Sometimes we just want to eat like a kid again.
Unfortunately for most of us, that’s not an option all of time. But there’s something about those foods you loved as a kid that make you feel young again.
There are a ton of restaurants in Pittsburgh that cater to adults, but what about some fun kid-centic options?
Whether you just want a cool place to eat the foods that make you feel like a kid again — or you want to treat the kids to something you know they’ll love — try any of the places in the list below and we just know it’ll be a good time regardless.
Pick up a GiftYa electronic gift card to use at any of the fun places below, or choose from many other dining options in Pittsburgh. Know someone who’d appreciate a night off from cooking dinner for the kids? Then treat them to one of the options below, and make their day. They can use it at their convenience, and it can never be lost or stolen. The gift sends directly to the recipient's phone, and then they can follow easy instructions to link the gift to their bank account!
Downtown
209 21st St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-281-5200
Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM
Sat 9AM-5PM
Sun 10AM-4:30PM
Various other locations as well
Pittsburgh Popcorn Co. is your friendly, neighborhood popcorn supplier!
As soon as you walk in, the aroma of popcorn hits you, and you can hear the soft sound of popcorn popping in background.
This place is full of all kinds of flavors to try like Wisconsin Cheddar and chocolate caramel, as well as various sizes. We all know we don’t really need a three gallon jug of popcorn, but it’s nice to have the option. They also have more reasonable sizes, as well as cool gift tins with your favorite Pittsburgh sports teams.
...The second you walk in, the FRESH mesmerizing smell of flavored popcorn hits you hard. I almost think they should make it into a perfume because it smelled so good! - Yelp Review
Mt. Lebanon
311 Beverly Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
412-561-1994
Mon-Sun 11AM-9:30PM
Other locations include Scoops in Bellevue, on the Blvd, and in Bloomfield
Who doesn’t scream for ice cream?
Even in winter weather, Scoops on Beverly is ready to satisfy your — or the kids’ — need for ice cream. It’s a cute little shop that offers all kinds of scoop ice cream as well as ice cream cakes. Even if your kid is a picky eater, we know they’ll find an ice cream flavor they love.
When the warmer weather returns to Pittsburgh, be sure to get your ice cream to go and stroll down the lovely business district on Beverly Road.
Strip District
2801 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-434-0451
Mon-Thurs 11AM-9PM
Fri-Sat 11AM-11PM
Sun 12-8PM
Another fantastic option for ice cream with the kids is Klavon’s in the Strip District.
Your kids might not realize it, but this place harkens back to another time. Its stainless steel equipment, marble countertops, and rotating stools all look like they belong in a 1950s movie. That just adds to the appeal!
The ice cream ingredients here are all locally sourced and made by hand. We think the original owners — who opened Klavon’s in 1923 — would approve!
Strip District
50 21st St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-904-4649
Mon-Tues 7AM-2PM
Wed-Fri 7AM-8PM
Sat 8AM-8PM
Sun 9AM-4PM
Various other locations as well
If you’re looking for food that can easily fit into little hands, then check out one of the many Peace, Love, and, Little Donuts locations throughout Pittsburgh.
The concept of a small, tennis ball sized donut was a bit of an accident, but we haven’t heard any complaints about this yet. Not your typical donut shop — they offer all kinds of crazy toppings — but none of them seem to overpower the original cake donut that started it all.
Downtown
314 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-315-7115
Sun-Thurs 11AM-10PM
Fri-Sat 11AM-11PM
Various other locations as well.
If you and your kids prefer your ice cream whipped as opposed to scooped, check out the Milkshake Factory.
While they offer a gourmet selection of milkshakes — salted caramel, fried ice cream, and bananas foster, to name a few — they also have your traditional favorites like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. And if you have someone with you that just wants some ice cream, don't worry — they have some delectable sundaes too.
Oakland
3901 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-621-7388
Mon-Wed 10AM-10PM
Thurs-Sat 10AM-2PM
Known locally — and perhaps nationally — as “The O,” the Original Hot Dog Shop is a staple in the Oakland community.
It’s been around since 1960, and we’re pretty sure it has the same menu too. A very popular spot amongst local college kids, it also offers something your kids definitely won’t say no to: hot dogs and french fries.
People drive from all over the Pittsburgh area just to get their famous ‘dogs and gravy fries, and after one bite, it’s easy to see why.
...It's been easily 25 years since I set foot in The O and it really hasn't changed all that much cosmetically. Still the same signs and counters and stacks of potatoes in the corner. Same great service. Same great selection. - Yelp Review
South Side
2517 E. Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-301-1763
Mon-Fri 8AM-2PM
Sat-Sun 8AM-3PM
An awesome spot to visit in the South Side, Waffles, INCaffeinated specializes in amazing waffles.
Buy a GiftYa To Waffles, INCaffeinated >
Whether you want them for breakfast, brunch, or a late lunch, they’re ready for you with the syrup.
With selections that range from sweet to savory, there’s options galore on their menu. Plus you can build your own waffle with a selection of amazing toppings.
And if you or the kids have an allergy, not to worry, as special arrangements are not a problem.
Oakland
117 S. Bouquet St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-802-7100
Mon-Sun 11AM-10PM
Various other locations as well
Another favorite fun food for kids are burgers and fries.
That’s exactly all that Five Guys makes, and they’re really good at it. Their burgers come in a variety of sizes as well — the small ones are ideal for little hands — and there are loads of toppings you can add as well.
What would a good burger place be without milkshakes? Don’t worry, they offer those as well.
Downtown
422 Wood St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-227-0999
Mon-Fri 10AM-8PM
Sat-Sun 11AM-5PM
Various other locations as well
Walking into one of these stores — regardless of age — and you’re transformed into a kid in a candy store.
Katie’s Kandy offers all your favorite candy that you remember as a kid, like Clark Bars, candy cigarettes, and jawbreakers. You can also buy your favorite items in bulk, but not that anyone really needs too!
The kids will have a ball as well, picking out all their favorite candy and trying some of the new selections.
Pittsburgh offers a wide variety of culinary options, including some fun ones for the kids! These places can take you back to being a kid again, and offer some delectable items for you, or the kids to try. The whole family will be happy to try one of these tasty destinations with a GiftYa egift card!
What was your favorite food as a kid? Let us know in the comments!
