Newcomers Guide to Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh City Paper

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ON THE COVER: Members of the boys and girls junior Three Rivers Rowing Association teams practice on the Allegheny River. CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

WELCOME TO PITTSBURGH! On the following pages, we'll teach you how to talk like a local, share tips to help you navigate your way around town, and take you on a tour of some of our favorite places in the city.

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PITTSBURGHESE DICTIONARY

How to translate the Yinzer vocabulary

OU HAVE PROBABLY NOTICED the T-shirts emblazoned with the word “yinz” being sold all over the city. Yes, it’s the Pittsburgh way to say “you all.” But please don’t start saying it. Please don’t say “yinz.” Pittsburghers are sometimes called Yinzers, and the word is unique to the region. But that doesn’t mean everyone says it all the time, and it’s not used like “y’all” is used in the South. Don’t walk into a bar, pull up a chair next to a stranger and say “What do yinz like to drink here?” No one actually talks like that; you will just join a bunch of other annoying newcomers who are trying too hard to fit in. Pittsburghese is a bit more complicated than just replacing commonly understood words with region-specific words. Yes, some yinzers call vacuums “sweepers” and shopping carts “buggies.” But there is a thick accent, a lot of mumbling, and just a general attitude that takes some time to embody. For one, yinz usually leads off a sentence, as in “Yinz going out tonight?” There’s also an inflection where most sentences are spoken as if questions. Pittsburghers also talk fast and mumble, so sometimes it is difficult to even recognize Pittsburgh slang. The accent is a thing to behold. Words like “iron” aren’t pronounced “eye-urn” but instead like “arn.” The word “washed” is usually pronounced “worshd.” The word "steel" is pronounced like the word “still,” and sometimes Pittsburgh actually sounds like “Pixburgh.” The accent is too difficult to teach in one article, but here is a list of Pittsburghese words to use, broken down by when you should be comfortable saying them.

NEW TO PITTSBURGH (2 YEARS OR LESS)

N’at = and that An oft-used extender to just about any sentence. “We were watching the Pirates and drinking beer, n’at.” Of course, like yinz, “and that” isn’t even a particularly common phrase in standard English, but generally n’at is a more or less meaningless casual phrase to tag on to the end of a sentence, like “and whatnot.” You also might see it as a bumper sticker, spelled "n@."

Slippy = Slippery

Sweeper = vacuum Also, the verb "sweep" is used when vacuuming, which is a bit confusing when saying “I emptied out the sweeper and swept the carpet.”

Jumbo = bologna lunch meat Probably the preferred way to order bologna at the deli counter. “I’ll take one pound of jumbo, thinly sliced.”

Pop = soft drink Also called soda, "pop" is mostly used at old-school places where chipped ham is probably also on the menu.

Simple, and used all the time in winter. “Careful: The sidewalk is slippy.”

TRUE YINZER

Crik = creek Used for just about any flowing body of water smaller than a river. “Just have the kids go play near the crik.”

(WHEN YOU KNOW THE CENTURY III CHEVROLET JINGLE AND CAN SPEAK IN AN ACCENT)

Jagoff = jerk

Redd up = clean, tidy up

The best yinzer word that everyone can use without judgment. “Quit being a jagoff and let the car merge into the lane.”

Used by old, yinzer parents when they want you to clean your room. “Your grandparents are coming over so go upstairs and redd up your room.”

Chipped-Chopped Ham (chipped ham) = processed lunch meat made from ham pieces, trimmings, and spices. Usually eaten on a sandwich, sometimes with barbecue sauce called “ham barbecue.”

INTERMEDIATE (3-5 YEARS, STARTING TO MUMBLE MORE)

Nebby = nosy, prying Used to describe your most gossip-loving coworker, primarily used when referring to personal, yet trivial details. “Stop being so nebby about my date last night.”

Buggy = shopping cart As simple as that but said more authentically with a slight accent. “Go aht [more on that later] an’ grab me a buggy.” 8 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Gumband = rubber band A dying word that is rarely heard anymore. “There are extra gumbands in the top drawer.”

Yinz = you all Only used naturally by the most seasoned yinzers, and never really emphasized as a major part of any sentence. Use wisely.

Dippy = appropriate level for dipping into Mostly used when ordering eggs over easy. “I’ll take an order of dippy eggs with some toast.”

Jeet jet = Did you eat yet? Best said with such a thick accent that most people can’t understand you.

Aht = out. Self explanatory.

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STILLERS. YINZER. REDD UP. N’AT. GIT AHTA TAHN! t’s no secret that Pittsburgh (or Pixburgh, as some say) has a lot of character. From the pronunciation and colloquialisms that define Pittsburghese to the architectural charm in our turn-ofthe-last century buildings, the folks who make up this “big small town” welcome newcomers wholeheartedly. Pittsburghers are proud of their home and are eager to help their new friends find their way - both literally and figuratively.

arts program of exhibitions and workshops that gives folks a hands-on way to explore the site. Photo Safaris may be the most popular of their workshops and are open to all skill levels, but even novices can get involved in learning how to cast hot metal sculptures or try their hand at grafﬁti style-writing, inspired by the guerrilla arts culture which existed there. This place may be rusty, but it’s certainly not musty!

For those looking to learn more about the culture of the Steel City, Rivers of Steel is a great place to start. A heritage nonprofit, Rivers of Steel was founded in the late 1980s to preserve the industrial and cultural legacy of a region that was transitioning away from the “Big Steel” era. Basically, their task was to be a steward of the region’s stories, to make sure the workers who made the steel that built the 20th century were not forgotten. Over the years, they’ve done that and so much more.

If you are interested in discovering more about the region’s history, the PGH 101: An Intro to Innovation sightseeing tour on Rivers of Steel’s Explorer riverboat is not to be missed. This 90-minute, live narrated tour travels on all three of Pittsburgh’s rivers, connecting the dots between the region’s landscape and its people to the legacy of innovation and the dynamic city it has become. There’s no better way to take in the beauty of Pittsburgh’s skyline than from a tour on the world’s first green passenger riverboat - it was built to LEED standards, talk about innovation!

Today, locals and visitors alike can visit

Photo Credit: Carly McCoy

ﬁve different Rivers of Steel attractions to experience Pittsburgh from a unique perspective. A steward of three National Historic Landmarks, Rivers of Steel’s most dynamic location is the Carrie Blast Furnaces, situated on the Monongahela River just east the city.

iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, San Francisco’s Bay Bridge and the Panama Canal. Industrial tours of the site share the stories of the site’s technology, its workers, and their culture. Many of them are led by former steelworkers.

This former iron-mill was part of the infamous U.S. Steel Homestead Works, which churned out steel that helped to build

One of the most interesting things about this place is that it’s not just about history. Rivers of Steel offers up a world-class

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^ Boarding a Port Authority bus // CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

NEWCOMER

TRANSIT GUIDE

ETTING AROUND PITTSBURGH can be intimidating for anybody, but for transplants, it can be a bewildering, anxiety-laden endeavor. Many streets have small road signs or none at all, and some intersections resemble deformed starﬁsh instead of typical four-way stops with trafﬁc signals. The hills don’t make anything easier. The confusion can lead newcomers to avoid venturing beyond their local neighborhoods. But Pittsburgh City Paper wants our new residents to explore our wonderful city, with its scores of distinct neighborhoods, lively public parks, and cultural institutions. To take in all these attractions, CP offers this handy guide of different ways to get around Pittsburgh, including some well-worn tips and lesser-known shortcuts.

