Numerous beech trees growing on its hillsides is how the neighborhood of Beechview got its name.

This area of Pittsburgh, located 3.5 miles outside of the city, was originally settled in the late 1700s, according to the book “Images of America: Beechview” (Arcadia Publishing). Scotch-Irish and English were the first to make their homes there. According to the book, the population today reflects a rich diversity.

The main street was laid with trolley tracks, which brought commercial and residential development to the area. Those tracks remain, and today make the town one of a few where street cars and motor vehicle traffic share a portion of the same road.

In 1905, Beechview separated from Union Township to become a borough.

Beechview became part of the City of Pittsburgh in 1909. The Broadway-Beechview Avenue intersection forms what many call the center of the neighborhood. Most of the businesses are along these streets.

Its boundaries are Banksville Road, Saw Mill Run Boulevard, West Liberty Avenue and Wenzell Avenue. When most people hear the name Beechview, they think of Canton Avenue – which has been recognized as the steepest street in the U.S.

Lilly Kubit | Tribune-Review The interior of Tim’s Corner Market on Broadway Avenue on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Trib Total Media photographed businesses in Beechview for an upcoming town feature on Wednesday, June 29, 2022.  

While that is noteworthy, the area has so much more to offer, said Rico Lunardi, owner of the pizza shop Slice on Broadway and Tim’s Corner Market next store. He grew up in the neighborhood and named the corner market after his father – on the corner where his dad used to hang out.

“Beechview is about families,” said Lunardi. “The people in this neighborhood are wonderful. Everyone pretty much knows everyone here.”

The Tribune-Review visited recently. Here are just some of the places and businesses that make up the neighborhood.

Landmarks

Canton Avenue — At a 37% grade, Canton Avenue is categorized as “virtually impassable in winter.” It has been the site of the annual Dirty Dozen bicycle race and was the location for the Hell on Hills 5K foot race. German auto manufacturer Audi filmed a commercial there in 2016, which showcased traveling the hill in winter.

Canton Avenue

There were signs — one at the top and another at the bottom — proclaiming it the steepest street in the U.S. and possibly at one time in the world. But a street in Wales claimed the world title with a 37.45% grade. Canton Avenue is still pretty steep. Audi’s television advertisement demonstrated that its Quattro A4 car could make it up without a problem despite driving over sand, mud and snow.

The commercial also featured a world-renowned skier, snowboarder and downhill mountain biker on the cobblestone hill. Also of note is Boustead Avenue in Beechview, which has a 29% grade.

Pittsburgh Brashear High School (590 Crane Ave.) – The school is known for its Teaching Academy Magnet program for students interested in exploring the teaching profession and other educational careers. The curriculum includes the opportunity for advanced placement courses, including those in math and science.

The school has classes in auto body repair, automotive technology, machine operations and multimedia production and coding. The Life After High School program teaches teens skills they need for college, career and adult life.

Monument Parklet (Broadway and ShirasAvenues) – The memorial honors soldiers from World War I and World War II veterans from the neighborhood. There is also a plaque dedicated to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church (1810 Belasco Ave. ) Part of Saint Teresa of Kolkata Parish, the church includes worship sites from Beechview and nearby Brookline.

Food & drink

The Huddle (1648 Broadway Ave.) – A staple in Beechview since 1975, the establishment is located along the “Red Line” of the trolley. The Huddle offers daily food specials, signature salads, homemade soups, wings, fresh-cut steaks and hand-crafted sandwiches.

Tim’s Corner Market (2130 Broadway Ave.)— This store has everything from bread and milk to lunch meat and snacks as well as lottery tickets.

Slice

Slice on Broadway ( 2128 Broadway Ave.) – Try a slice of plain or one with mini-pepperoni, or a pepperoni or steak and onion roll. There are garlic knots, hoagies and salads. It was the first of four locations. Described as “New York-style yinzer-made pie,” Slice on Broadway has been serving pizza in Beechview for more than a decade.

Las Palmas

Las Palmas Tacos (1616 Broadway Ave. ) The cash-only street vendor sells authentic tacos, tortas and quesadillas outside of the IGA Market.

Chicken Latino (2100 Broadway Ave.) — Peruvian native Shelbin Santos opened the restaurant in 2007. It’s known for authentic food prepared in a wood-fired brick oven from Peru. The signature dish is Pollo a la Brasa, marinated chicken seasoned with cumin, garlic, cilantro and dried Peruvian chilies. A Peruvian Inka Cola is a fruity drink with hints of coconut, banana and pineapple. The restaurant features entertainment, which includes salsa dancing.

Chicken Latino

Chip and Kale (2102 Broadway Ave.) Chip and Kale is a non-subscription plant-based meal kit company. It handles the shopping, chopping and measuring, and supplies organic ingredients. New menus are posted on Tuesdays. The minimum order is $99. The ready-to-cook meal kits are delivered or shipped to the customer’s door.

El Comedor de la Tia (1605 Broadway Ave.) Authentic Latin American restaurant.

Alpine (1544 Beechview Ave.) A local bar with trivia nights and karaoke. It hosts theme-nights such as its first drag show during Pride Month and a Fourth of July event this weekend.

Shops

Sparkle Dragon Magical Emporium (2120 Broadway Ave.) This business supports independent artists and crafters. It hosts workshops, rituals and classes and sells lots of stones, such as tiger eye dragon heads.

Affordable Linens (1940 Broadway Ave.) The company provides linens for events and parties.

Woody’s

Woody’s Barbershop (2102 Broadway Ave.) The barber shop has been a staple in Beechview for six decades. Current owner Colemann Tucker has owned it for the past two years.

Interesting places

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh — Beechview (1910 Broadway Ave.) – This location was originally home to the Beth El Synagogue, which opened in 1927. The synagogue moved and the property was sold to the City of Pittsburgh in 1965. The library opened in 1967 as the 17th branch in the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system. It underwent an extensive renovation that was unveiled in 2015. There is a community meeting room, a dedicated space for teens and a lower level devoted to children.

Vanucci Playground (1295 Orangewood Ave.) — There is a Spray Park located here. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and is the perfect spot to cool off one of those humid summer days. Sensors turn the water on and off, creating childhood memories of running through sprinklers or under a hose.

Moose Lodge 609 (1607 Broadway Ave.) – Serving as an opportunity to gather socially, the fraternal organization provides a service to the people in the Beechview community.

Garden

Beechview Community Garden (1229 Rockland Ave.) – Located across from Beechwood Elementary School in the former swimming pool space, the garden includes more than 30 beds, some rented by individuals and families in the neighborhood. There are beds of herbs and tomatoes and a butterfly garden. The garden club is working on growing blueberries and strawberries.

The Red Line (Broadway) This trolley is part of the Pittsburgh Regional Transit Light Rail system (formerly Port Authority) that runs between South Hills Village and Downtown Pittsburgh via Beechview.

Related:

• Strip District guide • Lawrenceville guide • Bloomfield guide • Squirrel Hill guide

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