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NorthEast => Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival => Topic started by: amy on February 08, 2012, 02:54:12 PM

Title: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: amy on February 08, 2012, 02:54:12 PM
Hello there!  I am being sent to Pittsburgh for training at work starting Feb 27th through March 2nd.  Anyone have recommendations for places to eat or things I might try to squeeze in my couple off evening hours?   Anyone ever wanted to meet a fellow Rennie from Alabama!  Any M'Cracks in the area?  Let me know!
Thank you!  Amy
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: Rogue Hidesmith on February 09, 2012, 06:41:18 AM
Sheetz is the go-to convenience store if you run into one. Always clean and the food is good. If you are able to, check out primanti brothers. They're the ones with giant pastrami-and-french-fry sandwiches

Also, the Carnegie Museums are really nice. They recently redid the entire dinosaur exhibit and it's just fantastic now.
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: arbcoind on February 09, 2012, 07:05:16 AM
Amy where exactly are you staying in Pittsburgh?  If I know that, I can direct you to some fun things. 

Gina
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: amy on February 09, 2012, 09:27:58 AM
Oooooo Pastriami!!!   I am a Clevelander transplanted to Alabama, so I miss a good deli!

I am going to be staying at the Sprng Hill Suites on Federal Street.  I assume that is downtown.  Thanks for the tips!
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: arbcoind on February 09, 2012, 10:54:22 AM
Amy you will be on the "North Shore" of Pittsburgh which is home to PNC Park, Heinz Field, Stage AE and the Carnegie Science Center.  You will be a short ride (across the Allegheny River) from Downtown as well.  Will you have a car or rely on public transportation?

So what are you looking to do in the evening hours that you have?  Sightseeing?  Shopping?  Dining?  Partying?  Let me know and I can make suggestions.

Also the end of February/beginning of March is our dead of winter.  Plan on cold weather, but you already know that if you've lived in Cleveland.

Gina

Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: amy on February 13, 2012, 09:52:06 AM
Actually it is PNC I am coming to work for!  And unfortunately my suitcase will be nothing but sweaters and boots.  I think eating will be our best choice of things to do.  Early classes and all will prohibit the party times.  Won't have a car but may have access to a cab or use in the group of a rental.  If you could point me toward one fun restaurant I could be the hero of one evening.
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: arbcoind on February 13, 2012, 11:49:34 AM
http://www.google.com/url?q=http://jeromebettisgrille36.g3restaurants.com/&sa=U&ei=lUs5T8f8Asi1tweUy6SfAg&ved=0CBMQFjAA&usg=AFQjCNGnfFNjDgkboz0_5UMu5anAxRjOiA

Amy, I recommend Jerome Bettis Grille 36.  It's on the North Shore and near PNC Park.  Also, very important to note...you must call ahead for a taxi unless there is a taxi stand in front of your hotel.  Yellow Cab is a reliable service:

http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.pghtrans.com/yellow_cab.cfm&sa=U&ei=KUw5T6TBDZOJtwekn6DKAg&ved=0CBUQFjAB&usg=AFQjCNGX2ZYdOr1FrnQZ74_TSTrOie27SQ

Do not expect to walk out of somewhere and hail a cab.

If you have any more questions, please ask.

Gina


Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: amy on February 13, 2012, 01:29:12 PM
Thank you!   Already that last tidbit of info could save the day for us!   Terrific.  I appreciate you taking the time to help me out!  I'll check out the restaurant and look forward to at least one good night after classes!
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: arbcoind on February 14, 2012, 06:33:11 AM
Amy, you are welcome.  I hope you enjoy your visit to Pittsburgh.  Again, if you need more information, I'd be happy to help.

Gina
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: Alaric on February 17, 2012, 11:27:10 AM
I second Gina's suggestion of the Jerome Bettis Grille 36. It is crazy good.

