The sun has peeked out (slowly) from behind the clouds, the temperature is up, and our happiness is coming back. Despite the gloom of finals upon us, the changing of seasons has awakened Pitt students from their deep, dark, snowed-in South Oakland hole. You know spring is here when the crowds at Razzy and Dave & Andy’s have started to form, and the tables in Schenley Plaza are occupied. Now is your moment to seize the day—and warm weather—with some good eats and outdoor scenery! There are a wide variety of restaurants in Pittsburgh with gorgeous outdoor seating. Grab a book, a friend, or enjoy some alone time alone and ring in spring at these outdoor dining spots.
1. The Porch at Schenley. Always a classic; walk a couple of steps from your apartment or dorm and enjoy the #flawless view of Cathy from The Porch’s outdoor dining area. People-watch while you munch away as students relax on the lawn or take up the tables near the surrounding food stands. Grab your over-21 friends and split some margarita pitchers or mimosas (can you say brunch?) while basking in the warmth. Your Porch pizza will look even more instaworthy with Cathy in the background.
2. Shady Grove Restaurant and Bar. Walnut Street is a great place for people watching. Grab some lunch at Shady Grove on a Saturday or Sunday as the yogis leave their studios and the street is bustling. The quaint and subtle outdoor seating at Shady Grove creates a casual atmosphere great for enjoying a meal with friends. Put down your shopping bags and grab some fuel—the extensive list of appetizers and the gourmet pizzas will satisfy your every need. Buffalo chicken dip, pork dumplings, jerk chicken tenders, and loaded latkes? Count me in.
3. Double Wide Grill. Double Wide just has that Pittsburgh look to it. I can’t quite explain it, but it’s that fun, quirky vibe. Known for their barbecue dishes, Double Wide is also one of the city’s only restaurants that cater to both vegetarians and vegans. Located in South Side, Double Wide has been serving up delicious ribs and pulled pork to all meat-lovers. The decorative lights add to the grill’s casual vibe at night, and the outdoor seating area is perfect for any meal. Stop by on the weekends for brunch between 10 am and 2 pm. You won’t regret ordering the Double Wide Benedict—can you say poached eggs, bacon, and spinach on top of homemade corn bread smothered in green chili hollandaise sauce? I think yes.
4. Mario’s East Side Saloon. When you walk past Mario’s on Walnut Street, you would never expect to see outdoor seating. Mario’s was first established in South Side nearly 30 years ago, and eventually came to the East Side because of growing popularity. Mario’s provides you with a college, neighborhood, and sports bar experience all in one. Grab a drink with friends and munch on wings, appetizers, burgers and more. Check out Trivia Nights on Thursday to get your Jeopardy fix, along with a wide variety of weekly specials.
5. Sienna Mercato. I always find myself going back to Sienna Mercato—I just can’t help it. While the restaurant is located on the two lower levels, the rooftop bar provides a unique dining experience. After you eat, head upstairs to the bar (or just head straight up and munch on some bar snacks!) and look on at the skyscrapers. The three-floor experience provides so many delicious menu options that you won’t be able to choose!
6. Hard Rock Café at Station Square. Don’t we all love the fountains down by Station Square? I could just sit and watch them dance and jump in rhythm to the music for hours. Enjoy your meal as you watch the fountains and eat at the many restaurants located at Station Square. The Hard Rock offers a front-row seat to the fountains with its seasonal outdoor patio. Everyone loves some Hard Rock once in a while, so enjoy a classic American dinner as you admire the riverside view of our beautiful city.
7. Pusadee’s Garden. A Thai restaurant located in Lawrenceville, Pusadee’s Garden transports you to the wonders of a forest as you experience the fine dining seated in the back garden. The outdoor area is covered by a canopy of trees and decorated with a variety of gorgeous flowers. The umbrellas also add to the Zen of the location. Make sure to stop by in the evening, when the hanging lights bring the garden to life. The décor is breathtaking and down-to-earth. Pusadee’s offers a break from the typical dining experience. The over fifty dishes served preserve authentic Thai cuisine with a selection of noodles, curry, beef, pork, seafood, and more. The restaurant is BYOB, so make sure to pick up your favorite alcohol on the way over!
8. Steel Cactus. Mexican food and margs. Add in a patio overlooking Walnut Street and you have the key to our hearts. With locations in both Shadyside and South Side, Steel Cactus is known for their infamous Yinzeritas. While Mad Mex is my one true love, Steel Cactus offers an outdoor dining and bar experience that is thrilling during the spring and summer. Top your margarita off with a burrito, quesadilla or taco and you’ll be satisfied while you do it up Pittsburgh style—chillin’ on a roof with your drink.
9. Six Penn Kitchen. Located in the Cultural District, Six Penn Kitchen offers a rooftop dining area where restaurant-goers can overlook the bustling streets below. Rumor has it that the Cracklin’ Pork Shank is to die for; if you don’t feel experimental, go for the house-made ravioli. Check out the brunch on Sunday and indulge in French toast, sweet potato pancakes, a specialty brunch burger, and more.
10. Il Pizzaiolo. Pizza is the key to any girl’s heart. Grab some friends or plan a fun date with your significant other and head to Il Pizzaiolo. With locations downtown and in Mt. Lebanon, this pizza joint will satisfy your craving with the flavorful ingredients of Italy. Go for a classic with the Margherita DOC pizza, or be bold with the Prosciutto E Arugula. Bring friends so you can try a couple of different pizzas—you won’t want to limit yourself to just one!
11. Marty’s Market. Serving up breakfast and lunch in the Strip District, Marty’s Market features seating on its side terrace during the week with brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Stop by for some coffee and fuel to start off your day before you walk around the Strip. On really nice days, the garage doors to Marty’s Market stay open so people can sit at its front coffee bar. Order a vanilla bean latte and dig into breakfast tacos, Portuguese baked eggs, or cinnamon pancakes while you read the morning newspaper. (Hey, a girl can dream, right?)
12. Make your own outdoor seating with some ice cream in the park. On a budget? Need a quick study break? Look no further than our own campus! Stop by Dave & Andy’s for some homemade ice cream in a large waffle cone and head on over to the grassy area of your choice. The stands in Schenley Plaza offer a wide variety of foods for cheaper prices—waffles (the best ever at Waffallonia), gyros, hot dogs, Chinese food, or Conflict Kitchen. No one will judge you if you plop down on the grass with your filled-to-the-brim cup of Razzy froyo. We’ll all be wishing we had one too!
The gyro and hot dog stand in Schenley Plaza also sells some delicious soft serve!
Image credit: 1, 2, Author’s Photo, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13