Few things are better than walking around Forbes and Murray on a weekend afternoon, shopping, and snacking in Squirrel Hill. And, if the pavement isn’t where you want to be, Schenley and Frick Parks are waiting for you to hike and explore. Here are just a few of our favorites in one of the most fun-named Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
What to Eat
Commonplace Coffee
Coffee anyone? Commonplace Coffee opened their shop in Squirrel Hill in May 2010. Commonplace Coffee has locations throughout Pittsburgh, but Squirrel Hill is one of their highest-volume cafes. It also holds a special place in their hearts. “It’s the kind of shop where the barista will serve you a 10-layer tulip and tell you about the event they’re going to later that week. This shop has always represented the humanity that hides within the formality of specialty coffee.”
P.S. If you need to grab a laptop and work from Commonplace, we happen to know that their WiFi provider. (Ahem, it’s us.)
Location: 5827 Forbes Ave
Cafe 33
This former neighborhood laundromat has been transformed into a neighborhood favorite. Jenny and Asan Tao serve up delicious, authentic Taiwanese dishes, street food favorites, and comfort food staples.
Location: 1711 Shady Ave
61C Cafe
This independent coffee shop is a neighborhood that has been keeping locals warm and caffeinated for over a decade. A cozy and eclectic vibe and plenty of tasty treats and pastries make this the perfect place to visit with friends, cozy up with a book, or grab your Joe to-go.
Location: 1839 Murray Ave
Squirrel Hill Market
Squirrel Hill Market is your place for all things unique and local. Their in-house hot corned beef or pastrami sandwiches tip the scales at 1lb. You can get Penn State ice cream from the Berkey Creamery, local Pittsburgh Honey, Brantview Farms maple syrup, and fan favorite Gibbles potato chips.
Location: 2130 Murray Ave
Pizza
No conversation about food in Squirrel Hill is complete without discussing pizza. While we love the pies of Murray Ave (Mineo’s, Aiello’s, Napoli, and Pastoli’s are all within two blocks–and there’s more), we can’t pick a favorite. Try them all and choose your favorite (if you can!)
Big Nosh
If you find yourself in Squirrel Hill April 7-9, 2024, stop by from 3-8 pm and grab a bite at the Big Nosh. From noodle kugel to matzah ball soup to chicken schnitzel, you are sure to find something to delight your taste buds.
Location: 5915 Beacon Street
What to Do
Jerry’s Records
For over 35 years, music fans have been diving through the stacks at Jerry’s Records. Named one of the best record stores in the US by Rolling Stone Magazine, the upstairs to Jerry’s is quite literally a pilgrimage for many collectors. Wading through their half million albums is a great way to spend an afternoon, a day, or an entire weekend.
Location: 2136 Murray Avenue, 2nd Floor
Ten Thousand Villages
Want to go shopping? Head over to Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit, fair-trade retailer of artisan-crafted home decor, personal accessories, and global gift items. The store features products from more than 38 countries. From kitchenware to jewelry, to home decor, to accessories, and more, you might find just what you are looking for (or maybe what you never knew you always needed) here. Green Light Wireless is proud to be their Wi-Fi provider.
Location: 5820 Forbes Ave
Little’s Shoes
For moms who are looking for durable school shoes, brides looking for their wedding shoes, and general Pittsburghers looking for boots to get them through winter — Little’s Shoes has all of it. They boast a great selection and the type of specialized service that is hard to find.
Location: 5850 Forbes Ave
Avalon Exchange
What Jerry’s Records is to music lovers, Avalon Exchange is to the stylish trendsetters. You can buy, sell, and trade great clothes and accessories. You never know what great current, vintage, and affordable treasures you might find.
Where to Live
Gateway at Summerset
Located close to the shops of the Waterfront and minutes from the hiking and biking trails of Frick Park, Gateway at Summerset offers city amenities with a neighborhood feel.
Historic Homes
The hills of this great neighborhood are lined with historic homes, cozy apartments, and some hidden gems just waiting to be refurbished to their former beauty.
This post is a part of our #PittsburghProud blog series, highlighting local organizations, businesses, and hidden gems that make Pittsburgh a vibrant and beautiful place.
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