PUBLIC TRANSIT If you are a student at University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, or Chatham University, and you aren’t taking the bus or the T (what we call our light-rail system), you’re throwing money down the drain. Students and faculty at those universities can tap their school IDs aboard buses, light-rail cars, and the incline for free rides. Students at Carlow University, Point Park University, and Robert Morris University can ride for $1 after 7 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends, as long as they present their IDs and pay in cash. For non-students, especially those living in neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, East Liberty, Shadyside, or Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh public transit is surprisingly good. To ride the bus, wait at a designated stop (look for a small blue sign). If there are cars parked near your stop or you are waiting in a shelter, it’s wise to step out to the curb as your bus arrives, so the driver can see you. Track the progress of your route using the Transit App (live-tracking 12 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

routes are indicated by flashing lines next to the bus route number). The app allows users to enter destinations or save favorite routes so it’s easy to spot when your bus is on its way. Remember to make sure which direction the bus is heading, inbound or outbound. Most routes travel to Downtown and back out. Toward Downtown is “inbound,” out of Downtown is “outbound.” For routes that don’t travel Downtown, like the 54 and 64, inbound routes travel north, and outbound routes travel south. When your bus arrives, enter through the front door and pay by tapping your student ID or ConnectCard (visit www.connectcard.org to find where to purchase a ConnectCard), or pay cash. It’s $2.50 for a one-way trip using a ConnectCard and $2.75 if you’re paying in cash. Transfers are $1 and can only be used with a ConnectCard. When your stop is near, pull the cord near the windows or hit the small red button near a rear exit to request a stop. Exit through any door. >>

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TOUR PITTSBURGH It's OK to play tourist for a day. Even locals do it from time to time. There are a lot of great options for exploring the city on a guided tour without having to navigate traffic. Here are a few of our favorites:

Hitch a ride on one of the boats of the Gateway Clipper fleet (gatewayclipper.com). Sightseeing tours are offered April through December. The Gateway Clipper also offers themed cruises for kids and grownups alike, including holiday cruises and shuttes to and from each of PNC Park and Heinz Field. Want a view of the city from the river while touring Downtown? Check out a Just Ducky Tour (justduckytours.com). Catch a ride on a DUKW — pronounced "duck," and a World War II amphibious vehicle —at Station Square and learn fun facts about Pittsburgh while cruising our "City of Champions." Tour the city in a 1920's style trolley. Molly's Trolleys (mollystrolleyspgh.com) has been taking visitors on sightseeing tours of the city for 20 years. They're fully-enclosed and are handicapped accessible upon request. Hop on and off during a tour aboard The Pittsburgh Tour Company (pghtours.com). The double-decker buses take guests on a tour of the city with 21 stops that passengers can get on and off at their own pace as they explore. 14 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

^ Healthy Ride bikes in Downtown Pittsburgh

TRANSIT ON TWITTER Riding the light rail around Downtown or to the North Side is free. If you continue riding across the Monongahela River and into the South Hills, you have to pay ($2.50 using ConnectCard or $2.75 cash) at the front of the car. Currently, riders from the South Hills heading inbound pay as they enter, and outbound riders pay as they exit. At “low-level” stations, riders pay in the car; others have station agents outside the car to take your ticket. After the station agents go home, everyone pays in the car. It sounds complicated, but you’ll get acclimated quicker than you think. More information about Pittsburgh’s public transit can be found at www.portauthority.org.

@PGHtransit The official Twitter feed of Port Authority of Allegheny County. Follow for updates on delays, detours, and closures.

@PGH_BUS_INFO A third-party transit info Twitter feed, providing updates and news on Pittsburgh transit.

@BIKEPGH Bicycle advocacy group that provides frequent updates on bike-related news and events.

BIKING Pittsburgh has been beefing up its bike infrastructure, and as a result, the network is getting safer and more convenient with more protected bike lanes. When cycling, remember to follow Pennsylvania state driving rules and learn to use your hand signals when turning and stopping. It’s recommended that you ride in bike lanes and in the right-hand section of roads, but this is NOT a requirement. Anytime cyclists feel the need (especially if they feel unsafe on the road), they are entitled to take the entire driving lane. Local bike-advocacy organization Bike Pittsburgh recently updated its Biking 101 guide with expert tips; you can pick up a guide for free from your local public library or at the Bike Pittsburgh offices in Lawrenceville. Bike Pittsburgh also has a list of how-to videos available at bikepgh.org. The website has a map of the city that provides all the best and safest cycling routes; paper copies of the map are widely available at bike stores. If you don’t own a bike, Healthy Ride has you covered. The bike-share company has more than 100 stations located throughout the city and most are in neighborhoods familiar to newcomers (Downtown, Oakland, Lawrenceville, East Liberty, and the Strip District); a station map and instructions on how to ride are available at healthyridepgh.com. Healthy Ride costs $2 for 30 minutes, and bikes can now be returned to any station, regardless of whether docks are available (just insert the bike lock into the front-wheel base and hit the “OK” button on the bike’s keypad). Free 15 minute rides are available to users who tap their

Port Authority ConnectCard (register the card as a kiosk or Healthy Ride office). Membership costs $12 a month and includes unlimited 30-minute rides.

DRIVING If you want to drive, CP advises studying the route before heading out. Driving in Pittsburgh is filled with insufficiently marked intersections and weird rules. Stay alert for Pittsburgh’s many one-way streets and turn-only lanes. There are also some bus-only lanes, like on Fifth Avenue in Oakland and Smithfield Street Downtown, so keep an eye out. Drive the speed limit, respect cyclists on the road, and watch for pedestrians — there are a lot of pedestrians in Pittsburgh, particularly in the city. Beware of the infamous “Pittsburgh Left.” The practice — in which a driver going straight will allow a left-turning driver on the other side of the intersection to go first at a green light — is becoming less fashionable, but it still occurs. Pittsburgh freeway onramps are also notoriously short and Pittsburghers aren’t great at merging. Keep your head up, but expect people merging just to come to a complete stop before entering the lane. Merge points on the Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne Bridges in Downtown are pretty hectic. Slow down and be courteous. If we all realize that we have places to be and different methods to get there, our respective journeys will be less stressful and safer.

