Category: Guides

  • Independent Bookstore Day & A Map of Every Independent Bookstore in Pittsburgh

    Independent Bookstore Day & A Map of Every Independent Bookstore in Pittsburgh

    UPDATE 4/24/2019:

    Please visit Very Local Pittsburgh for an updated Guide to Independent Bookstores in Pittsburgh

    Info on Independent Bookstore Day 2019 events in Pittsburgh is available here

    The last Saturday in April is Independent Bookstore Day, the official hashtag for Independent Bookstore Day is #BookstoreDay. The #BookstoreDay hashtag is a great way to take a peak at how folks across the country are celebrating local booksellers. Indie bookshops across the country are hosting parties and inviting customer and friends to buy books from their local booksellers.  If you are interested in learning more about the business of book selling, Kim Lyons wrote a story for the Trib this week, Independent bookshops find unlikely prosperitythat digs into some of the statistics on the brick-and-mortar bookstore trends.

    Independent Bookstore Day Events in Pittsburgh

    Some of Pittsburgh’s book stores have big plans to celebrate on Saturday. Here are some of the local events for Independent Bookstore Day:

    • White Whale Books
      • 25% off all used books all day long,
      • prizes hidden among the stacks
      • 12-2pm  Baby Loves Tacos pop-up
      • 7-9pm release party for Pittsburgh Poetry Review’s newest issue
    • Nine Stores
      • 20% off store wide
    • City of Asylum Bookshop
      • 11:30am: all-ages children’s puppet show with Felicia Cooper and story hour with Bookseller Jen.
      • 1:00 – 3:00pm: Book signing with City of Asylum Exiled Writer-In-Residence Osama Alomar
      • 1:00pm & 2:00pm: Tours of our Alphabet City building
      • a scavenger hunt for kids
      • raffles and door prizes
      • surprise discounts
      • an exclusive, limited edition chapbook by Michael Chabon

    Guide to Pittsburgh Independent Bookstores

    Pittsburgh Independent Bookstores

    One of our most popular posts on the blog is our guide to independent movie theaters around town. Just in time for Independent Bookstore Day we bring you a guide to local bookshops around town.  In 2015, NextPittsburgh published a guide to independent bookshops in Pittsburgh. In the past two years, Pittsburgh has seen several new bookshops open and we have put together an updated guide to independent bookstores in Pittsburgh which includes a Google map of all 16 shops.

  • International Beer Day: Guide to Pittsburgh breweries and more

    International Beer Day: Guide to Pittsburgh breweries and more

    Beer!

    Even though today is International Beer Day, it’s a great chance to go local with these Pittsburgh businesses that know and love beer.

    Brew Gentlemen
    Coming soon to Braddock, this promising venture is a collaboration between two CMU grads. They’re working on getting a full production brewery set up, and are eventually planning to add a taproom and lounge. Even though it’s not open yet, it’s totally worth keeping an eye on!

    church brew works interior
    church brew works interior (Photo credit: calamity_hane)

    Church Brew Works
    While their beer is tasty and their food menu interesting, the most impressive thing about Church Brew Works is the building. Located inside an old church in Lawrenceville, the beautifully restored architecture steals the show as you sip on one of their award-winning beers.
    Church Brew Works on Urbanspoon

    Copper Kettle Brewing Company
    This place is truly unique: as the only brew-on-premise in Pennsylvania, customers can use Copper Kettle’s equipment, ingredients, recipes, and expertise to brew and bottle their own beer. Perfect for people who may be intimidated by home brewing or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle, Copper Kettle is located in Greenfield as an extension of craft beer bar Hough’s.

    East End Brewing Company
    A small microbrewery, East End isn’t exactly a pub where you can sit down for a beer. However, you can fill up growlers of their delicious home brews at their daily growler hours, at both their brewery and in the Strip District at the Pittsburgh Public Market. You can also find many of their beers at your favorite bar or restaurant– check out this list of places that have dedicated a tap to East End beers.
    East End Brewing Company on Urbanspoon

    Full Pint Brewing Company
    Located in North Versailles, Full Pint is both a brewery and a pub. Go on a tour of the brewery or stop by for a pint or growler of one of their many craft beers, plus check out their newly launched food menu. Fellow Yinztern Ian wrote a great, more in-depth review of the pub.

