Top 13 Spots in the Pittsburgh Area to Dine and Have a Good Time!

Located high above the city, Mount Washington is well known for giving some of the best views of downtown Pittsburgh. But admiring the beautiful views are not all there is to do here. Some of Pittsburgh’s best restaurants are located on and around Grandview Avenue-- not to mention some of the best bars.

There are lots of other fun activities going on around the area each day-- so no matter what you’re looking for-- you’ll be sure to find it in Mt. Washington. Check out some of the options below if you’re looking to have a good time in this historic Pittsburgh neighborhood.

Oakland is another part of Pittsburgh that is important to see, of course. This charming college town, much like Mount Washington, is beautiful and without the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s definitely worth paying a visit!

If you’ve experienced some of these neighborhoods, why not spread the fun and give a GiftYa personalized gift card to your friends or family? Accepted at all the places listed below-- and countless others in Pittsburgh-- they’ll be sure to have a great time exploring all Mt. Washington and Oakland have to offer.

Just decide where you want to purchase the electronic card from, select the amount, and send it in a personalized message. You can even add an image or a video-- that will really make the recipient smile!

Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines

Historic inclines with a view of the city.

‍Everyone should ride the inclines of Mt. Washington to see the views of Pittsburgh. Image courtesy of Instagram.

Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines | Mt. Washington | 412-442-4000

Perhaps the most iconic activity for locals and tourists alike is taking a ride on either of Pittsburgh’s Inclines, which are open daily!

These cars go up and down the mountain, taking passengers-- as well as commuters-- on their way to and from work. The views on both inclines are stunning and offer amazing photo opportunities to see Pittsburgh at its finest.

The Monongahela Incline links Mt. Washington to Station Square at the bottom of the hill. This is a great place to shop and offers some of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh. The Duquesne Incline gives passengers a view of the Golden Triangle and the Point State Park Fountain as well as a sweeping vista of the Ohio River as it flows westward.

“How can you not appreciate the history of the incline? The views from either incline are amazing up, on top and back down. Definitely worth a visit if you've never been on one.” - Yelp Review

Shiloh Street Shopping District

The place to shop in Mt. Washington.

Shiloh St.| Mt. Washington

Right behind the entrance to the Monongahela Incline is Mt. Washington’s shopping district, Shiloh Street. This little block is full of bars and restaurants that you’ll definitely want to stop in for either a bite or a brew.

The Harris Grill is a favorite amongst the locals, and offers some of the best burgers in town. They have a beautiful outdoor patio that’s packed with people-- and their dogs-- in the summer.

Don’t forget to stop into Packs and Dogs and pick up a six pack and take one of their famous hot dogs to go. There’s also an ice cream shop, DiFiore’s, which is  perfect for grabbing a sweet treat before you stroll Grandview Avenue.

“Really good ice cream. I've been here a couple times and they have great options. They also have food options as well if you're feeling something other than ice cream.” -Yelp Review

Monterey Bay Fish Grotto

Pittsburgh’s premier seafood restaurant.

This restaurant has the best seafood-- and one of the best views-- in the city. Image courtesy of Instagram.

1411 Grandview Avenue | Mt. Washington | 412-481-4414

If you’d like to try something more refined, stop in to the Monterey Bay, which is located at the end of Grandview Avenue. It’s open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

This is a wonderful restaurant that serves some of the finest-- and freshest-- seafood in Pittsburgh. It also happens to offer some of the best views of the city as well.

The restaurant and cocktail lounge are located on the 15th floor and face the Golden Triangle-- where you can see the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River come to a point and create the Ohio River. It truly is the best backdrop to any dinner in the city.  

Make sure you stop by the “Point of View” statue-- which is right down the street from the restaurant-- and also offers an amazing view.

“Simply the best -the food, the service, the view. Just everything. The tables were spread so far apart for covid precautions I felt like I was private dining. The waiter was legitimately perfect. ...You can’t go wrong here!” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa To Monterey Bay Fish Grotto.

Mt. Washington Parks

Hiking on the mountain.

Take a hike through the wonderful parks of Mt. Washington. Image courtesy of Instagram.

Sometimes the best way to see a city is to walk it. That’s exactly what you can do in Mt. Washington.

