Shadyside

One Day in Town

Shadyside is an affluent East End neighborhood where hip meets historic. The area was once home to some of the city's early industrialists. Over time, it's remained the home of the some of the city's wealthiest inhabitants while also attracting young professionals. Today, the neighborhood continues to move forward by embracing new trends — like having more than 50 dog-friendly businesses, according to the Shadyside Chamber of Commerce.

With the most high-profile, high-end shopping district in the city, Shadyside is a destination for Pittsburghers and visitors who like to shop away from the hustle and bustle of suburban malls. A visit to this neighborhood isn't complete without a trip down Walnut Street, which boasts a mix of locally owned stores and national chains including Williams-Sonoma, American Apparel and the Apple Store.

There are several options for an evening drink with friends or family, but Cappy's Café (5431 Walnut St., 412-621-1188) is a favorite among locals. How local? It's long been a favorite stop for Mayor Bill Peduto. And unlike traditional neighborhood joints, this isn't your usual greasy spoon. The menu here is delivered by a "grease-free, eco-friendly cooking system."

For a unique dining experience, visitors should try Eden (735 Copeland St., 412-802-7070), a restaurant that specializes in allergy-conscious, vegan, raw and gluten-free food. The BYOB eatery strives to use local and organic ingredients.

Shadyside is also home to several art galleries. For a more interactive experience, check out the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (1047 Shady Ave., center.pfpca.org), a nonprofit community arts campus that features exhibitions and classes for kids and adults. Founded in 1945, the Center is housed in an historic mansion on the former "Millionaire's Row."

Fifth Avenue was once lined with 19^th-century mansions, and Shadyside is still home to some of Pittsburgh's most historic homes and most interesting architecture, including: Shadyside Presbyterian Church (5121 Westminster Place), Mansions on Fifth Luxury Hotel (5105 Fifth Ave.) and Rodef Shalom Temple (4905 Fifth Ave.).

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Food

Casbah. This lively restaurant offers sophisticated interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine, a notable wine list and patio dining in season. 229 S. Highland Ave., 412-661-5656

Jitters Café and Ice Cream. This is a one-stop shop for a caffeine fix and a sweet treat. Try one of the many ice-cream flavors. 5541 Walnut St., 412-621-2316

Nak Kwon Garden. Small family-run storefront restaurant provides diners with a full range of Korean cuisine — from hot pots and stirfrys to table-top barbecue. 5504 Centre Ave., 412-904-4635

Noodlehead. The menu at this laid-back Thai spot is minimalist, but every item is a winner. Start with pork buns. 242 S. Highland Ave., www.noodleheadpgh.com

Prantl's Bakery. They have many fine baked goods at this four-decade-old bakery, but it's actually against city code to go there and not buy the burnt-almond torte. It's that good. 5525 Walnut St., 412-621-2092

Soba / Umi. These restaurants share a building and ownership. Umi offers Japanese cuisine — the sushi menu is particularly impressive — while Soba's focus is on modern pan-Asian fusion. 5847 Ellsworth Ave., Soba: 412-362-5656; Umi: 412-362-6198

The Yard Gastropub. A variety of gourmet grilled-cheese sandwiches, plus flatbreads and burgers, are the perfect pairing for 42 rotating taps. 736 Bellefonte St., 412-709-6351

Bars and Clubs

5801 Video Lounge & Café. One of the city's most established LGBT bars. Always hopping on weekends, with three bars on three levels and an outdoor patio. 5801 Ellsworth Ave., 412-661-5600

Harris Grill. Good outdoor seating and a large menu of both drinks and food. Service with a smirk and all-you-can-eat bacon night on Tuesdays. 5747 Ellsworth Ave., 412-362-5273

Le Mardi Gras. With its smoke, shadowy corners and stiff drinks, this local watering hole is a great place to mingle with people of all types. Fresh squeezed juice and a well-curated jukebox. 731 Copeland St., 412-683-0912

William Penn Tavern. This place is a mix of neighborhood joint and sports bar, making it a great place to watch the game with locals, and drink specials every day of the week. 739 Bellefonte St., 412-621-1000

Arts and Culture

Gallerie Chiz. Densely stocked gallery for contemporary work, specializing in local artists and outsider art. 5831 Ellsworth Ave., 412-441-6005

Mendelson Gallery. Long-running gallery run by namesake owner Steve Mendelson, featuring a range of work by artists from the local to the internationally known. 5874 Ellsworth Ave., 412-361-8664

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. Landmark yellow mansion is home to two floors of galleries hosting often-challenging contemporary work by regional artists creating in all media. 6300 Fifth Ave., 412-361-0873

Music

Shadyside Presbyterian Church. This historic church is home to the Music in a Great Space series, which features touring musicians and traditional seasonal concerts. 5121 Westminster Place, 412-682-4300

Shopping

Eons Fashion Antique. With a lot of offerings, this store is literally packed with vintage clothing from the 1930s to the 1980s. 5850 Ellsworth Ave., 412-361-3368

Glassworks and Cheeks. This is probably a one-stop shop come wedding season, with offerings that include both housewares and lingerie. 5406 Walnut St., 412-682-5443

Maxalto. With three decades under its belt, this high-fashion boutique offers women's clothing and accessories from designers across the globe. 5426 Walnut St., 412-683-0508

MODA. This men's retailer specializes in designer clothing you can't find anywhere else in Pittsburgh. 5401 Walnut St., 412-681-8640

The Picket Fence. Catering to both moms and their kids, this unique boutique features a contemporary mix of designers. 5425 Walnut St., 412-246-0350

Smiley's Pet Pad. This mom-and-pop shop has more to offer than just pet products: lots of friendly advice and an in-store cat! 215 S. Highland Ave., 412-362-7556