    PA Brew Tours
    If you want to skip the hassle of organizing your own trip or designating a driver, then these beer tours are for you. They provide a ride to local breweries and pubs, a behind-the-scenes tour (when possible), and good food for the ride. Best of all, a portion of their profits is donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

    Penn Brewery
    Penn BreweryModeled after the traditional beer gardens of Germany, Penn Brewery (aka the Pennsylvania Brewing Company) features craft beers, homemade food, and a historic setting. Oktoberfest in September is a roaring good time with music, dancing, German food, and, of course, tons of beer.
    Penn Brewery on Urbanspoon

    Rivertowne
    With several restaurants located in and around Pittsburgh, Rivertowne sells lots of different beers including their own that they brew locally. You can check out any of their restaurants (which feature full menus), take a tour, or grab a six pack, case, or keg at the brewery.

    South Hills Brewing Supply
    Ready to tackle brewing your own beer at home? South Hills Brewing Supply has everything you need to get started with your first home brew, to perfect that recipe, or to get crazy with experimental beverages. It’s definitely your best bet in the Pittsburgh area for home brew supplies.

  • National Hot Dog Day: The Hot Dogs of Pittsburgh

    National Hot Dog Day: The Hot Dogs of Pittsburgh

    It was quiet morning in the super secret iheartPGH headquarters until one intern abruptly cried out “It’s National Hot Dog Day!” The Yinzterns rejoiced and it was decided that they would take a crawl through the various hot dog vendors of Pittsburgh. Here, we share our ups, downs, and general stomach aches after consuming multiple dogs.

     

    Name Hours Cost Fun Fact

    Steve's New York Hotdog Shop on Urbanspoon

    Breakfast & Lunch

    Monday-Saturday

    $ The proprietors of Steve’s were on vacation at the time of the crawl. We will be back for you Steve…
    Yovi's on Urbanspoon

     Lunch & Dinner

     

     $ An interesting hybrid of Chicago and Pittsburgh, they serve up a mean hot dog. They are also located in a basement, so keep your eyes peeled or you will miss a delicious spot. It’s also cash only.
    Franktuary - Lawrenceville on Urbanspoon Lunch & DinnerMonday-ThursdayLunch, Dinner & Late NightFriday-SaturdayBrunch

    Sunday

     $$ Franktuary is now offering a Sunday brunch at its Lawrenceville location. They also have trivia Tuesday nights!
    Station Street on Urbanspoon

     Lunch & Dinner

    Everyday

    $$$ Station Street has been open since 1915.
    Packs & Dogs on Urbanspoon

    Lunch, Dinner & Late Night

    Everyday

    $ Decent beer collection, pop in for a hot dog.
    D's Six Pax & Dogz on Urbanspoon Lunch & DinnerSunday- WednesdayLunch, Dinner, & Late NightThursday-Saturday $$  Over 1,000 types of beer with a wide offering of food beyond just hot dogs.
    Dormont Dogs on Urbanspoon

    Lunch & Dinner

    Monday-Saturday

    $  This dog joint packs in a lot of character. Cash only.
    Wiener World on Urbanspoon

    Lunch & Dinner

    Monday- Friday

    Lunch

    Saturday

    $  Beyond selling dog hots, Wiener World is known for its fish sandwich.

     

    Steve’s New York Hot Dog 

    This place has great reviews on Urban Spoon. Unfortunately, Steve decided it was a good idea to go out of town during one of the most important hot dog related holidays on the year. We yelled out in agony as we drove by, vowing to return at a later date.

    Yovi’s

    Unassumingly tucked into a basement right outside of Market Square, Yovi’s brings Chicago dogs to Pittsburgh. It’s simply decorated with both cities’ memorabilia and they also offer sandwiches and deep-fried pizza puffs. The token all-beef Chicago dog was topped with mustard, green relish, diced onions, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt, on a poppy-seed bun. It’s a great, cheap, and friendly place to pop in for a quick lunch while downtown.

    Franktuary

    The new Franktuary location in Lawrenceville is charmingly rustic and beautiful, not to mention very spacious compared to the original downtown location. They have a variety of unique hot dog styles (including vegan tofu dogs), plus salads, poutine, pierogies, desserts, and more. We loved the Memphis dog (slaw, barbecue sauce, and crunchy potato sticks) and the Pittsburgh dog (smooshed pierogi and slaw). Their bar is fully stocked with tasty cocktails and craft beers, and you can sit at the open garage door windows when it’s nice out.