When you’re done walking Grandview Avenue and taking in all the beautiful sites of the city, be sure to check out Mt. Washington’s parks. They are off the beaten path, but off a nice change of pace to walking on the concrete sidewalks. Emerald View Park is an excellent place to start your hike.

It is easy to find and will take you through a well marked path, full of the natural beauty of Western Pennsylvania. There are native plants and trees to see, and it is even good for bird watching. If you’re a dog owner, check out the dog park as well.  There are also some great views of the city to be seen so make sure to put this on your list.

Olympia Park in Mt. Washington is where locals go to walk, jog, or play some baseball. It has a dog park as well!

“This is me and my pups favorite dog park in Pittsburgh. We come just about everyday. It's always so well kept and almost always has the perfect amount of dogs to socialize my dog without her getting overwhelmed.” - Yelp Review

Le Mont Restaurant

Continental cuisine with a beautiful view.

The most elegant restaurant in Mt. Washington with a fantastic view. Image courtesy of Instagram.

1114 Grandview Ave. | Mt. Washington | lemontpittsburgh.com

When Pittsburghers want to celebrate a special occasion in style, they go to the Le Mont on Grandview Avenue. Known as one of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh, it is a step above in elegance and service.

The food is French continental and the staff is extremely knowledgeable-- they seem to anticipate your every need. Tuesday through Thursday the hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday the restaurant remains open until 10 p.m., and on Sundays the hours are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The view that the Le Mont offers is also extraordinary. If you’re able to, request a table right by the window-- you won’t regret it! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or an anniversary, Le Mont is where you can make that occasion extra special.

“Our guests were raving about the food and event for days after and everyone said the cake not only looked amazing, but tasted even better! We couldn't have asked for a better place to have our wedding!” - Yelp Review

Chatham Village

A small bit of England in the city.

This interesting spot is a bit of greenery amongst the urban city. Image courtesy of Instagram.

Another unique part of Mt. Washington-- and one that everyone should see-- is a little community located right off of Virginia Avenue, known as Chatham Village. The idea behind it was to create a community that combined an English country village but in an urban setting.

These homes are all nestled away from anything that resembles city life. Instead you encounter beautiful green areas and large, old trees.

Since 1932 Chatham Village has changed little-- and property here is in high demand. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2005, Chatham Village continues to defy what it means to live in the city. It is one the best places to grab a coffee and take a walk in Mt. Washington.

La Tavola

Fantastic family dining

Delicious, home cooked Italian food-- sure to satisfy any hunger. Image courtesy of Instagram.

1 Boggs Ave.| Mt. Washington | latavolaitalianarestaurant.com

Family owned and operated, La Tavola is a well kept secret amongst the locals. It’s open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

This down to earth restaurant creates hearty, authentically Italian fare. The owners use traditional family recipes-- and the patron’s just can’t seem to get enough. This is also a BYOB restaurant, so you can enjoy any selection of wine you choose.

Make sure to check out the cooking classes offered by the owner and her daughter-- you’re sure to learn a thing or two about how to make delicious Italian food!

“...a Mount Washington staple! It may not look like much on the outside but it's easily one of the best restaurants on the Mount! Family owned and operated it's been around for years.” - Yelp Review

Bigham’s Tavern

The best wings in the ‘Burgh.

The best wings and drinks on the Mount— make sure you stop in for wing night! Image courtesy of Instagram.

321 Bigham St. | Mt. Washington | bighamtavern.com

Bigham’s Tavern is the best place in Mt. Washington to get some wings, have a few drinks, and watch the game.

It serves delicious bar food, and always has lots of craft beer on draft.

Their back patio is a favorite spot in the summer and fall, so if you’re looking for a nice, relaxed time with friends stop and check out Bingham’s Tavern.

“One of my favorite restaurants in the burgh!! If you are in the mood for some awesome wings, this is the place to go!! They have a great outdoor area for the summer as well.” Yelp Review.

Schenley Plaza

A great green space centered in the University of Pittsburgh’s campus with several great restaurant options.

A beautiful expanse of green with equally beautiful buildings surrounding it! Image courtesy of Instagram.

4100 Forbes Avenue | Oakland | pittsburghparks.org

Pitt students as well as other residents of Oakland flock to this gorgeous green space for picnics, yoga, study sessions, or to grab a bite to eat. At any time of the year, there’s always something going on— but of course it’s most crowded during the semesters.

