Wildflower Airbnb Guidebook
Neighborhoods
Lawrenceville has had a massive transition in the last 20 years and is now the hub for cozy living and entertainment for young professionals the creative, healthcare, and tech industries. It's easy walking distance to several other neighborhoods, has amazing restaurants, a beautiful cemetery for long strolls, and an hip vibe
68 locals recommend
Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville has had a massive transition in the last 20 years and is now the hub for cozy living and entertainment for young professionals the creative, healthcare, and tech industries. It's easy walking distance to several other neighborhoods, has amazing restaurants, a beautiful cemetery for long strolls, and an hip vibe
The Strip District is fast transforming from industrial warehouses into industrial-chic lofts. However, the old charm of this neighborhood is preserved in the family-owned storefronts and restaurants peddling their wares on the sidewalks of Penn Ave. Take a long stroll or bike ride down (bring some shopping bags!) and get high quality ingredients for a home-cooked meal and all of the Steeler's apparel one could want!
244 locals recommend
Strip District
The Strip District is fast transforming from industrial warehouses into industrial-chic lofts. However, the old charm of this neighborhood is preserved in the family-owned storefronts and restaurants peddling their wares on the sidewalks of Penn Ave. Take a long stroll or bike ride down (bring some shopping bags!) and get high quality ingredients for a home-cooked meal and all of the Steeler's apparel one could want!
Food scene
A 20 minute walk from 312 39th Street (including taking some of Pittsburgh's famed stairs), this mecca of Pittsburgh's punk culture caters to vegans and meat-eaters alike. They have house-made donuts featured a few days out of the weak and their breakfast sandwich is delicious. Not to mention their coffee is reliably delicious!
16 locals recommend
Kaibur Coffee
3138 Dobson StA 20 minute walk from 312 39th Street (including taking some of Pittsburgh's famed stairs), this mecca of Pittsburgh's punk culture caters to vegans and meat-eaters alike. They have house-made donuts featured a few days out of the weak and their breakfast sandwich is delicious. Not to mention their coffee is reliably delicious!
Get your cinnamon roll orders in! They sling some serious vegan Syrian delights. During the pandemic they have been carry out only - check them out online or on instagram. I love the oyster mushrooms!
39 locals recommend
B52 Café
5202 Butler StGet your cinnamon roll orders in! They sling some serious vegan Syrian delights. During the pandemic they have been carry out only - check them out online or on instagram. I love the oyster mushrooms!
Another great coffee shop with a great group of regulars and newbies alike on the weekend. The vibe is relaxed. The coffee is my favorite in the whole city.
59 locals recommend
Commonplace Coffee — MWS
1501 Buena Vista StAnother great coffee shop with a great group of regulars and newbies alike on the weekend. The vibe is relaxed. The coffee is my favorite in the whole city.
Born of the pandemic, 40North is exemplary of Pittsburgh's unassuming food scene. There is something for everyone here. My favorites are the smoked trout and The Bandit cocktail (add gin). Reservations are preferred but they have always been able to accommodate a few guests with little notice.
9 locals recommend
40 North at Alphabet City
40 West North AvenueBorn of the pandemic, 40North is exemplary of Pittsburgh's unassuming food scene. There is something for everyone here. My favorites are the smoked trout and The Bandit cocktail (add gin). Reservations are preferred but they have always been able to accommodate a few guests with little notice.
The entrance on 38th is hard to find, but once you get up the ramp into the door, you're transported into an intimate izakaya-style Japanese sushi bar and restaurant (once you make it up the two flights of steep stairs). This is where I go when I want to feel like I had a big night out (there is usually a DJ in the corner) but don't actually want to go to a club. Reservations are advisable but I usually don't have a problem just sitting at the bar without one.
50 locals recommend
Umami
202 38th StThe entrance on 38th is hard to find, but once you get up the ramp into the door, you're transported into an intimate izakaya-style Japanese sushi bar and restaurant (once you make it up the two flights of steep stairs). This is where I go when I want to feel like I had a big night out (there is usually a DJ in the corner) but don't actually want to go to a club. Reservations are advisable but I usually don't have a problem just sitting at the bar without one.
If you feel like having a quiet night in and need a suggestion for takeout, delivery from TookTook98 is the best bargain (taste and price-wise) in the 'burgh
Took Took 98 (Thai Street Food Restaurant)
2018 Murray AveIf you feel like having a quiet night in and need a suggestion for takeout, delivery from TookTook98 is the best bargain (taste and price-wise) in the 'burgh
To explore the Shadyside neighborhood, head on over for dinner at Noodlehead for reasonably-priced street-style Thai food. Be warned - no reservations and bring cash (there is an ATM available in the back for a fee)
75 locals recommend
Noodlehead
242 S Highland AveTo explore the Shadyside neighborhood, head on over for dinner at Noodlehead for reasonably-priced street-style Thai food. Be warned - no reservations and bring cash (there is an ATM available in the back for a fee)
For an upscale Thai experience, visit Pusadee's garden for a sublime visual and gastronomic experience. Make reservations in advance to sit in the garden (but do check the weather).
