Let’s face it, as much as we love the Melting Pot in Station Square, that usually doesn’t fit into our very limited college-student budget. And while Primanti’s is super affordable and a Pittsburgh classic, sometimes you need to branch out a little bit. Here’s a list of some of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh that won’t break the bank!
Social
Location: Bakery Square
Featuring classic favorites like soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, and grilled cheese, you can easily get a meal for $15 dollars – including tip. It might be a little more expensive if you order the Kale and Artichoke dip as an appetizer, but this dish is only eight dollars – and totally worth it.
Fuel and Fuddle
Location: Oakland
Famous for their delicious combination of regular and sweet potato fries, Fuel and Fuddle, located right off of Forbes Avenue in Oakland, is a great option for burgers, sandwiches, and specialty pizzas. Most of the meals are priced around $10, but if you get a late-night craving, stop in between 11:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. to get certain items for only five dollars, including wings, pizza, and burgers. For over 21 collegiettes, most beers are $5 and under.
Noodlehead
Location: Shadyside
You guessed it – this restaurant specializes in serving noodle dishes, particularly those with Thai-inspired flavors. The menu is small, featuring only a few appetizers, soups, and noodle dishes, but everything is absolutely delicious. The soups are $6, and the noodle dishes are $9. Two warnings: this restaurant is cash only and, when choosing your spiciness for your meal, be cautious! They make each pasta dish on a spiciness scale from 1-5, 1 being “a li’l spicy” and each one increasing from there. I chose a level 2, and I don’t even want to know what a level 5 would be! Oh, and they are BYOB!
Waffles, INCaffinated
Location: Southside
When you’re looking to satisfy your breakfast food cravings, look no further than Waffles INCaffinated, located on East Carson and 25th Street in Southside. While they’re only open until 2 p.m. on the weekdays and 3 p.m. on the weekends, it’s well worth your time. While their featured items are gourmet waffles, such as the MegaBerry (my personal favorite) and gourmet coffees, they also have omelets, crepes, sandwiches, and salads.
Diamond Market Bar and Grille
Location: Market Square
This is definitely convenient for collegiettes living on campus to access, since it is located right in Market Square, below Las Velas and right next to the Oyster House. They feature burgers, sliders, and sandwiches, along with a wide variety of salads. Most of the meals are between $10 and $12 dollars. For those over 21, this restaurant features hard milkshakes for $9.00. For those under 21 or looking to spend a little less money, classic shakes are only $5.00.
Mineo’s Pizza House
Location: Squirrel Hill
When you’re looking to branch out from the ever-so-delicious college special from Pizza Fiesta, try Mineo’s Pizza House on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill. I recommend the white pizza, but the traditional pizza is just as delicious. They have a few specialty pizzas, but for the most part, you get to pick your own toppings from a list. A large pizza is less than $19 – a little pricier than other places, but split it with your friends and the price won’t be so bad! Besides, this pizza shop has been voted the best pizza in Pittsburgh multiple times, so it’s definitely worth it!
So there’s a list of some of my favorite – and my bank’s favorite – restaurants in Pittsburgh. What are some of your other favorite affordable Pittsburgh eateries? Tell us, @HCPointPark!