    Station Street 1069151_10152063507612892_425551302_n

    This hot dog joint has opened and closed a few times since it’s creation in 1915. The latest version is run by restauranteur Kevin Sousa. Bringing food science down to hot dog level, Sousa includes a couple crazy combinations on the menu. I went out on a limb and ordered the Kimchi Dog, topped with seaweed, kimchi, and tangy mayo. I was pleasantly surprised how delightful the tastes were together. The beef hot dog is delicious stand alone, but I’m anxious to try a few more combinations. Station Street also offers Vegan doggies for those less inclined to meat  The only downside? It’s a bit pricey for your everyday hot dog–save this spot for special lunch occasions (like National Hot Dog day).

    Packs & Dogs

    The first thing you notice when you enter this shop in Mount Washington is its expansive beer collection. The bar is lined with bottles and two plasma screen tvs.  You have to go to the far back to order your hot dogs.  The varieties have canine-themed names, such as the German Shepard (sauerkraut and spicy mustard) or the Chihuahua (chili, cheddar cheese, and onions). Beer is definitely Packs and Dogs’ forte.  There was not much outside seating, as there were only two tables outside, but there are a nice number of booths and bar seating.

    D’s Six Pax & Dogs992822_10152063996622892_1121186585_n

    Located in Regent Square, D’s is the perfect place to pop in for a dog. While you are there, make sure to check out the legendary Beer Cave, where you will find over 1,000 different brews. The Chicago Veggie dog was a classic that didn’t disappoint with relish, onions, pickles, tomatoes, sport peppers, and yellow mustard. D’s offered some interesting varieties, such as the Big Ben with fries, creamy cheddar and coleslaw and the Angry Tiki loaded with fries, creamy cheddar and coleslaw.  We can’t forget to mention how great the poppy-seed buns were, which can also be substituted for whole wheat.

    Dormont Dogs

    Dormont Dogs was one of our favorite stops of the day. Located a bit out of the city, it was worth the voyage. When you first walk in, you are taken back in time with the lovely decor. The hand written menu and little colorful tables added to the character at Dormont Dogs. The dogs were very good, as well as the buns. The menu featured hot dogs styled after different states (and streets in Dormont), from Louisiana in the south to Wisconsin in the west to Connecticut in the north. We also learned that in addition to being a hot dog shop, the area used to be a barber shop and a waffle/pottery shop.

    Wiener World1075327_10152065147047892_1440397719_o

    Wiener World is located in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh on Smithfield St. and you can’t miss the giant neon sign. This place is a hot dog shop. This is a take out spot or stand-at-the-counter-and-eat-your-hot-dog place, no tables, chairs or restrooms, just hot dogs (or a hoagie). We ordered the all beef hot dogs with all of the fixings, well ok most of the fixings, which was more than filling enough. We’ll have to try the fries on a return visit. The beef hot dog was great and next time I’ll limit the fixings to one or two and let the hot dog take center stage.

     

    We know there are a ton more hot dog spots in Pittsburgh, but we couldn’t stomach another after a full day of chowing down. Where do you think the best dogs are in Pittsburgh? Check out our Facebook album for more pictures of our day-long crawl.

  • Guide to Pittsburgh’s Independent Movie Theaters

    Guide to Pittsburgh’s Independent Movie Theaters

    When the weather starts heating up, sometimes the only thing to do is go inside. This season many of us will take to the air-conditioned refuge of our local megaplexes. To switch things up, I offer you a list of local independently owned theaters. Many of the theaters screen the same new releases, but also provide character and unique programming.

    Hollywood Theater475193_275212485896001_1501098987_o

    1449 Potomac Ave., Dormont

    (412)563-0368

    The Hollywood plays a wide variety of movies as well as special film events. Known for its Rocky Horror Picture Show performances, as well as its “Breakfast and a Movie” series (just what it says, breakfast, and a movie) there’s something for everyone. The single-screened theater is a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing Potomac Avenue and Dormont by providing a theater and community center.

    The Strand

    119 North Main St., Zelienople

    (724)742-0400

    The Strand offers a variety of films as well as live performances. The Rocky Horror Picture Show screens regularly (17 & over only) and yes, you can throw things at this performance. The theater screens classics like Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz, but you can also find live shows at The Strand. The nonprofit theater was restored in 2002, and wants to expand the project.

    The Manor

    1729 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh

    (412)422-9851

    The Manor theater screens both wide-release and independent movies, at often lower prices than the megaplexes. The Manor also boasts “The M Bar” in the lobby where patrons can bring alcoholic drinks into the theater. Check out the “Manor at Midnight” series, when the theater screens classic movies Saturdays at midnight.

