10 Best Casual Restaurants in Pittsburgh
The ten best casual restaurants in Pittsburgh, PA are DiAnoia’s Eatery, Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room, City Works Pittsburgh, Arepittas, The Nook, Bob’s Garage, Penn Avenue Fish Company, Stunt Pig, Baby Loves Tacos, and Bill’s Bar & Burger. Popular casual restaurant menus in Pittsburgh feature signature items like the Gnocchi Bread Bowl, Carnivore Pizza, and the Pabellon Arepa. DiAnoia’s Eatery serves handmade pasta in a bread vessel, Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room prepares wood-fired pies, and Arepittas focuses on Venezuelan corn cakes.
Pittsburgh’s casual dining establishments occupy the bustling Strip District, the Cultural District, and neighborhood corners in Lawrenceville. Restaurant types on the list include wood-fired pizzerias, modern gastropubs, all-day breakfast spots, and family-run ethnic eateries. A meal at a casual restaurant in Pittsburgh costs between $10 and $50 per person.
DiAnoia’s Eatery stands out as the best overall for daily fresh pasta production, a unique signature bread bowl, and a seamless transition from morning cafe to evening restaurant. Baby Loves Tacos serves customizable burritos in a relaxed setting for a quick meal. Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room provides a polished dinner experience with wood-fired pizzas. Arepittas offers a vegan option with black beans and plantains, and the corn flour menu at Arepittas provides gluten-free choices.
The top casual restaurants in Pittsburgh are listed below.
10 Best Casual Restaurants in Pittsburgh are listed below.
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1
DiAnoia's EateryDiAnoia’s Eatery operates as an Italian deli, cafe, and full-service restaurant in the Strip District. The establishment serves pastries and coffee in the morning, transitioning to house-made pastas and sandwiches later in the day.- Item Prices 157
- Average Item Price $14.70
Type of Restaurant:Italian Deli, Casual Dining
Type of Food:Italian
Signature Dishes:Gnocchi & MeatballsCacio e PepeSpaghetti & Meatballs
Location:2549 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States
Special Feature:The kitchen prepares fresh pasta daily, available for dining in or for purchase at the deli counter.
What Makes It Special:DiAnoia’s Eatery offers a seamless transition from a casual morning cafe to a lively dinner spot focusing on comfort food.
What Sets It Apart:The signature gnocchi bread bowl, served in a hollowed-out loaf of crusty Italian bread, attracts diners from across the city.
Operating Hours:Tuesday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMSunday: 3:00 PM–8:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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2
City Works - PittsburghCity Works Pittsburgh operates as a large sports bar and restaurant located in Market Square. The venue features extensive seating, numerous flat-screen televisions, and a massive draft beer system.- Item Prices 200
- Average Item Price $23.58
Type of Restaurant:Sports Bar, Gastropub
Type of Food:American
Signature Dishes:Nashville Hot Chicken WrapBacon CheeseburgerSmoked Cheddar Mac N' Cheese
Location:2 PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States
Special Feature:The bar pours from over 90 draft handles, offering one of the largest beer selections in the downtown area.
What Makes It Special:City Works Pittsburgh provides a high-energy atmosphere for watching sports alongside an updated take on classic bar food.
What Sets It Apart:An expansive outdoor patio directly on Market Square offers prime seating for people-watching and enjoying the city center.
Operating Hours:Tuesday–Thursday, Monday: 11:00 AM–12:00 AMFriday: 11:00 AM–1:00 AMSaturday: 10:00 AM–1:00 AMSunday: 10:00 AM–12:00 AM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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3
ArepittasArepittas operates as a downtown eatery serving traditional Venezuelan street food. The menu centers on corn flour patties filled with savory ingredients, alongside other South American staples.- Item Prices 129
- Average Item Price $6.24
Type of Restaurant:Fast-Casual
Type of Food:Venezuelan
Signature Dishes:Pabellon CriolloArepa PabellonTequeños Cheese
Location:412-428 Cherry Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant focuses on gluten-free corn flour arepas, making the menu a suitable option for diners with wheat sensitivities.
