One of Pittsburgh’s main cultural centers, the Oakland neighborhood is the home of the University of Pittsburgh and many of the cities most popular museums. Here is a list of restaurants to visit while on a college visit or taking a break from touring the museums.
Las Palmas
In a small, unassuming taco stand located outside a Mexican grocery store, you can find some of the best tacos in Pittsburgh. At Las Palmas, guests can enjoy a variety of authentic tacos for a reasonable price with unlimited toppings a range of spicy sauces. Meals can be taken home or taken to Schenley Park for an afternoon picnic.
A chic bistro located in a bustling neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Legume serves delicious and satisfying meals to hungry patrons. Each dish is created with a perfect balance of flavor that will make taste buds sing and will result in plates being licked completely clean. On the first Wednesday of the month, they offer a ‘cheap date night option,’ making it the perfect place for a night out with a significant other.
A beautiful restaurant situated in Schenley Plaza, The Porch at Schenley features an outdoor patio where guests can enjoy a cool evening dining beneath the stars. The menu is comprised of simple entrees, such as gourmet pizzas or burgers, which are all made from either fresh local ingredients or items sourced from their own rooftop garden and beehives.
While it may appear to be a typical college bar due to it’s location and popularity with the local college students, the Union Grill is a fantastic place to spend a chill night out. The bar is well-known for its range of wine and beer selections, which pair perfectly with their menu of burgers, fish tacos and crisp waffle fries.
This elegant Tuscan restaurant whisks guests away to Italy from the moment that they walk in the door. The establishment is full of Italian style artwork and decor, and the aroma of fresh meat, seafood and pastas cooking is simply heavenly. Lucca Ristorante‘s attentive staff proudly serves each dish, and the menu offers a selection of whole wheat and gluten-free pastas for all diets.
A lively restaurant serving a mix of Mexican, Spanish and Southeast Asian cuisine, Mad Mex caters to a wide range of palates and interests. The highlight of the menu is their big bowls of guacamole and chips, and warm tortillas paired with creative and boozy Margaritas that will get any night hopping.
A Bangladeshi restaurant located in Central Oakland, Bangal Kebab House is full of spicy aromas and flavors that captivate the senses. The small restaurant features either buffet or menu options, where guests can find entrees such as tandoori, korma and a large variety of curries, perfect for those who wish to try something new and exciting.
Established in 1995, the Spice Island Tea House has been serving Malaysian and Thai cuisine to the neighborhood of Oakland for over 20 years. The restaurant offers an extensive menu of food and tea where the chefs encourage guests to try the food as is, with the choice of adding more spice if desired.
Eat Unique is a healthy eating restaurant that serves a little something for everyone. The menu features several hearty dishes such as a meatloaf melt or a hummus sandwich, in addition to several other vegan and vegetarian options that will leave everyone satisfied and planning their next visit.
A popular location for mixed age groups, the Red Oak Cafe supplies its loyal customers with complete breakfasts, savory sandwiches and refreshing salads. The menu also features a generous selection of vegetarian dishes for both the health and animal conscious, all of which features a side of their very own homemade chips
