood institution offering freshly made ice cream and sorbets; go for the waffle cone with the candy surprise inside. 207 Atwood St., 412-681-9906
Legume
The menu changes daily, offering decadent and unique plates, like jerked goat shoulder with yellow-corn grits, that will keep you coming back to try what’s new each day. 214 N. Craig St., 412-621-2700
Lulu’s Noodles
Get your bubble-tea fix here with a variety of Asian-inspired noodle dishes. 400 S. Craig St., 412-687-7777
Mad Mex
Oakland Mad Mex is best in the summer, because the great “Big Azz” margarita deals and late-night food specials exist without a swarm of college bros. 370 Atwood St., 412-681-5656
Oishii Bento
With options that are tasty and light, this Japanese/Korean joint is the place for a guilt-free lunch. Try the Katsu udon or spicy pork bento. 119 Oakland Ave., 412-687-3335
The Original Hot Dog Shop
Locals simply call it “The O,” and it’s been around since 1960. Originally built next to Forbes Field, former home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, it has long outlasted the stadium with its great dogs and fries. 3901 Forbes Ave., 412-621-7388
Pamela’s Diner
This cash-only retro diner is the best place to cure a hangover. Lyonnaise potatoes, crepes and endless coffee ought to do the trick. 3703 Forbes Ave., 412-683-4066
Redhawk Coffee
Redhawk is Oakland’s only independent coffee shop. The coffee is great, and the biscuits are addicting. 120 Meyran Ave., 412-708-4270
Red Oak Cafe
This quaint cafe’s menu features Pittsburgh neighborhood-themed breakfast scrambles, vegan and veg options, and quick healthy bites for busy bees on the go. 3610 Forbes Ave., 412-621-2221
Uncle Sam’s Sandwich Bar
Never underestimate the satisfaction a really good hoagie offers; this might be the best place to feed that craving. The fries rock, too. 210 Oakland Ave., 412-621-1885
Bars+Clubs
Bootleggers
Affordable drinks and food are found here. A great place to catch up with friends on a weeknight, as well as a place to get silly on the weekends. 403 Semple St., 412-488-2668
Butterjoint
The cocktail selection here — a mix of classic and unique — is worth a deep dive. If liquor isn’t your thing, the craft-beer selection will surely wet your whistle. 214 N. Craig St., 412-621-2700
Fuel and Fuddle
Newbies to the snobby beer world, heads up! The menu here has handy flavor profiles for all its tasty beer. 212 Oakland Ave., 412-682-3473
Gene’s Place
Low-key, affordable, comfortable and fun. Don’t forget your jukebox money, as the patrons are the DJs here. 3616 Louisa St., 412-682-2158
Hemingway’s
For being so close to Pitt’s campus, this is a mellow spot with a satisfying list of specials. It also won’t break the bank, you poor starving writers! 3911 Forbes Ave., 412-621-4100
Peter’s Pub
For fans of ’70s-style college bars, long beer lists and sports, meet your new spot. 116 Oakland Ave., 412-681-7465
Union Grill
Any place with a $10 wine list deserves a mention. Enjoy a glass of wine with indoor s’mores — no joke. 413 S. Craig St., 412-681-8620
Arts+Culture
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Main Branch
An old-school, marble-heavy flagship library with decidedly modern updates: coffee shop, game days, language classes, Wi-Fi and more. Also: many, many books. 4400 Forbes Ave., 412-622-3114
Carnegie Museums of Art & Natural History
It’s easy to spend a whole day here getting lost in all the challenging and beautiful galleries, impressive dinosaur displays, and even the insect hall. 4400 Forbes Ave., 412-622-3131
Carnegie Music Hall
In addition to the museums, the building features an historic hall that hosts a variety of performers and speakers. 4400 Forbes Ave., www.carnegiemuseums.org
Glitter Box Theater
This beautiful room is a one-stop shop for plays, show-tunes karaoke, concerts, aerial arts and more. Kid- and pup-friendly! 460 Melwood Ave., www.theglitterboxtheater.com
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
A beautiful glass-enclosed conservatory lets patrons enjoy exotic plants any time of the year. In the summer, stroll the outdoor gardens. Special attractions include orchids and a butterfly forest. 1 Schenley Park Drive, 412-622-6914
Pittsburgh Filmmakers
This arts institution offers classes in filmmaking, video and photography, and also runs three arthouse movie theaters, including the Melwood Screening Room on site. 477 Melwood Ave., www.pghfilmmakers.org
Shopping
Caliban Book Shop
The fun of perusing a used bookstore is discovering an item you didn’t even know you wanted. Lots to choose from, including rare finds, at this longtime book nook. 410 S. Craig St., 412-681-9111
Hocus Pocus Shoppe of the Arcane
Oils, gemstones, incense, ritual tattooing, books and tarot cards can all be found here. 113 Meyran Ave., 412-622-0113
Iron City Bikes
A great place to get your gear from a wide range of brands, and an even better place to ask questions if you’re new to the biking world. 331 S. Bouquet St., 412-681-1310
Phantom of the Attic
With a trove of comics in one store, and all the multiplayer-game goodies you need at another across the street, Phantom of the Attic has everything you need. 406 and 411 S. Craig St., 412-621-1210
Snow Lion Imports
A beautiful little shop selling Tibetan arts, handicrafts and religious items from the Himalayan and Tibetan regions. 201 S. Craig St., 412-687-5680
Whimsy on Fifth
One-of-a-kind goodies (fashion, jewelry and more), quickly rotating stock and a charming atmosphere give this shop a fun allure. 3402 Fifth Ave., 412-586-4224
Other Spots of Interest
Forbes Field Wall
A section of the outfield wall of this revered Pittsburgh stadium still stands in Oakland. You can even relive the anniversary of Bill Mazeroski’s Game 7 World Series homer from 1960 here during a celebration every October. Located on Roberto Clemente Drive, near Pitt’s Katz Graduate School of Business
Schenley Plaza
An acre of green space with a large covered area, café tables and, in the summer, a Victorian-style carousel. 4100 Forbes Ave., www.pittsburghparks.org/schenley-plaza