What Makes It Special:Arepittas brings the specific flavors of Venezuelan street food to the central business district in a welcoming, family-run setting.
What Sets It Apart:A focus on specific South American dishes like cachapas and stuffed arepas provides a distinct alternative to standard downtown lunch options.
Operating Hours:Tuesday–Thursday, Monday, Friday: 11:00 AM–8:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM–8:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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4
The NookThe Nook functions as a cozy restaurant in Lawrenceville dedicated to serving breakfast and lunch dishes. The interior features rustic wood accents and a comfortable atmosphere for daytime dining.- Item Prices 531
- Average Item Price $10.42
Type of Restaurant:Brunch Restaurant
Type of Food:American, Breakfast
Signature Dishes:Three Egg OmeletteClassic BenedictMexican Style Egg Benedict
Location:3811 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, United States
Special Feature:The bar serves a customizable Bloody Mary, allowing guests to choose from multiple vodkas and an array of garnishes.
What Makes It Special:The Nook focuses exclusively on hearty brunch fare, ensuring breakfast favorites remain available well into the afternoon.
What Sets It Apart:An extensive list of creative benedicts and build-your-own drink options make the establishment a specific destination for brunch enthusiasts.
Operating Hours:Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–3:00 PMSaturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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5
Bob's GarageBob’s Garage operates as a long-standing bar and restaurant known for extravagant interior decorations. The space is covered floor-to-ceiling in lights and festive ornaments, creating a visually overwhelming experience.- Item Prices 22
- Average Item Price $8.89
Type of Restaurant:Dive Bar, Casual Dining
Type of Food:American, Bar Food
Signature Dishes:Dippers Soft PretzelsHouse Fried ChipsPumpkin Ale
Location:1372 Freeport Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, United States
Special Feature:The interior decor changes seasonally but remains most famous for the massive display of Christmas lights kept up for extended periods.
What Makes It Special:Bob’s Garage offers a fun, unpretentious environment where the visual spectacle holds as much importance as the food and drink.
What Sets It Apart:A reputation as a destination for holiday festivities and over-the-top lighting displays gives the bar a unique status in the region.
Operating Hours:Monday–Thursday, Friday–Saturday: 1:00 PM–2:00 AMSunday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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6
Bill's Bar & BurgerBill’s Bar & Burger functions as a casual restaurant located inside the Westin Hotel, known for classic American burgers and milkshakes. The space is comfortable and accessible, catering to downtown workers, tourists, and locals.- Item Prices 583
- Average Item Price $12.35
Type of Restaurant:Burger Joint, Casual Dining
Type of Food:American, Burgers
Signature Dishes:Bill’s BurgerMini B'sBlackened 'N Blue
Location:1001 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant serves the "Fat Cat" burger, a sandwich recognized on national television for quality and flavor.
What Makes It Special:Bill’s Bar & Burger delivers a consistent and satisfying burger experience in a convenient downtown location.
What Sets It Apart:A position inside a major hotel allows the restaurant to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making the venue a versatile option for any time of day.
Operating Hours:Monday–Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–12:00 AM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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7
Proper Brick Oven & Tap RoomProper Brick Oven & Tap Room functions as a pizzeria and gastropub located in the Cultural District. The kitchen prepares hand-tossed pizzas using house-made dough and toppings sourced from local farms.Type of Restaurant:Pizzeria, Gastropub
Type of Food:Italian-American, Pizza
Signature Dishes:Carnivore PizzaForest PizzaBacon Candy
Location:139 7th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States
Special Feature:The bar pours a rotating selection of over 30 craft beers on tap, focusing on independent breweries.
What Makes It Special:Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room creates a casual yet polished environment for enjoying wood-fired pizzas with crisp, thin crusts.
