City Guide 2018-2019: Eat
If you’ve read our story on “How (and Where and When) to Dine Out with Kids,” you already have some smart strategies on what to do while you’re out. Here are some of our favorite places to put them to use.
★ Bakn
Bakn’s bacon-focused menu is a draw for kids of all ages. Heartier dishes such as braised short ribs are available, alongside burgers, salads and flatbreads.
Carnegie and Warrendale; eatbakn.com
★ Burgatory
There is an array of hamburgers — including the meat-free Impossible Burger — for youths and adults, plus lighter offerings such as green apple and quinoa salad. All-ages bonus: milkshakes.
Various locations; burgatorybar.com
photo by laura petrilla
★ The Café Carnegie
Executive Chef Sonja J Finn’s philosophy is that kids deserve thoughtfully constructed meals as much as adults do. Tea sandwiches and shrimp cocktails share menu space with “Le Hot Dog” and a grilled peanut butter, honey and banana sandwich on housemade bread.
4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland
412/622-3225, thecafecarnegie.com
★ Carmi Family Restaurant
The King family wants to welcome your family to their restaurant. The restaurant has a children’s menu that features chicken and waffles, grilled cheese and burgers. Adults are in for a treat with a deep soul food menu; we love the turkey ribs.
1825 E. Carson St., South Side
412/231-0100, carmirestaurant.com
★ Church Brew Works
This kid-friendly microbrewery is housed in a beautifully restored church. Sandwiches and wraps have healthy side options such as kaleslaw and black-bean salad (also, fries); everyone should try some of the best pierogi in Pittsburgh.
3525 Liberty Ave., Lawrenceville
412/688-8200, churchbrew.com
★ DiAnoia’s Eatery
The whole family can share one of the best gas-oven-style pizzas in Pittsburgh at DiAnoia’s. Stop by for terrific lunchtime sandwiches or have a pasta-filled dinner.
2549 Penn Ave., Strip District
412/918-1875, dianoiaseatery.com
★ Double Wide Grill
The extensive kid’s menu includes expected items such as grilled cheese, pizza and chicken tenders, but also tofu skewers, cilantro rice and baby carrots. Free refills on kids’ drinks.
Various locations; doublewidegrill.com
★ Federal Galley
Four restaurant concepts in one space allow for a variety of palates to be pleased. The vast space seats 150 indoors and 100 outside, so there is plenty of room to roam. Operators The Galley Group also run Smallman Galley in the Strip District.
200 Children’s Way, North Side
412/517-6400, federalgalley.org
★ Franktuary
Hot dogs, falafel, salads and fries are offered at this family-friendly Lawrenceville eatery. Kids meals include hot dogs or corn dogs with apple slices or fries.
3810 Butler St., Lawrenceville
412/586-7224, franktuary.com
★ Madeleine Bakery & Bistro
House-made pastries, breads and cookies are a draw to this adorable courtyard bakery. The coffee is outstanding, as is the daily selection of sandwiches.
609 S. Trenton Ave., Wilkinsburg
412/371-1010, facebook.com/madeleinepgh
photo by adam milliron
★ Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream
Scratch-made ice cream created from some of the best ingredients in the region. Standard flavors such as Chad’s Vanilla and Salted Caramel, plus rotating seasonal selections.
232 S. Highland Ave., East Liberty
412/404-8853, millieshomemade.com
★ Noodlehead
There isn’t a dedicated kid’s menu, but there also aren’t any dishes on the Thai-inspired street-food menu that cost more than $10. Cash only.
242 S. Highland Ave., Shadyside
noodleheadpgh.com
photo by jordan locke
★ Over the Bar Bicycle Cafe
Families who bike together (and also those who prefer walking or driving) will enjoy meals at OTB. Kids get free drinks with entrees such as “Tandem,” “Strider” and “The Tricycle.”
North Park and South Side; otbbicyclecafe.com
★ Pie for Breakfast
The morning, noon and night diner is the latest restaurant from Trevett and Sarah Hooper. Expect the same farm-to-fork ethos as Legume and Butterjoint but with a casual atmosphere. There is pie, of course, but also a host of wonderful savory options.
216 N. Craig St., Oakland
pieforbreakfastpittsburgh.com
★ The Porch
Budget-friendly kid’s menu features $6 items such as burgers and pizza. Adults will find a selection of salads, sandwiches and mains crafted from well-sourced ingredients. Everyone will find a park next to the restaurant.
Oakland and Upper St. Clair
theporchatschenley.com
★ Spoonwood Brewing Company
“Junior Brewers” have their own menu of sandwiches, burgers and more at this outstanding South Hills brewery (no brew included for you, kids). Adults have wood-fired pizza, smoked meats, sandwiches and, yes, brews.
5981 Baptist Road, Bethel Park
412/833-0333, spoonwoodbrewing.com
★ Square Café
Beloved Regent Square diner is a hit for eaters of all ages. Get your classics such as bacon and eggs, omelettes and pancakes, plus açaí berry bowls, crepes and more.
1137 S. Braddock Ave., Regent Square/Edgewood
412/244-8002, square-cafe.com