^ Waiting for the bus // CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

WALKING Pittsburgh is a walking town. According to U.S. Census figures, about 11 percent of residents commute via two feet, one of the highest percentages in the country. Ironically, however, the neighborhoods with high percentages of pedestrians, like Oakland and the South Side, don’t always feel safe for walkers. CP advises walkers to always look both ways, even when given a walk signal, and keep your eyes on cars as much as you can. Intersections on Fifth Avenue in Oakland should be crossed with caution since there’s a counter-flow, bus-only lane, and speeding among drivers is common. This also holds true for intersections on Baum Boulevard in Bloomfield, and Boulevard of the Allies, Downtown. Regardless, CP also wants to empower newcomers to walk. Walking is an effective way to get around Pittsburgh, since the city is relatively compact, and driving or taking public transit can sometimes be confusing. Also, the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota says regular, brisk walking comes with many health benefits, including prevention of heart disease and high blood pressure, as well as strengthening muscles and improving your mood. And if you live in Oakland, South Side, the Strip District, Downtown, or the North Side, CP suggests taking the trails. There is a convenient trail from Oakland to the South Side, a trail connecting South Side to Downtown, and trails that stretch from Downtown to the North Side, the Strip District, and even the neighboring suburb of Millvale. Visit riverlifepgh.org for a helpful guide to the trails.

RIDE-HAILING Since we live in a time of smartphone ubiquity, many are aware of how to use ride-hailing apps, which are pretty self-explanatory. Both Uber and Lyft service Pittsburgh, and apps can be downloaded from each company’s website. Pittsburgh also has a local taxi-run, ride-hailing app called zTrip. This service allows riders to request a ride in the moment or book ahead, and riders have the option to pay with cash or a credit card. Drivers at zTrip are also required to pass background checks, and rides never have surge pricing. The app can be downloaded at ztrip.com. Promo codes are available on each ride-hailing company’s website. NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2019 15

AROUND 'TAHN

It’s a beautiful day in these neighborhoods

T WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE for us to give you a comprehensive list of all of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods in this guide. That’s because there are 90 of them and they all offer visitors something unique. For this guide, we’re highlighting ten neighborhoods that you’re most likely to hear about when ﬁrst arriving to Pittsburgh. On the following pages, you’ll find some of our favorite restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues in the city. You’ll also ﬁnd websites we recommend bookmarking so you can take a deeper dive. It’s a good start to get you acquainted with locals and lots of things that make our city special. When you’re comfortable, venture out to the neighborhoods we didn’t get a chance to cover here, like Polish Hill, Wilkinsburg, Beechview, and Mount Washington. (Aahhhh! Too many to name!) Keep track of them all year round by picking up a Pittsburgh City Paper every Wednesday (it’s always free). Visit pghcitypaper.com for new content every day to learn more about this beautiful city we’re proud to call home.

BLOOMFIELD-GARFIELD 18 DOWNTOWN 20 EAST LIBERTY 22 LAWRENCEVILLE 26 NORTH SIDE 30

OAKLAND 32 SHADYSIDE 36 SOUTH SIDE 38 SQUIRREL HILL 40 STRIP DISTRICT 42

That’s how locals pronounce “town” here. Discover more local dialect in our Pittsburghese Dictionary on page 8. 16 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

On the move? New to town, or just a new neighborhood? If you haven’t tried transit before maybe now is the time. Port Authority has convenient and frequent service to and from the urban areas of Pittsburgh. East Liberty is the heart of the East End’s transit service. Many Port Authority bus routes use the East Busway to bypass local traffic including the P1 and P3 from East Liberty’s busway station which offer quick rides to Downtown and Oakland. Various other routes have stops on Penn Ave. and serve just about anywhere in the East End of the city. Living Downtown? You CAN get anywhere from here. You can catch a bus or T to almost anywhere in Allegheny County. Groceries in the Strip District, take the 88. For all the flavor of Lawrenceville the 91 works. Nearly all of Port Authority's 100 routes travel in and out of Downtown. For more neighborhoods go to onthemove.portauthority.org and make this town your own.

NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2019 17

CITY EAST

^ Brady Malcom and Liam Collins play hockey with their dad Chris in Bloomfield. // CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

BloomfieldGarfield O

LD AND NEW: That’s the simplest way to describe Bloomfield and Garfield. The two adjoining neighborhoods are home to a growing influx of younger residents, while still accommodating long timers. There are still smoker-friendly bars and oldschool Italian joints, but also new gluten-free bakeries and hip spots with rotating cocktail menus. And, of course, places that are welcoming to both young and old. Bloomfield still has an old Italian charm with its historic churches and fresh-produce markets, as well the Little Italy Days festival (littleitalydays.com) each year. Garfield has emerged as an inclusive artists’ hub, with several galleries along Penn Avenue that come alive during the monthly Unblurred gallery crawl (bloomfield-garfield.org). In an increasingly divided world, it’s appealing to see these two Pittsburgh neighborhoods embrace their contrasts and unite.

* BOOKMARK THESE SITES: bloomfield-garfield.org, bloomfieldnow.org 18 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

WHERE THE LOCALS GO It might seem counterintuitive considering this is a popular, touristfriendly chain, but the Primanti Brothers (primantibros.com) on Penn Avenue in Garfield has become a neighborhood hangout. Cheap late-night food, good beer, and a ton of TVs where locals watch the game and shoot the breeze. Happy hour includes half-off most drafts and discounted food. The pizza is better than you think.

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^ Pittsburgh Glass Center // CP PHOTO: LISA CUNNINGHAM

FOOD+DRINK Apteka (aptekapgh.com) offers inventive vegan fare with Eastern European influences, including soups, pierogis, and fruit tarts, as well as cocktails with housemade shrubs and syrups. For a longtime fixture of Penn Avenue, check out People’s Indian Restaurant (peoplesindian.com), which offers popular curries, rice dishes, and more in a warm, casual setting. The lunch buffet is a bargain. Just down the street is Spak Brothers (spakbrothers.com), a popular spot for freshly made pizzas, sandwiches, calzones, and other snack-food options. The menu offers plenty for vegetarians and vegans, including the can’t-miss seitan cheesesteak. Meat eaters can rejoice at Tessaro’s (tessaros.com) and enjoy one of Pittsburgh’s favorite gourmet burgers. Dine in the lively barroom or one of the quieter back rooms.

SHOPPING Keep your street style fresh at Daily Bread / Refresh (dailybreadpa.com). This locally created fashion storefront sells caps, T-shirts, as well as vintage athletic wear. Looking for that perfect house plant? Farm & Forest (pghfarmandforest.com) in Garfield can supply an indoor cactus or low-maintenance succulent; there are also classes about plants and how to add some charm to your home decor. White Whale Books (whitewhalebookstore.com) is a cozy corner bookstore, with a wellcurated selection of new, used, and local work. The bookstore also hosts poetry events, author visits, and other literary community happenings.

ARTS+CULTURE Bloomfield and Garfield are mostly about cutting-edge art, but the Pittsburgh Glass Center (pittsburghglasscenter.org) honors the region’s glass-producing roots. Part classroom, part gallery, this center teaches you to make art glass, or you can just admire the work of professionals at regular exhibits. For a more modern experience, stop by Silver Eye Center for Photography and peruse this gallery devoted to contemporary photographic arts.