What Sets It Apart:A location right in the theater district makes the restaurant a convenient stop for a meal before a show.
Operating Hours:Tuesday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMMonday: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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8
Penn Avenue Fish CompanyPenn Avenue Fish Company pairs a working seafood market with a casual lunch restaurant. Guests order fresh seafood dishes at the counter and dine amidst the bustle of the Strip District market.Type of Restaurant:Seafood Market, Casual Dining
Type of Food:Seafood
Signature Dishes:Fish TacosFish SandwichSneaky Pete Sandwich
Location:2208 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States
Special Feature:The menu changes daily based on the fresh catches available in the retail cases, ensuring high quality.
What Makes It Special:Penn Avenue Fish Company offers a direct connection between the fishmonger and the chef, resulting in simple, fresh preparations.
What Sets It Apart:A dual function as a retail market and a restaurant allows diners to eat the exact high-quality seafood sold to home cooks.
Operating Hours:Tuesday, Monday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PMWednesday–Friday, Saturday: 9:00 AM–8:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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9
Stunt PigStunt Pig functions as a barbecue and sandwich shop located in Sharpsburg. The kitchen focuses on smoking meats in-house and assembling the cuts into complex, flavor-packed sandwiches.Type of Restaurant:BBQ, Sandwich Shop
Type of Food:American, BBQ
Signature Dishes:Pitt Beef SandwichBone Pig WingsMurray Turkey Sandwich
Location:1707 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, United States
Special Feature:The menu features creative takes on classic sandwiches, using house-cured and smoked meats as the foundation.
What Makes It Special:Stunt Pig brings a chef-driven approach to casual barbecue, paying close attention to sauces, sides, and bread quality.
What Sets It Apart:A transition from a popular food truck to a brick-and-mortar location allowed for an expanded menu of bold, meat-centric dishes.
Operating Hours:Tuesday–Friday: 12:00 PM–7:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM–4:00 PMSunday–Monday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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10
Baby Loves TacosBaby Loves Tacos operates as a counter-service spot in Bloomfield serving Mexican-inspired food. The menu allows for customization, with guests choosing proteins and toppings for tacos, burritos, and bowls.Type of Restaurant:Taco Shop, Fast-Casual
Type of Food:Mexican-inspired
Signature Dishes:Mushroom TacosChicken TacosSpicy Cauliflower Tacos
Location:4510 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States
Special Feature:The kitchen emphasizes fresh vegetables and house-made pickles to add brightness and crunch to the dishes.
What Makes It Special:Baby Loves Tacos provides a relaxed, community-focused environment with food that accommodates multiple dietary preferences.
What Sets It Apart:A straightforward, build-your-own approach paired with high-quality, fresh ingredients makes the shop a reliable neighborhood staple.
Operating Hours:Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–3:00 PMSaturday–Sunday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
What Makes Casual Restaurants in Pittsburgh Famous?
Casual restaurants in Pittsburgh are famous for putting French fries on sandwiches and serving handmade pierogies. Establishments like Stunt Pig and Bill’s Bar & Burger serve substantial portions of meat-centric comfort food. Local eateries emphasize satisfying meals, stemming from the industrial history of the region. Distinctive items like the gnocchi bread bowl at DiAnoia’s Eatery further define the local preference for carb-heavy dishes.
What Types of Casual Restaurants are Commonly Found in Pittsburgh?
The casual dining sector in Pittsburgh consists of wood-fired pizzerias, modern gastropubs, and family-run ethnic eateries. These different kinds of Pittsburgh restaurants are discussed below.
- Pizzerias: Establishments like Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room serve wood-fired pies with house-made dough.
- Gastropubs: Large venues such as City Works Pittsburgh offer extensive beer lists and updated bar food.
- Breakfast Spots: Restaurants like The Nook focus on brunch and morning comfort food served well into the afternoon.
