Regent Square: Come for the Art, Stay for the Chorizo Bowl
Portions of Regent Square lie within Pittsburgh, Edgewood, Swissvale and Wilkinsburg, but the neighborhood is more defined by its sense of community than its geographic boundaries.
Concept Art Gallery
There is ample free parking along South Braddock Avenue and adjacent streets, so park your car near Concept Art Gallery (1031 S. Braddock Ave., conceptgallery.com) and start your walking tour there. Concept has a range of items for your home, from traditional paintings to contemporary art and ceramics and more. The gallery also is a changing exhibit space, so take your time and explore.
The eclectic food offerings in the next block include Istanbul Grille (1103 S. Braddock Ave., theistanbulgrille.com), Thai Cottage (1109 S. Braddock Ave., thaicottagepgh.com) and El Burro (1113 S. Braddock Ave., elburropgh.com).
Le Mix
But before you pick a place to eat, stop in Le Mix (1115 S. Braddock Ave.), which — as the name implies — has an eclectic assortment of items for sale. In particular, check out the antique and mid-century modern jewelry, glassware and bar sets.
If you’re around at breakfast time, make Square Cafe (1137 S. Braddock Ave., square-cafe.com) your first stop. The menu elevates traditional breakfast fare, so break out of your rut and experiment with the Chorizo Bowl: sausage sautéed with onions, peppers and tomatoes served over tater tots and topped with cheddar cheese, one egg over easy, sour cream, salsa, avocado and green onions. Instead of buttermilk pancakes, go with the Lemon Berry Ricotta flavor. In fine weather, Square Cafe has sidewalk seating that puts you smack dab in the midst of the neighborhood’s energy. This is a popular place, so expect lines on weekends.
3 Rivers Outdoor Co.
If you enjoy outdoor activities or know someone who does, make 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. (1130 S. Braddock Ave., 3riversoutdoor.com) a stop. This independent outdoor shop sells new and used clothing, shoes and gear for hiking, mountain biking, climbing, backpacking, camping, paddling and beyond. There are also rentals available. This isn’t a passive retailer for active people; 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. sponsors events such as trail runs, mountain biking, yoga and paddling on the Allegheny River.
If autographed memorabilia is your thing, check out Cohen’s Collectibles & More (1124 S. Braddock Ave.), which specializes in sports memorabilia. O’Bannon Oriental Carpets (1104 S. Braddock Ave., obannons.com) is an art gallery for your floors featuring unique rugs from around the world.
In line with the local food trend is My Goodness (1104 S. Braddock Ave., mygoodnesspgh.com), half market and half prepared-food — featuring local, organic, sustainable and ethically produced offerings.
Frick Park
Detour up the street to the Frick Park red-clay tennis courts (800 S. Braddock Ave., clayfricktennis.org), which opened in 1930. The courts, which are free and open to the public, host tournaments, lessons and tennis leagues. Be forewarned: Your shoes are likely to take on a hint of red after playing here. This is also a good spot to access the many park trails that are a tranquil counterpoint to the bustle of South Braddock Avenue.
This article has been update from its original version to reflect recent closures.