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At Assemble (assemblepgh.org), a nonprofit community space, kids can tap into maker culture through craft, art and tech classes, and projects. But adults can craft at Workshop PGH (workshoppgh.com) and relax in the classroom space to learn woodworking, shibori dyeing, printmaking, leather work, sewing, and more. BOOM Concepts is a shared space that focuses on the community, with exhibits from local artists and open events like puppet-karaoke (it’s what it sounds like).

MUSIC Brillobox (brilloboxpgh.com) is your stop for national indie acts, hip local shows, and specialized DJ nights, from world music to queer dance parties. Howlers (howlerspittsburgh.com) is a no-frills storefront joint where you can catch everything from old punk, new punk and weird rockabilly to indie bands, alt-country, and tribute nights. The Mr. Roboto Project (therobotoproject.com) used to be a bar, but now it’s a DIY, all-ages, straight-edge space that hosts mostly indie, punk, and hardcore bands. NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2019 19

CITY CENTRAL

^ Market Square // CP PHOTO: JARED MURPHY

Downtown F

ORGET WHAT YOU’VE HEARD about Pittsburgh being a steel town. Sure, we root for the Steelers and you can still find some steel mills on the outskirts of town, but the dark, smoke-filled streets of Downtown Pittsburgh’s past have been replaced with a thriving Cultural District. Head to a show at one of the many theaters including the beautiful Heinz Hall (pittsburghsymphony.org), Pittsburgh Public Theater (ppt.org), or Benedum Center (trustarts.org). Checking out a free Downtown Gallery Crawl (crawl.trustarts.org) is a must for art fans, as is the Three Rivers Arts Festival (traf.trustarts.org), when artists and musicians fill Downtown for two straight weeks every June. Visit Market Square in the center of Downtown for a mix of old and new restaurants, a great seasonal farmers market, ice skating in the winter, and a night market with live entertainment on summer evenings. Once you’re ready to chill, head to the very tip of the city at Point State Park, where the three rivers meet, and soak in the relaxing view in a green space with a killer skyline as a backdrop.

* BOOKMARK THESE SITES: downtownpittsburgh.com, trustarts.org 20 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

SHOPPING Amazing Books (amazingbooks andrecords.com) has a wide selection of used records and books, including some hard-to-find gems. Love, Pittsburgh (lovepittsburgh shop.com) specializes in gifts made by local artists, featuring artwork, soaps, clothing, and jewelry. Stop in at S.W. Randall Toyes & Giftes (swrandalltoys.com) for the latest kids toys or pop-culture novelty items. Dress to impress at upscale boutique Social Status (socialstatuspgh.com), where the store itself looks as rad as the street fashion and sneakers for sale. Steel City (shopsteelcity.com) offers a more elevated take on Pittsburgh pride and black-and-gold merchandise.

Looking to make

the best educational choice for your child?

^ Pittsburgh's Funky Fly Project at August Wilson Center // CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

ARTS+CULTURE Tickle your funny bone at Arcade Comedy Theater (arcadecomedytheater.com) and check out standup, improv, sketch comedy, and variety acts. Named for the famed local playwright, August Wilson Center for African American Culture (aacc-awc.org) is an art gallery and performance space that hosts activities ranging from music and dance to film festivals and community events. Theater fans: Check out Bricolage Production Company (bricolagepgh.org), specializing in outside-the-box immersive and creative performances. Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company (pghplaywrights.org) is a top destination for dramatic works written by local playwrights past and present. As Downtown’s only movie theater, Harris Theater (cinema.pfpca.org) shows mostly indie, foreign language, and art-house films. The Pittsburgh CLO (pittsburghclo.org) is a nonprofit theater company specializing in musical theater classics, with food-and-drinks table service before each show. With its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, SPACE Gallery (spacepittsburgh.org) showcases rotating exhibits in various mediums for patrons and passersby. Wood Street Galleries (woodstreetgalleries.org) is an edgy contemporary art museum with a special emphasis on work that incorporates light, sound, and digital technology.

FOOD+DRINK Bae Bae’s Kitchen (baebaes.kitchen) is a delicious, Korean-inspired spot offering fresh food and vegan options.

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WHERE THE LOCALS GO Original Oyster House (originaloysterhouse pittsburgh.com) is a Pittsburgh institution believed to be the city’s oldest restaurant. Opened in 1871, it’s best known for its fried-fish sandwich, but locals also love their oysters, beer, and the down-to-earth atmosphere. Bring cash — it’s so old school, they still don’t take cards.

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Like tacos? Grab some at Bea Taco Town (beataqueria.com), build your own at Condado Tacos (condadotacos.com), or splurge on some unique Asian-influenced Mexican street food at täko (takopgh.com). Located in the swanky Hotel Monaco, The Commoner (thecommonerpgh.com) features unique takes on traditional comfort food. NOLA on the Square (nolaonthesquare.com) specializes in Creole-inspired dishes and has a lively atmosphere straight out of New Orleans. Meat lovers, try Meat and Potatoes (meatandpotatoespgh.com), a gastropub designed around dinner staples like pot roast and spring chicken; Pork and Beans (porkandbeanspgh.com) features Texas-style barbecue dishes (including its namesake) and country sides like pig ears. Sharp Edge Bistro (sharpedgebeer.com) is a bar and restaurant with one of the largest domestic and imported beer lists in the city, weighted heavily in the Belgium column.

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CITY EAST

^ Restaurants along Highland Avenue // CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

East Liberty I

F YOU HAVEN’T VISITED Pittsburgh for a few years, you’ll have a hard time recognizing East Liberty. Of all the neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, it has gone through one of the starkest transformations in recent years. With new condos and development come a complicated crossroads of its community’s history and the effect of gentriﬁcation on the neighborhood. But there’s no denying East Liberty has become a crossroads of the art, culture, and food scenes. We recommend visiting places that celebrate East Liberty’s rich history, like the East Liberty Presbyterian Church (cathedralofhope.org), which isn’t just one of the most striking buildings in Pittsburgh, it also hosts community events and intersectional congregations. The Kelly Strayhorn Theater (kelly-strayhorn.org), the neighborhood’s artistic hub, hosts residencies that produce cutting-edge work in dance, music, spoken word, performance art, and community events. Along with the new hip restaurants remains longtime staple Tana Ethiopian (tanaethiopiancuisine.com), providing a lovely family-style meal that’s easily shared among friends, with live jazz every Wednesday. For a detailed history of East Liberty, we recommend checking out the East Liberty Chamber of Commerce’s website (eastlibertychamber.org).

* BOOKMARK THIS SITE: eastliberty.org 22 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

WHERE THE LOCALS GO Kelly’s Bar & Lounge (search Facebook for “Kelly’s Bar”) packs a lot of original charm — from its Art Deco bar to red fluorescent lights to cozy wooden booths — but folks also crowd in for economically priced cocktails, DJ nights, and a great no-frills back patio. No TVs, just good conversations with locals, not to mention the best mac and cheese in Pittsburgh.

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^ Two Sisters // CP PHOTO: JARED MURPHY

ARTS+CULTURE Housed in a remodeled former YMCA, the Ace Hotel (acehotel.com/ pittsburgh) has kept the original charm of the building while adding sleek modernity. Stop in for a drink, a meal at Whitfield, or a show in the preserved gym, which also hosts frequent markets.