- Ethnic Eateries: Places like Arepittas and DiAnoia’s Eatery provide specific international dishes, ranging from Venezuelan street food to Italian pasta.
Does Pittsburgh Have an Authentic Casual Restaurant?
Yes, Pittsburgh has casual restaurants that are true to the Italian roots of the city and specific South American street food customs. DiAnoia’s Eatery operates as a genuine Italian deli and cafe, making pasta from scratch daily in the historic Strip District. Arepittas serves traditional Venezuelan corn flour cakes prepared by a family dedicated to their heritage. Bob’s Garage stands as a true example of a local dive bar with a decades-long history of extravagant holiday decorations.
Do Casual Restaurants in Pittsburgh Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, casual restaurants in Pittsburgh offer easy online reservations through individual websites or third-party platforms like OpenTable and Resy. Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room and City Works Pittsburgh accept bookings via OpenTable. DiAnoia’s Eatery utilizes Resy for table management. Counter-service spots like Baby Loves Tacos and Penn Avenue Fish Company operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Casual Restaurants in Pittsburgh?
The best casual restaurants in Pittsburgh are known for signature dishes ranging from Italian comfort food to smoked meats. The following list describes notable food in Pittsburgh.
- Gnocchi Bread Bowl: Potato dumplings served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread with marinara sauce. DiAnoia’s Eatery is famous for this item.
- Carnivore Pizza: A wood-fired pizza topped with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and meatballs. Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room serves this meat-heavy pie.
- Pabellon Arepa: A corn flour patty filled with shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantains, and cheese. Arepittas specializes in this Venezuelan staple.
- Mr. Orange: A sandwich featuring smoked chicken, cheddar, bacon, and ranch. Stunt Pig prepares this barbecue dish.
- Duck Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with pulled duck confit, cheese sauce, and pickled jalapeños. City Works Pittsburgh features this appetizer.
Does Pittsburgh Enjoy Casual Food?
Yes, the community in Pittsburgh enjoys casual food, evidenced by the bustling nature of sandwich shops, pizzerias, and sports bars throughout the neighborhoods. Residents frequent establishments like City Works Pittsburgh and Bill’s Bar & Burger to watch sports and share meals. The popularity of unpretentious spots like Bob’s Garage and Baby Loves Tacos demonstrates a local preference for relaxed, hearty dining over formal experiences.
What is the Average Meal Price at Casual Restaurants in Pittsburgh?
The average meal price at casual restaurants in Pittsburgh ranges from $10 to $50 per person. A single meal at a counter-service spot like Baby Loves Tacos or Arepittas costs $10 to $20. A group meal for two to four people at a sit-down gastropub like City Works Pittsburgh or Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room is between $50 and $120. A meal at a budget-friendly establishment costs $10 to $15 per person. A full dinner with drinks at an upscale-casual restaurant like DiAnoia’s Eatery costs $30 to $50 per person.
Are There Vegan Options at Casual Restaurants in Pittsburgh?
Yes, casual restaurants in Pittsburgh offer vegan options at establishments like Baby Loves Tacos, Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room, and Arepittas. Baby Loves Tacos offers mushroom and vegetable fillings for tacos and burritos. Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room provides vegan cheese for pizzas upon request. Arepittas serves plant-based arepas filled with black beans, sweet plantains, and avocado. City Works Pittsburgh features a vegan burger and various salads on the menu.
Do Casual Restaurants in Pittsburgh Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, casual restaurants in Pittsburgh offer gluten-free options at places like Arepittas, Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room, and DiAnoia’s Eatery. Arepittas specializes in corn flour arepas that are naturally gluten-free. Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room offers gluten-free pizza crusts for any of their pies. DiAnoia’s Eatery prepares gluten-free pasta dishes for diners with dietary restrictions. City Works Pittsburgh marks gluten-free items on the menu and offers gluten-free buns for burgers.
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