Welcome to You Ask, We Answer, a brand-new feature on the site where we answer all of the food and Pittsburgh questions that we get from our readers. Have a question for us? Email Emily at [email protected] and we’ll help you out!
Q. Quick stops for a birthday run. For my birthday each year, I run my age in miles, and break up the trip by eating and drinking at different places that I haven’t been to before. Friends will join for segments – for example, some people will have coffee with me, then we’ll run to a place to get a pastry, where some other friends will run with me to get a sandwich, etc.
I’m looking for places that are relatively easy to get food and have something that “you have to get.” Not so much sit down restaurants, just because it’s harder to predict if they’ll have room and what time we’d get there. – Ben
A. Happy Birthday, Ben! Let me first say, that sounds intense. But also, sounds like a fun and wonderful way to take on a brand new year. What we’re looking for are places where you can pop in, grab something delicious, then pop back out and get on with your run. Here’s where I would put on the list:
- DiAnoia’s Eatery: Particularly for either their daily Panzarotti, or their Zeppole.
- Enrico Biscotti: Do a sprint from DiAnoia’s to Enrico’s, and get a biscotti and espresso.
- Pie for Breakfast: A slice of vinegar pie.
- Spak Brothers: A slice of pizza.
- Bitter Ends Garden & Luncheonette: One of their daily doughnuts.
- Bird on the Run: Little Chunky’s Chicken Deluxe sandwich. (Though, if you’ve been there before, you might want to consider the newly-opened CHiKN in Oakland).
- Madeleine Bakery: A chocolate chip cookie.
- Five Points Artisan Bakeshop: A chocolate croissant.
- Stuff’d Pierogi Bar: Pierorgies, of course.
- Hidden Harbor: The empanadas are great, but I fully support finishing your run here and collapsing with a tropical drink in your hand.
Have fun, and keep us updated on how many miles you run!
Q. For one night only. I have one night in Pittsburgh, as I’m traveling through for work, and then a few hours in the afternoon the next day. I’m looking for a few good cocktails and some great food. Where should I go? – Brady
A. Sure, you do have a short amount of time, but there’s a lot of Pittsburgh food that you can fit in! Here are my quick-and-dirty suggestions for what I wouldn’t want to miss if I was a Pittsburgh visitor: Gaucho Parilla Argentina, Duncan Street Sandwich Shop, Smallman Galley, the Vandal, Butterjoint and Driftwood Oven are all places where you can pop in for a drink or a quick bite. For your one dinner in town, I’m torn between Poulet Bleu and Morcilla – both stellar restaurants that we’re proud to have in our city. More cocktail places to visit would be Acacia, Hidden Harbor, and the Warren. Obviously, there’s too many to choose from, so you might as well stay an extra day or two. Have fun!
Q. I need a sandwich. What’s the best sandwich in Pittsburgh that no one is talking about? – Rob
A. Easy – the Shortrib Sandwich at Iron Born Pizza in Millvale. I know that they’re known for their Detroit-style pies (as they should be), but I think this sandwich is giving their pizza a run for its money. It’s soooo good. Other places for sandwiches that you need to check out: Pear & The Pickle Cafe (the Italian), Duncan Street Sandwich Shop (for their Everything Pork), Carson Street Deli (the Balboa), DiAnoia’s Eatery (the ‘Ham & Cheese’ is crazy delicious) and Driftwood Oven (for the Italian hoagie).
Have a Pittsburgh food or restaurant question for us? Email Emily at [email protected], and we’ll try to find an answer for you!
C'est Moi says
Looking for a bakery that makes marshmallow creme filled lady locks. I’m no stranger to the many area bakeries but have yet to find any NOT using butercreme.
Grew up on Stagno’s in E.Liberty and Frank’s in Lawrenceville ,both long gone.
There’s no comparison , Marshmallow filled lady locks are much lighter. Thx in advance.
Mary Ann Husar says
Born & raised in the Burgh..when I was a kid we would get a cheese,cake that was like chiffon. Light & airy..I come back home usually once a yr..Can’t find this cake anywhere & no cheesecake factory doesn’t have it. Had hard time finding bakery that makes cheesecakes routinely. Any ideas? Bakery was on Butler Street in Lawrenceville