If you can get over the river to the strip District you need to try primanti brothers

(http://unbreaded.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/primanti-brothers.jpg)
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: Laird Fraser of Lovatt on February 17, 2012, 12:21:54 PM
Don't forget to hit the "Dirty O"!  The Original Hot Dog Stand... located in Oakland, just off the U of Pittsburgh campus.  Some of the best shoe string french fries and meatball hoagies in the world!  Spent many a night eatting baskets of O fries and sucking down pitchers of Bass Ale...  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: amy on February 17, 2012, 03:46:57 PM
Now y'all are teasing me!!!  I am a Clevelander by birth and for the first 32 years..  but I sure like being a transplant down here in Dixie.   But I have put aside my Browns fanaticism to come to Steeler territory.... I sure am tempted by good Northern Deli food and Dogs.  Wow that stuff looks fantastic.  I can smell it already!
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: Lady Gryphon on February 18, 2012, 12:03:09 AM
Amy if you all are looking for someplace a little fancier to eat.  There use to be a Place across Pen Ave from Heinz hall.  Great food.  I use to eat there when I went up to plays and other things in the Cultural District. It was Called Bravo Franko's, might be another name now.  I met John Williams in there one night after his concert at Heinze Hall. Pittsburgh has a great Cultural District, check it out on line before you go. You may even catch a good play or something while you're there.

I'm another transplanted Ohioan.  I miss the big city of the "BURGH.
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: Laird Fraser of Lovatt on February 18, 2012, 07:06:23 AM
I've lived in Houston, Texas, for almost half my life... but The Burgh will always be my home.  ;D
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: lordwriothsley on February 18, 2012, 09:58:16 AM
Amy....As far as M'Cracks go I don't think you'll find any in the Pittsburgh area as I don't think that we have a chapter up there yet, but I do know for a fact that we do have one in the area that PARF is located in if you wanna try to find some to meet up with there now. Hope that helps a little.  :)
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: Capt Spleen on February 18, 2012, 10:34:33 AM
Kaya was one of the top 25 restaurants in 2011, just up the street from Primanti Bro's......

http://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/Pittsburgh-Magazine/June-2011/25-Best-Restaurants-in-Pittsburgh-2011/index.php?cparticle=3&siarticle=2#artanc

The strip district is also a great place to spend an afternoon walking, window shopping, People watching, eating seafood at Wholly's on Penn ave

On the Monongahela river across from downtown (dauntaun - Pittsburgh-ese pronunciation) is the Grand Concourse at the Smithfield Street Bridge in Station Square. River room gets you a city view from across the river, but the main area is more sumptuous.

http://www.muer.com/grand-concourse/index.asp

And the Gandy Dancer lounge is attached (great seafood).
After a meal here go across the way to the Station Square shops to walk off the meal, then across the street to ride the Monongahela incline up the mountain, and take in the city view from atop Mt. Washington.

http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/things_to_do/p/mon_incline.htm

By the way the above link has many other links and is a great reference pertaining to all things Pittsburgh.

And on the city's Southside is the Hofbrau house. Great beer here too, my favorite is their Hefe.

Traditional German Bier Hall with live entertainment nightly. Lunchtime entertainment provided for tour groups.

The Bräustüberl, a quiet dining room with Old World German ambiance. Seating up to 120.
Large festive Bier Garden with a great view of the river and the Pittsburgh skyline.