    Harris Theater

    a little history?
    a little history? (Photo credit: macwagen)

    809 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh

    (412)682-4111

    Owned by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and programmed by Pittsburgh Filmmakers ,the Harris Theater is a classic movie house in the heart of the Cultural District. The theater screens foreign and contemporary independent films, and is also part of the Three Rivers Film Festival.

    Oaks Theater

    310 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont

    (412)828-6322

    The single screen Oaks Theater screens both new releases and cult classics. Check out the summer series “Moonlit Matinees”, where Oaks screens a cult classic every Friday and Saturday night. Once a month, the theater hosts the “Cine Bruch”, where movie fans can watch and munch on a delicious Oakmont Bakery brunch.

    Regent Square

    Regent Sq Theater

    1035 South Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh

    (412)682-4111

    Owned and operated by Pittsburgh Filmmakers, this single screen theater plays limited release independent movies seven days a week. In addition, every Sunday night the Regent Square theater hosts “The Sunday Series”, a monthly series of film screenings based around a theme, era, or director.

    Melwood Screening Room

    477 Melwood Ave., Pittsburgh

    (412)681-5449

    Located within the Pittsburgh Filmmakers building, the Melwood Screening Room is the youngest of the independent theaters on this list. The screening room plays independent features, and hosts “Film Kitchen” on the second Tuesday of every month.“Film Kitchen” is a series featuring local short films. The filmmakers are present at the screening and available for discussion after the show.

     


    View Independent Theaters in Pittsburgh in a larger map

    What’s your favorite theater in Pittsburgh? Seen any good movies lately?

  • Guide to Pittsburgh public pools: hours, cost, locations, rules

    UPDATE 6/2019 – Please visit Very Local Pittsburgh for an updated pool guide for 2019.

    Image courtesy of Citiparks.
    Image courtesy of Citiparks.

    All 18 Pittsburgh city pools are officially open for the summer, until September 2! Check the Citiparks website to make sure your local pool is open for the day.

    While none of the locations provide refreshments, guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks (no alcohol).

    Don’t forget to check out the water carnivals, hosted by a different pool every few days in July. Basically an open pool party for the neighborhood, the carnivals feature unique themes, fun games, raffle prizes, and free food and drinks (normal admission prices apply).

    Hours

    Mondays – Fridays, 1:00- 7:45 p.m
    Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays, 1:00- 5:45 p.m.

    Adult Lap Swim:
    For individuals 16 years old and older.

    Mondays – Fridays, 5-6 p.m.
    Every pool

    Mondays – Fridays, Noon – 1 p.m.
    Highland, Moore, Schenley and Sue Murray

    Saturdays – Sundays, Noon – 1 p.m.
    Bloomfield, Highland, Jack Stack, Magee, Moore, Ormsby, Phillips, Ream, Riverview, Schenley, Sue Murray, West Penn and Westwood

    Family swim:
    Any individual under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older.

    Monday- Friday 5pm-close
    Every pool

    Cost
    Payable by cash, check, or money order only.

    Year-long pool passes
    Year-long (June-June) pool passes can be purchased at outdoor pools (except Ammon) during operating hours, or at the Citiparks Office on the fourth floor of the City-County building (414 Grant Street, Downtown Pittsburgh).

    City of Pittsburgh residents (proof required)

    • Family of four: $60; each additional family member: $10
    • Adult (16 years old and older): $30
    • Youth (3-15 years old): $15
    • Kids (2 and under): free

    Free pool tags are available for City residents who are disabled veterans, plus families of active duty military and activated reservist/guard members. Proper ID is required.

    City of Pittsburgh residents who receive welfare benefits can buy tags at a 50% discount. A case print-out and proof of identity are required to receive the discount.

    Non-City of Pittsburgh residents

    • Adult or youth: $45

    Daily pool pass

    • Adult (16 years old and older): $4
    • Youth (3-15 years old): $3

    Locations

     [cetsEmbedGmap src=https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=203916488985198549708.0004892c3ba6bd1ec9f3a&msa=0&ll=40.443289,-79.962959&spn=0.128813,0.308647 width=500 height=425 marginwidth=0 marginheight=0 frameborder=0 scrolling=no]

    East/Central

    Ammon (Hill District)
    2217 Bedford Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15219
    412-255-2627

    One of the biggest pools in Pittsburgh, they get a lot of camps during the day but quiet down after about 4pm.
    Water carnival: July 23

    Bloomfield
    408 Ella Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15224
    412-622-6956

