Guide to Pittsburgh’s Newest Food Trends

Pittsburgh is a city on the rise. While it used to be known for its thriving steel industry, today this vibrant city is experiencing a renaissance. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the city’s food scene, which is blossoming thanks to a number of new restaurants and bars. Use this guide to plan out your food itinerary during your stay.

Pittsburgh Food Truck Park

Image via Flickr by nick.amoscato

Food trucks are finally starting to flourish in Pittsburgh. With food truck roundups happening frequently throughout the city, you always have a good chance of catching some of the area’s beloved mobile eateries, like the Mac & Gold Truck or the PGH Taco Truck.

Come spring 2018, you’ll never have to go on the hunt for a food truck again, thanks to the Pittsburgh Food Truck Park. Located in the Millvale Riverfront Park along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, this space features room for five rotating daily food trucks, a beer garden with outdoor deck, performance venue, and even a game yard.

Restaurant Incubators

Image via Flickr by nick.amoscato

Pittsburgh is lucky enough to have two separate restaurant incubator facilities, meaning there are enough tasty treats to go around no matter where you’re staying. The first restaurant incubator on the scene was Smallman Galley, located on 21st Street in the Strip District. Since December 2015, this establishment has allowed chefs to test out their recipes for a minimum of 12 months before their residences end and new chefs take the wheel. Currently, you can enjoy Detroit-style pizza from Iron Born, Latin American delicacies from Colonia, modern Vietnamese from Banhmilicious, and progressive American from brunoise.

The newer Federal Galley is operated by the same owners, so the concept is exactly the same. Located in Nova Place at 200 Children’s Way on the North Side, this venue features Mexican food from El Lugar, more Detroit-style pizza from Michigan & Trumbull, American cuisine from Provision PGH, and refined favorites at Supper. If you’re coming into town for a Steelers game, Federal Galley is just minutes from Heinz Field, so consider booking a hotel in this area to satisfy both your cravings for sports and delicious food.

Craft Beverages

Image via Flickr by pghaletrail

Another thing that’s been exploding the past few years in Pittsburgh is the craft beer, wine, and liquor scene. New breweries are popping up all over town, offering tasty brews you won’t find elsewhere.

One of the best areas for craft beer is Millvale, which features two breweries: Grist House and Draai Laag. Grist House is at 10 Sherman Street and has a beautiful outdoor space, 15 of its own beers on tap, and a dog-friendly atmosphere. Draai Laag is at 501 East Ohio Street, where it brews only French and Belgian beers and operates a tasty taproom kitchen.

For wine, head over to the Pittsburgh Winery at 2815 Penn Avenue in the Strip District for a number of varieties. If spirits are more your game, you’ll absolutely need to stop by the Wigle Whiskey Distillery, also in the Strip at 2401 Smallman Street.

With so much going on in its culinary scene, Pittsburgh is worth a visit just for the food and drinks alone.