Photos by Lexie Mikula
One of the best things about different cities is the unique shops & stores you can’t find anywhere else. In Pittsburgh, our neighborhoods are jam-packed with awesome businesses that have something special to offer, ranging anywhere from vintage clothing to sweet treats. Though the small business community of the 412 is full of fun stuff, these are 6 of our favorite local joints:
Sinful Sweets
Located in the Cultural District at 901 Penn Avenue, it’s the sweet creation of chocolate lover, Christopher George. All the delicious candy and chocolate in Sinful Sweets is handmade right in the shop with a lot of TLC. As employee Mindy Sturchio would put it, “everybody who work here, this is truly our passion. We push our limits to create amazing products.”
Allegheny Coffee and Tea Exchange
This café, located in the Strip District at 2005 Penn Avenue, is unlike any coffee/tea shop you’ve ever experienced. The first thing you’ll notice is dozens and dozens of barrels filled with coffee beans, and shelves of imported teas. Owner Eric Nolan, 29, rebranded what was formerly known as “Fortune’s Coffee.” Fortune’s was a big inspiration to Nolan, who also expressed that “we are the non-pretentious type of coffee people.” Allegheny Coffee creates a relaxed, self-serve atmosphere for the coffee connoisseur.
Peace, Love and Little Donuts
This groovy little shop with a huge fan base can be found in the Strip District at 2018 Smallman Street. PL&LD was founded donut-lovers Ron and Marci Razete in 2009. Every delectable little donut is handmade and hand frosted in the shop. Tip for new customers: if you tell them it’s your first time there, you’ll get a free cinnamon-sugar donut!
The Milkshake Factory
Located at 1705 E. Carson Street in the Southside, not only do they create incredible handspun milkshakes, but fine handmade chocolates too! (Yes, it is as delicious as it sounds). Our HC Point Park Photo Director, Rachel Stellhorn, is an employee at The Milkshake Factory! Stellhorn says, “I LOVE working there. It’s super fun because the staff is just a bunch of local college girls, and we all mesh really well. We’re more than just coworkers- we’re all friends and hang out outside of work too! And it’s really awesome being apart of such a unique local business. There’s only one milkshake factory, and Edward Marc Chocolatier (who owns them) is a 100-year-old Pittsburgh family business. Plus, who doesn’t love being surrounded by chocolates and sweets all the time??!!”
Highway Robbery Vintage
This hip vintage shop, located in the Southside at 1411 East Carson Street, is owned by Kate Minton, who has always had a passion for vintage. Highway Robbery is most certainly a beautiful reflection of that passion! The shop has tons of fabulous clothing and jewelry from decades past, and also features art and products from local artisans such as Made By Wallflower.
Beehive Coffeehouse & Dessertery
This quirky café is located at 1327 East Carson Street in Southside. The Beehive is well known for their awesome mural and tasty coffee and soups. With such a colorful environment, it is a great place to hang out with friends and grab an affordable lunch or delicious cup of Mexican hot chocolate!