Best Restaurants Near PPG Paints Arena

There’s no doubt that the Penguins can pack PPG Paints Arena during any home game. But one of the issues with Pittsburgh is that it can be confusing to navigate with all the one way streets and overpasses and bridges. So after the Penguins big victory you’ll probably be looking for a great place to find an amazing meal somewhere right nearby. And today you are in luck because today I have a list of 10 of the best restaurants you can find in downtown Pittsburgh just minutes away from PPG Paints Arena. 

So today I tried to curate a list of some of the absolute best restaurants you can find near the arena, while still providing a comprehensive list of different styles of food and cuisine. I mean after all, you never know what you are going to be in the mood for. So I want to make sure there’s a great option on this list for every Penguins fan out there, no matter what they happen to be craving.

And one way you can make your visit to downtown Pittsburgh even more enjoyable is by planning ahead by using one of our convenient GiftYa gift cards. These cards are great because they exist in an all digital format. Because of that you can purchase one for yourself in just a couple of clicks. All you have to do is pick out the card you want and then add the balance onto the card. And then boom you have a digital gift card. 

The nice thing about a digital gift card is that you never have to worry about leaving it behind or losing track of the balance. Since it's digital anytime you have your phone with you, you will be able to access your card. On top of that the phone even takes care of all the math for you so you always know exactly how much is left on the card.

But that’s enough about GiftYa for now. Let’s get right to that list of great restaurants near PPG Paints arena that brought you here!

1 - Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room

The Best Italian Food and Pizza You Can Find Right By the Arena

📍 139 7th Street | Downtown | properpittsburgh.com

If you’re looking for incredible pizza, Italian food, or amazing cocktails near PPG Paints then look no further than Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room. This is going to be the spot for you if you are looking for some incredible pizza and a place to celebrate after the next big Penguins win. You’ll be able to enjoy absolutely incredible pizza and strong cocktails all at a reasonable price. 

And Proper Brick is one of the most popular restaurants in downtown Pittsburgh with nearly a thousand reviews online with a 4.3 rating from customers. You just aren’t gonna find a pizza spot more popular than that in downtown Pittsburgh

“Warm and cozy pizza spot. Excellent craft cocktails. (Key lime pie martini tasted just like key lime pie). The bruschetta was delicious. Tons of pizza choices and wonderful service! Will definitely be back.” - Yelp Review 

2 - täkō

The Best Mexican Food You Can Find By PPG Paints Arena

📍 214 6th St | Downtown | takopgh.com

If pizza doesn’t feel like the right thing while you are downtown celebrating then I’d highly recommend täkō. They have hands down the best Mexican food you are going to find near the arena. And of course, the best tacos you are gonna find anywhere in Pittsburgh. They have everything from chicken and fish tacos to Korean tacos, and even octopus tacos. 

So you can get something familiar that you know is delicious or you can be more adventurous and try something new. No matter what you choose though, täkō is going to deliver incredible food that you just can’t beat when you are down by the arena.

“Consistently excellent. The food is creative and delicious.

I don't care to sit inside, because it's way too loud, but the outdoor seating is so very cool, and it features a great view of the kitchen.

The service is very good. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful.” - Yelp Review 

3 - Meat & Potatoes

An Incredible Gastro Pub Right By the Arena

📍 649 Penn Ave | Downtown | meatandpotatoespgh.com

If you’re looking for some hearty classic American food after the match then there’s nowhere better in downtown Pittsburgh than Meat & Potatoes. You can get everything from pork chops to pot roast at Meat & Potatoes. The restaurant aims to pay homage to the comfort and simplicity at the heart of classic American cuisine. 

They are Pittsburgh’s very first gastropub and they even feature a cutting edge mixology program. This place has been around for 13 years now so it's becoming a favorite of Pittsburgh natives and travelers alike. So if you’re looking for comfort food and a stiff cocktail next time you are in downtown Pittsburgh then look no further than Meat & Potatoes.

“It classy and has an amazing design. Love the atmosphere. Cocktails at the bar was just the best in town. We got a paperback flight (it's a bourbon with Aperol). All the food was incredible. Carpaccio is definitely wanna come back.” - Yelp Review 

4 - Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse

Hands Down the Best Brazilian Steakhouse You Can Find In Downtown Pittsburgh

📍 525 Smithfield St | Pittsburgh | fogodechao.com/brazil-cuts

If you’re looking for an amazing steak after an incredible night at PPG Paints then look no further than Fogo de Chão. They are far and away the best steakhouse you can find in downtown Pittsburgh, and certainly the best one you can find near PPG Paints Arena. 

Fogo de Chão didn’t become an internationally renowned steakhouse because they can’t deliver. You can pile your plate high or order off the menu and no matter what choice you go with you are sure to get served some of the best food you have ever had.

