Food & Drink category, Page 2
Mineo’s Pizza House opens at the Pittsburgh International Airport
Mineo’s Pizza House has been cleared for takeoff. More than a year in the making, the fourth location of the iconic pizza business opened Monday morning inside the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport. The first pies came out of the new ovens this morning. “It took a little longer...
‘Pierogi Paradise’ awaits at old-school Starlite Lounge in Blawnox
An authentic taste of a yinzer staple awaits at Starlite Lounge in Blawnox, dubbed “Pittsburgh’s Pierogi Paradise” by owner Ronny “Moondog” Esser. Pinching pierogi dough has evolved into a way of life for Esser and the staff members who make his family’s Slovak-inspired pierogi. Starlite is casual, no fuss and...
A look at the classic diners still holding on in Western PennsylvaniaVideo
The sizzle of frying potatoes and the scent of fresh coffee and grease. Gleaming chrome fixtures and brightly colored booths. Oldies playing softly in the background. Servers dropping off heaping plates of steaming comfort food. Welcome to the Western Pennsylvania diner. Diners peaked in popularity in the mid-20th century, when...
Hemingway’s Cafe closure prompted by family matters, changing drinking habits, owner says
When John Elavsky took over Hemingway’s Cafe in the early 1990s, one of the building’s owners — a mentor of his — imparted wisdom that stuck with him. “John, you better be here,” Elavsky, 68, remembers Leo Xyftis telling him. In other words, absentee ownership wasn’t going to cut it....
Voodoo Brewery closes Erie location after 10 years
Voodoo Brewery is bidding adieu to Erie, Pennsylvania. The national beer brewer, which was founded in 2005 in Meadville, announced in a post on its website that it is closing its location in downtown Erie, which has been in operation for a decade. “Erie, this one hurts,” the post read....
Pittsburgh eateries go big for 2026 Winter Restaurant Week
Adventurous eaters and foodies of all ages have an opportunity to try new dishes and old favorites from dining establishments during 2026 Winter Pittsburgh Restaurant Week. With discounted menus and new flavors, some of the region’s best eateries are pulling out all the stops for this weeklong event. Running from...
Why whole milk is back, and what local providers say
Alianna Anselmi was surprised to see the pyramid structure make a comeback when the Trump administration released new dietary guidelines this week. Anselmi, lead dietitian for medical weight loss at Allegheny Health Network, said the MyPlate visual has been used since 2011, when it replaced the MyPyramid model as a...
Paczki are back at Western Pennsylvania bakeries
Paczki season kicked off Jan. 6 at Oakmont Bakery where customers were at-the-ready to get their hands on the fried polish pastry known for sweet fruit or cream fillings inside a crispy dough. Similar to a doughnut, but richer, bigger and filled with a hearty helping of fruit or cream,...
New rocky road-inspired Girl Scout cookie hits shelves
The Girl Scouts of the USA’s cookie season has officially kicked off with the discontinuation of two cookie classics and the introduction of brand new rocky road-inspired treat. Exploremores, filled with the flavors of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond-flavored crème, are designed to capture the spirit of Girl Scouts, according...
From Paris to Western Pennsylvania: Escargot gains popularity at local restaurants
Escargot is popping up on menus at more eateries around the Pittsburgh region. While not quite as prevalent as the Pittsburgh salad, wings or pierogis, escargot provides a funky, French food option for those willing to nosh on something more exotic. Technically classified as a mollusk seafood, escargot (pronounced es-car-go...
Zero proof, pure pleasure: Mixing up Dry January mocktails
It’s a bright, shiny new year full of resolutions and commitments. The tough part is finding ways to match your good intentions with your good taste. If you are looking to avoid sugar, that can just be a matter of finding a good diet soda or a recipe for low-carb...
Here’s why we eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day
We Pennsylvanians know that on New Year’s Day, we are obligated to eat pork and sauerkraut. But why? Yes, it’s a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition that we all follow, but it’s important to know its history. (It’s also fun.) So here’s why we eat pork and sauerkraut as well as other...
Western Pennsylvania restaurant openings and closings in 2025
Many restaurants and other food and beverage establishments came onto the culinary scene in Western Pennsylvania in 2025, while others had to close their doors for good. Here are the notable food scene openings and closings in 2025. _______________________________________ Hi, We’re Open 1930 by Atria’s This well-known establishment in Mt....
