Joseph & Stephanie
Things To Do
Biergarten
A great rooftop bar steps from the William Penn Hotel - we also recommend checking out their bottom floor, the Commoner, for excellent, elevated food.
Ritual House
Also a short walk from the William Penn hotel, this is a brand new restaurant with immaculate vibes.
The Speckled Egg PGH
A fantastic breakfast spot near the William Penn Hotel. We recommend reservations.
Three Rivers Arts Festival
A longstanding free summer event offering live music and countless art and food vendors to explore. A Pittsburgh favorite!
Strip District
The strip district is next to downtown and is the best place to be on a weekend morning. There is an abundance of casual restaurants, as well as street vendors and stores for all things Pittsburgh. For breakfast, we recommend Pamela's Diner (pancakes and/or chorizo hash are a must) and DeLucas Diner. Other notable restaurants are Iron Born Pizza, Dianoia's (Italian, reservations recommended), the PA Market, Coop de Ville (fried chicken and a vintage arcade), and of course, the famous Primanti Brothers, which serves french fries and cole slaw ON your sandwich, Pittsburgh's signature dish (we like the capicola sandwich the best, add egg, extra hot sauce). For shopping, we recommend Yinzers in the Burgh, Love Pgh, Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, Roxianne's Dried Flowers, Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange, and Enrico Biscotti. Be sure to pop into Bonafide Beer Co. - it's right next door to St. Stan's church where our ceremony is (which is also in the strip!).
Market Square
Market Square is a major hub of downtown Pittsburgh, and a short walk from the William Penn hotel. There are often pop-up markets and live music in the center of the square, which is surrounded by shops and restaurants. Stephanie HIGHLY recommends Nicholas coffee for your caffeine fix, while Joe is a big fan of the Simple Greek for fast casual food. Floor 2 in the Fairmont Hotel is a more upscale option for dinner and drinks. For your sweet tooth, Millie's ice cream is a MUST, as is La Gourmandine Bakery (the almond croissant is mandatory!), and the milkshake factory is always a good time. Don't forget, our farewell brunch is at Roost in Market Square on Sunday!
Cultural District
Aptly named the "Cultural District" due to its proximity to Pittsburgh's theaters, this stretch is also one of the most bustling areas of downtown, especially at night. Sienna Mercado, a three story restaurant with a different concept each floor, is an anchor attraction. We love it all - floor 1, "Emporio" for meatball sliders, floor 2, "Mezzo" for pasta and pizza, and floor 3, "Il Tetto" for the most popular rooftop bar in the city. Other favorites include Social House 7 (asian / sushi), Nicky's Thai Kitchen, Bridges and Bourbon (craft cocktails), Meat and Potatoes (especially their brunch), Tako for your margarita fix, and Gaucho, Pittsburgh's #1 rated yelp restaurant (we recommend the steak sampler). We recommend reservations for Mezzo, Meat and Potatoes, Tako, and Gaucho, although we've had luck with walk-ins at times as well.
The Andy Warhol Museum
Maybe you've heard of him???? Check out the museum Friday after 5PM for 1/2 off admission and a cash bar!
Senator John Heinz History Center
If you're really trying to go all-out Pittsburgh, Heinz History center is a cool, interactive museum that really captures what makes Pittsburgh so special.
Point State Park
For those looking to check out what makes Pittsburgh unique, and so challenging to drive in, this park is where our three rivers converge, marked by our well-known fountain. Also offers great views of the city and our stadiums on the North Shore - not a bad spot for a photo op.