Where traditional Indian food meets the trend of fast-casual dining, Choolaah (choolaah.com) gets it right. Tandoor ovens cook up chicken and naan bread, enjoy them with specialty sauces in a fun, bright setting. Thin California-style pizza, a great wine list, and fresh herbs give Dinette (dinette-pgh.com) a fine-dining edge.

Headquartered in East Liberty, Quantum Theatre (quantum theatre.com) puts on avant-garde, site-specific shows in surprising locations around the city. Each performance is designed to engage its audience beyond what meets the eye.

Lorelei (loreleipgh.com) is a new neighborhood favorite, offering tasty cocktails on one side and an authentic German beer hall on the other. Enjoy a braised-lamb hand pie with an old fashioned and then venture 20 feet over for some beer cheese and pilsners.

It’s worth going down the road a bit to Point Breeze’s The Space Upstairs (thespaceupstairs.org), a jazz-focused space with curated art in an informal lounge. Come on Second Saturdays for shows with improvisational movement, art, and music.

Pittsburgh may be 250 miles away from the ocean, but Muddy Waters Oyster Bar (muddywaterspgh.com) has your seafood fix for those moving from the coasts. Enjoy discounted oysters during their happy hour from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

FOOD+DRINK Bird on the Run (birdontherun.com) is the place for fresh chicken fingers that can provide a serious spicy kick if desired. If you do try the hottest level, cool down with a choice of four different alcoholic slushies. Dine casually but still in style at BRGR (brgrpgh.com). The gourmet burgers and spiked shakes put a delicious spin on American fare.

Step in the door at Paris 66 (paris66bistro.com) and be transported to a café in Paris. Why journey all the way to France when you can enjoy sweet and savory crepes, cheese-y sandwiches and other bistro faves right in here in town? Slice on Broadway (sliceon broadway.com) is a local chain serving up hot slices in a casual setting. The joint specializes in thin New York-style pizza, as well as oven baked hoagies and big salads. >>

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2019 23

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^ The intersection of Centre and Highland Avenues // CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

Spoon (spoonpgh.com) offers beautifully presented seasonal fare, and it's the home of Pittsburgh's Gin Club.

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Two Sisters Vietnamese Restaurant (search Facebook for "Two Sisters PGH") is Pittsburgh’s newest spot for first-rate pho and traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The team of sisters are "pho realz,” bringing a serious depth to each dish. With coffee roasted right here in the city, Zeke’s Coffee (zekescoffeepgh.com) offers a great cup of coffee and plenty of tasty treats to go with it. Also find Zeke’s popping up at farmers markets, or go through its nearby drive-through location.

SHOPPING Bakery Square (bakery-square.com) shopping center is just down the road and features stores like West Elm, Free People, and Anthropologie, as well as eateries like Panera Bread.

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Open year-round, the Farmers Market Co-op of East Liberty (farmersmarketcooperativeof eastliberty.com) offers a selection of local produce, cheeses, flowers, and baked goods.

it’s a destination!

Newbies: Remember that Pennsylvania has fairly strict liquor laws, so if you want to buy spirits, you must visit a state sponsored Fine Wine and Good Spirits (finewineandgoodspirits.com). Luckily, East Liberty has the nicest one in the city. You can find local wines, celebrity gin, and more.

1366 Old Freeport Road PGH, PA 15238 • 412.963.0640

WWW.BAJABARGRILL.COM 24 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

East Liberty is home to some recognizable favorites like

Target (target.com), Trader Joe’s (traderjoes.com), and Whole Foods (wholefoodsmarket.com), all within a short walk of each other. For some more specialized shopping, Trim Pittsburgh (trimpittsburgh.com) has designer underwear and swimwear for men and is the perfect place for dudes to get their sexy on. Warby Parker (warbyparker.com) has modern and fashionable eyeglasses and sunglasses at affordable prices. Try on a few pairs, the staff is very friendly. If you are new to the neighborhood and need to brighten things up at your new spot, Schoolhouse (schoolhouse.com) has chic light fixtures and home decor.

WORTH A DRIVE Take a quick trip to nearby Highland park where animals from land and sea convene at the PIttsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium (pittsburghzoo.org), one of the city's most popular destinations. Beer lovers, make time to go to Larimer and visit East End Brewing Company (eastendbrewing.com). It's both a brewery and pub. Fill your growler, then relax and have a pint before you head home.

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CITY EAST

^ Eon's Fashion Antique // CP PHOTO: JARED MURPHY

Shadyside I

F YOU WANT TO BUY some happiness, head to Shadyside. This neighborhood is best known for the shops lining Walnut Street. You’ll find a “see and be seen” kind of crowd here, carrying shopping bags from chain retail stores like Gap, Banana Republic, William Sonoma, Apple, and Sephora. Plus, local shops like Weisshouse Pittsburgh (weisshouse.com) with high quality home furnishings and Roberta Weissburg Leathers (robertaweissburgleathers.com), which includes an upstairs workshop. If you’re looking to get pampered, the neighborhood also has a wealth of spas, salons, and fitness centers, including European Wax Center (waxcenter.com), Amazing Yoga (amazingyoga.net), and Nadia Salon (nadiasalon.com). Over on Ellsworth Avenue, you can find artwork as well. Visit the quirky Gallerie Chiz (galleriechiz.com) or Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery (morganglassgallery.com).

* BOOKMARK THIS SITE: thinkshadyside.com 36 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

WHERE THE LOCALS GO Drink where the locals drink? Hell, drink where our mayor drinks. Cappy’s Cafe (cappysonwalnut.com) is Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s favorite spot for late-night meetings. It’s a low-key corner bar where, in addition to possibly spotting politicians, a solid Friday night of wing bites and karaoke (a.k.a. Cappyoke) can be found. Trivia happens on Wednesdays, and sports are generally on the television.

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Amy Bufalini ^ 5801 Video & Lounge // CP PHOTO: JARED MURPHY

ARTS+CULTURE Whether you’re interested in seeing art or honing your artistic ability, you can do it at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (center.pfpca.org). In addition to art exhibits, this nonprofit organization has classes open to groups, families, individuals, and kids — perfect for pushing yourself creatively. If improv comedy tickles your funny bone, the Steel City Improv Theater (steelcityimprov.com) is a great place to be. Between the improv shows, classes, and corporate workshops, it’s easy to surrender to laughter.

FOOD+DRINK 5801 Video & Lounge (5801videolounge.com) is an LGBTQfocused spot with 15 big screens showing both sports and reality TV. There are also darts and poker leagues, a great food menu, and an upstairs bar for non-smokers. Breathe in the waffle-cone smell of Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream (millieshomemade.com) and get lost contemplating the seasonal ice-cream flavors. Leave with a bag of broken waffle-cone bits for later. The dishes at Noodlehead (noodleheadpgh.com) are inspired by the street markets of Thailand, and they pack a major flavor punch. It’s hard not to get drawn in by the aromas while you’re walking past. Cash only! People will tell you to try the burntalmond torte at Prantl’s Bakery (prantlsbakery.com) if you haven’t already, but there are more than a

hundred sweet options available, including fruit Danish, nut-filled coffeecakes, and an assortment of pies.

SHOPPING

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Like vintage? Head to Ellsworth Avenue to two shops with bragging rights — celebrities have been known to shop at both. Eons Fashion Antique (search Facebook for “Eons”) is a vintage-clothing shop covering the 1930s through the 1980s; a few doors down is Hey Betty! (heybettyvintageclothing.com), a chic vintage clothing shop whose owners have been curating and selling vintage clothes for decades. In addition to an expansive selection of greeting cards, Kards Unlimited (kardsunlimited.com) offers an array of novelty gifts, toys, books, and much more. If you have kids, stop by Picket Fence (picketfenceshadyside.com), a whimsical shop with gifts for babies and kids. If your kids (or you!) are into anime, don’t miss Kawaii Gifts (shopkawaii.com), a cute shop with tons of adorable Japanese imported goodies. If your kids are the fourlegged kind, treat your fur baby right at Petagogy (petagogy.com), a pet store featuring natural food, treats, and toys. Tokyo Japanese Food Store (tokyostorepgh.com) is a tiny supermarket beside a laundromat in a strip mall. In addition to a wide variety of Japanese snacks, treats, noodles, and freshly-made bento, you can also rent and buy Japanese dramas and variety shows here. NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2019 37

CITY SOUTH

^ Rex Theater // CP PHOTO: DAVID HEATH

ARTS+CULTURE

South Side W

HEN THE SUN GOES DOWN on any given night of the week, South Side’s main drag turns into one massive bar crawl. You’ll find everything from old-school drinking holes like Dee’s Café (deescafe.com), with its cheap beer and pool table, to Acacia (acaciacocktails.com), a cocktail bar designed in Prohibition-era style. But while this neighborhood stays up late, the daytime can be just as fun. Start your morning off right with a coffee from Big Dog Coffee (bigdogcoffeeshop.com) or a sweet treat from The Milkshake Factory (themilkshake factory.com), with over 50 flavors of over-the-top delicious milkshakes. Take in a movie and some shopping at SouthSide Works (southsideworks.com), an entertainment complex where you’ll find a multi-screen theater and popular chains like REI, Urban Outfitters, and The Cheesecake Factory; plus, an outdoor riverfront area where you’ll find bike rentals and concerts during the summer.

* BOOKMARK THIS SITE: southsidechamber.org 38 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Black Forge Coffeehouse (blackforgecoffee.com) is actually about a mile up the road from South Side in nearby Allentown, but worth a mention. It’s more than just a coffeehouse, offering art installations, heavy metal performances, poetry, and jam sessions. The coffee’s good too! After you’re caffeinated, scoot over to Onion Maiden (onionmaiden.com) for some of the world’s best allvegan comfort food and a great pun-filled menu. City Theatre (citytheatre company.org) is a long-standing theater group offering a regular slate of contemporary plays, including those with topical, political, or offbeat themes. Bring your friends and family for an adventure game inside a room that’s an interactive puzzle. At Escape the Room PA (escapetheroom.com/pittsburgh), you can find clues to help you escape in 60 minutes.

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412.431.0700 • PITTSBURGHGUITARS.COM ^ Doce Taqueria // CP PHOTO: JARED MURPHY

MUSIC From folk to jazz to funk and more, Club Cafe (clubcafelive.com) is a gem just off East Carson Street. It’s a great place to catch local music and comedy, as well as gigs by national touring acts. Rex Theater (rextheater.net) is a larger-capacity venue housing an impressive variety of shows. Rock acts, comedians, freak shows, and storytelling nights all find a home here. With early all-ages shows upstairs and 21-and-older gigs later in the evening on both floors, The Smiling Moose (smiling-moose.com) is a versatile place to catch a show. And the food is awesome.

FOOD+DRINK Smothered chicken and waffles, a side of greens, and a bowl of fish stew. Pretty much anything you try at Carmi Soul Food Restaurant (carmirestaurant.com) will be satisfying. This new location, recently moved from its longtime spot on the North Side, now offers cocktails and live entertainment. Doce Taqueria (docetaqueria.com) has the tacos you crave — from basic (meat, lettuce, cheese) to more off-beat specials. Low prices mean you can order plenty. Double Wide Grill (doublewide grill.com) is an open, dog-friendly bar inhabiting an old gas station. It’s a great place to meet a group of friends for some grub and beer. It also has great vegan and veggie options. Ride your bike to Over the Bar Bicycle Cafe (otbbicyclecafe.com) for a pint and some pub fare to fuel you up for the road. Piper’s Pub (piperspub.com) is a British Isles-inspired pub, with whiskey, beer, Scotch eggs, and Euro football on the telly. Next door is the

WHERE THE LOCALS GO Fun fact: South Side is technically two separate neighborhoods: South Side Flats (where the bars are) and the residential South Side Slopes (the houses on the hill). How do people get around on that massive hill? Public steps! Pittsburgh has more than 45,000 steps, and the Slopes contain more than 10 percent of those. Locals hit the steps for exercise and unique city views. Take a walk up the hill after you’re done stuffing your face in the Flats; or, join StepTrek (southsideslopes.org), a yearly venture taking visitors on a hike of more than 2,000 of those stairs, totaling over seven miles of urban exploring. (We just don’t recommend doing so after bar crawling.)

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SHOPPING Highway Robbery (highwayrobbery. patternbyetsy.com) is a treasure trove for finding awesome vintage clothes and accessories, and the expert curation makes it feel like fun instead of work. Famous musicians are known to stop in to check out the merchandise at Pittsburgh Guitars (pittsburghguitars. com) for good reason. It’s locally owned and the staff knows their gear. In addition to new and vintage guitars, the shop also sells amps, accessories, and an impressive selection of ukuleles. Long live independent bike stores! With super helpful staff and a nice selection, Thick Bikes (thickbikes.com) will help you acquire a new bike, fix your old bike, or snag a new helmet and riding gear at a reasonable price.

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2019 39

CITY EAST

^ Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill // CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

Squirrel Hill S

QUIRREL HILL IS ONE of the city’s largest neighborhoods and is widely known as the cultural center of Pittsburgh’s Jewish population. Besides the kosher grocery stores and delis, you’ll find the Jewish Community Center (jccpgh.org), which offers everything from gym and dance classes to a small gallery and an exhibit space. There’s even more to learn across the street at the Carnegie Library Squirrel Hill branch, which functions both as a book repository and gathering spot. You’ll find most of the shops, restaurants, and bars along Forbes and Murray avenues. Here, you can join in on one of Pittsburgh’s greatest debates: Who has the better pizza, Aiello’s (aiellospizza.com) or Mineo’s (mineospizza.com)? Then there’s the magnificent Frick Park (pittsburghparks.org), which borders the eastern edge of Squirrel Hill. In its 644 acres, you’ll find bike trails, hiking paths, playgrounds, a dog park, and an astonishing amount of wilderness for a mid-city escape.

* BOOKMARK THESE SITES: shuc.org, squirrelhillhistory.org 40 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

WHERE THE LOCALS GO Don’t call it the Squirrel Hill Café. The neighborhood’s most nostalgic bar is known as The Squirrel Cage to locals. The small joint on Forbes Avenue is smoky, serves cheap beer and greasy bar fare, and there’s a jukebox always cranking out tunes. Enjoy a conversation in the narrow booths.

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^ Littles Shoes // CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

ARTS+CULTURE The Manor Theatre (manorpgh.com) is a small local cinema that shows blockbusters and independent movies. They serve beer and cocktails, too.

FOOD+DRINK Chengdu Gourmet (chengdugourmetpittsburgh.com) is the hot spot — literally — for spicy Sichuan cuisine. Its extensive menu includes many Chinese dishes that are less common in the U.S. Grab some hand-pulled-andslapped noodles from Everyday Noodles (everydaynoodles.net), where you can watch the action through glass windows. Stock up on colorful macarons from Gaby Y Jules (gabyetjules.com) — so light and airy — and classic desserts, croissants, and breads. For those with food sensitivities, Gluuteny (gluuteny.com) is a bakery that specializes in glutenfree and dairy-free cupcakes and cookies.

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Nu (nujewishbistro.com) is like the love child of a buffet and full-service diner. It offers sit-down, plated meals with bonus bites of Jewish cuisine. Waffallonia (waffallonia.com) offers deliciously light Belgian waffles topped with fruit, chocolate, and ice cream.

SHOPPING

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Attention string-pluckers: Head to Acoustic Music Works (acoustic musicworks.com) for that guitar, mandolin, banjo, or ukulele you need. Smart — and fashionable — shoppers know to check Avalon Exchange (avalonexchange.com) first. It specializes in quality used clothing, most of it recent, but there are some kicky vintage pieces too. There is still a market for playing games while interacting with your friends, not your phone. Head to Games Unlimited (gamesunl.com) for board and card games or a jigsaw puzzle. The impressive collection of affordable vinyl at Jerry’s Records (jerrysrecords.com) draws music enthusiasts from around the world.

Green Pepper (greenpepperpgh.com) is your family-run spot for spicy kimchi pancakes, bibimbop, bulgogi, and other Korean specialties.

Littles Shoes (littlesshoes.com) has been around for decades and helped generations of Pittsburghers — men, women, and children — find the right fit.

Hidden Harbor (hiddenharborpgh.com) offers a relaxed tiki vibe and fruit-infused cocktails to match. Next door is Independent Brewing Company (independentpgh.com) where regional beer is paramount. The casual, open-air design encourages hanging out with friends.

Sara’s Pets and Plants (saraspetsandplants.com) is a small, independent shop offering both plants and pet products. You can also adopt a new tiny friend — the shop has a partnership with local animal shelter Humane Animal Rescue. Get exotic reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.

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CITY EAST

^ Fresh fish at Wholey's // CP PHOTO: JARED MURPHY

Strip District T

HIS NEIGHBORHOOD is particularly popular for newcomers. The Strip District has served as a wholesale and warehouse hub for years, but over the last decade or so, it has been transitioning to a home for high-tech businesses with adjoining apartments and condos. But since the neighborhood didn't used to be residential, most people residing in The Strip are new to the city. These new residents, or at least their tastes, are starting to deﬁne the new Strip District. Autonomous vehicle companies like Uber and Argo AI are located in the neighborhood, just a short walk from riverfront apartments. Hip restaurants like Kaya (kaya.menu) supply the type of dining preferred in the Strip and craft distilleries like Wigle Whiskey (wiglewhiskey.com) keep the neighbors merry. There are still some wholesalers dotted through the neighborhood, but the Strip District is becoming more a destination for late-night revelers than those looking to ship consumer goods.

* BOOKMARK THESE SITES: stripdistrictneighbors.com, neighborsinthestrip.com 42 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

SHOPPING The neighborhood’s main purpose for several decades has been shopping. For a wide variety of loose-leaf teas and roasted beans available for purchase by weight, Allegheny Tea and Coffee Exchange (alleghenycoffee.com) has you covered. Take an iced coffee on nitro to go — so smooth. Insanely packed during the holidays, the Pennsylvania Macaroni Company (pennmac.com) offers old-school grocery shopping, with worn wooden floors, bins of beans, imported Italian specialties, and a famed cheese counter. Another old-school staple is Wholey’s (wholey.com), a Pittsburgh institution with the widest array of fresh and frozen seafood available in the area, as well as many locally produced food products. The neighborhood is home to Pennsylvania Libations (pennsylvanialibations.com) liquor store, one of the few places in the state to purchase spirits in a private establishment. Every spirit is made proudly in Pennsylvania.

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^ Spiced rum at Kingfly Distillery // CP PHOTO: MAGGIE WEAVER

FOOD+DRINK DiAnoia’s Eatery (dianoiaseatery.com) is a trattoria to make New Yorkers jealous. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a bright setting, with right-sized, authentic Italian fare. Get the egg sandwich on a Kaiser roll. Smoky aromas beckon you to sample flame-charred beef and seafood covered in chimichurri sauce at Gaucho Parrilla (eat-gaucho.com). Expect lines in the evening. A colorful mural at Salem’s Market and Grill (salemsmarketgrill.com) beckons you to try grilled lamb, falafel, and all your Middle Eastern faves in a no-frills, cafeteria-style joint. And it’s pronounced Sa-lehms. Enjoy some of Pittsburgh’s favorite microbrews like Big Hop IPA, Fat Gary Brown Ale, and other seasonal specialties at East End Brewing tap room (eastendbrewing.com) in the heart of the Strip. Kingfly Distillery (kingflyspirits.com) is part bar, part event space, and part living room. Kingfly offers house-produced rum, vodka, and gin. Try the limoncello. Smallman Galley (smallmangalley.org) is a hip haven with a great local draft list, themed cocktails, and four food stands staffed by a rotating list of chef entrepreneurs. The decor is clean and modern with plenty of exposed brick.

ARTS+CULTURE The long-running Attack Theatre (attacktheatre.com) dance troupe puts on entertaining shows inside the Pittsburgh Opera headquarters on Liberty Avenue, as well as other spots throughout the community. The troupe also regularly collaborates with other arts groups.

Delve into Western Pennsylvania’s history at the Heinz History Center (heinzhistorycenter.org). Explore Pittsburgh’s AfricanAmerican heritage and the BritishFrench-Indian War. There’s also a sports museum and, yes, you can learn about all 57 varieties (and more!) of Heinz products.

WHERE THE LOCALS GO The Strip is probably the most heavily trafficked tourist neighborhood; most of its establishments are filled with people from out of the neighborhood or out of the region. The BeerHive (thebeerhive.com) has always remained a chill spot to grab a craft brew, play trivia with friends, and watch the Buccos.

MUSIC The wood paneling and a worn wood bar soften the acoustic sounds of live Irish music at Mullaney’s Harp and Fiddle (harpandfiddle.com). After a Guinness, get on your feet and dance. For a more punk vibe, head up the hill to neighboring Polish Hill and Gooski’s bar. The not-reallybest-kept-secret dive bar hosts local bands and national acts. Good beer list and food, but most patrons just order what’s cheapest. Listen to the smooth sounds of live jazz every Monday at Savoy (savoypgh.com). The restaurant offers drink deals during their jazz sessions. NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2019 43

FOLLOW THESE FOLKS Stay in the know by following these Pittsburgh Twitter accounts

@CityPGH Official Twitter account for Pittsburgh

@billpeduto The Mayor of Pittsburgh's personal Twitter account

@ACE_Fitzgerald Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Executive

@TrendsPGH What are Pittsburghers tweeting about in real time?

@pghsnowday Western Pennsylvania school delay information and forecast analysis

^ Parking "chairs" in Bloomfield // CP PHOTO: RYAN DETO

@pghpolice Official account of the Pittsburgh Borough of Police

@vstpgh Official tourism office for Pittsburgh

PGH FAQ

The important things newcomers need to know

@LynnCullen Pittsburgh's lone liberal talk show host for over 30 years. You can also hear her show every weekday at 10 a.m. on pghcitypaper.com.

@WYEP Pittsburgh's independent public radio music station

@905wesa Pittsburgh's NPR news station

@Pirates Pittsburgh Pirates

@Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers

@Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins

44 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

HOW DO I REPORT A CRIME? For emergencies, you can call 9-1-1 within Allegheny County, and if you have a hearing/speech impairment, or feel unsafe to speak on the phone, you can send a text message to a 911 operator from a mobile phone. (Send text only, no photos or videos.)

HOW DO I REPORT THINGS LIKE POTHOLES AND OVERGROWN WEEDS? Residents and homeowners can report non-emergency situations like graffiti, litter, and illegal parking to 3-1-1. You can also fill out a request online at pittsburghpa.gov/311/form, or tweet to @311PGH.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO TAKE MY TRASH OUT? Enter your address at pgh.st and find your street’s schedule for trash, recycling, and yard pickup. You can also sign up for free text or email reminders the evening before scheduled pickups.

WHERE CAN I FIND LGBTQ-FRIENDLY RESOURCES? SisTersPGH (sisterspgh.org) is a transgender/non-binary centered shelter transitioning program. Persad Center (persadcenter.org) serves LGBTQ+ communities and those impacted by HIV/AIDS.You can also check out the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (glccpgh.org) and Delta Foundation (pittsburghpride.org).

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEIRD FURNITURE BLOCKING MY PARKING SPOT? “Parking chairs,” which generically refers to any item used to reserve a parking space when a resident is away, attempt to claim private ownership of a public space. Under the official law of the land, parking chairs can be ignored. The law of the jungle, though, says something else, especially in winter. If your neighbor shovels their car out from snow, their chair indicates they claim that spot when they return. There are horror stories about what happens to people who violate local parking customs. >>

Thank you for all of your support during these recent disasters. There’s a lot to do, and you help us do it! Connecting People’s Resources with People’s Needs www.brothersbrother.org • facebook.com/BrothersBrother • 1200 Galveston Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15233 NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2019 45

Organic seedlings & soils. Air plants, succulents, terrariums, bonsai, cacti & houseplants. Unique handmade gifts. City Grows is an urban organic garden shop in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Lawrenceville, home to some of the city’s most unique small businesses, restaurants, and boutiques. We have been providing organic gardening products for city dwellers since August of 2014.

City Grows, LLC Organic Garden & Gift Shoppe

5208 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 412-781-2082

www.citygrowspgh.com

^ The three "Sister Bridges"

WHERE CAN I GET TESTED FOR AN STD? We recommend visiting one of the city’s Planned Parenthood centers. Find your nearest location at plannedparenthood.org. You can also get free and confidential STD/HIV testing at Public Health Clinic. No insurance is needed, but it's walk-in only at 1908 Wylie Ave. in the Hill District.

WHY ARE THERE LIGHTS FLASHING AT THE TOP OF THAT ONE BUILDING DOWNTOWN? Alignment based yoga for every body. Yoga, Wellness & Dance workshops.

The lights on top of the 40-story Grant Building at 310 Grant St. actually flash out a symbol in Morse code: "P I T T S B U R G H." Cool, huh?

WHAT ABOUT THE TOP OF THAT DOWNTOWN BUILDING THAT'S ALWAYS CHANGING COLORS? Fun fact: That's a weather beacon at the top of the 44-story Gulf Tower on Grant Street. The temperature is displayed on the top three floors; precipitation, humidity, and wind speed are shown on the others.

JUST HOW MANY BRIDGES ARE IN THIS TOWN?! A lot! Pittsburgh is sometimes called "The City of Bridges," and there are 446 of them.

WHAT ABOUT THE "SISTER BRIDGES"? The three bridges over the Allegheny River between Downtown and the North Side are called the Sister Bridges because of their identical yellow appearance. Officially, they are Rachel Carson (Ninth Street), Andy Warhol (Seventh Street), and Roberto Clemente (Sixth Street) bridges.

Wellness Center featuring massage, infrared color therapy sauna, & active Himalayan Salt Cave 393 Vanadium Road, Suite 201 & 202 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 www.sterlingyoga.com • 412-260-0533 sterlingyoga 46 PGHCITYPAPER.COM

sterling_yoga

WHAT DOES THE SYMBOL ON THE STEELERS HELMETS MEAN? The design dates back to the 1930s. The inspiration for the logo was the "Steelmark," a promotional idea dreamed up by U.S. Steel that featured the familiar triad of red, blue, and yellow stars. Those stars, incidentally, are technically referred to as "hypocycloids."

IS THERE REALLY AN UNDERGROUND RIVER? Pittsburgh's legendary "Fourth River" is not even a river at all. It's what geologists call an "aquifer." It's basically a 30-foot-thick layer of highly porous stone and coarse sand, a layer of earth that traps massive amounts of water inside it. It's buried 30 feet below the surface, and it's actually useful. Numerous Downtown buildings, PPG Place foremost among them, pump water from the aquifer and use it for air-conditioning and other purposes. But the river's best-known function is to provide the water for the fountain at the Point.

222 MAIN STREET • DOWNTOWN IRWIN 724-367-4000 • LAMPTHEATRE.ORG

Established in 1937, The Lamp Theatree boasts a variety of entertainment from m movies to concerts and everything g inn between. A true community projectt that thhat was built and currently staffed through oug gh volunteer efforts. We look forward d to hosting our neighbors and friendss at a The Lamp Theatre throughout the ye year! ear!

JOIN US FOR THESE UPCOMING SHOWS!

FRIday MAY 17

FRIday April 26

Kashmir

BROKEN ARROW Tribute to the music of Neil Young

the nation’s #1 Led Zeppelin tribute show

8 PM

Saturday April 27

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage 7 PM

SATURday, MAY 18

MR. SPEED World’d Greatest KISS Tribute 8 PM NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2019 47

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