10 Cafes that are a Must Visit in Pittsburgh

If you need your morning cup of java as much as we do, have we got a list for you. We’ve compiled a lineup of great coffee shops In Pittsburgh for you to try.

These places are all independently owned and operated, meaning there’s no cookie-cutter layout or hefty prices that generally accompany much larger corporations. All the ingredients that go into these brews are sourced locally in the Pittsburgh area and made fresh daily.

The best part is GiftYa offers gift cards for all the venues on this list, and is a super convenient way send the gift of coffee with a personalized message included. So whether you’re familiar with the coffee scene in Pittsburgh, or just want a reason to try a new place, think about stopping into any of these!

Our Top 10 Independent Pittsburgh Coffee Shops

1. Espresso a Mano

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4635 Butler St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Mon 7am-3pm
Tues-Fri am-9pm
Sat 8am-9pm
Sun 8am-3pm

If you fancy not only coffee, but a great espresso, look no further than Espresso a Mano.

Small shop, unassuming just really, really good coffee! Prices are good and the people are awesome...

This little place in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh specializes in the darkest of dark brews, ready to give you the caffeine kick you long for.

Started in 2009, it has quickly grown into a local mainstay, and no list of great coffee hang outs would be complete without it.

Be sure to try the other drinks besides the espresso, like the chai lattes.

"...Plenty of room to work at the tables, free WiFi and lots of room
Open air on nice days and being in the heart of larryville you can't lose!!” - Yelp Review

2. Black Forge Coffee

1206 Arlington Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15210

Mon-Fri 7am-8pm
Sat 8am-8pm
Sun 9am-6pm

Who says heavy metal and coffee don’t mix? Don’t say that to the owners of Black Forge Coffee in Arlington.

We have the coffee passport and this was one of my favorite places we went for coffee!...

If you like your coffee to be as dark as your soul (and even if you don’t) this place is on the list of many coffee connoisseurs in Pittsburgh.

But they don’t stop at coffee, their events page is full of all kinds of acts, from an All-Ages Open Mic, Diva’s Drag Show and even a Visionary Art Jam. Black Forge has also been instrumental in helping revive the Arlington neighborhood, bringing people in from all over the city.

“...Was super cool inside, a lot of cool art, (even in the restroom!) the area was also cool, lots to do that I never knew about, the coffee was great, staff was super nice as well!” - Yelp Review

3. The Abbey on Butler Street

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4635 Butler St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Mon-Thurs 6:30am-10pm
Fri-Sat 7am-2am
Sun 7am-10pm

Have you have had coffee in a funeral parlor? We didn’t think so, but that’s exactly what this coffee shop was in its previous life.

I've been here several times and this place is phenomenal! Drinks, coffee or food - all good choices!...

Enjoy your java inside where you can still see a sign for funerary flower drop off, or take you coffee outside on their gorgeous patio.

This spot is also across the street from the historic Arlington Cemetery, so while you’re there, be sure to stop by.

Buy a GiftYa To The Abbey on Butler Street >

"...Great place to meet friends, eat a delicious meal quietly, or hang out and get some work done in the coffee house section. Staff is super friendly and accommodating and makes you feel like they're glad you're here. highly recommend this place!" - Yelp Review

4. Big Dog Coffee

A cozy place in Pittsburgh’s historic Southside

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2717 Sarah St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Mon-Sun 6am-10pm

If you’re in the Southside and looking for something off the beaten path, (i.e. Carson St.) look no further than this little gem on Sarah Street.

Great atmosphere! Friendly baristas!...

Locals rave about the quiet ambiance, whether you come in early for your cup of joe, or a little later in the day.

It is also one of the few places in Pittsburgh that can boast of an oatmeal bar. How’s that for healthy!

"...I had the honey latte and it was fantastic! I had forgotten to bring my book, but luckily there is a cabinet with books to borrow or leave one and take one." -  Yelp Review‍

5. Caffe d’Amore

An eco-friendly spot to kick back in Lawrenceville‍

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5400 Butler St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Mon-Fri 7am-7pm
Sat-Sun 8am-6pm

Another great coffee spot in the Lawrenceville neighborhood, but this one makes the extra effort to be exceptionally environmentally friendly, using mason jars and recycled content cups.

I'm a fan. This is a wonderful little third place...

They also do their own composting and prepare all their syrups in house.