44 locals recommend
Pusadee's Garden
5319 Butler StFor an upscale Thai experience, visit Pusadee's garden for a sublime visual and gastronomic experience. Make reservations in advance to sit in the garden (but do check the weather).
This is the perfect place for a large family-style meal or takeout. I love the basil eggplant.
21 locals recommend
Taiwanese Bistro Cafe 33
1711 Shady AveThis is the perfect place for a large family-style meal or takeout. I love the basil eggplant.
The perfect spot for summer ice cream on a grittier side of the city. The line gets long, but moves quickly. Bring cash!
15 locals recommend
Page Dairy Mart
4112 E Carson StThe perfect spot for summer ice cream on a grittier side of the city. The line gets long, but moves quickly. Bring cash!
Owned by Penn Staters, this is a 5 minute walk down Penn Avenue for lazy breakfasts with the crispiest of breakfast potatoes.
Lola's Eatery
3337 Penn AvenueOwned by Penn Staters, this is a 5 minute walk down Penn Avenue for lazy breakfasts with the crispiest of breakfast potatoes.
Owned by a local Jewish woman, this spot is worth the drive over (though parking is tricky) to the Squirrel Hill neighborhood for the best bagel in the 'burgh (and it's kosher, to boot!). If you're with a friend, one of you should get the veggie, one gets the lox, and you split the halves! Lots of veggie friendly and vegan options as well!
7 locals recommend
Pigeon Bagels
5613 Hobart StOwned by a local Jewish woman, this spot is worth the drive over (though parking is tricky) to the Squirrel Hill neighborhood for the best bagel in the 'burgh (and it's kosher, to boot!). If you're with a friend, one of you should get the veggie, one gets the lox, and you split the halves! Lots of veggie friendly and vegan options as well!
Things to Do
Browse refurbished mid-century modern furniture and get ideas for your future home in Pittsburgh. The owner Jonathan is truly a mensch. He knows what he is doing and the prices are fair.
7 locals recommend
Pittsburgh Furniture Company
4312 Butler StBrowse refurbished mid-century modern furniture and get ideas for your future home in Pittsburgh. The owner Jonathan is truly a mensch. He knows what he is doing and the prices are fair.
Randy is a local artist. Check out his prolific work by taking a bike ride or quick drive to the North Side of Pittsburgh. Stop at Commonplace Coffee before or after for delicious coffee in the sweetest little garden
129 locals recommend
Randyland
1501 Arch StRandy is a local artist. Check out his prolific work by taking a bike ride or quick drive to the North Side of Pittsburgh. Stop at Commonplace Coffee before or after for delicious coffee in the sweetest little garden
A park so big, you'll forget you're in a busy city. Visit the Blue Slide Park entrance.
204 locals recommend
Frick Park
A park so big, you'll forget you're in a busy city. Visit the Blue Slide Park entrance.
Exemplar of architect Frank Lloyd Wright's work - you must reserve tickets in advance (and they can be a little pricy!). It is quite a drive out of the city so bring some snacks (maybe for a picnic nearby?)
240 locals recommend
Fallingwater
1491 Mill Run RdExemplar of architect Frank Lloyd Wright's work - you must reserve tickets in advance (and they can be a little pricy!). It is quite a drive out of the city so bring some snacks (maybe for a picnic nearby?)
Beautiful state park with miles of trails along the water. Most trails are moderate and definitely require hiking shoe wear.
58 locals recommend
McConnells Mill State Park
1761 McConnells Mill RdBeautiful state park with miles of trails along the water. Most trails are moderate and definitely require hiking shoe wear.
Una Biologicals
3707 Butler StGreat locally-made gifts
Perfect spot for quirky, Pittsburgh-themed souvenirs and sassy kitchen gadgets.
28 locals recommend
Wild Card
4209 Butler StPerfect spot for quirky, Pittsburgh-themed souvenirs and sassy kitchen gadgets.
Sightseeing
If you're visiting in the summer months, the best way to see the city is from our rivers!
27 locals recommend
Kayak Pittsburgh North Shore
446527 80.003889If you're visiting in the summer months, the best way to see the city is from our rivers!
The inclines used to transport steelworkers from their homes on Mt. Washington down to the steel mills lining the rivers. This is one of the few remaining and offers beautiful views of the city. When you get to the top, walk to the lookout points for unparalleled views of the city.
14 locals recommend
The Incline
1197 W Carson StThe inclines used to transport steelworkers from their homes on Mt. Washington down to the steel mills lining the rivers. This is one of the few remaining and offers beautiful views of the city. When you get to the top, walk to the lookout points for unparalleled views of the city.
Traveler advice
Book before you go
Dinner reservations
There is a suprising food scene but most great restaurants are booked out way in advance.
What to pack
Bring rain wear!
No matter the time of year, we are prone to torrents of rain. Bring shoes that are waterproof and comfy for walking and an extra umbrella!