Hang Out With Your Friends at These Trendy Restaurants in East Liberty

East Liberty is a popular up-and-coming neighborhood in the bustling city of Pittsburgh. Not only is it safe, but it is also home to a wide variety of trendy award-winning restaurants. Along with its vibrant food scene, East Liberty also houses a lively arts and entertainment scene filled with live theater, dances, and music performances. After going out to lunch or before enjoying a delicious dinner, you can also visit the Pittsburgh Glass Center or Bakery Square development complex. Need some help finding a good restaurant in East Liberty to try first? Check out our top 6 picks of the best restaurants in East Liberty now!

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1. The Fire Side Public House

Casual East Liberty pub known for its extensive drink selection and laid back setting

6290 Broad St. | East Liberty | firesidepublichouse.com

Looking for a casual spot to hang out with your friends? The Fireside Public House offers a laid back rustic interior that sets the mood for fun get togethers and drink dates with your closest friends and family members. Whether you want to sit at the bar or share a table, you’ll love the vibrant and fun atmosphere this popular restaurant offers. 

The Fireside Public House offers classic American meals like buffalo wings, cheeseburgers, onion rings, and chicken sandwiches. A kids menu featuring chicken tenders, hamburgers, and a grilled cheese sandwich is also available for people who want someplace to dine with their kids. Along with these regular menus, the Fireside Public House also offers daily specials. For instance, you can get $5 small bites on Sundays and $10 dozen wings with one sauce on Mondays. The pub also offers a full beer, wine, and cocktail menu. 

“I was blown away with how good the food (specifically the nachos) were. We usually go to the same places to get takeout but decided to Branch out and I'm very glad we did! The salmon was cooked perfectly, the kielbasa was very good, but the nachos were some of the best I've had. Definitely will be back!” - Yelp Review

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2. Garbarino’s 

Family-owned Italian restaurant serving savory and authentic dishes

5925 Baum Blvd. | East Liberty | garbarinos.com

If Italian food is what you’re craving, stop by Garbarino’s. This popular family-owned restaurant currently offers both a dine-in and take out menu for guests. If you decide to dine in, you’ll love the restaurant's gorgeous modern interior. Garbarino’s is also following all COVID-19 safety guidelines to help protect guests and staff members. 

On the menu, you’ll find delicious Italian classics such as Spaghetti Bolognese, Rigatoni Tomato Green, and Spaghetti Pesto Alfredo. Recently, Garbarino’s has also started to offer pasta packages to cook at home. Rigatoni, spaghetti, marinara, and bolognese options are all available. 

“This was one of the best food experiences I have had & the service was outstanding. The Veal Parmigiana is a must have, but the NY Strip was also excellent, especially with the Dianne or Bordelaise sauces. Speaking of sauces, the Marinara is one of the most flavorful I have ever had & the fresh pasta, made in the restaurant brought the entire meal together. “ - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Garbarino’s. 

3. Bird on the Run

Informal eatery known for its chicken sandwiches and frozen cocktails

128 S Highland Ave. | East Liberty | birdontherun.com

Located on Highland Ave., Bird on the Run is known for its delicious chicken sandwiches. This informal eatery may not look like much on the outside, but you’ll immediately become charmed by its delicious food and frozen cocktails. 

Bird on the Run offers a small specialized menu featuring hot or regular chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, and nuggets. You can choose a spice level ranging from 0, which is “not hot” to 4, which is “hot af.” Sides include french fries, coleslaw, and beignets. And, of course, frozen cocktails with flavors that change daily are also available to-go. 

“I had the "Lil' Chunky's Deluxe" and it was super tasty. I think it's worth the extra to get the egg on top, with the green tomato and spicy Mayo. Waffle fries were definitely better than any "fast food" joint you might go to, as well. Honestly? The first experience has made me want to try their nuggets and a few others - maybe it's time to run on over tonight!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Bird on the Run. 

4. Point Brugge Cafe

European-style cafe specializing in Belgian-inspired meals

401 Hastings St. | Point Breeze | pointbrugge.com

At Point Brugge, you can find delicious Belgian-inspired cuisine made from fresh local ingredients. This popular restaurant features a unique dining area that opens up to the outside through a large window. 

On warm days, you can enjoy the light Pittsburgh breeze as you dine on fresh and delicious meals. Guests can either dine-in or place a take-out order. Because of COVID-19, you will probably have to make a reservation to ensure a seat inside. On days that the weather permits, you can dine outside. But that probably won’t be for a while until the brutal Pittsburgh winter is over. 

Point Brugge is open for brunch, dinner, and lunch. You can find savory meals like Vegetarian Stuffed Banana Peppers, Grilled Skuna Bay Salmon, and more on its award-winning menus. A full bar is also available for people who want to enjoy a nice cocktail or glass of wine. 

“My favorite dish to get here is the mussels, red curry is the absolute best, but the new Rojo rendition is a close second! The muscles are literally cooked to perfect and the soupy flavors they come in are a reason you must visit.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Point Brugge Cafe. 

5. Mola

Award-winning Asian fusion restaurant that offers a unique dining experience for visitors

6018 Penn Ave. | East Liberty | themolafish.com

For years, hungry guests have flocked to Mola for its delicious and savory Asian-fusion cuisine. Everything from the hand rolls to the bubble teas are prepared using only the freshest ingredients. They are never fried either. 

Along with an extensive sushi collection, Mola also offers rice bowls filled with fresh seafood and steamed rice. Pork belly, steak, crispy chicken, and vegetarian bao are also offered. If you managed to save some room for dessert, you’ll want to try the Nutella Banana Bao. For something a little less sweet, the Matcha Cheesecake is also a great dessert option. 

“First time at Mola, but I will definitely be visiting again. Swung by for their indoor dining, and my friend and I enjoyed their lunch deal, which comes with either free miso soup/spicy crab salad. My favorites were the Blue Crab hand roll (so juicy and full of crab meat), Toro Shiso hand roll (shiso balanced out the creaminess/softness of toro) and their Pork Belly Bao (full of flavor- amazing combo of pork belly and cucumber/cilantro).” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa card for Mola. 

6.  Park Bruges

Charming New American restaurant that draws much of its inspiration from French and Belgian cuisine

5801 Bryant St. | Highland Park | parkbruges.com

Since opening in 2011, Park Bruges has become a popular neighborhood spot for enjoying fresh food and satisfying drinks. Known as a cousin of Point Brugge, Park Bruges offers classic bistro meals infused with French fare. 

Inside the restaurant’s cozy brick interior, you will find a menu full of delicious meals such as the Cavatappi Pasta, Chicken Milanese, and Steak Frites. If you go, you should make sure you try their classic mussel dish, which is sourced from Prince Edward Island. This popular dish comes with a choice of your sauce along with some crusty bread. 

“I have been for brunch about 5 times now though and it's always delicious. The menu changes from time to time, which is nice. They always have a pre fixe selection that includes your drink (mimosa, bloody mary) entree and side dish as well. Oh, and they always have poutine which is a must as a side. I like to go and share one sweet dish and one savory with a friend.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Park Bruges. 

As you can see, there is no shortage of interesting and exciting restaurants to try in East Liberty. What restaurants in East Liberty do you plan on visiting next? Let us know!