Pittsburgh is full of great places to eat, drink, shop and visit. Here's a sampling of some of the best from other neighborhoods and nearby towns.
Food
Alla Famiglia. The Italian restaurant is an elder statesman of Pittsburgh fine dining, but hardly stuck in the past. The frequently changing menu is anchored by classics. 804 E. Warrington Ave., Allentown. 412-488-1440
Big Jim's. A cozy neighborhood eatery that stays true to its roots with huge plates of casual Italian, and waitresses who call you "hon." 201 Saline St., Greenfield. 412-421-0532
Crested Duck Charcuterie. This artisanal meat market in the city's South Hills offers its dry-aged meats (like salami and bresaola), and also has an accompanying restaurant serving a tapas menu. 1603 Broadway Ave., Beechview. 412-892-9983
Dor-Stop. This family-owned Dormont establishment is one of the great Pittsburgh breakfast places. Get there early on the weekends. 1430 Potomac Ave., Dormont. 412-561-9320
E2. Fresh takes on Old World recipes, with a focus on unfussy Italian preparations, in a cozy space. 5904 Bryant St., Highland Park. 412-441-1200
Food Glorious Food. A charming façade with a few tables and strong coffee. These features underscore a unique and vast array of pastries, sandwiches and other delights. 5906 Bryant St., Highland Park. 412-363-5330
The Franklin Inn. This North Hills Mexican restaurant is a bit off the beaten path but worth the trip. Margaritas, a chorizo burrito and spicy, twice-cooked wings can't be missed. 2313 Rochester Road, Franklin Park. 412-366-4140
Grand Concourse. Housed in a former train station, this restaurant is known for its fancy, traditional Sunday-brunch buffet. Happy hour in the adjoining Gandy Dancer bar gives you another reason to visit during the week. Station Square, South Side. 412-261-1717
Isabela on Grandview. This fine-dining restaurant atop Mount Washington places as much focus on the food as on the skyline. The cuisine is contemporary and varies widely among European, American and Asian influences. 1318 Grandview Ave., Mount Washington. 412-431-5882
Kavsar. A place to explore Uzbekistan cuisine, which reflects the region's proximity to both Russia and China with rice, meat and noodle dishes. 16 Southern Ave., Mount Washington. 412-488-8708
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. Fresh seafood available in a variety of preparations, and perhaps Pittsburgh's best view, overlooking the Point. 1411 Grandview Ave., Mount Washington. 412-481-4414
Pamela's. This local diner chain is renowned for its thin, crisp-edged pancakes (a favorite of President Obama) and home fries. Multiple locations, www.pamelasdiner.com
Smoq Pitt. This barbecue joint knows that it's smoke that counts: Its meats — chicken, pork, brisket and ribs — are rubbed, smoked and served with sauce (sweet, tangy or spicy) on the side. 600 Brookline Blvd., Brookline. 412-668-3459
Teppanyaki Kyoto. An intimate dining room with a good sake menu and some of the best Japanese food in town. A seasonal menu is kept updated along with traditional lunch and dinner. 5808 Bryant St., Highland Park. 412-441-1610
Tin Front Café. Though the menu is brief, inventive vegetarian meals push past the familiar at this charming Homestead café. In season, there's a charming rear patio. 216 E. Eighth Ave., Homestead. 412-461-4615.
Bars and Clubs
Breaker's Billiards and Lounge. With 15 pool tables, two billiards tables and a smoker-friendly bar, this establishment is a dying breed and a great hit of nostalgia. 1413 Potomac Ave., Dormont. 412-531-2250
The Brew Gentlemen Beer Company. After one year of nothing but accolades, this brewery hangout continues to be good news. Laid-back bartenders, uniquely crafted brews and an open, sociable space. 512 Braddock Ave., Braddock. 412-871-5075
Grist House Brewing. With one year under its belt, this microbrewery has a good variety of beers in a family- and dog-friendly atmosphere. 10 E. Sherman St., Millvale. 412-447-1442
Hitchhiker Brewing Company. A cottage-like atmosphere and a rotating tap of creative microbrews. Understated and cool. 190 Castle Shannon Blvd., Mount Lebanon. 412-343-1950
Hough's. An airy bar with one of the most impressive beer lists in town. Trivia nights are fun here, especially with more than 70 beers on tap. 563 Greenfield Ave., Greenfield. 412-586-5944
Spoonwood Brewing Co. Worth traveling for, this new brewery and tap room is a large indoor, glass-encased beer garden. A talented head brewer keeps the list interesting and the pizza satisfies. 5981 Baptist Road, Bethel Park. 412-833-0333
The Summit. A gem atop Mount Washington, this bar serves stiff and delicious drinks. A garage door opens up the space and board games from the bar's personal collection await players. 200 Shiloh St., Mount Washington. 412-918-1647
Arts and Culture
Hollywood Theater. This historic, single-screen, neighborhood theater shows a good mix of new indie films and classic movies as well as weekend midnight screenings of cult classics. 1449 Potomac Ave., Dormont. 412-563-0368
James Gallery. This gorgeous gallery offers rotating art exhibits in a variety of mediums. There's also a great, private outdoor sculpture garden. 413 S. Main St., West End. 412-922-9800
Little Lake Theatre. This company is a prime example of what top-notch community theatre should look like. The group's deft performances range from classics like Our Town to contemporary works like Doubt and Lucky Guy. 500 Lakeside Drive, Cannonsburg. 724-745-6300
The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Polar bears, elephants, penguins, sharks, lions, tigers and a whole host of other animal and marine life make for fun-filled and educational day. 7340 Butler St., Highland Park. 412-665-3640
Music
Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. Part of the Carnegie Library of Homestead, this old-fashioned theater has become a popular stop for well-known bands ranging from Spoon to Trombone Shorty. 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. 412-368-5225
Jergel's Rhythm Grille. This restaurant/bar features live music most nights of the week. Past performers have ranged from popular local acts like The Clarks and The Gathering Field to national touring acts like Brett Michaels. 103 Slade Lane, Warrendale. 724-799-8333
Mr. Small's Theatre. This mid-sized venue is in Millvale, just across the river from Lawrenceville. Indie-rock is a staple here, as are sell-out crowds. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. 412-821-4447
Shopping
Attic Records. If you prefer the pops, skips and general character of a vinyl record to other audio formats, the Attic, in Millvale, is a can't-miss. Make sure you allow yourself some time to dig. 513 Grant Ave., Millvale. 412-821-8484
Construction Junction. A dream for do-it-yourselfers on a budget or the environmentally conscious who believe in the necessity of re-using and recycling old building supplies and furnishings. You'll find everything here from tile and paint to cabinets, tubs and toilets. And check-out the similar art- and craft-supply venue, Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, around the corner. 214 N. Lexington St., North Point Breeze. 412-243-5025