    Water carnival: July 9

    Highland Park -good for families -one of biggest
    151 Lake Drive
    Pittsburgh, PA 15206
    412-665-3637

    With a kiddie pool and a mushroom spray fountain, plus handicap accesible features, this pool is great for families. It’s also one of the biggest and busiest in Pittsburgh and has sand volleyball courts
    Water carnival: July 13

    Homewood
    540 N. Lang Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15208
    412-244-4186

    Another pool that gets a good amount of camps during the day but is very quiet in the evenings.
    Water carnival: July 2

    Magee (Greenfield)
    745 Greenfield Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15217
    412-422-4265

    Known for having one of the best swim teams in the program, this pool next to the recreation center gets decent crowds.
    Water carnival: July 9

    Schenley Park
    1 Overlook Drive
    Pittsburgh, PA 15213
    412-422-4266

    One of busiest, this pool is favored by the college-aged and young adult crowd, with not a lot of kids swimming here. It is a walk-in pool though, which is great for kids and new/apprehensive swimmers.
    Water carnival: July 13

    West Penn (Polish Hill)
    450 30th Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15219
    412-622-6908

    Water carnival: July 20

    North

    Jack Stack (Brighton Heights)
    600 Brighton Woods Road
    Pittsburgh, PA 15212
    412-766-4577

    This newer walk-in pool (great for kids and different swim levels) also has a smaller kiddie pool.
    Water carnival: July 4

    Riverview (Perry North)
    400 Riverview Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15214
    412-323-7223

    Water carnival: August 6

    Sue Murray (North Side)
    301 Cedar Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15212
    412-323-7914

    Although it gets busy with camps during the day, this walk-in pool with slides is much more quiet in the evenings. It’s also handicap accessible with a lift chair.
    Water carnival: July 6

    South/West

    Banksville
    1461 Crane Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15220
    412-571-3231

    A great (yet quiet) pool for families, this facility has a kiddie pool and fountain, baseball fields, playgrounds, an attached pavilion available for rent, and a brand new deck hockey rink sponsored by the Penguins.
    Water carnival: July 11

    McBride (Lincoln Place) – good for families
    1785 McBride Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15207
    412-476-1311

    This pool is handicap accessible.
    Water carnival: July 23

    Moore (Brookline)
    1801 Pioneer Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15226
    412-571-3223

    A big, popular walk-in pool, there’s slides onsite and a large shallow area that’s good for kids.
    Water carnival: July 16

    Ormsby (South Side)
    79 S. 22nd Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15203
    412-488-8377

    This pool gets crowded with a wide variety of people, from teens to families to random passersby, and is right on the busline.
    Water carnival: July 27

    Phillips (Carrick) -good for families
    201 Parkfield Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15210
    412-885-7498

    This quiet, mostly neighborhood pool has a spray pad for kids not quite ready for the actual pools, making it great for families with young kids. There’s also an attached rec center.
    Water carnival: July 6

    Ream (Mt. Washington)
    321 Merrimac Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15211
    412-488-8312

    Right on the busline, this pool has a lot of programs and a playground.
    Water carnival: July 20

    Sheraden
    1071 Adon Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15204
    412-777-5011

    Water carnival: July 25

    Westwood
    100 Guyland Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15205
    412-937-3061

    Water carnival: July 16

    Rules

    The pool promotes a family-friendly environment at all times.

    • Pool tags must be worn at all times.
    • Swim suits are required for the pool and deck area.
    • Patrons must shower before entering the pool.
    • No running, dunking, horseplay or profanity.
    • No diving on the shallow side of safety line.
    • Smoking is prohibited inside the facility, including e-cigarettes.
    • Food and drink are permitted only in designated area.
    • Swimmers under six years of age must be accompanied by an adult 16 years or older.
    • The Head Lifeguard must approve all flotation devices. Inflatable flotation devices are prohibited.
    • Lounge chairs & strollers must be kept at a minimum distance of ten feet from poolside.
    • Patrons with medical conditions should inform the Lifeguards.
    • Citiparks is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged property.
    • Complaints – see the Head Lifeguard for procedures.
    • Lifeguards are responsible for your safety, so please follow the rules.
    • Violations of above rules may result in disciplinary action up to and including loss of pool privileges.

    Click the links for more information about the four spray parks the city operates, swim lessons, and other swimming programs.

    Got information to add? Dying to know an answer to a question about the pools? Facebook us, send us a tweet, or leave a comment below. You can contact the city pools directly here: http://pittsburghpa.gov/city-info/swimming-pools.html