Committed to helping small coffee farmers, they only source their beans via direct trade with micro-roasters. Trying to save the world, one cup of coffee at a time.

“...The staff is top-notch, the coffee excellent, and the eats delicious. I really appreciate how well-lit the shop is, too.”  -  Yelp Review‍

6. La Prima

A Strip District staple for delicious coffee

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205 21st St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Mon-Wed 6am-4pm
Thurs-Sat 6am-5pm
Sun 7am-4pm

Founded in 1988 to originally service espresso machines in the Pittsburgh area, this Strip District staple is an expert in how to brew Italian-style espresso.

Favorite coffee shop in Pittsburgh...

They roast their own beans by hand, in house and only in small batches. You can’t get much fresher than that.

La Prima is committed to the highest quality of bean and upholding the standards of the espresso industry, and diligently work for fair-trade practices.

“...In all the years I've been there, I've always had a well-made coffee drink. Stop next door for pastries, if you want something to go with the coffee.” - Yelp Review‍

7. Adda Coffee & Tea House

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200 S. Highland Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Mon-Thurs 7am-6pm
Fri-Sat 7am-7pm
Sun 9am-6pm

This popular Shadyside spot’s interesting name means “a place for conversation” in Bengali.

Adda exudes a relaxing yet energizing atmosphere with its color and design...

True to its word, this spot is very welcoming and encourages conversations, sometimes with complete strangers!

Their multicultural menu boast of brews and bites from around the world, and they are committed to donating to monthly charities, one local and one global.

“...I have only had positive experiences with staff including the owner being quite welcoming. I come here frequently and every time is such nice and leisurely experience.” - Yelp Review‍

8. Carnegie Coffee Company

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132 E. Main St.
Carnegie, PA 15106

Mon-Sat 7am-6pm
Sun 8am-3pm

Located in the historic suburb of Carnegie, this coffee house is makes itself at home in a former post office.

Every time when I want coffee, I'm here at Carnegie Coffee...

It exudes all the charm of an old converted building, and solely offers the Italian Lavazza coffee. They even boast of a travelling espresso bar, so you can bring all the favors of Italy to your event in the Pittsburgh area.

The Carnegie neighborhood is quaint as it is modern, and the Carnegie Coffee Company is a true representation of that.

“...[In] my opinion it is the best place for coffee break around this area. Friendly personal perfect service, nice and clean Will recommend to everyone.” -  Yelp Review

9. Uptown Coffee

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723 Washington Rd.
Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228

Sun-Thurs 7am-10pm
Fri-Sat 7am-11pm

Another little pearl of a coffee shop to be found nestled in the southern Pittsburgh suburb of Mt. Lebanon.

Uptown Coffee has some of the best pastries and coffee in Mt. Lebanon!...

Located on the main road that comes out the Liberty Tunnels, this staple has been in the Mt. Lebanon business district since 1995.

The owner is also the resident baker, churning out freshly made muffins, bread and biscotti. If you happen to stop in, be sure to try her grandmother’s recipe for coffee cake.

“...I am especially in love with their muffins! I get one every chance I get! They have very friendly baristas who make it a point to get to know their customers, too!”  -  Kimberly W. Yelp Review

10. Tazza d’Oro

This cup of joe is a real cup of gold

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1125 N. Highland Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Mon-Fri 7am-7pm
Sat-Sun closed

If you want your cup of joe to be a real “cup of gold” look no further!

My favorite spot to get coffee before work....

This shop located in the Highland Park part of Pittsburgh employs Counter Culture Coffee as the sole source for their beans. They are committed to supporting sustainable coffee farmers and ensuring transparency throughout the farm to cup process.

The baristas at Tazza d’Oro are some of the most highly trained in the city, and expertly trained on how to craft the perfect coffee drink.

Buy a GiftYa To Tazza d’Oro >

“...Sometimes I bring my laptop here to work and I never feel rushed or like I'm taking up too much space. I love when a coffee shop makes you feel welcome. They have free wifi which is great too...Definitely check this place out!”  -  Yelp Review

Whether you live in Pittsburgh or are just visiting, if you’re looking for a great cup of coffee, without all the corporate baggage, consider trying any of the shops listed above. GiftYa has gift cards available to everyone of them, and with no physical card to forget at home, it’s even easier to give of great coffee to someone else or as a treat for yourself! Have you tried any of these coffee shops? What did you think of them? Let us know in the comments.