Unique group menus featuring German and American favorites. Lunches from $8.49 and dinners from $16.99 per person.

http://www.hofbrauhauspittsburgh.com/



Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: Capt Spleen on February 18, 2012, 10:58:58 AM
TOP 10 PITTSBURGH MUST SEES

http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/attractions/tp/must_see.htm
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: amy on February 19, 2012, 11:55:33 AM
Thank you all!    I will surely do my best to get out and experience a bit of Pittsburgh while I visit.    And I'll have laptop with me so I'll check in for details.   Gotta love the Rennie Connections!
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: kcdcchef on February 20, 2012, 10:17:31 AM
Jerome Bettis food on the north shore is terrible. Only reason to go there is if you are a Steeler fan. Been three times ( I live downtown Pitts, right across river ) every time food is mediocore at very best. Get off North Shore and head into downtown Pittsburgh, mile away. You can walk across Federal Street across the Clemente Bridge and be in downtown. DO IT, food is MUCH BETTER. I have no idea why any Pittsburgher would reccomend Bettis's, unless they never come downtown.  If you don't believe me, read the yelp reviews. Not flattering. http://www.yelp.com/biz/jerome-bettis-grille-36-pittsburgh#query:Jerome%20Bettis%20Grill

Go to Market Square. 14 new restaurants in a year. They redid it, and it is marvelous.

Wingharts Burgers and Whiskey Bar - recently voted best burger in Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh Magazine. Killer burger, $9 burger mind you, but its hand ground strip loin and sirloin, excellent toppings like Garlic Aoili, arugula, sauteed onions and shroomage, great stuff. Bun is brioche, so buttery and soft. Then hand cut fries, fresh soups ad chil, awesome, AWESOME stuff.

NOLA - French creole cuisine, as in NewolrleansLouisiana. Great stuff. Spent over a million dollars just redoing the space, and it's splendied. Battered alligator bites are great, best vegan French Onion soup in the world, the bread pudding is so soft it floats down your throat, and the scallops mac daddy ( scallops and mac and cheese ) is to die for. Prepare for a loud spot, as there are always 100+ hanging out. But a really fun time. Great music, Live music, exceptional food.

Las Velas - Pittsburghs authentic Mexican. Great home made Mexican food, guy brought his mother's recipes from south Mexico and trained chefs to replicate. They serve a plethora of flaming items. The mole is awesome, margaritas HUGE, atmosphere amazing, and it gives you a rooftop view of Market Square.

Taste of Dahntahn- ( Pittsburghs pronounciation of Downtown ) awesome, AWESOME. Wow. Don't know how else to describe it. The 165 year old building was just about to fall over, literally, covered with over a century of grime. It was black, thats how dirty it was. ( was an old National City bank branch too, ha! ) And this group came in and made it into a rat pack era type place, you feel like Sammy Davis Jr or Sinatra are going to come in. Stage in back of dining room where there's entertainment on weekends. Food is a simple menu but executed and then some. Menu is a LED menu, like a kindle. It is so neat. Best atmosphere anywhere. Last time I had this baked chicken and risotto with baby broccoli, simple dish, but melted inmy mouth. ANd the bread has this cheesey airy texture, so good.

Rink at PPG Place - It's an open air outdoor ice skating rink in the middle of downtown Pittsburgh. Will be open for another 4 weeks, til' March 11 or 18. Go skating there, its wonderful. 95' diamond shaped rink. Music playing, and in the heart of the PPG office complex, so you are skating in the midst of these 4 mirrored art deco skyscrapers, wonderful time.

http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/calendar/monthly/2012/3
I attached the link for the Cultural Trust, wonderful shows going on the whole time you're in. Right across the river from your hotel, you'll be in downtown, and there are world class theaters everywhere right there once across the river. So many shows to see and avail yourself of. I highly recccomend taking in a show while there if you can.

While attending a show, right there on 6th, there are a number of cheap and awesome dining options. Salonikas Greek, simple gyros, Greek specialties, wings, hoagies, good stuff. India Palace- traditional Indian cuisine. Great stuff. And the best pizza in downtown Pittshurgh, Giovanni's. Great pie.

Shopping - downtown Pittsburgh has exceptional shopping available, more than most cities our size. A Saks ( closing, but open til' May ) Macy's, Burlington, Brooks Brothers, and many other small retailers along with Fifth/Wood corridor.