The Cadet Restaurant in Manor Township, along with mascot Cowboy Sam, bid farewell
Patrons of The Cadet Restaurant in Manor Township are wondering what will become of its 30-foot-tall cowboy mascot once the eatery closes on Wednesday. Owners shared the announcement on social media that the restaurant along Route 422 near Kittanning will close at 3 p.m. after more than seven decades in...
Foods with healthy-sounding buzzwords could be hiding added sugar in plain sight
Many consumers feel pride in avoiding the glazed pastries in the supermarket and instead opting for “all natural” granola that comes packed with extra protein. Same goes for low-fat yogurts “made with real fruit,” “organic” plant-based milks and bottled “superfood” smoothies. Buyer beware: Healthy grocery buzzwords like those often cover...
Bitty & Beau’s, coffee shop known for inclusive hiring, quietly closes Strip District store
A coffee shop chain staffed by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a group dramatically underemployed nationwide, has permanently shuttered its only Pittsburgh-area location. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee on Tuesday closed the doors on its shop in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. “Unsustainable financial loss” led to the shutdown, according to a...
Former Mary’s Vine wine lounge hits the market for $5.3 million in Rankin
A former family-owned and -operated upscale wine lounge and restaurant is for sale in Rankin. Mary’s Vine closed in October. A Facebook post last week announced that the business, housed in a former Catholic church, is on the market for $5.3 million. Listing agent Jim Jarrett of Berkshire Hathaway Home...
Coffee and music collide at new Squirrel Hill spot
Lattes streamed and tunes spun on vinyl at Squirrel Hill’s new music themed coffee shop this week. Pre Amp Coffee Studio opened on Nov. 11 – just before Thanksgiving. Since then, co-owner Danny Ryan said the space has been busy. “Squirrel Hill, particularly, you get a lot of people that...
Historic Park House returns to North Side after closure
North Side’s Park House has opened its doors once again, promising live music from Pittsburgh musicians. On Dec. 5, the Park House opened for the first time in over 4 years, celebrating the anniversary of the repeal of prohibition. “We intend to continue the Park House’s tradition of serving up...
Squirrel Hill’s Murray Avenue Grill closing after nearly 40 years
After 40 years in Squirrel Hill, the Murray Avenue Grill is turning off the lights and serving its final meals. The restaurant announced the closure in a social media post. “It has been our privilege to serve this community and to build lasting relationships with our customers, employees and neighbors.”...
Yinzer Dogs opens brick-and-mortar location in Cranberry
The Yinzer Dog has a house n’at. The Original Yinzer Dogs food truck — inspired by the Original Hot Dog Shop, a popular Oakland spot from 1960 to 2020 — opened a brick-and-mortar location this past weekend in Cranberry. The location “is great because it is close to the UPMC...
Closure of Grant Bar in Millvale after over 90 years an emotional hit for owners, customers
The owners and staff of the Grant Bar & Restaurant worked through their tears for their last night of service at the packed restaurant on Nov. 29, a week after announcing on Facebook that the Millvale establishment would permanently close after operating for more than 90 years. Jackie Roethlein, wife...
Use of food delivery apps remains strong despite rising costs
James Duty used food delivery apps pretty regularly until about a year ago, when the costs began hitting his wallet a little too hard. “Food delivery was always a very luxury item,” said Duty, 24, of East Liberty. “As prices everywhere rise, this is a natural first cut for a...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Dec. 12-14
The temperature just keeps dropping, but the ‘Burgh shows no sign of stopping! There’s lots to do and see this weekend all around town, so don’t miss out just because of a chill. Here are a few must-dos this weekend. Holiday storytelling show The holidays can be a complicated time...
Gordo’s Café and Cantina coming to RIDC Park in O’Hara
A scratch bakery and cantina in O’Hara will feature tavern-style pizza, fresh-roasted meats and gourmet cronuts in a prime location perched along Route 28. Gordo’s Café and Cantina is scheduled to open in the coming weeks in RIDC Park, in the home of the former Periwinkle’s Bakery & Café. “The...
