Another popular spot, that is a must skate, is Oxford Plaza and the Grant Street planters (301 Grant Street). The best thing about these spots is that they are right next to each other, and are two of the most fun spots to skate in the downtown area. Oxford Plaza has an abundance of buttery ledges, ranging in different heights. Having some of the best ledges in the downtown district, Oxford is a solid meet up spot if you’re trying to skate around the city. Unfortunately, security is usually pretty hot at this spot, even at times one would not think they would be. Most of the time you’ll get a solid half hour in before anyone bothers you. If you do get kicked out, the Grant Street planters are conveniently located in the front of the building and security won’t say a thing. The planters run down all of Grant Street with wallride banks on either side, and are easily the most fun things to skate downtown. Police will occasionally say something to you, but as long as you tell them you are staying in the street, they will most likely be cool about it. However, there is always the off chance that one might get in your face and tell you how unsafe it is to be in the street, even if the road is totally dead. It’s the luck of the draw there. Usually you’ll be able to get away with skating there with no repercussions. Make sure to skate these spots if you are making your way through downtown, you can have fun for hours on end. Pittsburgh’s Best Eats: One thing that Pittsburgh is full of is goodeats for sure. Pittsburgh’s ultimate claim to fame is the ‘almost famous’ Primanti Brothers sandwich (46 18th Street in the Strip District). Serving sandwiches that are as big your head, piled high with French fries, coleslaw, your favorite meat, and maybe even a fried egg if your feeling creative, it is one place that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Although the original Primanti’s is located in the Strip District, there are several other locations throughout Downtown, Southside and the other surrounding neighborhoods.
Nick Panza [180 nosegrind]
Another spot that all Pittsburghers are familiar with is Fiori’s Pizza (103 Capital Avenue), serving some of the best pizza around for a price that will not empty out your wallet. Located right outside of the city, people from all around the Pittsburgh area flock to this legendary spot, waiting in rush hour traffic just to get a slice. As a bonus, there are a handful of skate spots within walking distance, including a downhill gap to ledge that is only a few storefronts up the road. Along with Fiori’s, another good pizza spot is Pizza Sola (1470 East Carson Street). It is a little bit on the pricey side, but you will not be disappointed with the product. Ranging from pepperoni to famous white pizza topped off with tomatoes and spinach, they have a wide selection and slices large enough to justify the price. Conveniently located on the same block as One Up Skate Shop, it is a good place to grab a quick slice before hitting the streets.
Deion Bricker [ollie] Dan Peindl [wallride]
If pizza is not your thing and you want to go outside the box, there are plenty of places throughout the Strip District and Southside to keep your hunger satisfied. One of my personal favorites is Cambod-ican (1701 East Carson Street), a Cambodian and American style restaurant with a creative menu that is sure to impress. Serving dishes such as chicken on a stick or their interpretation of the ever so popular ‘surf and turf,’ Cambod-ican is filled with friendly faces and is worth every dime. Plus, on the weekends Cambod-ican is open until the early hours of the morning for those who want a satisfying midnight snack after hitting the bars. Pittsburgh’s Nightlife: If you are pushing down the streets of Southside, one will run in to more bars than probably ever seen before. The Southside district of Pittsburgh is home to almost eighty bars and pubs scattered down East Carson Street, each one with a unique feel. If you happen to be in the area on a Saturday, you are sure to see some crazy people and a good handful of drunks having a great time. With the two largest skate shops in Pittsburgh located in South Side, you will always find yourself cruising around the area, day and night. If bars are not your thing, or if you are under 21, there are several colleges spread across the Pittsburgh area, making for awesome parties every weekend. Local Plugs: One Up Skate Shop (1409 East Carson Street) is a great place to stop if you are coming through town. Carrying local companies such as Scumco & Sons and Bad Habits, they are always trying to help the local guys out. Recently celebrating its ten-year anniversary, One Up is run by the homie Greg Pasquarella, a dude that really cares about skateboarding and always has a smile on his face when you walk into the shop. If you ever need anything skateboarding related, or just want to have a fun conversation with some cool dudes while you are visiting the Burgh, make sure you stop by One Up.