“Everything was amazing and my husband and myself we both enjoy our lunch-dinner. Super friendly staff and great environment! Love it! Can't wait to visit again. Food was fantastic, dessert woaooo!!” - Yelp Review 

5 - The Speckled Egg PGH

An Incredible Diner Located Right in the Heart of Downtown Pittsburgh

📍 501 Grant St | Pittsburgh | thespeckledeggpgh.com

If you are in town before the big event at PPG Paints Arena, then you can never go wrong with stopping in at The Speckled Egg. It’s one of the most popular breakfast spots in the whole city and it’s certainly the best breakfast you can find downtown by the arena. They have all the breakfast classics you would expect, but their french toast, their breakfast sandwich, and their home fries are all particularly popular with locals and travelers alike. So if you want an incredible breakfast before the big day at the arena then definitely stop in at The Speckled Egg.

“Absolutely amazing breakfast spot. It's in a renovated historic building and has a wonderful atmosphere. It's a small space with attentive staff, and excellent food. It seems like a good place to have a reservation, but as a solo traveler I was lucky to get a seat at the bar. I highly recommend!” - Yelp Review 

6 - The Commoner

The Best Placed to Find A Great Brunch Right By PPG Paints Arena

📍 620 William Penn Pl | Pittsburgh | thecommonerpgh.com/

If you’re looking for a great brunch the afternoon before whatever big event you have planned at PPG Paints Arena then you have to check out The Commoner. They serve phenomenal breakfast and brunch menus. The Commoner also has plenty of great diner style entrees, and of course a fully stocked cocktail bar

“Delicious, big portions, and fast. The burgers patty is made of wagyu and cooked well done to perfection. Tons of fries and only took about 10 minutes to get to me once ordered.” - Yelp Review 

7 - Las Velas

A Fantastic Mexican Restaurant In Downtown Pittsburgh

📍 21 Market Sq | Pittsburgh | facebook.com/LasVelasMex

If you are looking for a great Mexican restaurant while you are down by PPG Paints then you really can’t go wrong with Las Velas. They’ll have all your favorites like tacos, quesadillas and plenty of chips and dips!

“Very fine staff and service.

Excellent menu and comida/ meals.

Very fine bar.

Enjoyable view overlooking Market Square, Downtown Pittsburgh.

Intend to return often!” - Yelp Review 

8 - Ritual House

Breakfast Brunch and Wine

📍 524 William Penn Pl Address | Pittsburgh | ritualhousepgh.com

If you are looking for somewhere to spend a relaxing morning down by the arena then be sure to check out Ritual House. They have a great breakfast and brunch menu that is all accompanied by a full wine bar! They’ve got a 4.3 star rating from customers with hundreds of reviews from natives and travelers alike so you really can’t go wrong with the Ritual House when you are looking for a great breakfast or brunch near PPG Paints Arena.

“Excellent food and drinks! Ambiance is neat. Price is reasonable and I had probably one of my top five favorite drinks there, Aphrodite. Shrimp scampi was on point, shrimp cooked perfectly and extremely juicy!” - Yelp Review 

9 - Forbes Tavern

Classic American Bar Food Near PPG Paints Arena

📍 310 Forbes Ave | Pittsburgh | forbestavernpittsburgh.com

If you’re looking for a burger, wings, great sandwiches and cold beer then Forbes Tavern is going to be the spot down by PPG Paints Arena for you! They provide a great relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a great meal, some cold drinks, and a great game to watch on the tv. This is really the perfect spot in downtown Pittsburgh for any sports fan!!!

“The food at Forbes is quite good. I love the Tavern Burger, the Tavern Salad, the Tavern Dip and the chicken wings. They have daily specials throughout the week which are really good as well. The draft craft beer selection is decent. The bartenders are all friendly and attentive” - Yelp Review 

10 - The Eagle

Incredible Southern Style Seafood In Downtown Pittsburgh

📍 737 Penn Ave | Pittsburgh | eaglerestaurant.com

If you are in the mood for some incredible seafood or some excellent southern style cooking then The Eagle is going to be the place in downtown Pittsburgh for you the next time you are down around PPG Paints Arena. You can get everything from sweet potatoes and a fried chicken sandwich to all kinds of incredible seafood and salads. You really can’t go wrong with stopping in at The Eagle the next time you are in downtown Pittsburgh

“Excellent food! Excellent service! So happy we had a chance to dine here. Highly recommend.” - Yelp Review 

And There You Have A List of 10 Incredible Restaurants Right By PPG Paints Arena.

PPG Paints Arena is a real hub in downtown Pittsburgh. I mean obviously the Penguins pack the stadium all season long. But there are other events at the arena like stand-up comedy and huge concerts with world famous bands. So there are lots of reasons you might be at PPG Arena the next time you are in Pittsburgh. 

After a big Penguins victory, a night of stand-up comedy, or after one of the best concerts you have ever seen, I am sure you are going to be craving an incredible meal and a cold drink. So I hope this list helps you find the perfect place to refuel your systems and celebrate an incredible night in downtown Pittsburgh. I tried to get a good variety on the list with restaurants that serve all different styles of food and cuisine. So I hope something on the list was exactly what you are craving today!