And lastly, the Pittsburgh Strip. If you wanna find out what Pittsburgh is, go to the Strip. Wow, WOW, WOW. Such local flavor. You have a Mexican restaurant that cooks tacos streetside along with fruit smoothies, a Korean barbecue where they cook chicken on a stick in the street with bean pancakes, you have cookies for sale, pastries, Greek food, Spanish markets, at least half a dozen Mexican/Latin American Markets, can't even count how many Asian markets, fresh fish markets, and inside the main fish market, Wholey's, they have battered fish, sushi, great stuff. Also Pittsburgh Public Market, Pittsburgh's answer for Pike Place in Seattle. Great coffee in the strip, Pittsburgh Popcorn is to die for, popcorn flavored in a million ways, Reese's is the best. Chocolate, peanut butter, and popcorn mixed together, need I say more? Mullaney's Harp and Fiddle in the Strip is as authentic Irish as you'll find in the States, has Irish dancing, Irish music, trivia nite, all sorts of fun stuff. And you'll be in close to Saint Paddy's.

Enjoy the Burgh! If you need someone to do dinner with to avoid boredom, I'm sure the wife would allow us to join you!
Good luck!!!!
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: Lady Gryphon on February 20, 2012, 08:56:45 PM
what he said!
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: kcdcchef on February 20, 2012, 10:49:10 PM
did you agree with me on the Bettis part, or have you been?
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: Lady Gryphon on February 20, 2012, 11:00:32 PM
I've never been to Bettis, but I agree on everything else.  I love Pittsburgh.  Living in the South, I miss being able to drive into the Burgh ANY weekend and find somethng awesome going on. 

Since I haven't been there in something like 5 years, I was more or less Yielding to your information, because you are much more knowledgeable about what is NOW in the Burgh than I am. And if and when I ever get back that way.  I'm going to re-read this thread and take Lord Dragon up there for a weekend.

Thanks for the new info.
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: kcdcchef on February 21, 2012, 01:28:42 AM
Quote from: Lady Gryphon on February 20, 2012, 11:00:32 PM
I've never been to Bettis, but I agree on everything else.  I love Pittsburgh.  Living in the South, I miss being able to drive into the Burgh ANY weekend and find somethng awesome going on. 

Since I haven't been there in something like 5 years, I was more or less Yielding to your information, because you are much more knowledgeable about what is NOW in the Burgh than I am. And if and when I ever get back that way.  I'm going to re-read this thread and take Lord Dragon up there for a weekend.

Thanks for the new info.

what part of the South? I lived in DC for over 10 years, it was wonderful. Too darned hot in the summer, but so beautiful. Love Virginia, going skiing there this week.
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: arbcoind on February 21, 2012, 07:04:39 AM
http://www.google.com/url?q=http://northshore.tiltedkilt.com/&sa=U&ei=spVDT7joOI_NtgeDwpzfBQ&ved=0CBEQFjAA&usg=AFQjCNFvGNGLSRJVnTT6yR8JM9mbMMtaUA

Amy, I know you are probably in overload over all the suggestions, but I have another.  I haven't been to The Tilted Kilt, but it looks like a fun place.  It's in the same building as The Bettis Grille 36.

Gina
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: amy on February 21, 2012, 10:53:09 AM
I have come to the undoubted conclusion that you folks like your town and you love to get your grub on!  (as they say down here in Alabama).     Seems I can't go wrong no matter where I end up.  I do hope some of the other students don't want to sleep with me for that week!    Thank you sooo much for all this valuable information.  I don't know why I was ever worried about visiting Pittsburgh in February!   hahaha..

Oh yes.. I see me at the Tilted Kilt!  Sounds a bit dangerous for a "checker" like me!
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: arbcoind on February 21, 2012, 10:58:47 AM
Amy, we love da 'burgh!  I think you will find the people of this city and surrounding area to be very friendly and helpful.  So once you arrive, please don't be afraid to question a local about an interest of yours.  They most likely will be proud enough to help a visitor.

Gina
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: Countess Westmorland on February 21, 2012, 11:18:00 AM
Oh, It's too bad you won't be here on the 3rd.  Terry Griffith, the Irish Troubadour, is playing at Mullaney's Harp and Fiddle in the Strip District.  There will be People from the Pittsburgh Ren Faire and the Great Lakes Medieval Faire who always come out to play when he performs there.
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: amy on February 21, 2012, 02:44:24 PM
Oh poo!   GLMF was my home faire before I moved South.    What fun!
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: kcdcchef on February 21, 2012, 03:45:53 PM
Quote from: arbcoind on February 21, 2012, 07:04:39 AM
http://www.google.com/url?q=http://northshore.tiltedkilt.com/&sa=U&ei=spVDT7joOI_NtgeDwpzfBQ&ved=0CBEQFjAA&usg=AFQjCNFvGNGLSRJVnTT6yR8JM9mbMMtaUA

Amy, I know you are probably in overload over all the suggestions, but I have another.  I haven't been to The Tilted Kilt, but it looks like a fun place.  It's in the same building as The Bettis Grille 36.

Gina



http://www.yelp.com/biz/tilted-kilt-pittsburgh

yelp reviews of tilted kilt are far worse than bettis's. are you people trying to make amy go get the worst food in north america or something??!!
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: Merlin the Elder on February 21, 2012, 05:11:57 PM
It's been my experience that because bad news travels the fastest, some places may not get a fair shake on sites like Yelp, and a half-dozen reviews is hardly a good sampling, unless it just opened a day or so ago.  What did you dislike about the food when you ate there, kcdcchef?
Title: Re: Visiting Pittsburgh end of Feb
Post by: kcdcchef on February 21, 2012, 09:41:35 PM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on February 21, 2012, 05:11:57 PM
It's been my experience that because bad news travels the fastest, some places may not get a fair shake on sites like Yelp, and a half-dozen reviews is hardly a good sampling, unless it just opened a day or so ago.  What did you dislike about the food when you ate there, kcdcchef?

Jerome Bettis's - went 4 times now. Everytime it's because someone from out of town who is a Steeler fan wants to go. So been 4 times. Can detail all four.
First time - All four of us ordered maccaroni and cheese. It is one of their signature dishes, so they say. All four of them show up cold, not warm, COLD. All four were refrigerator cold. And cheese sauce was scorched. Same visit, ordered wings. Showed up half raw. Sent them back, showed them the pink meat, literally, inside the white part of the meat it was medium rare pink looking. Ordered boneless wings in their place. Showed up without being tossed in sauce. Drizzled over the top, what the hell?
Second time - Ordered their towering nachos. Literally sits 10" high on a plate, HUGE. All chips. No toppings, just chips, with the toppings sprinkled on the top. So you have 9.5" of chips, with the stuff sprinkled over the top. Not very much either. Then ordered the fried hoagie, a signature item. So greasy, and chewy, couldn't get through it.
Third Trip - ordered the burger, simple item. Ordered Medium. Well done, charred hard on the outside. Fries had no salt or pepper. Lettuce is wilted and has brown spots. Tomatoes were slimy.
Fourth Trip - ordered the cheesesteak, was burnt to a crisp. BURNT. Firecracker shrimp showed up boiled instead of friend, no breading. NONE.

Place sucks. Never go. Seriously. Food tastes like penitentiary food. And I know many places in PGH that have been open under a year that have a million reviews that are awesome. It really does stink. Very gimmicky.
Tilted kilt - been. Horrid. No atmosphere whatsoever. None. Hate to be this way because I want to support local institutions. I really do. But these ones arent worth it. Bettis's will be fine, it's cattycorner to the NFL stadium here. And the Tilted Kilt will do fine, it's in the party district area near the stadiums also, it'll do JUST fine. I really would like to return and say how awesome they have become. I really do.