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10+ Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh

  • April 26, 2023
  • | 10:14 AM

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Looking to try something new? Or tired of the same old routine? Well fear not because we have some fun new hidden gems in Pittsburgh that are seriously too good to pass up! Pittsburgh is constantly popping up with new restaurants, shops, and things to do. We could never be bored in this city! So grab a friend and hit the town!

Food & Drink

hidden gems in pittsburgh
📷 Secretos

Secretos

The most authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in the Burgh, Secretos is a hidden gem you must try. These family recipes are packed with flavor and fun. We recommend the tacos but you really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. They even have vegan, gluten free, and vegetarian options.

Hours & Location

Monday–Tuesday | Closed
Wednesday–Friday | 11:00am–7:00pm
Saturday–Sunday | 1:00pm–7:00pm

📍1334 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh

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small businesses in pittsburgh

Barb's Corner Kitchen

If diners are your thing (or even if they’re not), then Barb’s Corner Kitchen is the place for you. Their breakfast is just what the doctor ordered, and you can’t go wrong with lunch either. Choose from all the breakfast classics plus their daily specials. If you want a seat, get there early on the weekends or else you may be waiting around for a while. But it’s definitely worth the wait!

Hours & Location

Sunday–Monday | 11:00am–3:00pm
Tuesday | 5:00am–3:00pm
Wednesday | 9:00am–3:00pm
Thursday | 5:00am–3:00pm
Friday | 9:00am–3:00pm
Saturday | 5:00am–3:00pm
Sunday | 7:00am–2:00pm

📍4711 Butler St, Pittsburgh

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pittsburgh local love list
📷 La Palapa

La Palapa

Bringing traditional Mexican fare to the Burgh, La Palapa is the place to be. Tucked away in South Side, when you walk into this Mexican oasis, you’ll think you walked into a different country. Painted in bright colors with beautiful art all over the place. Plus their burritos are next level!

Hours & Location

Monday | Closed
Tuesday–Thursday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Friday–Saturday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Sunday | 12:00pm–9:00pm

📍2224 E Carson St, Pittsburgh

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Ice Cream at Churn

Churn

Churn has been churning out 1000+ different delicious handmade ice cream flavors since 2015! There are three different locations here in Pittsburgh with the first located in Gibsonia. Grab some coffee and a scoop (or two) with friends, coworkers, or family today!

Hours & Location

Monday–Friday | 6:00am–9:00pm
Saturday | 7:00am–9:00pm
Sunday | 7:30am–9:00pm
📍Gibsonia | Richland Mall

Monday–Friday | 7:00am–9:00pm
Saturday | 7:00am–9:00pm
Sunday | 8:00am–9:00pm
📍Southside Flats | East Carson St

Monday–Friday | 6:30am–9:00pm
Saturday | 7:00am–9:00pm
Sunday | 8:00am–9:00pm
📍Fox Chapel | Hartwood Town Centre 

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More Food & Drink Hidden Gems

Girasole Restaurant

Dor-Stop Restaurant

Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

Piccolo Forno

Food Shoppe

Point Brugge Café

Lot 17

Things to Do

hidden gems in pittsburgh
📷 Liberty Magic

Liberty Magic

Do you believe in magic? We surely do! Liberty Magic is a show like you’ve never seen. There’s card tricks, there’s slight of hand, and sometimes there’s even fire! Located in the heart of Downtown, this is the perfect date night adventure or night out with friends. If you’re looking to spice up your social life, check out their show times every Wednesday through Sunday. It’s definitely a show you won’t want to miss!

Location

📍811 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh

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hidden gems in pittsburgh
📷 Kickback Pinball Cafe

Kickback Pinball Cafe

Hidden in plain sight on Butler Street in Lawrenceville, Kickback Pinball Cafe is one of our favorite hidden gems in Pittsburgh. Of course, there are pinball machines to play to your heart’s desire, but they also serve delicious coffee and tea and food! Stop in for breakfast or lunch and enjoy games while you’re there. You can even join in on their weekly tournaments!

Hours & Location

Monday | Closed
Tuesday | 10:00am–11:00pm
Wednesday | 10:00am–11:00pm
Thursday | 10:00am–11:00pm
Friday | 10:00am–11:00pm
Saturday | 10:00am–11:00pm
Sunday | 10:00am–7:00pm

📍4326 Butler St, Pittsburgh

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hidden gems in pittsburgh
📷 Trust Oasis

Trust Oasis

Tucked away in the heart of Downtown, the Trust Oasis is the perfect place to just be. Walk through the pop-up arts experience among some of the famous Pittsburgh skyscrapers. While you’re there, you can go see a show at the Benedum Center or grab a bite to eat at one of our favorite downtown restaurants. It’s also a great spot to sit down and enjoy your lunch on a nice day.

Location

📍803 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh

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📷 The Manor Theatre

The Manor Theatre

The Manor Theatre opened its doors in 1927. Featuring historic architectural details, the theatre gives current viewers a small taste of what it felt like to attend a movie during the silent film era. With only 4 movie screens total, each viewing room has a small-town type feel and they have a full-service bar! As of 2011, it’s the only neighborhood theatre still operational in Squirrel Hill. The Manor Theatre opened during the Great Depression, has survived recessions, bad weather, and even COVID-19. Its resilience is symbolic to the neighborhood and just one of the reasons why it made our hidden gems in Pittsburgh list.

Location

📍1729 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh

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More Hidden Gem Things to Do

Mr. Smalls Funhouse & Theatre

Arsenal Bowling Lanes

The Nationality Rooms 

Co-Sign Speakeasy

Paradise Island Beach Bowl

The City of Asylum

The Murals of Maxo Vanka

Rivers of Steel’s Carrie Blast Furnace 

Big Mac Museum

Johnny Angel’s Ginchy Stuff

Shops

hidden gems in pittsburgh

The Farmer's Daughter Flowers

The cutest little shop that you ever did see! Although they are known for being a flower shop, The Farmer’s Daughter has SO much more to offer. It’s the perfect place for small gifts and trinkets (and you know we love to treat ourselves!). Their flowers and arrangements are also amazing. You really can’t go wrong with anything in this store.

Hours & Location

Monday | Closed
Tuesday | 11:00am–7:00pm
Wednesday | 11:00am–7:00pm
Thursday | 11:00am–7:00pm
Friday | 11:00am–7:00pm
Saturday | 10:00pm–4:00pm
Sunday | 10:00pm–4:00pm

📍502 East Ohio St, Pittsburgh

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small businesses in Pittsburgh

Shop Emily M

Who doesn’t love stickers? We know we do! Shop Emily M is tucked away in the Lawrenceville Market House on Butler Street. There is a little something for everyone and everything is made to last. Make sure you check out the Pittsburgh collection and follow on Instagram to see all the new sticker and magnet designs!

Hours & Location

Monday | Closed
Tuesday | Closed
Wednesday | Closed
Thursday | 11:00am–7:00pm
Friday | 11:00am–7:00pm
Saturday | 11:00am–7:00pm
Sunday | Closed

📍4112 Butler St, Pittsburgh

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But Wait, There's More!

These hidden gems in Pittsburgh prove that the City of Champions is a true melting pot of history, diversity and culture. Seeing beloved family-run local businesses continue to succeed is just one of the many reasons to fall in love with this area. For more fun things to do in Pittsburgh, be sure to download our app, as well as, follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Curated by

Emelie Gatti

Emelie Gatti

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