When it comes to dining, anyone can find something they like at the numerous food stands around the plaza and bring it back to the grass or one of the benches to eat. 

But the star of the show is The Porch, a nice restaurant with fair prices and delicious food that is such a staple of Oakland that it’s often mentioned on college tours of the University of Pittsburgh.

“The food was AMAZING and a great price! They were very busy and still had us seated quickly. The atmosphere was charming and the menu has a variety to offer.” -Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for the Porch at Schenley

10. Schenley Park

More space than you’ll know what to do with— luckily there are things to do for you!

Flagstaff hill is a beautiful place in Schenley Park to watch the sunset over the city skyline. Image courtesy of Instagram.

Schenley Park | Oakland | pittsburghparks.org

Schenley Park, not to be confused with the Plaza, is absolutely enormous. It stretches across 456 acres and includes hills such as Flagstaff, trails to hike or jog, great picnicking areas, and even more.

The large amount of land ensures that anyone will be able to find something to do, even if it’s just sitting down and soaking up the sun. However, if you don’t feel like being idle or walking the trails, consider walking to Phipps instead.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden takes the beauty of Schenley Park and puts it indoors with its colorful flowers and natural light brought in by the glass ceilings. If you don’t have time to traverse the entire park, Phipps is worth a visit.

“This place is fantastic! It was my first time here and I was thoroughly impressed. The feature was orchids and tropical bonsai. Wow, such beauty! I must have taken 100 pictures while I was there.” - Yelp Review

11. Primanti Bros.

This restaurant’s sandwiches are a food staple of the Pittsburgh area.

You won’t want to miss out on these sandwiches! Image courtesy of Instagram.

3803 Forbes Ave. | Oakland | locations.primantibros.com

Primanti Bros. has several other locations, but this restaurant can be found right on one of the main streets in Oakland. It’s incredibly popular with both those that live in the area and those that visit!

The portions are great for the price, and if you’re not going to get a sandwich you can always sit down for a drink— though the sandwiches are certainly delicious.

They’re open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursdays, and 11 a.m until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

“This place was the best place to stop late at night. It feels like a very drunken college munch place, but even so it was phenomenal.The sandwiches are very decently priced and HUGE! Not to mention that they are delicious.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Primanti Bros.

Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History

Whether you want to learn or simply admire the exhibits, you won’t regret spending a while here!

The building of the Carnegie Museum of Art is almost as beautiful as what’s inside. Image courtesy of Instagram.

4400 Forbes Ave. | Oakland | carnegiemuseums.org 

Places to eat and relax are all well and good, but what about the sights to see in Oakland? Well, look no further than the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History. With exhibits devoted to both science and artistic expression, you’ll certainly find something— and more likely, several things —interesting to look at.

The Carnegie Museum of Art is full of paintings and sculptures alike, and the Natural History Museum on the other side of the main building boasts everything from giant dinosaur skeletons to small, beautiful geodes. You can spend hours looking at everything.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on every day of the week except for Thursday, when it opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m.

“The Carnegie Museum of Art is a fantastic resource and great place to visit in Pittsburgh. There is something there for everyone. Their exhibits are extremely well done and informative.” - Yelp Review

Point State Park

One of the best views in Pittsburgh.

Summer is here, and this city park is looking more beautiful than ever! Image courtesy of Instagram.

601 Commonwealth Pl | Pittsburgh 

While not in Oakland or Mt. Washington, this view of the converging point of the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela rivers is one you simply cannot miss.

You can look across at the water and the bridges that give Pittsburgh its nickname.

The city park features a gorgeous plaza area with an enormous fountain in the middle of it, and the view of the city skyline when you come to the point of the triangle is beautiful at any time of day.

“We visited during probably one of the busiest times of the year, and it was very clean and the view was amazing! There's a huge fountain that's near the waterfront, which was so refreshing to see on a hot summer day.” - Yelp Review

When you’re looking to have a good time in Mt. Washington, Oakland, or anywhere else in Pittsburgh-- no matter what the occasion-- be sure to check out any of the options on this list. Don’t forget, a few of them accept GiftYa cards as well!

What’s your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments.