September 17, 2025 - Pittsburgh City Paper

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PGHCITYPAPER.COM SEPTEMBER 17-24, 2025 // VOL. 34 ISSUE 38 Executive Editor ALI TRACHTA Director of Operations KEVIN SHEPHERD Director of Advertising NATE NILES A&E Editor AMANDA WALTZ News Editor COLIN WILLIAMS Staff Writer RACHEL WILKINSON Photographer MARS JOHNSON Audience Engagement Specialist STACY ROUNDS Editorial Designer JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

BEST OF PGH 2025 ISSUE: 4

Best Arts + Culture Featuring: Dawn Hartman Photography

10 Best Business + Services Featuring: Casa San José

16 Best Music + Nightlife Featuring: Bottlerocket Social Hall

22 Best Food + Drink Featuring: Arby's

30 Best Shopping Featuring: Arcadia Collectibles

36 Best People + Places Featuring: Moon & Yarn Craft Room

Graphic Designer SAM SCHAFFER Senior Advertising Representative CODY WALTERS Advertising Representatives BRAD QUATCHAK, HAREE LIM Junior Advertising Representative T’YANNA MCINTYRE Marketing Coordinator CANDACE DAVIS Digital Coordinator DEBI JOHNSON Circulation Manager JEFF ENGBARTH Contributors KAHMEELA ADAMS-FRIEDSON, AAKANKSHA AGARWAL, REGE BEHE, LYNN CULLEN, MATT PETRAS, DAVID S. ROTENSTEIN, JORDAN SNOWDEN

BEST OF PGH 2025

INTRODUCTION

BY ALI TRACHTA // ALI@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

National Advertising Representative VMG ADVERTISING 1.888.278.9866 OR 1.212.475.2529 Publisher CARS HOLDING, INC. GENERAL POLICIES: Contents

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T

here’s this general understanding among Pittsburghers, be they born and raised here, transplants, or expats, that this city is just … inarguably the best. Sure, outsiders are generous with that accolade, with national media naming us the most livable and most affordable city — which mostly elicits eyerolls at this point.

But none of that approval is what makes us feel the way we feel. If you live here, you just get it. There’s something intangible about this city — a magnetic draw — that makes you never really want to live anywhere else, because nowhere else quite compares.

That’s a big reason why Pittsburgh City Paper’s annual Best of PGH issue is so incredibly fun to put together. It gives us a chance to celebrate all the best things in this very best city, and we get to do it with you, the readers. Every year you show up in droves to share your new, cool finds, and tried-and-true favorites. This yea, more than 20,000 of you cast a whopping 382,795 votes, stomping last year’s tally.

Now, behold! We have our winners! Hundreds of people, places, and businesses have been crowned by you in categories like Best Pizza, Best Club DJ, and Best Entrepreneur all the way to Best Bluesky Account, Best Bus Stop, and a new one this year: Best Local Controversy.

So keep this list handy and treat it as your key to the city. Make it your own personal restaurant guide or the place you check before booking an appointment … or just peruse it when you feel like puffing your chest with Pittsburgh pride.

-Ali Trachta Executive Editor at Pittsburgh City Paper

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ARTS + CULTURE BEST OF PGH 2025

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

CP PHOTOS: MARS JOHNSON

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1453 Potomac Ave. Pgh, Pa 15216 Hours: 7 Days a week 11-4pm

BEST CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER - PORTRAITURE/FASHION & BOUDOIR

DAWN HARTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JESSIE SAGE // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

I

was significantly pregnant with my 8-year-old son the first time met portrait and event photographer awn artman of awn artman Photography. Though we met in a social conte t, she took one look at me and casually said, e should meet at the park and do a maternity shoot. have the perfect spot in mind Though he was my third child, it hadn’t occurred to me until that moment to do a professional photo shoot to document my pregnant body. jumped at the chance. few weeks later, my partner and met up with her at chenley Park. ot knowing what to e pect, came with an open mind and a few outfits. artman, however, had her own plans. he pulled a long, owing, straples, off-white gown out of her bag and told me to put it on. hen we couldn’t get it to fit around my e panding body, she ripped the back of it, assuring me the tear wouldn’t be noticeable in the pictures. t the stone wall where she wanted me to perch, panicked — had no idea how would get up there. n the end, it took two grown men to hoist and stabili e me. ou look like a pregnant goddess, she said once was finally positioned. he gently guided

us r voting o f u o y Thank Bookstore Best ler E-Retai t s e B d an

DAWNHARTMANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

me through poses, and we created some of the most beautiful pictures ’ve ever taken, swollen feet and all. hen my son was born, she came to the hospital and took pictures of our new family when he was old enough to smile, she snee ed in an e aggerated enough way that my baby looked at the camera and laughed. hen was starting to feel like myself again post-partum, she took boudoir photos of me in her beautiful ictorian-style home studio — my nursing breasts spilling out of a corset she pulled from her armoire and tightly laced up my back. n the nine years we have known each other, she has documented my family, my career, and my body through many life transitions. am not the only one who has this kind of relationship with artman. ast year, wrote about The ntimacy Project, the T artist advocacy project that launched her full-time photography career, but for her, that was only the beginning. The ntimacy Project is what gave me the notoriety to build my business, she told me over oom. ecause of that project, the ueer community started telling people about me, and then they started contacting me to

do families, weddings, boudoir, all of it. t is this versatility that has gotten artman the attention of Pittsburgh, leading to being voted best portrait and boudoir photographer for 2025. rom political art focused on ueer representation, to se y boudoir for all body types, to authentic family documentation, to an astounding number of newborns more than 3, 00 over the course of her -year newborn photography career at Pittsburgh hospitals , artman has been able to give many people in this community stunning and authentic images of their lives. nyone lucky enough to see themselves through her lens knows what a delight it is to witness the beauty in themselves that she draws out of everyone she captures. n addition to her large Troy ill home that doubles as a gorgeous natural light studio, where she creates much of her art, awn artman Photography is e panding. he is in the process of creating a 2,500-s uare-foot commercial space called evolving use — also in Troy ill — that will be an event space including the home of her popular event hispers , an art gallery, and a studio available to artists and photographers within the community. •

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Arts + Culture continues on PG. 8

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER SEPTEMBER 17-24, 2025

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BEST OF PGH 2025

ARTS + CULTURE

BEST CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER LANDSCAPE/NATURE

BOB'S ROADTRIP ADVENTURES

instagram.com/bobsroadtripadventures 2ND: Nikki Wiser (CrazyCityLady) 3RD: Carolyn Doyle Photography

HUMANE ANIMAL RESCUE OF PITTSBURGH

6926 Hamilton Ave., Homewood and 1101 Western Ave., North Side humaneanimalrescue.org 2ND: South Park Children's Theatre 3RD: Carnegie Science Center

BEST CHARITY FUNDRAISING EVENT

BURN IN HEALTH @ DEATH COMES LIFTING

deathcomeslifting.com 2ND: Living to Laugh suicide prevention show 3RD: Milkshakes & Cookies - Mid Atlantic Mothers Milk Bank

BEST COMEDIAN

STRING AND THE BEANS

instagram.com/stringandthebeans 2ND: Zach Funk 3RD: Select Start

BEST CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER BOUDOIR MORE DAWN HARTMAN INFO ON dawnhartmanphotography.com PG. 5

PHOTO: HAPPY LIL CANVASES

BEST CARTOONIST/ILLUSTRATOR

HAPPY LIL CANVASES happylilcanvases.com

Cute, colorful, and quintessentially Pittsburgh describes happy lil canvases, a small, lesbian-owned business operated by Jess Schweitzer. The selfdescribed “pittsburgh sticker girl” puts a cartoonish, often irreverently political, queer-friendly spin on all the iconic food, sports mascots, and landmarks that define the city, with decals featuring the Eat’n Park Smiley cookie, Mr. Yuk, and more. Declare your hatred for the current president and love for Heinz by slapping a “Tr*mp Eats Hunt’s” sticker on your water bottle or laptop, or choose from any number of items dedicated to the beloved racing pierogies of PNC Park.

Find happy lil canvases items online or at a number of local gift shops, including love, pittsburgh and Kards Unlimited. - Amanda Waltz

2ND: Toadstool Sticker Co. 3RD: Rob Rogers

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2ND: Amber Rae Photography 3RD: Body Art Boudoir

BEST CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER EDITORIAL

CARLA CARDELLO

carlacardello.com 2ND: Nikki Wiser (Crazy City Lady) 3RD: Stephanie Strasburg

BEST CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER EVENTS/SPORTS

DIGITAL NOISE PHOTOGRAPHY (Tony Kozinko)

facebook.com/DigitalNoisePhotography 2ND: Sweater Bob 3RD: Ava Grace Studios!

BEST CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER FAMILY/CHILDREN

CAROLYN DOYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

carolyndoylephotography.com 2ND: Keep Pittsburgh Dope/Chancelor Humphrey 3RD: Kurtz Photography

ANEMIA BLUNT

instagram.com/anemiablunt 2ND: Dixie Surewood 3RD: Snoozy Q

BEST FASHION DESIGNER

LYDIA B. KOLLINS

instagram.com/foreheadbrows

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

BEST CAMP FOR KIDS

BEST DRAG PERFORMER

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

BEST CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER PORTRAITURE/FASHION

DAWN HARTMAN

dawnhartmanphotography.com 2ND: Ava Grace 3RD: Cory Runyan

BEST DANCE STUDIO - ADULT

PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE DANCE & FITNESS

2900 Liberty Ave., Strip District. pbt.org 2ND: Firewall Dance Theater 3RD: JP Gallery

BEST DANCE STUDIO - KIDS

ART IN MOTION

1001 Main St., Sharpsburg. artinmotionpgh.com 2ND: Dance Unleashed 3RD: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School

BEST DANCE TROUPE - BURLESQUE

SMOKIN’ BETTIES BURLESQUE

instagram.com/smokinbetties 2ND: The Velvet Hearts 3RD: The Coven of Misfits

BEST DANCE TROUPE - KIDS

STUDIO G DANCE CENTER & TEAM

995 Greensburg Pike, Forest Hills. studiogdancecenter.com 2ND: Alumni Theater Company 3RD: JP Gallery

The style of local drag performer Lydia B. Kollins is as spooky as her namesake, the character Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice.

Her signature costumes, many of which were showcased during her appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race, spin the bi arre imaginings of filmmakers John Waters and David Lynch into creations replete with faux fur, shiny satin and polyurethane, black lace, and funky patterns. Now that her fame has grown, will the close relationship with her design process continue? In an interview with the PopHorror media site, Kollins said, “I’ve been recently working with a lot of great designers.

But I do make pretty much everything that I wear. I try to. I love the creation aspect.” - Amanda Waltz

2ND: Kiya Tomlin 3RD: Kati Grimes - Topaz Thimble

BEST FILM FESTIVAL

PITTSBURGH INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL

pghindie.com 2ND: Grossfest 3RD: Three Rivers Film Festival

BEST FILMMAKER

MADELINE DEERING instagram.com/mdeering095

The Pittsburgh indie film community mourned the loss of Madeline Deering, who passed away on June 13, 2025, at the age of 36. Based on the outpouring of condolence messages, both on social media and on her obituary page, it’s clear Deering meant a lot to local DIY horror filmmakers, who considered her a friend and colleague. A graduate of the Douglas Education Center’s Digital Film Factory in Monessen, Pa., Deering wore many creative hats — her credits include writing and directing Bathtub Shark Attack, acting in Gore Orphanage, and producing a handful of projects. Her posthumous Best of PGH win stands as a touching tribute led by people like former Best Filmmaker winner Steve Rudzinski, who encouraged people to vote for her in a Facebook post. - Amanda Waltz

2ND: Wendy Whittick 3RD: Lily Ekimian Ragheb & Ahmed T. Ragheb (Studio Ragheb)

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER SEPTEMBER 17-24, 2025

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BEST VISUAL ARTIST - DIGITAL MEDIA

HAPPY LIL CANVASES happylilcanvases.com 2nd: Toadstool Sticker Co. 3rd: Skull Butter Arts CP PHOTO: JOHN COLUMBO

BEST POET

BEST VISUAL ARTIST - FINE ART

Rachel Ann Bovier

JAMES WODAREK

RACHEL ANN BOVIER

jameswodarek.com 2nd: Feel The Rain Studio - Emily Glass 3rd: Skull Butter Arts

instagram.com/rachel_ann_bovier 2nd: Chiina Bloodmire 3rd: Chozen Lyricistress (Sharell Johnson-Kacprzyk) CP PHOTO: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

Brew House Arts

BEST GALLERY FOR LOCAL ARTISTS

BREW HOUSE ARTS

711 South 21st St., South Side. brewhousearts.org 2nd: Redfishbowl 3rd: Associated Artists of Pittsburgh

BEST SPORTS CLUB

QUEER SCOUTS

instagram.com/queerscoutsclimb

The mascot for Queer Scouts, an LGBTQ climbing club, isn’t a rock-climbing titan but a tiny, rainbow unicorn.

Beyond bouldering up rock walls, the club was created with broader goals in mind: to build connection and create a more inclusive and diverse outdoor sport community. When the club isn’t at its base at Pittsburgh’s ASCEND rock climbing gyms, Queer Scout members are out on adventures like scaling the sandstone at McConnells Mill State Park, or hosting mixers, meet-ups, and monthly affinity sessions. Free after-hours climbs dedicated to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and QFTW (Queer, Femme, Trans, Women) individuals help ensure any aspiring outdoorsperson can enjoy safe, judgment-free time to climb.

-Rachel Wilkinson

2nd: Forge Rugby Club 3rd: Pittsburgh Babes on Bikes

PHOTO: BENJAMIN PRISBYLLA

The Allentown Night Market

BEST STREET FAIR/BLOCK PARTY

ALLENTOWN NIGHT MARKET allentownnightmarket.com 2nd: Bellevue Night Market 3rd: August Wilson Birthday Celebration Block Party

BEST THEATER COMPANY

ARCADE COMEDY THEATER 943 Liberty Ave., Downtown. arcadecomedytheater.com 2nd: South Park Theatre 3rd: Pittsburgh Public Theater

BEST INDEPENDENT MOVIE THEATER

ROW HOUSE CINEMA 4115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. rowhousecinemas.com 2nd: Dependable Drive-in 3rd: Manor Theatre

BEST MUSEUM

SENATOR JOHN HEINZ HISTORY CENTER

1212 Smallman St., Strip District. heinzhistorycenter.org 2nd: Carnegie Museum of Natural History 3rd: The Andy Warhol Museum

BEST PA COUNTY FAIR

THE BIG BUTLER FAIR 1127 New Castle Rd., Prospect. bigbutlerfair.com 2nd: Crawford County Fair 3rd: Washington County Fair

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BEST STREET ARTIST

SWEATER BOB artbysweater.net

Sweater Bob — the artist moniker of Jordan Howell — has built a name with his signature “galaxy paintings.”

While he may have earned the title of Best Street Artist, supported by his photography, art demos, spraypainted works, and appearances at various events, his resume extends into poetry, music, and art therapy. His work, including his recent portraits on his artbysweater Instagram account, extends into supporting and showcasing fellow local artists, as well as poets, writers, performers, and organizations like 1Hood. From the street to the studio, Sweater Bob has become a positive figure in the local art scene, boosting his own image and that of those around him. -Amanda Waltz

2nd: Max GEMS Gonzales 3rd: Ashley Hodder

Hazell Azzer

BEST VOGUER

BEST THEATER COMPANY - ADULT

HAZELL AZZER

943 Liberty Ave., Downtown. arcadecomedytheater.com 2nd: City Theatre 3rd: South Park Theatre

BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

ARCADE COMEDY THEATER

CP PHOTO: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

Row House Cinema

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

BEST THEATER COMPANY - KIDS

SOUTH PARK THEATRE

Corner of Brownsville Road and Corrigan Drive, South Park Township. southparktheatre.com 2nd: Gemini Children's Theater 3rd: Penny Arcade Theater

BEST THEATER PRODUCTION - ADULT

SPEED THE MUSICAL KEANU BELEEVES

2nd: Barefoot in the Park - Little Lake Theatre 3rd: How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying - South Park Theatre

BEST THEATER PRODUCTION - KIDS

MATILDA - PITTSBURGH CLO pittsburghclo.org/shows/matilda-the-musical 2nd: Wanda B. Meighnaybor - Carnegie Stage 3rd: Sound of Music - Northside Players Junior

instagram.com/hazell__frappe23 2nd: Cole 3rd: Kiss Ebony

BETH BARBIS

bethbarbis.com 2nd: Megan McGreevy Photography 3rd: Maya Lovro

BEST WRITER

CHIINA BLOODMIRE

instagram.com/chiina_bloodmire

At the intersection of literature, spirituality, sexuality, and fierce queerness lurks Chiina Bloodmire. Her slam sensibilities have won her laurels at area spoken-word competitions, and her dark poetry has appeared in local journals and zines. While Pittsburgh’s small-but-mighty literary world can be as siloed and self-absorbed as other local scenes, Bloodmire has opted instead to build a Gothic vault as welcoming as it is intimidating. Catch her weaving her spell at Poetry Lounge and local slams. -Colin Williams

2nd: Jill Cullen 3rd: Tom Scioli

LIVING WITH

HIV AND NEED HELP WITH

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT? AIDSFreeWesternPA.org PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER SEPTEMBER 17-24, 2025

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BUSINESS + SERVICES BEST OF PGH 2025

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

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BEST SOCIAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATION

CASA SAN JOSÉ

BY COLIN WILLIAMS // CWILLIAMS@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

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ittsburgh City Paper catches Casa San José’s executive director Monica Ruiz on a typically busy day — in between answering interview questions, Ruiz briefly excuses herself to greet visitors and staff, request program data, and direct a visitor to the right office. It’s a sign of how indispensable the institution has become locally, particularly as U.S. President Donald Trump implements an immigration policy that has shaken communities and divided families.

“Last year, we had a total of 2,304 interventions,” Ruiz says.

Interventions at Casa San José include everything from English lessons to Know Your Rights training.

“This year so far — and we’re only in September — we’ve had 3,409.”

In short, Casa San José is working hard to meet the moment.

The organization, started by nun Janice Vanderneck in 2013, has “experienced exponential growth” under Ruiz, per the Casa San José website. That growth reflects a n e a r - d o u b l i n g o f Pi t ts b u rgh’s Hispanic community between the 2010 and 2020 U.S. Censuses.

It also reflects the challenges of a community facing unprecedented threats from the highest levels of government. Ruiz says local church attendance is down, and families have, in some cases, seen parents and primary breadwinners detained

by I m m i gra t i o n a n d Cu s to m s Enforcement (ICE).

Ruiz says ICE raids and a general climate of fear are having a tangible

2116 BROADWAY AVE., BEECHVIEW. CASASANJOSE.ORG economic impact. “Are you going to buy a house if you don’t know if you’re going to be here tomorrow?

Are you going to open a business? …

Probably not,” she says. “You’re not thriving; just surviving. That’s not how we create healthy communities or vibrant communities.”

I n re s p on s e , Casa San José has worked to educate residents, businesses, and neighborhood allies — especially in the immigrant-rich South Hills neighborhoods near its Beechview headquarters — while continuing to provide services including youth programming and sewing classes. Casa San José now has 35 dedicated staff members and over 100 volunteers supporting its efforts, and the organization is working on an expansion that will allow it to bring more services under one roof.

Ruiz welcomes the community’s ongoing help.

“We have a lot of strong support” from local politicians, she says.

“We’ve had a ton of people be trained on the rapid response team.”

Casa San José has also been rallying supporters for a weekly prayer vigil outside ICE’s South Side offices, which Ruiz calls “a beautiful thing.”

“We’re not there to throw our lives on the line … We’re there to document what’s going on,” she says. “I think that’s a great way to make sure our neighbors know that there are people there for them, even though there might be very little that folks can do. We’re shining a light onto what’s happening. And people don’t feel alone.” •

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BEST OF PGH 2025

BUSINESS + SERVICES PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

BEST ALTERATIONS SHOP/TAILOR

BEST AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP

instagram.com/kaits_craftations 2ND: Thuy Dang 3RD: Alterations by Rina

170 Freeport Rd. #1, Blawnox. hitechautocarepgh.com 2ND: Glenshaw Auto 3RD: Tower Vue Service Center

KAITS CRAFTATIONS AND ALTERATIONS

BEST ART STUDIO/ARTIST CO-OP SPACE

SONGBIRD ARTISTRY

4316 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. songbirdartistry.com 2ND: Workshop PGH 3RD: Redfishbowl

HI-TECH AUTO CARE

BEST BARBER SHOP

HOUSE OF HANDSOME

2906 W. Liberty Ave., Dormont. houseofhandsome.com 2ND: Sanctuary Barbershop by Bam Cuts 3RD: Lincoln Avenue Barber Shop

BEST BED AND BREAKFAST BEST ATTORNEY

MATTHEW MORELLA

2559 Brandt School Rd., Ste. 201, Wexford. morellabencsics.com 2ND: Art Ettinger 3RD: Edgar Snyder And Associates

BEST AUTO CUSTOMS SHOP

TC CUSTOMIZED

1227 Pa. Rte. 51, Jefferson Hills. tccustomized.shop 2ND: Nightfall Tinting - mobile window tinting services

BEST AUTO DETAILING SHOP

PRETTY GOOD GARAGE

107 Sandy Creek Rd., Verona. prettygoodgarage.com 2ND: Lightning Detail LLC 3RD: Shadyside Detail

MANSIONS ON FIFTH

5105 Fifth Ave., Shadyside. mansionsonfifth.com 2ND: The Weary Traveler 3RD: Inn on Negley

BEST BEST BLACK-OWNED BARBER SHOP

SANCTUARY BARBERSHOP

BY BAM CUTS

2343 Smallman St., Ste. 5, Strip District. instagram.com/bam.cuts 2ND: HBSL Hair Studio 3RD: The Natural Choice

BEST BLACK-OWNED HAIR SALON

KIMBERLY’S HAIR GARDEN

4115 Brownsville Rd., Brentwood. instagram.com/kimberlyshairgardenstudio 2ND: Rooted Hair Studio 3RD: HBSL Hair Studio

CP PHOTOS: MARS JOHNSON

Casa San José

Business + Services continues on PG. 14

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THANK YOU FOR VOTING

A BEST OF PGH WINNER AGAIN 1025 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017

BLENDING GOODNESS TO FUEL YOUR GREATNESS

11199 Perry Hwy, Wexford, PA 15090

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BEST BODEGA/CORNER STORE

BRYANT STREET MARKET 5901 Bryant St., Highland Park. facebook.com/BryantStreetMarket

What a dream to be able to avoid the supermarket, with its packed parking lot and long checkout line, and instead bop into a little neighborhood store to pick up all your necessary sundries, and a bomb-ass sandwich while you’re at it. That dream is a reality at Bryant Street Market in Highland Park. It has everything you need for your next couple of meals, plus lots of little hometown treats like Leona’s ice cream sandwiches, pierogies, and local honey.

Plus, it’s an actual deli, with a menu of piled-high sandwiches you can get hot or cold, to go. Hands down, Bryant Street Market is the East End’s essential for the essentials. -Ali Trachta

2nd: Smithfield Street News 3rd: Frenchi's

BEST BODY PIERCING ARTIST

LISS DERSHAW BLACK HORIZON TATTOO AND PIERCING 140 Sixth St., Downtown. instagram.com/pierceropossum 2nd: Tanner - Hot Rod 3rd: Amanda Armstrong - Alter Ego Body Art Studio

BEST BODY PIERCING SHOP

HOT ROD PIERCING

95 S. 16th St., South Side. hotrodpiercingcompany.com 2nd: Genisys Body Arts 3rd: Black Horizon Tattoo & Piercing

BEST BRAIDING STYLIST

COURTNEY RILEY BILLION DOLLAR BRAIDS instagram.com/billiondollar.braids 2nd: Luxurae Hair

BEST CAR DEALER

POWER OF BOWSER Multiple locations. powerofbowser.com 2nd: Baierl Subaru 3rd: Shults Ford

BEST COWORKING SPACE

ONEVALLEY AT THE ROUNDHOUSE

4165 Blair St., Hazelwood. theonevalley.com/innovation-center-pittsburgh 2nd: CoHatch 3rd: Emerald City

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BEST CREDIT UNION

CLEARVIEW FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Multiple Locations. clearviewfcu.org 2nd: Omega FCU 3rd: Century Heritage Federal Credit Union

BEST DAY SPA

PITTSBURGH CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY HEALTH & HEALING 1124 S. Braddock Ave. #B, Swissvale. pghhealthandhealing.com

Every body needs healing. This is at the core of the Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing’s offerings, which range from massage to energy healing and specialized spa services for pregnant people.

The Center’s diverse staff reflects their clientele. Whether you’re there to get those knots out of your back or to indulge in a hot-stone couples massage, you’re quite literally in good hands in this 20-year-old Regent Square hideaway. -Colin Williams

2nd: Seva Reiki 3rd: Oak & Ivy Holistic Wellness Spa

BEST DRY CLEANER

STRONG CLEANERS

7620 Frankstown Ave. #1624, Homewood. comegetmydrycleaning.com 2nd: Ruby's Cleaners 3rd: Alterations Express

BEST ENTREPRENEUR-LGBTQ

KATIE SIRIANNI - LOVE, KATIE DISTILLING 816 Main St., Sharpsburg. lovekatiedistilling.com

Forget beards and flannel — Katie Sirianni has both aided Sharpsburg’s renaissance and fostered an inclusive space for craft beverage enthusiasts.

Love, Katie’s cozy storefront is a literal manifestation of that welcoming atmosphere, as are the thoughtfully blended cocktails and spirits. The Querida Gin is a great example.

Dedicated to Sirianni’s fiancée, Jen, the spirit’s balanced floral and citrus flavors and dry finish reflect her personal and professional passion.

-Colin Williams

2nd: Luna Skye - S&S Productions 3rd: Dan Burda - Studio Raw Elite

BEST ENTREPRENEUR - WOMEN

BEST HAIR SALON

atalantamarketing.com 2nd: Candy Aiken-Boyd - Planet Tattoo 3rd: Macabre Noir - Grim Wizard/Weeping Glass

195 Montour Run Rd. Unit 108, Coraopolis. groovebeautyco.glossgenius.com 2nd: Looks by Gracie 3rd: Salon Botanico

BEST ENTREPRENEUR - BIPOC

BEST HEALTH ADVOCACY GROUP

505 Grant Ave., Millvale. curatedflamepgh.com 2nd: Larissa Russo - The Refillery 3rd: Jessica Gurley - Social Work Consulting & Counseling

933 Liberty Ave., Downtown. plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthoodwestern-pennsylvania 2nd: Central Outreach Wellness Center 3rd: Allies for Health + Wellbeing

ANDI PERELMAN ATALANTA MARKETING

MO/ANTHONY RABINOVITZCURATED FLAME

PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

BEST EVENT FLORIST

BEST INDEPENDENT PHARMACY

2900 W. Liberty Ave., Dormont. dormontflorist.com 2nd: The Farmer's Daughter 3rd: McCandless Floral

1759 Smallman St., Strip District. hiebers.com

DORMONT FLORIST

BEST FITNESS CENTER/ GYM

BURN BOOT CAMP - BETHEL PARK

3001 Cool Springs Dr., Bethel Park. locations.burnbootcamp.com/locations/bethel-park-pa 2nd: Death Comes Lifting 3rd: Ascend Climbing Gym

BEST GUIDED TOUR

HOPE HAVEN FARM SANCTUARY

2506 Wexford Bayne Rd., Sewickley. hopehavenfarm.org

You don’t exactly think of Sewickley as the countryside. But only a few miles off from the boutique shops and Penguins’ homes is the rolling six acres of Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary, which has invited visitors to come kiss pigs and pet alpacas for 10-plus years.

Founded in 2011 by veterinarian Karen Phillips, Hope Haven is a sanctuary for neglected animals, many of them rescued from inhumane factory conditions. A guiding principle is that coming to the idyllic farm and looking Boaz the mini donkey in the eyes, or feeling Wyatt the turkey’s feathers, has the power to change your relationship to animals, and in turn, “create a brighter future for the planet.”

Volunteer-led tours put you faceto-face with more than 100 animal “ambassadors” including pigs, goats, sheep, emus, all manner of farm birds, and even Kerrish, the brave barn cat — reconnecting frazzled city dwellers to the natural world, even if just for a while. -Rachel Wilkinson

2nd: Buffalo Bill's House "The Silence of the Lambs" Film Location 3rd: Gateway Clipper Fleet WWW.PGHCITYPAPER.COM

GROOVE BEAUTY CO.

HIEBER’S PHARMACY

In light of the Rite Aid Apocalypse, this seems like a better time than any to support your local mom-and-pop pharmacy, and Heiber’s makes that a joy to do. It’s Pittsburgh’s oldest pharmacy, now women-owned, and, in addition to filling regular prescriptions, does medication compounding, making more individualized treatments an option. They’ll give you vaccines, too, while those are still legal.

Stay away from Heiber’s, RFK Jr.! We love it just as it is! -Ali Trachta

2nd: Spartan Pharmacy 3rd: Hilltop Pharmacy

BEST LASH ARTIST

KAYLEE ROWE ELLEGANTÉ LASH CO

335 Morganza Rd., Canonsburg. ellegantelashcopgh.as.me 2nd: Zoe Everett - Beauty Bungalow PGH 3rd: Jenna Walker - Esthetics by Jenna LLC

BEST LASH STUDIO

ELLEGANTÉ LASH CO 335 Morganza Rd., Canonsburg. ellegantelashcopgh.as.me 2nd: Beauty Bungalow PGH 3rd: Esthetics by Jenna LLC

BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST

ROXANNE WILLIAMS WAY WELLNESS CENTER

1360 Old Freeport Rd. #1A, Blawnox. waywellnesscenter.com 2nd: Nikki Remic - Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing 3rd: Maddie Taylor - Knot Now, Not Later

BEST VETERINARY CLINIC

BEST MEDICAL SPA

BEST PET DAYCARE

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY

2920 W. Liberty Ave., Dormont. inclusiveaestheticsspa.com 2ND: Known Aesthetics 3RD: Fillir

Multiple Locations. campbowwow.com 2ND: The Dog Stop 3RD: Hounds Town - Pittsburgh Strip District

9840 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford. thepreferredrealty.com 2ND: Howard Hanna 3RD: The Colony Agency

2080 Greentree Rd., Scott Township. greentreevet.com 2ND: Animal Friends 3RD: Pittsburgh Spay & Vaccination Clinic

BEST MUSIC RECORDING STUDIO

BEST PET GROOMER

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Clairton Rd., West Mifflin. facebook.com/razorbladerecordings 2ND: Little Giant 3RD: Spaceship Studio PGH

1111 Oakdale Rd. Ste. #2, Oakdale. facebook.com/amyspetparlor16 2ND: Pawsitive Transfurmations 3RD: Kim's Dog House

BEST NAIL ARTIST

BEST PLACE TO ADOPT A PET

201 S. Highland Ave., Shadyside. coldwellbankerhomes.com/pa/pittsburgh/agent/ mark-panichella/aid_206560 2ND: Pamela Simmons 3RD: Dennis Myers - Coldwell Bankers Realty

ZAK BELLANTE DEATH COMES LIFTING

1131 Boyce Rd. Ste. B, Upper St. Clair. instagram.com/sageorganic_rachel 2ND: Bethany Edeburn - Beauty Bungalow 3RD: Cheyenne Burns - 412 Color Studio

6926 Hamilton Ave., Homewood. humaneanimalrescue.org 2ND: Trash Cat Rescue 3RD: Animal Friends

BEST NAIL SALON

BEST PLACE TO TAKE RECYCLING

Multiple Locations. mysite.vagaro.com/beautybungalowpgh 2ND: Beli Nail Salon 3RD: Nails on Point

214 North Lexington St., Point Breeze. cjreuse.org 2ND: Michael Brothers Companies 3RD: Northside Scrap Metals Inc.

BEST NONPROFIT

BEST PRINTMAKER/POSTER DESIGNER

BEST TATTOO SHOP

415 West Warrington Ave., Beltzhoover. cwpress.com 2ND: PGH Print Ship 3RD: Signs N'At

520 N. State St., Clairton. form.jotform.com/222541873506153 2ND: Black Horizon Tattoo 3RD: Duck Duck Tattoo Studio

BEST PSYCHIC/TAROT READER

BEST TRAVEL AGENT

INCLUSIVE AESTHETICS

RAZORBLADE RECORDINGS

RACHEL TONKOVICH SAGE ORGANIC SPA

BEAUTY BUNGALOW PGH

ANIMAL FRIENDS

562 Camp Horne Rd., Ohio Township. thinkingoutsidethecage.org 2ND: Casa San Jose 3RD: Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

JESSI DRAYER - BURN BOOT CAMP BETHEL PARK

3001 Cool Springs Dr., Bethel Park. locations.burnbootcamp.com/locations/ bethel-park-pa 2ND: Zak Bellante - Death Comes Lifting 3RD: Jesse Novak - Deepest Root

CAMP BOW WOW

AMY'S PET PARLOR

HUMANE ANIMAL RESCUE OF PITTSBURGH

CONSTRUCTION JUNCTION

COMMONWEALTH PRESS

THE MENAGERIE

494 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue. themenageriepgh.com 2ND: Jacqui Giordano 3RD: Erica Crystol

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY

GREENTREE ANIMAL CLINIC

MARK PANICHELLA CLAIRE BAER Mount Lebanon Blvd., South Hills.

COLDWELL BANKERS REALTY 250 yogainnovationscollective.com

BEST SOCIAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATION

CASA SAN JOSÉ

MORE INFO ON PG. 11

casasanjose.org 2ND: Bellevue Pride 3RD: SisTerS PGH

BEST SPRAY TAN

MOKA

5144 Butler St. Fl. 1, Lawrenceville. mokaglow.com 2ND: Uprooted Wax & Beauty 3RD: Alex Fossati - Esthetics by Jenna LLC

TIE

636 E. Warrington Ave, Allentown deathcomeslifting.com 2ND: Jessica Schaefer

BEST YOGA STUDIO

YOGA INNOVATIONS COLLECTIVE

250 Mount Lebanon Blvd., South Hills. yogainnovationscollective.com 2ND: Death Comes Lifting 3RD: Sterling Yoga & Wellness Center

PLANET TATTOO

MORGAN COTTRILL DESTINATIONS BY MC

destinationsbymc.com 2ND: Cruise Planners - Jen Rosa 3RD: Holiday Travel International

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER SEPTEMBER 17-24, 2025

15

MUSIC + NIGHTLIFE BEST OF PGH 2025

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

CP PHOTOS: MARS JOHNSON

16

WWW.PGHCITYPAPER.COM

BEST BARTENDER: DANA HIYAJNEH BEST BOUNCER: BRANDI BREISCH

BOTTLEROCKET SOCIAL HALL

1226 ARLINGTON AVE, ALLENTOWN BOTTLEROCKETPGH.COM

BY AMANDA WALTZ // AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

W

o r k i n g a t a p l a c e l i ke Bottlerocket Social Hall has its perks. For bartender Dana Hiyajneh, it’s being able to meet performers who come through the Allentown venue that, since opening in 2022, has gained a reputation for hosting big indie comedians and bands. Hiyajneh recalls serving actors Nicholas Hoult and John C. Reilly when they stopped in to see Pete Davidson perform (the three men were in Pittsburgh shooting a movie).

“He’s even taller than I thought,” Hiyajneh says of Hoult, who clocks in at over six feet.

Hiyajneh has made an impression on the crowds flocking to Bottlerocket for the latest up-andcoming funny person or musical act, as demonstrated by her Best of PGH win. And she’s not the only one

— Pittsburgh City Paper readers also chose fellow Bottlerocket employee Brandi Breisch as the city’s Best Bouncer, a rare two-fer for any local bar or performance venue.

It was after seeing comedian and writer Joe Mande perform at Bottlerocket three years ago that Hiyajneh, an Allentown resident who also works as a hair stylist, decided to apply for a bartending position.

Despite a lack of experience slinging alcoholic beverages, she was driven by a love of comedy, music, and people.

“I said, ‘Who do I need to bother to get a job here?’” she tells City Paper, adding that she was working from home at the time and wanted a position where she could “talk to people again.”

“I love the people,” she says, “and quite frankly, I have a front-row seat

to the best show in town any night of the week.”

Breisch, who also resides in Allentown, tells CP, “The way someone’s face lights up when they walk in for the first time never gets old.

And I work with the best staff in Pittsburgh. Everyone works together as a team, no matter how insane a task is thrown at us.”

Hiyajneh views her customers and coworkers as family, referring to her team members as a close-knit “bunch of cousins” and even inviting some of her regulars to a barbecue she hosted. Breisch expands on the familial atmosphere, recalling how owner Chris Copen “tricked the staff into thinking we had to work a mandatory event on a Sunday and instead surprised us all by taking us to a Steelers game.”

That family will most likely grow as

Bottlerocket embarks on its new role as an Upright Citizens Brigade training center, where aspiring improv performers and writers will come for workshops, and comedy fans will see some of the country’s best and brightest voices in the scene.

When asked about her Best of PGH win, Hiyajneh, a self-described former theater kid, references the Sally Field Oscar acceptance speech, in which the actress famously said, “You like me! You really like me!”

“It’s just sweet that people think of me,” she says, pointing out how Bottlerocket also won the title of Best Place to Drink Alone this year.

“That means you’re probably sitting and talking to us. Those are my favorite things.” •

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER SEPTEMBER 17-24, 2025

17

Music + Nightlife continues from PG. 17

BEST OF PGH 2025

MUSIC + NIGHTLIFE BOTTLEROCKET SOCIAL HALL

1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. bottlerocketpgh.com 2ND: Kelly’s 3RD: R Bar

MORE INFO ON PG. 17

BEST BAR TO PREGAME BEFORE THE GAME

RUGGERS PUB

40 S. 22nd St., South Side. ruggerspub.com 2ND: Southern Tier 3RD: Mike’s Beer Bar

BEST BARTENDER

DANA BOTTLEROCKET SOCIAL HALL

MORE INFO ON PG. 17

MISS FREDDYE

missfreddye.com 2ND: Soulful Femme 3RD: Megan Paullet

BEST COUNTRY ARTIST/GROUP

APPALACHIAN HONEY appalachianhoneymusic.com

Singer-songwriter duo Appalachian Honey has yet to release an album, but still managed to win Best Country Artist/Group. Singer Krissy Jo and mandolin player Damon Dosch have already built a resume that includes recently opening for country artist Tracy Byrd, and performing at events like the Dayton Fair and The Band Jam Grass Roots Music Festival in Slippery Rock, Pa. Listeners of 97.7 The Rock may have already heard their single “You’re Still Around,” a sweet, gentle track defined by plucking acoustics and Jo’s angelic vocals. Local country fans should look out for their first album, which they are “in the process of recording,” according to their website. Amanda Waltz

2ND: Hundred Acres Manor 3RD: Kennywood Fright Fest

PHOTO: COURTESY OF PAUL BOSSUNG

FLASHBACK

facebook.com/FlashbackBandPGH 2ND: Steeltown Band 3RD: Pitt Floyd

MARY ANN MANGINI

BEST MUSIC VENUE (CITY)

BEST KARAOKE

400 N. Shore Dr., North Shore. stageae.com 2ND: Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall 3RD: Spirit

dancingqueen911.com 2ND: Phat Man Dee 3RD: Kenny Blake

BEST LGBTQ BAR

BLUE MOON

5115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. bluemoononbutler.com 2ND: 5801 Video Lounge 3RD: P Town Bar

MORE INFO ON PG. 17

BEST LOCAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

A LITTLE MORE THE SHINERS

WWW.PGHCITYPAPER.COM

BEST MUSIC VENUE (SUBURBS)

MR. SMALLS

400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. mrsmalls.com 2ND: Jergel's Rhythm Grill 3RD: Preserving Underground

BEST NEW BAR

THE DOG PENN

2614 Penn Ave., Strip District thedogpenn.com 2ND: Jackworth Ginger Beer 3RD: Mary's

BEST POP ARTIST/GROUP

MARY ANN MANGINI

dancingqueen911.com 2ND: Franchise Band 3RD: Megan Paullet

BEST DIVE BAR

BEST METAL ARTIST/GROUP

BEST PUNK ARTIST/GROUP

3117 Brereton St., Polish Hill. gooskis.restaurants-world.com 2ND: Belvedere's Ultra-Dive 3RD: R Bar

facebook.com/ModernFossilsPGH 2ND: Amoeba Kneivel 3RD: Ancient Torture

dinopunks.com 2ND: Submachine 3RD: Old Neon

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

instagram.com/dj_jimmy412 2ND: Lemonline 3RD: Himboza

STAGE AE

shinersrock.com 2ND: Ferocious Ghosts - Ford the River 3RD: Rust On The Rocks - Dinnerbell Road

Gooski's

BEST CLUB DJ

DJ JIMMY

Stage AE

BEST JAZZ ARTIST/GROUP

400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. mrsmalls.com/events/greggy_oke-karaoke-37 2ND: Blue Moon with Eddieokee 3RD: Lead Singer Wanted Live Band Karaoke

1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. bottlerocketpgh.com 2ND: Big Pete - Ruggers Pub 3RD: Justin at Gooski's

18

n ation is up, and the world is full of horrors. There’s no need to head outside this spooky season when you can just walk down a ight of stairs to your Pittsburgh basement. Cobwebs?

Check. Ancient standalone toilet?

Check. A weird under-the-porch crawlspace perfect for hiding a body?

Check. Water intrusion? You bet!

Nothing conjures the grim atmosphere of a dank Medieval dungeon like the lower level of most Pittsburgh homes.

All you need is some distant organ music or a fog machine and you’re ready to go. -Colin Williams

GREGGY-OKE KARAOKE MR. SMALLS CAFE

BEST BOUNCER

BRANDI BOTTLEROCKET SOCIAL HALL

millvalemusic.org 2ND: Descendants of Crom 3RD: Rugg-a-palooza

MILLVALE MUSIC FESTIVAL

ANY PITTSBURGH BASEMENT

BEST COVER ARTIST/GROUP

BEST BLUES ARTIST/GROUP

instagram.com/weirdpaulp 2ND: Quack Daddy 3RD: Hemlock for Socrates

BEST HAUNTED ATTRACTION

2ND: Rocket Loves Blue 3RD: Morgan Gruber

1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. bottlerocketpgh.com 2ND: Alex Gordon - Ruggers Pub 3RD: Scotty - Le Mardi Gras

BEST MUSIC FEST

WEIRD PAUL PETROSKEY

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

BEST BAR TO DRINK ALONE

BEST ELECTRONIC ARTIST/GROUP

GOOSKI'S

MODERN FOSSILS

FUCK YEAH, DINOSAURS! Music + Nightlife continues on PG. 20

Healthcare rooted in community.

Medical • Mental Health • Dental ALL INSURANCE ACCEPTED, NOT REQUIRED

CPSept_BestOfIssue_Patient_Rooted.indd 1

6/14/25 8:59 AM PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER SEPTEMBER 17-24, 2025 19

Pittsburgh’s Best Auto Repair - Thank You! Family-owned.

Honest, reliable service for 35+ years.

• Inspections • Brakes • Tires • Diagnostics Hi-Tech Auto Care | 170 Freeport Rd, Blawnox | 412-828-5114 hitechautocarepgh.com

@hitechautocarepgh

Music + Nightlife continues from PG. 18

BEST SOCIAL CLUB

BOTTLEROCKET SOCIAL HALL

BEST R&B ARTIST/GROUP

FRANCHISE BAND

1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. bottlerocketpgh.com 2ND: Pittsburgh Lesbiyinz 3RD: Club Pittsburgh

franchisebandlive412.com 2ND: Bill Henry Band 3RD: Megan Paullet

BEST SPORTS BAR

RUGGERS PUB

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY OR DUO (DJ)

MIKEY AND BOB (96.1 KISS)

961kiss.iheart.com 2ND: John Ballistic's Underground Jukebox 3RD: Hot Lixx with Lily Sixx

40 S. 22nd St., South Side. ruggerspub.com 2ND: Bigham Tavern 3RD: The Pitch on Butler

BEST STRIP CLUB

@hitechautocarepgh

THE REAL LUCK CAFÉ (Lucky’s Bar)

1519 Penn Ave., Strip District.

2ND: Rick's Caberet 3RD: Club 412 Gentleman's Club

BEST TRIVIA HOST

5801 WITH TRIVIA JOCKEYS 5801 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside.

5801pgh.com CP PHOTO: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

WYEP

BEST RADIO STATION

WYEP wyep.org

I have a love/hate relationship with DJ X on Spotify. On one hand, I’m really indecisive about what music I listen to and am perfectly happy for Jesus to take the wheel. On the other, he’s a mediocre AI bot who plays the same stuff over and over, and is convinced love Benson Boone even though I’m not so sure. When he frustrates me, that’s when I remember I can instead simply listen to the radio ore specifically, Pittsburgh’s gem of a station that is WYEP. Over there, real-life DJs make all the decisions for me, serving up a variety of well-curated tunes from all genres and decades. To top it off, by listening (and donating! You should donate!) I’m standing with local public media as it’s ransacked by the federal government. It’s a win, win, win.

-Ali Trachta

DENTAL Insurance Great coverage for retirees.

Coverage for cleanings, fillings, crowns — even dentures! Get dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company.

Get your FREE Information Kit

2ND: WDVE 3RD: 105.9 The X Get your Info Kit

SCAN NOW!

It’s easy! Call or scan today

1-855-385-3879 Dental50Plus.com/Citypaper

Product/features not available in all states. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. To find a network provider, go to physiciansmutual.com/find-dentist. This specific offer not available in CO, NV, NY – call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for a similar offer in your state. Certificate C254/B465, C250A/B438 (ID: C254ID; PA: C254PA); Insurance Policy P154/B469 (GA: P154GA; OK: P154OK; TN: P154TN).

6347-0125

20

WWW.PGHCITYPAPER.COM

BEST RAP/HIP-HOP ARTIST/GROUP

LIL LENNY

facebook.com/Lil.Lenny412 2ND: Aryana Kapree 3RD: M.E.L.T.

BEST ROCK ARTIST/GROUP

ROCKET LOVES BLUE

rocketlovesblue.com 2ND: Glitz 3RD: Broom

So many trivia nights to choose from, and Trivia Jockeys at 5801 Video Lounge and Cafe emerges triumphant. Since 2014, Trivia Jockeys — described on its website as a “fully customizable quiz-show and trivia experience” for players of all ages — has delivered a modernized game that goes beyond pen-and-paper quiz sheets. Their weekly Tuesday appearances at 5801, one of Pittsburgh’s most well-known gay bars, promise prizes and “great fun,” as well as a chance for community and competition. For CP readers, Trivia Jockeys and 5801 make for a winning combination, where guests can show off their pop culture knowledge in a welcoming, queer-friendly environment. -Amanda Waltz

2ND: PGH Trivia 3RD: Drew’s Clues!

BEST WEDDING BAND

FRANCHISE BAND

franchisebandlive412.com 2ND: Weird Paul Rock Band 3RD: Bachelor Boys Band

BEST WEDDING DJ

DJ LOYAL

djloyal.com 2ND: TJ Harris 3RD: Selecta

BEST WORLD OR INTERNATIONAL MUSIC ARTIST/GROUP

POLKAMANIACS

zomboco.com/the-polkamaniacs 2ND: Rusted Root 3RD: Bealtaine

Best Thai Restaurant in PGH for 15 years!!!

Come visit one of our 3 locations today.

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER SEPTEMBER 17-24, 2025

21

FOOD + DRINK BEST OF PGH 2025

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

22

WWW.PGHCITYPAPER.COM

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

ARBY’S ON MCKNIGHT ROAD

4810 MCKNIGHT RD., ROSS. ARBYS.COM

BY IAN RIGGINS // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

T

his piece was originally intended to be a joke. How could it not be? If you’re reading this, I probably don’t need to explain the history. But just in case: Thanks to a viral Craigslist missed connection, the Arby’s on McKnight Road has been a Pittsburgh-area meme for years now, including in the pages of this esteemed publication. If you’ve been on Pittsburgh internet over the past five or so years, you’ve likely come across it. There are the song versions. There’s the merch.

And last year, it was voted the best place to cry in public.

This year, the McKnight Road Arby’s has been bestowed that same honor by Pittsburgh City Paper readers, but additionally, it’s now deemed the best romantic date spot in town. I was asked to write

something about this achievement, and because I love sandwiches, romance, and the McKnight Road commercial corridor, I gleefully accepted. What a funny piece this would be!

Here’s the thing, though: There’s nothing funny about how romantic the McKnight Road Arby’s actually is. I’d never been to this location. Based on the jokes, I expected something sad and shabby, with blinking uorescents and peeling yellow walls — you know, a good place to cry in public.

I’m not saying it’s going to win any design awards, but this is not a bad-looking establishment. I’d describe it as Olive Garden-lite — wooden columns, room dividers, and tabletops filigreed metal railings sectioning off the line area

decorative glass pendant lights.

The wall behind the soda fountain is plastered with quotes about the joy of eating by the likes of late opera singer Luciano Pavarotti and iconic chef James Beard. The booth cushions and wall art depict the inoffensive, soothingly abstract designs commonly found in medical offices.

The Arby’s faces west, and during our 6 p.m. visit, the dining room was bathed in a warm glow as the sun dipped toward the buildings across McKnight. Other than one person seated in a far corner, my date and I were the only customers present.

No music played over the restaurant’s loudspeakers. It was a peaceful, dare I say, romantic setting.

The point of this piece isn’t to review Arby’s food, but I was pleasantly surprised by my Reuben.

(I twice asked ChatGPT whether a Diet Coke or a Diet Dr. Pepper would pair better with my sandwich. received a different response each time. In my opinion, Diet Dr. Pepper’s blend of 23 signature avors cut through the richness of the corned beef and cheese quite well.) My date wasn’t thrilled with their Classic Beef ‘N Cheddar, which tracks with my own experience eating one 16 years ago at the Crafton location. The Jalapeño Bites were fire.

I’m not going to argue that the McKnight Road Arby’s is actually the best romantic date spot in Pittsburgh. (That, obviously, would be the South Side fake Burger King.)

But if you’re a teen taking your crush out for the evening, and you need to save on dinner because you blew your allowance on D-BOX seats for the newest Marvel movie in XD at the Cinemark North Hills, you could do a lot worse. • Food + Drink continues on PG. 24

VOTED #1 ADULT STORE Lingerie (Small - 3X) • Fetish Footwear • Adult Toys

S A S S YS E N S AT I O N S . C O M PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER SEPTEMBER 17-24, 2025

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Food + Drink continues from PG. 23

BEST OF PGH 2025

FOOD + DRINK PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

BEST BARISTA

BEST BREAD

If you haven’t already, we invite you to wake up with heavy metal and a affeinated lchemy served by a tatted, progressive, artistic god dess who evokes the entire essence of rim i ard and the general llentown vibe.

Thank us later. - tacy ounds

Multiple Locations. mancinisbakery.com 2ND: Mediterra 3RD: Breadworks

PHOENIX - GRIM WIZARD

BEST AFRICAN FOOD

BEST BAKERY

2032 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill. africaneatscuisine.com 2ND: Tana Ethiopian Cuisine 3RD: Kilimanjaro

Multiple Locations. lagourmandinebakery.com 2ND: Oakmont Bakery 3RD: Bethel Park Bakery

BEST AREPA

BEST BAR FOOD

BEST BBQ

412-428 Cherry Way, Downtown. arepittas.com 2ND: Cilantro y Ajo 3RD: The Colombian Spot

6012 Centre Ave., East Liberty. kellysbarlounge.com 2ND: Birmingham Bridge Tavern 3RD: Squirrel Hill Cafe

3900 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Brentwood. rowdybbq.com 2ND: Off the Rails BBQ and Drafthouse 3RD: Walter’s BBQ

BEST BAGEL

BEST BAR TO DAY DRINK

BEST BEER LIST

5613 Hobart St., Squirrel Hill. pigeonbagels.com 2ND: Balena Bagels 3RD: Brooklyn bagel

4717 Butler St., Lawrenceville. thepitchonbutler.com 2ND: Velum Fermentation 3RD: Red’s Good News

Multiple Locations. gristhouse.com 2ND: Urban Tap 3RD: The Pitch on Butler

AFRICAN EATS CUISINE

AREPITTAS

PIGEON BAGELS

24

WWW.PGHCITYPAPER.COM

LA GOURMANDINE

KELLY'S BAR & LOUNGE

THE PITCH ON BUTLER

1206 Arlington Ave., Allentown. grimwizard.com 2ND: Amber de Almeida 3RD: Chris Angelo

ROWDY BBQ

GRIST HOUSE

MANCINI’S

BEST BREAKFAST

PAMELA'S DINER

Multiple locations. pamelasdiner.com 2ND: Wunderbar Coffee and Bistro 3RD: Speckled Egg

BEST BREWERY

GRIST HOUSE

Multiple Locations. gristhouse.com 2ND: Arsenal Cider House 3RD: Velum Fermentation

BEST BRUNCH

PAMELA’S DINER

Multiple Locations. pamelasdiner.com 2ND: Grand Concourse 3RD: Mediterra

BEST BUBBLE TEA

BEST CANDY STORE

Multiple Locations. tsaocaapa.com

Multiple Locations. grandpajoescandyshop.com 2ND: Sarris Candies 3RD: Betsy Ann

TSAOCAA

Squirrel Hill has become something of a mecca for those of us with a sweet tooth, with bubble tea and dessert shops springing up alongside specialty food stores. So Tsaocaa — which translates to “a holy land of tea” — cleared a high bar to stand out, and even expand with a second Oakland store. Maybe it’s the shop’s spaceage interior that invites patrons to endlessly customize their made-toorder teas. Maybe it’s the eminently scrollable menu that beckons you to find your perfect drink among fruit, milk, and bubble tea options, optimize your sweetness level, and even add toppings like brown sugar jelly, mango boba, and red bean. To bypass the tyranny of choice, opt for a Tsaocaa special like their brown sugar milk black tea with Oreo milk foam and bubbles. et your caffeine fi from a concoction that’ll have you scooping cookie foam from the bottom of Tsaocaa’s convenient resealable cup.

-Rachel Wilkinson

2ND: Banh Mi and Ti 3RD: Fuku Tea

BEST BURGER

MOONLIT BURGERS

Multiple Locations. moonlitburgers.com 2ND: Tessaro's 3RD: Burgatory

BEST BUTCHER

WEISS MEATS

100 Terence Dr., Pleasant Hills. weissmeats.com

Weiss Meats in Pleasant Hills has been a South Hills institution since 9 8, when the eiss family first opened their butcher shop. The familyrun shop still focuses on providing quality, hand-cut meats and good, old-fashioned customer service.

However, the shop has modernized, with online pre-ordering and expanded offerings, including seafood. Their signature smokehouse sausages — traditional kielbasa and spicy links — are the perfect yinzer bites for tailgate parties and backyard barbecues. This neighborhood butcher is just as good, if not better, than the high-end bougie options around town. And who doesn’t like to save money? -Stacy Rounds

GRANDPA JOE’S

BEST CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT

KAYA

2000 Smallman St., Strip District.

Kaya.menu 2ND: Leon's Caribbean 3RD: ShadoBeni

BEST CATERER

DIANOIA'S EATERY

2549 Penn Ave., Strip District. dianoiaseatery.com 2ND: Just in Thyme Catering & Event 3RD: Black Radish Kitchens

BEST CHEESEMONGER

PENNSYLVANIA MACARONI COMPANY

2010-2012 Penn Ave., Strip District. pennmac.com 2ND: Chantal’s 3RD: Pickles & Pancetta

BEST CHEF

DINGO - ONION MAIDEN

639 E. Warrington Ave., Allentown. onionmaiden.com 2ND: Nik Forsberg - Fet-Fisk 3RD: Seth Murphy

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

CHENGDU GOURMET

Multiple Locations. chengdugourmetpa.com 2ND: Sesame Inn 3RD: Chinatown Inn

BEST COFFEE SHOP

CARNEGIE COFFEE COMPANY

132 E Main St., Carnegie. carnegiecoffeecompany.com 2ND: Commonplace Coffee 3RD: Wunderbar Coffee and Bistro

BEST CRAFT COCKTAILS

HIDDEN HARBOR

1708 Shady Ave., Squirrel Hill. hiddenharborpgh.com 2ND: Bar Botanico 3RD: Acacia

2ND: Strip District Meats 3RD: Fat Butcher

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BEST CSA

412 FOOD RESCUE FARMSHARE

6140 Station St., East Liberty.

412foodrescue.org/programs/farmshare 2ND: Who Cooks for You Farm 3RD: Freeman Family Farm Store

BEST DELI

SQUIRREL HILL MARKET

Fiber Craft Store in the North Hills incoln ellevue,

ve

Moon & Yarn Craft Room is your one-stop destination for all things weaving, spinning, knitting, crochet, needle felting, embroidery, and beyond. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned crafter, our shop warmly welcomes all fiber enthusiasts. Dive into our collection of supplies and accessories, and don't miss out on our beginner classes and inclusive craft nights – there's something for everyone to enjoy!

www.moonandyarn.com

BEST FARMER'S MARKET

BLOOMFIELD SATURDAY MARKET

5050 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield bloomfieldpgh.org/bloomfield-saturday-market 2ND: Squirrel Hill Farmer's Market 3RD: Bellevue Farmers Market

BEST DESSERT

BEST FARMER’S MARKET VENDOR

4112 E. Carson St., South Side. pagedairymart.net 2ND: Butterwood Bake Consortium 3RD: Antney's

543 North Ave., Millvale kylescakesnat.com 2ND: Deez Beez 3RD: Aycho Melange (Macarons)

BEST DINER

BEST FOOD FESTIVAL

Multiple Locations. pamelasdiner.com 2ND: Ritter's 3RD: Kelly O's

picklesburgh.com 2ND: Saint Nicholas Greek Food Festival 3RD: Pittsburgh Veg Fest

PAGE'S

PAMELA’S DINER

WIGLE WHISKEY

Multiple Locations. wiglewhiskey.com 2ND: Maggie's Farm 3RD: McLaughlins

BEST DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

THE DOG PENN

2614 Penn Ave., Strip District thedogpenn.com 2ND: Redfin Blues 3RD: Potomac Station Coffee House

BEST DONUTS

ORAM’S

1406 Seventh Ave, Beaver Falls orams.com

If you’re thinking it’s ridiculous to go all the way out to Beaver Falls for a damn donut, you would be wrong, because Oram’s Donuts — as anyone who’s been there will tell you — is worth the drive.

But you don’t necessarily have to go the distance since Oram’s also sells their delectable donuts at a variety of shops around town. (Locations are listed on their website.) In any case, if you do choose to trek to the original location, don’t dilly-dally, because if you get there too late, they might be out of some of their best items which, for

WWW.PGHCITYPAPER.COM

2ND: Oakmont Bakery 3RD: Better Maid

2130 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill.

Squirrel-hill-market.square.site 2ND: Carson Street Deli 3RD: DeCarlo’s Market

BEST DISTILLERY

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me, is anything filled with custard and iced, as well as their famous, and very popular, cinnamon roll donuts. -Ali Trachta

KYLE’S CAKES N’AT

PICKLESBURGH

BEST FOOD RELIEF EFFORT

412 FOOD RESCUE

6140 Station St., East Liberty 412foodrescue.org 2ND: Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank 3RD: Community Kitchen Pittsburgh

BEST FOOD TRUCK

HIBACHI LOU

instagram.com/hibachilou412 2ND: Blue Sparrow 3RD: The Boonseek

BEST FRIED CHICKEN

BIRD ON THE RUN

Multiple Locations. birdontherun.com 2ND: Coop De Ville 3RD: ChiKn

BEST FRIES

POTATO PATCH

(Kennywood) 800 Kennywood Blvd., West Mifflin. kennywood.com/dining/restaurants/the-potatopatch 2ND: Moonlit Burgers 3RD: Point Brugge

BEST GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS

AREPITTAS

412-428 Cherry Way, Downtown. arepittas.com 2ND: Wunderbar Coffee and Bistro 3RD: Baked True North

BEST GREEK RESTAURANT

ANTHOS

3803 Willow Ave., Castle Shannon. anthosbakery.com 2ND: Amel's 3RD: Sparta Gyros

BEST GYRO

MIKE AND TONY’S GYROS

Multiple Locations. mikeandtonysgyros.com 2ND: Pitaland 3RD: Sparta Gyros

BEST HAPPY HOUR

BOTTLEROCKET SOCIAL HALL

1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. bottlerocketpgh.com 2ND: Urban Tap 3RD: The Crafty Jackalope

BEST HARD CIDER

ARSENAL CIDERHOUSE

Multiple Locations. arsenalciderhouse.com 2ND: Threadbare Cider & Mead 3RD: A Few Bad Apples

BEST HIBACHI

ICHIBAN HIBACHI & SUSHI BAR

Multiple Locations. ichibanhibachisteakhouse.com 2ND: Hibachi Lou 3RD: Sushi Bomb

BEST HOAGIE/SANDWICH

SQUIRREL HILL MARKET PASTRAMI

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

PEOPLE’S INDIAN 5147 Penn Ave. #1, Garfield. peoplesindianpa.com

If you’ve been in Pittsburgh for a while, you’ve seen plenty of restaurants come and go, with high-concept eateries emerging and folding sometimes within a year. The ephemeral nature of the local service industry provides contrast for longstanding local spots like People’s Indian, who have been offering a mostly unchanged menu of delicious Indian staples for 30 years.

Whether you go for classic chicken tikka masala or creamy palak paneer, People’s perfectly channels the fragrant avors of the subcontinent. unch or dinner here is the ideal anchor for a fun day out on Penn Avenue, and nothing hits like People’s leftovers the following day. -Colin Williams

2ND: Bombay to Burgh 3RD: Taj Mahal

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

ALLA FAMIGLIA

804 E. Warrington Ave., Allentown. allafamiglia.com 2ND: DiAnoia's Eatery 3RD: Girasole

BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT

LITTLE TOKYO

636 Washington Rd., Mt. Lebanon. littletokyopittsburgh.com 2ND: Umami 3RD: Kiku Japanese Restaurant

BEST JUICE

1:11 JUICE BAR

2130 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill. squirrel-hill-market.square.site 2ND: Primanti Bros.

3RD: Uncle Sam's

Multiple Locations.

111juicebar.com 2ND: Lazy Dreamer Farm 3RD: Pittsburgh Juice Company

BEST HOT DOG

BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

SQUIRREL HILL MARKET PASTRAMI DOG

2130 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill. squirrel-hill-market.square.site 2ND: D’s Six Pax and Dogs 3RD: Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe

BEST ICE CREAM

PAGE'S

4112 E. Carson St., South Side. pagedairymart.net 2ND: Millie’s 3RD: Antney's

EAT‘N PARK

Multiple Locations. eatnpark.com 2ND: Coop De Ville 3RD: Paradise Island Bowl and Beach

BEST KOREAN RESTAURANT

POCHA BY KYE-WON

270 W. Water St, Saxonburg. pochabyk.com 2ND: Soju 3RD: Bae Bae’s Kitchen

Dedicated and Personalized Representation From Day One. Thank you for voting us Best Attorney!

(412) 960-1656 • morellabencsics.com

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BEST LATIN RESTAURANT

AREPITTAS

412-428 Cherry Way, Downtown. arepittas.com 2nd: Cilantro & Ajo 3rd: Chicken Latino

Thank you for voting us Best Artist Co-op Space, Best Jewelry, and Best E-Retailer!

Our community is the true work of art, and we’re so grateful to be creating it together.

With gratitude, Debbie, Jenny, and Jacklyn

BEST NA BEERS

MAD MEX

JACKWORTH GINGER BEER

Multiple Locations. madmex.com 2nd: Tepache 3rd: Tocayo

6615 Hamilton Ave., Larimer. jackworth.co 2nd: Two Frays Brewery 3rd: The Open Road

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

EL CAMPESINO

PUSADEE’S GARDEN

Multiple Locations. elcampesinopgh.com 2nd: Totopo 3rd: Tepache

5319 Butler St., Lawrenceville. pusadeesgarden.com 2nd: OTB at North Park Boat House 3rd: Nicky's Thai Kitchen

BEST MIDDLE-EASTERN RESTAURANT

BEST PHO

ALADDIN'S EATERY

BEST MILKSHAKE

MILKSHAKE FACTORY Multiple Locations. milkshakefactory.com 2nd: Page's 3rd: Burgatory

BEST MOCKTAILS

BUTTERJOINT

208 N. Craig St., Oakland. butterjoint.com 2nd: Harold's Haunt 3rd: The Open Road

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

WUNDERBAR COFFEE AND BISTRO 411 Lincoln Ave., Ste. 1, Bellevue. wunderbarbellevue.com

Wunderbar Coffee and Bistro, located on Lincoln Avenue in Bellevue, has won over this finicky foodie by pairing locally roasted Elmo Fired Beans coffee with their impeccable, fresh buckwheat crepes. The café serves both savory and sweet options, with choices ranging from a portobello-and-Swiss crepe topped with eggs to seasonal fruit-filled crepes. Aside from serving one of the best drip coffees in town, their drink options include a variety of

WWW.PGHCITYPAPER.COM

2nd: Feast 3rd: Pocha by Kye-Won

BEST MARGARITA

Multiple Locations. aladdins.com 2nd: Salem’s Market 3rd: Pita Land

28

espresso beverages and teas, as well as, for chocolate lovers, their wonderful Wunderbar Mocha. Also, their outdoor space is dog-friendly. -Stacy Rounds

PHO VAN

2120 Penn Ave., Strip District. phopittsburgh.com 2nd: Pho Kim 88 3rd: Tram's Kitchen

BEST PIEROGIES

PIEROGIES PLUS

342 Island Ave., McKees Rocks. pierogiesplus.com 2nd: Polska Laska 3rd: Apteka

BEST PIZZA

FIORI'S PIZZARIA Multiple Locations. fiorispizzaria.com 2nd: Mineo’s Pizza House 3rd: Iron Born Pizza

BEST PLACE TO DRINK CHEAP

RUGGERS PUB

40 S. 22nd St., South Side. ruggerspub.com 2nd: Red’s Good News 3rd: Take a Break

BEST PLACE TO DRINK FANCY

CON ALMA

613 Penn Ave., Downtown. conalmapgh.com 2nd: Hidden Harbor 3rd: Ritual House

BEST PLACE TO DRINK OUTSIDE

GRIST HOUSE Multiple Locations. gristhouse.com 2nd: Red Fin Blues 3rd: The Dog Penn

BEST PLACE TO EAT CHEAP

BIG JIM’S IN THE RUN 201 Saline St., Greenfield. bigjimsrestaurant.com 2nd: Joe's Rusty Nail 3rd: Breakfast at Shelly's

BEST PLACE TO EAT FANCY

PUSADEE’S GARDEN 5319 Butler St., Lawrenceville. pusadeesgarden.com 2nd: Alla Familgia 3rd: fet-fisk

BEST POKE BOWL

JJ POKE

110 Atwood St., Oakland. jjpoke.com 2nd: Sushi Tomo 3rd: Just Roll’d Up

BEST POLISH RESTAURANT

APTEKA

4606 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. aptekapgh.com 2nd: Polska Laska 3rd: S&D Polish Deli

BEST RAMEN

RAMEN BAR

5860 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. ramenbarpittsburgh.com 2nd: Fujiya Ramen 3rd: Kyuramen

BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

ARBY’S ON MCKNIGHT ROAD 4810 McKnight Rd., Ross. arbys.com 2nd: Pusadee’s Garden 3rd: Hyeholde

MORE INFO ON PG. 23

BEST SEAFOOD

MONTEREY BAY

1411 Grandview Ave., Mt. Washington. montereybayfishgrotto.com 2nd: Off the Hook 3rd: Roland's Seafood Grill

BEST SMOOTHIES

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE Multiple Locations. tropicalsmoothiecafe.com 2nd: Smoothie King 3rd: Live Fresh

BEST SOUL FOOD

CARMI SOUL FOOD

1219 Federal St., North Side. carmirestaurant.com 2ND: Shayla Penn - Burgh Eats & Treats 3RD: Preeti's Pitt

BEST SOUP

SQUIRREL HILL MARKET MATZOH BALL SOUP

2130 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill.

Squirrel-hill-market.square.site 2ND: Eat'N Park 3RD: Butterjoint

BEST STEAK

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE

625 Liberty Ave., Ste. 180, Downtown. mortons.com 2ND: Hyde Park 3RD: Napa Prime Chop House

BEST SUSHI

LITTLE TOKYO

636 Washington Rd., Mt. Washington. littletokyopittsburgh.com 2ND: Umami 3RD: Sushi Tomo

BEST TACO

LAS PALMAS

Multiple Locations.

2ND: Condado Tacos 3RD: Tepache

BEST TEA SHOP

DOBRÁ TEA

1937 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill. dobrateapgh.com 2ND: Bantha Tea Bar 3RD: Prestogeorge

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

NICKY'S THAI KITCHEN

Multiple locations. nickysthaikitchen.com 2ND: Noodlehead 3RD: Pusadee’s

BEST VEGAN OPTIONS

APTEKA

4606 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. aptekapgh.com 2ND: Onion Maiden 3RD: Spak Brothers

BEST VEGETARIAN OPTIONS

ONION MAIDEN

639 E. Warrington Ave., Allentown. onionmaiden.com 2ND: Spak Brothers 3RD: Aladdin’s

BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

TRAM’S KITCHEN 4050 Penn Ave., Bloomfield.

As Penn Avenue is ripped apart and reimagined, it’s no surprise Tram’s Kitchen keeps getting laurels after 20 years — it's the epitome of a comforting neighborhood staple. Over two decades, the family-run Vietnamese restaurant hasn’t diverged from its winning recipe, offering avorful pho, banh mi, and its ever-popular fresh spring rolls — pork, shrimp, or veggies wrapped in rice paper and served with a chilled dipping sauce — in the same homey, minimalist-trend-resistant dining room. The more things change, the more we love when the numbernine lemongrass rice and vinyl tablecloths stay the same.

-Rachel Wilkinson

2ND: Pho Kim 88 3RD: Pho Van

BEST WINE LIST

BARCELONA WINE BAR

922 Penn Ave, Downtown. barcelonawinebar.com 2ND: Allegheny Wine Mixer 3RD: Eleven

BEST WINERY

NARCISI WINERY

4578 Gibsonia Rd., Gibsonia. narcisiwinery.com 2ND: Pittsburgh Winery 3RD: City Winery

BEST WINGS

BIG SHOT BOB’S HOUSE OF WINGS Multiple Locations. bigshotbobs.com

Many restaurants these days opt for minimalism — an austere menu, a couple of entrées, a tasteful cocktail list. Not Big Shot Bob’s. The local wing chain has opted for gonzo maximalism, with multiple sauces for nearly every letter of the alphabet — from Ace Boogie (black magic, butter, and dry ranch) down to William Henry Harrison (Jamaican jerk and Parmesan cheese).

The BSB menu stands as a challenge to the hungry. If you struggle with indecision, your best bet is to pick a random sauce and let the chips fall where they may. Your palate will thank you regardless. -Colin Williams

2ND: Pocha by Kye-Won 3RD: Bigham Tavern

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SHOPPING BEST OF PGH 2025

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

CP PHOTOS: MARS JOHNSON

30

WWW.PGHCITYPAPER.COM

BEST PLACE TO BUY COLLECTABLES, TOYS & GAMES

ARCADIA COLLECTIBLES

512 LINCOLN AVE, BELLEVUE. ARCADIACOLLECTIBLESPGH.COM.

BY MATT PETRAS // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

O

pen the door to the 480-squarefoot geek collectibles shop in Bellevue and try to resist getting transfi ed by the carefully constructed, ever-evolving action figure dioramas. Today, professional wrestler Chuck Liddel risks getting clobbered trying to put Marvel omics’ The Thing in a triangle choke, while nearby, hris emsworth’s Thor poses with Toy Story 4’s orky, and X-Men mainstay yclops hangs off a mech and shoots laser beams. ach figure can be purchased — the shop will happily just use other toys to fill the gaps.

“We run into literally everything, and ’m like ’m 3 years old right now,’ co-owner Tyler estminster tells Pittsburgh City Paper. ’ll build

it up we can do it.

Open for nearly two years, Arcadia ollectibles offers a lovingly curated, packed selection of toys, cards, video games, and more run by two passionate pals who want to share their hobbies with the community. o-owners estminster and dam elson met while working for nearby ame top locations. fter honing their skills as salespeople and doing well at the chain, they say, the two decided it would be a better use of their time to open their own business, where their personalities could shine and they could be more generous to customers looking to buy something fun or get rid of something for a reasonable amount. e pack a lot into a little spot,

elson tells City Paper of the video game selection, which spans from as old as the tari 2 00 from the ’70s to modern consoles such as the intendo witch. t’s clear the two have feverish love and encyclopedic knowledge of video games and collectibles. n the shop’s acebook page, for e ample, the owners find odd video games and write mini-essays about them, such as the forgotten Silent Hill: Book of Memories on the also-forgotten handheld system Playstation ita.

They also livestream and post videos about tournaments, new shop arrivals, and what they’ve been playing.

“I think the thing that we pride ourselves the most on is, , sense of community, and , that sense

of just distributing what we love, estminster says. There’s way too many corporations, there’s way too many places where it’s just about, et’s make some money.’ nce you’ve stopped yourself from gawking at the dioramas and digging through the video games, take a peek at the elaborate mural painted by estminster’s wife, which pays tribute to the owners’ favorite nerdy characters. t serves as another reminder of the owners’ geek cred and knack for packing a lot into a small space. ou don’t notice it at first, estminster says. Then once you come to the back room, you’re like, oh, what is that ’ • Shopping continues on PG. 32

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BEST CLOTHING STORE

BEST GARDEN SHOP/NURSERY

507 Mill St., Coraopolis. shopwithjulz.com 2ND: The Closet 3RD: Clothes Minded

Whether we’re buying indoor or outdoor plants, the main goal is not to kill them. (Some of us do better than others.) But we have to start with healthy plants, or we’re all screwed.

Brenckle’s plants are locally-grown and well-suited to the Pittsburgh climate.

This family-owned business has been going strong since 1921, when Alfred . renckle first began supplying vegetables to local merchants in the Strip District. Today, the thirdgeneration family operation continues to serve the region with multiple locations. Across these sites, Brenckle’s offers a variety of plants and gardening products, from annuals, perennials, and vegetable starters to shrubs, trees, and hanging baskets — all of which we’re trying hard to keep alive, we promise. -Stacy Rounds

SHOP WITH JULZ

BEST OF PGH 2025

SHOPPING

BRENCKLE’S GREENHOUSE

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

BEST BEER DISTRIBUTOR

BELLEVUE BEER

4489 Ohio River Blvd., Bellevue. facebook.com/bellevuebeer 2ND: Duffy’s 3RD: Save-Mor Beer & Pop Warehouse

BEST BICYCLE RETAIL STORE

KRAYNICK'S BIKE SHOP

5003 Penn Ave., Garfield. kraynicksbikeshop.weebly.com 2ND: Pro Bike + Run 3RD: Thick Bikes

Phantom of the Attic

BEST COMICS BOOK STORE

BEST BOOKSTORE

BEYOND BEDTIME BOOKS

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

Sassy Sensations

CP PHOTO: ANNIE BREWER

1453 Potomac Ave., Dormont. beyondbedtimebooks.com 2ND: White Whale Bookstore 3RD: Phantom of the Attic - Oakland

PHANTOM OF THE ATTIC OAKLAND

411 S Craig St. Ste 2, Oakland. instagram.com/potaoakland 2ND: Eide's Entertainment 3RD: New Dimension Comics

BEST ADULT STORE

BEST DRESS BOUTIQUE SHOP

6080 Steubenville Pk., McKees Rocks. sassysensations.com 2ND: Adultmart 3RD: Boulevard Boutique

1500 Washington Rd., Mt. Lebanon. facebook.com/hbaskinpgh 2ND: Diva on Fleek Boutique 3RD: Jackie Whoa Vintage

BEST ANTIQUE SHOP

BEST E-RETAILER

H BASKIN

SASSY SENSATIONS

BEYOND BEDTIME BOOKS

MILLER'S CROSSING FLEATIQUE

92 Crane Ave., South Hills. facebook.com/p/Millers-Crossing-FleatiquePittsburgh 2ND: Emma Jeans Relics 3RD: The Weeping Glass

1453 Potomac Ave., Dormont. beyondbedtimebooks.com 2ND: Songbird Artistry 3RD: PSquare Scents CP PHOTO: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

Dandelion Kids

BEST CHILDREN'S STORE BEST ARTIST/VENDOR MARKET

BELLEVUE NIGHT MARKET

15 N. Sprague Lincoln Ave., Bellevue. bellevuepa.us/nightmarket 2ND: Allentown Night Market 3RD: I Made It! Market

DANDELION KIDS

2892 West Liberty Ave., Dormont. shopdandelionkids.com 2ND: Once Upon a Child 3RD: White Whale Bookstore

BEST CIGAR SHOP/BAR BEST ASIAN GROCER

LOTUS FOOD COMPANY

1649 Penn Ave., Strip District.

2ND: Many More 3RD: WH Oriental Market

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3815 Mt. Troy Rd., Spring Garden. brenckles.com 2ND: Ruby Flora Plant Shop 3RD: Cedar Bridge Botanicals

FAT BOYS CIGARS

154 Pleasant Dr., Center Township. fatboyscigars.com 2ND: Just the Tip Cigar Shop 3RD: Leaf & Bean

BEST FIBER ARTS STORE

MOON & YARN CRAFT ROOM

605 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue. moonandyarn.com 2ND: Oakmont Yarn Collaborative 3RD: McWalker Yarns

BEST FURNITURE STORE

THRIFTIQUE

125 51st St., Lawrenceville. ncjwpgh.org/thriftique 2ND: Forage Vintage and Goods 3RD: Pittsburgh Furniture Co.

CP PHOTO: JOHN COLOMBO

The Weeping Glass

BEST GIFT STORE

THE WEEPING GLASS

746 E. Warrington Ave., Allentown. theweepingglass.com 2ND: The Menagerie 3RD: Hocus Pocus

BEST HOLISTIC MEDICINE SHOP

SAGING SPACE

1108 Fourth Ave., Coraopolis. sagingspace.com 2ND: The Menagerie 3RD: Hocus Pocus Shopping continues on PG. 34

LYNN CULLEN LIVE

PO LI DC VE AS T

10 A.M. MONDAY THRU THURSDAY AT PGHCITYPAPER.COM

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER SEPTEMBER 17-24, 2025

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BEST HOUSE PLANT STORE

RUBY FLORA PLANT SHOP

104 Broughton Rd., Bethel Park. rubyflora.com 2ND: City Grows 3RD: Soil Sisters

BEST INTERNATIONAL GROCERY STORE

PANDA SUPERMARKET

hen the first thing you see walking in is a mochi ice cream free er, it’s easy to fall in love. Though Panda upermarket has been uietly serving uirrel ill since 20 7, like many of us, the pandemic gave me new appreciation for it. ot only does it stock fresh produce and fro en meals alongside rice cookers and hard-tofind cosmetics, the sian supermarket posts its top picks from newly arrived snacks and treats — from carbonara fire chicken noodles to orean butter rolls to ay’s chips from hina and their unrecogni able take on a Te as rilled avor. t Panda’s own recommendation, recently tried matcha it- at bars, and a 72 cacao dark chocolate avor from apan true decadence , saving the t. uji blueberry cheesecake it- ats for my ne t trip. The wonders never cease.

- achel ilkinson

Kimberly’s Hair Garden is a full-service salon founded in honor of my beautiful mother, the late Kimberly Walker. More than just my mother, she was my muse—a highly sought-after cosmetologist whose expertise, passion, and guidance shaped me into the stylist I am today. Her legacy is the foundation of Kimberly’s Hair Garden, where her memory continues to bloom through every service I provide. This salon would not be what it is without the loyalty and support of our wonderful customers. I take great pride in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that offers more than just a hairstyle-it’s a full experience. Knowing that my work brings joy and confidence to others is what inspires me every day. As we celebrate over five years of growth, I am deeply grateful for your trust and support, and I look forward to many more years of serving you with love, care, and creativity.

5816-5818 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. facebook.com/PandaSupermarket2017 2ND: Penn Mac 3RD: Pickles & Pancetta

Multiple locations. organicremediespa.com 2ND: Trulieve 3RD: Liberty Cannabis

BEST MENSWEAR SHOP

SENSELESS

5124 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. senselesspgh.com

Pittsburgh still has not shed its reputation as one of the worst-dressed cities, more than a decade after GQ notoriously ranked it in the top three and dubbed our style ame ay asual or eth ab ormal.

Thankfully, businesses like enseless are here to help locals develop their street fashion and show the editors of that ungentlemanly uarterly just how wrong they are. The Penn venue shop speciali es in vintage clothing, sneakers, and accessories, showcasing brands like upreme, ucci, and ouis uitton. nstead of running from the city’s penchant for sports wear, enseless embraces and elevates it with a curated selection of jerseys, shorts, outerwear, and more. heck it out ne t time you’re seeking a sick second-hand letterman’s jacket or vintage snapback to complete your look. - manda alt

4316 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. songbirdartistry.com 2ND: MJ Eclectic 3RD: Henne Jewelers

2130 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill.

Squirrel-hill-market.square.site

SONGBIRD ARTISTRY

COMMONWEALTH PRESS

415 West Warrington Ave., Beltzhoover. cwpress.com 2ND: Steel City 3RD: Revival Print Co.

BEST PET STORE

WAGSBURGH

549 Lincoln Ave. Ste. 101, Bellevue. wagsburgh.com 2ND: Animal Friends ReSale Shop 3RD: Petagogy

BEST PLACE TO BRING YOUR RESALE CLOTHING

SENSELESS

5124 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. senselesspgh.com 2ND: Saving Grace 3RD: Style Encore North Hills

BEST PLACE TO BUY COLLECTIBLE TOYS & GAMES

ARCADIA COLLECTIBLES

512 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue. arcadiacollectiblespgh.com 2ND: Games Unlimited 3RD: Game Masters

MORE INFO ON PG. 31

BEST PLACE TO BUY LEGAL MARIJUANA & CBD PRODUCTS

BLACK BEAR DISPENSARY

Multiple Locations. blackbeardispensary.com 2ND: Curated Flame 3RD: THE Dispensary Downtown

2ND: Clothes Minded 3RD: Vestis

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD GROCERY

BEST PLACE TO GET T-SHIRTS PRINTED

WWW.PGHCITYPAPER.COM

ORGANIC REMEDIES

BEST JEWELRY STORE

PHOTO: COURTESY OF COMMONWEALTH PRESS

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BEST MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY

SQUIRREL HILL MARKET

ccording to uirrel ill arket’s own website, its corned beef and pastrami, technically, come from od. Two thousand years ago, the folk legend goes, priests instructed the ancient ebrews to pickle sacrificial meat for two days to remove any sacrificial joy before consuming it ahead of the solemn fast of Tisha ’ v. Thus, the ewish deli was born, along with many Pittsburgh fans of touching the divine through uirrel ill arket’s onepound, knock-out sandwiches — served with a dill pickle and emphatically without mayo. f red meat is not your thing, try the deli’s beloved mat o ball soup, a knish, or potato latkes. r lean into the arket portion, which stocks local products ranging from skincare salves to Penn tate erkey reamery’s ice cream to the deli’s own locallymade Pittsburgh oney. - achel ilkinson

2ND: East End Food Coop 3RD: Labriola's Italian Markets

PHOTO: BETSY GERSON

Pittsburgh Guitars

BEST PLACE TO BUY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

PITTSBURGH GUITARS

1305 E. Carson St., South Side. pittsburghguitars.com 2ND: Volkweins 3RD: N'Stuff Music

BEST PLACE TO DONATE GOODS

PITTSBURGH CENTER FOR CREATIVE REUSE 214 N. Lexington St., Point Breeze. pccr.org

Pittsburgh is a patchwork. The city has been built up and torn down more times than most American metropolises, and, accordingly, we’ve learned to save, scrimp, reuse, upcycle. The Center for Creative Reuse is a distillation of that Steel City thriftiness. Equal parts craft store and emporium of the forgotten, PCCR is a collage artist’s paradise. Like its neighbors Construction Junction and Free Ride, this should be an environmentally-conscious yin er’s first stop for any craft project or creative assignment. ou just might find a huge bucket of plastic eyeballs while you’re at it. -Colin Williams

2ND: Salvation Army 3RD: East End Community Thrift

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

Switch & SIgnal Skatepark.

BEST THRIFT SHOP

RED WHITE & BLUE

890 Saw Mill Run Blvd., West Liberty. redwhiteandbluethriftstore.com/pittsburgh-pa1 2ND: Thriftique 3RD: Repurposed

BEST VAPE STORE

CURATED FLAME

505 Grant Ave., Millvale. curatedflamepgh.com 2ND: Pittsburgh Smoke Shop 3RD: Cool Vapes

BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE

THE CLOSET PGH

10 S Fremont Ave., Bellevue. theclosetpgh.com 2ND: Vintage 416 3RD: Diva on Fleek Boutique CP PHOTOS: LUKE THOR TRAVIS

Attic Records

BEST RECORD STORE

ATTIC RECORD STORE

513 Grant Ave., Millvale. atticrecordstoreinc.com 2ND: Jerry's 3RD: The Government Center

BEST WEDDING DRESS SHOP

BRIDAL MAVEN

1443 Potomac Ave., Dormont. bridalmavenpgh.com 2ND: One White Lane Bridal Gallery 3RD: Gemma Bridal

México M éxi éx xico co

BEST SHOE STORE

LITTLE'S

5850 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. littlesshoes.com 2ND: Senseless 3RD: Best-Made Shoes

VOTED V OTED Pittsburgh’s Pitt t sb tt burgh’s spot for BEST OF Mexican Mexic can plates, pours, PGH’S PGH’S TOP 3

BEST SKATEBOARD/SKATE SHOP

SWITCH AND SIGNAL SKATEPARK

magia. and m agia.

7518 Dickson St., Swissvale. switchandsignalskatepark.com 2ND: Radio Skate Shop 3RD: Plank Eye Board Shop

Best Margarita Best Bes st M Mexican exican R Restaurant estaurant

TEPACHE MEXICAN KITCHEN & BAR CRANBERRY R | FOX CHAPEL RY

CP PHOTO: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

Bridal Maven

WWW WWW.TEPACHEPGH.COM W WW.TEPA .TEP TEPACHEPGH PACHEP HEPGH. H.COM COM @TEPACHEPGH @ TEPACHEPGH

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER SEPTEMBER 17-24, 2025

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PEOPLE + PLACES BEST OF PGH 2025

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

CP PHOTOS: MARS JOHNSON

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WWW.PGHCITYPAPER.COM

BEST FIBER CRAFT STORE, BEST THIRD SPACE

MOON & YARN CRAFT ROOM

605 LINCOLN AVE, BELLEVUE. MOONANDYARN.COM

BY RACHEL WILKINSON // RWILKINSON@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

F

iber artists often describe their medium as going down a rabbit hole. For Bryanne Johnson, owner of Moon & Yarn Craft Room in Bellevue, it started eight years ago when she knitted a cowl. Immediately “falling in love,” she taught herself how to weave — making the braidstitched tassel tapestry that still hangs in her office — spin her own yarn, needle felt, embroider, quilt, and sew.

“If you’re a crafter, you want to try it all,” Johnson says. “It’s like getting your Pokémon cards.”

Johnson created Moon & Yarn Craft Room, winner of Best Fiber Craft Store and Best Third Space in Pittsburgh City Paper’s Best of PGH 2025 Readers’ Poll, to support the length and breadth of your crafting journey.

The co y, colorful fiber craft supply store on Bellevue’s Lincoln Avenue not only aims to offer everything a fiber artist might want — though Johnson says she’s frequently stocking new bundles of alpaca-blended yarn or goose-with-a-bonnet needle felting kits — but also to be a “hangout for all fiber folk.

Moon & Yarn, which Johnson affectionately calls the raft oom, hosts classes, make-alongs, “spinins,” with spinning wheels that look right out of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, and a weekly crafting happy hour. Every Wednesday, crafters of all interests and skill levels gather at the shop to meet new friends and simply for “the joy of making.”

Cultivating Moon & Yarn’s collaborative spirit was important to Jo h n s o n , wh o b e ga n a s a n

independent artist selling woven tapestries and yarn. After working solo for six years, she found she wanted to do something more communal and outward-looking.

“I always wanted to own a yarn store, because the community aspect is so wonderful,” Johnson says. “I absolutely love being able to see what other people are working on.”

She made the leap in May 2023, first opening the raft oom in Ross Township. Though Johnson describes Pittsburgh as a “heavy fiber-focused city and a creative city in general,” as a weaver, she also hoped to expand the local market beyond knitting and crocheting.

“There wasn’t a shop locally that had stuff for weaving and spinning and needle felt,” Johnson says. “So I wanted a space where you can get supplies for all fiber crafts.

After a year, the Craft Room grew, moving to a larger space in Bellevue — where Johnson has lived for 10 years — and giving the shop more room to host events.

“I always wanted my shop to be in Bellevue,” Johnson says. “And when finally got in, felt so lucky.

With businesses springing up along Lincoln Avenue, Moon & Yarn’s crafting hours and workshops have become community events, with crafters chatting and wandering out to grab doughnuts at the newly opened Moochi & You dessert shop next door.

“My favorite part about owning [the] shop is truly meeting the people,” Johnson says. • People + Places continues on PG. 38

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER SEPTEMBER 17-24, 2025

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People + Places continues from PG. 37

BEST COLLEGE ATHLETE

OLIVIA BABCOCK PITT VOLLEYBALL

BEST OF PGH 2025

PEOPLE + PLACES PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER READERS' POLL

BEST BAR BATHROOM

TIKI LOUNGE

BEST BLOG

ANA EATS PITTSBURGH

2003 East Carson St., South Side. tikilounge412.com 2ND: Belvedere's Ultra-Dive 3RD: Mary's

instagram.com/ana.eats.pgh 2ND: OneBURGH 3RD: Straight Facts Podcast

BEST BIKE TRAIL

BEST BLUESKY ACCOUNT

2589 Boyce Plaza Rd., Upper St. Clair. montourtrail.org 2ND: Three Rivers Heritage Trail 3RD: Great Allegheny Passage

2ND: Pghlesbian 3RD: Obnoxiously Pitt Girl

MONTOUR TRAIL

BEST BIRTHDAY SPOT FOR ADULTS

PINS MECHANICAL

407 Cinema Dr., South Side. pinsbar.com 2ND: PSquare Scents 3RD: House of Colour - Greensburg

PITTSBURGH SCANNER BEST BUS STOP

SMITHFIELD STREET & SIXTH AVE

2ND: East Busway - Negley Station 3RD: Fifth and Atwood

BEST BUSKER

THE SAX PLAYER ON THE CLEMENTE BRIDGE

2ND: Violin Lady in Squirrel Hill 3RD: Pittsburgh Steel Man

BEST CITY POOL

DORMONT POOL

1801 Dormont Ave., Dormont.

2ND: Highland Park Pool 3RD: Bloomfield Pool

Pitt Volleyball’s Olivia Babcock has been busy. When she's not shattering program records for aces and kills, the junior right-side hitter has been stacking up national awards — among them, American Volleyball Coaches Association National Player of the Year for two years running she was the first-ever Pitt player to win the award as a freshman), Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, and an ESPY nomination.

Aside from the honors, she’s just fun to watch, taking swings so powerful even the opposing team seems stunned.

“Looked like The Matrix on replay,” one fan said on Fox Sports.

But maybe the greater feat is Babcock and the squad winning over Pittsburgh fans, with Pitt Women’s Volleyball games setting attendance records at the Petersen Events Center.

“It is a very supportive community,” Babcock tells Pittsburgh City Paper.

“Everywhere you go you are going to find a supporter.

The Los Angeles native says while it took a while to “adapt” to Pittsburgh weather she likes “that it is a new experience for me, and the community I am surrounded by made the adjustment so easy.” She’s also come to love Pittsburgh’s small-town feel, seeing all four seasons, her favorite restaurant, Condado Tacos, and — in an Old Pittsburgh pull — Girasole, the Italian staple in Shadyside.

“If I would have gone into this experience a few years ago knowing how much I love it, I would have made the decision 100 times over,” Babcock says.

-Rachel Wilkinson

2ND: Megan McConnell 3RD: Eli Holstein

BEST COLLEGE CAMPUS

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

4200 Fifth Ave., Oakland. pitt.edu 2ND: Chatham University 3RD: Duquesne university

BEST COLLEGE SPORTING EVENT

BACKYARD BRAWL

2ND: Pitt Volleyball 3RD: Penn State Whiteout CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

BEST COLLEGE TEAM

BEST BIRTHDAY SPOT FOR KIDS

KENNYWOOD PARK

4800 Kennywood Blvd., West Mifflin. kennywood.com 2ND: Outer Limits Adventure Park 3RD: ASCEND Climbing

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WWW.PGHCITYPAPER.COM

CP PHOTO: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

BEST CITY STEPS

RIALTO

2ND: Troy Hill Steps 3RD: Winebiddle Street

PITT WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

instagram.com/pitt_vb 2ND: Pitt Panthers 3RD: Penn State Nittany Lions - any of their sports

BEST EVENT PLANNER

T’S TOUCH EVENTS

facebook.com/TsToucheventdesigns 2ND: Ambient Alchemists 3RD: Mel Kleeburg

BEST INFLUENCER

ANA EATS PITTSBURGH

instagram.com/ana.eats.pgh 2ND: Dustin Bones 3RD: That Adventure Guy

BEST INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

PITTSBURGH SCANNER

instagram.com/pghscanner 2ND: Ana Eats Pittsburgh @ana.eats.pgh 3RD: @pittsburghpersonified

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

BEST JAGOFF

JOHN FETTERMAN

In 2022, Pennsylvania gambled on an unconventional U.S. Senator and lost. Far from being the progressive curmudgeon many Democrats hoped for, John Fetterman has spent his first — and, many Pittsburghers hope, only — term in the Senate shirking responsibilities, shedding staff, shunning constituents, and shilling for the State of Israel at all hours during its increasingly grim bid to destroy the Gaza Strip. Most recently, Fetterman has whiled away his conspicuously large amount of free time working with an author who allegedly hates him to write a memoir no one asked for. It’s all in keeping with one of the biggest political disappointments of the young Millennium (besides, you know, Donald Trump). Who needs checks and balances when you can blame everyone else for your growing list of problems?

-Colin Williams

2ND: Bob Nutting 3RD: UPMC

BEST LIBRARY BRANCH

CLP - MAIN

(Oakland) 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. carnegielibrary.org/clp_location/main-oakland 2nd: Avalon Public Library 3rd: South Side Carnegie Library

BEST LOCAL CONTROVERSY

THE $4.2 BILLION IN GAS TAX REVENUE THAT WAS DIVERTED FROM TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS TO FUND STATE POLICE PATROLS BETWEEN 2012 AND 2019 WHICH HAS LEFT US WITH MASSIVE BRIDGE AND ROAD CLOSURES DUE TO LACK OF ANY KIND OF TIMELY MAINTENANCE.

We could’ve prevented the Fern Hollow collapse and consolidated small-town municipal services?! Get with the times, Pennsylvania. -Colin Williams

2nd: BUCCO BRICKS!!

3rd: Slowing down to enter tunnels

BEST PLACE FOR A BACHELOR PARTY

TOPGOLF

400 Presto-Sygan Rd., Bridgeville. topgolf.com/us/pittsburgh 2nd: Cheerleaders 3rd: East Liberty Crawl (Lorelei, Kelly’s, etc.)

BEST PLACE FOR A BACHELORETTE PARTY

HOUSE OF COLOUR GREENSBURG

4764 US-30 Suite 205, Greensburg. houseofcolour.com/stylists/angela-vaslavskysarah-thompson-greensburg-pennsylvania 2nd: Spirit 3rd: Belvedere's Ultra-Dive

BEST PLACE FOR A FIRST DATE

PHIPPS

One Schenley Dr., Oakland. phipps.conservatory.org 2nd: Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium 3rd: Carnegie Museum of Art

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

BEST PLACE TO BREAK UP WITH SOMEONE

PHANTOM'S REVENGE LIFT HILL

Most of the time, if you want to end a relationship, you don’t really want a long, drawn-out talk about it. You just want to say what you have to say, let them down easy, and be done with it.

That’s why, dear readers, you are so smart for naming the upward climb at the beginning of Kennywood’s Phantom’s Revenge the best place to dump someone. Think about it: you’re both stuck there, they’re strapped in so they can’t take a swing at you, and as soon as you’ve said your piece, you plummet towards the earth, and their objections are drowned out by the rattling of high-speed metal on metal and other riders’ screams. Then, disembark and disappear. It’s done!

-Ali Trachta

2nd: Burger King on the Southside 3rd: Arby's McKnight Rd.

BEST PLACE TO CRY IN PUBLIC

ARBY'S ON MCKNIGHT

MORE

4810 McKnight Rd., North HIlls.

INFO ON PG. 23 arbys.com 2nd: The Grandview Overlook at Mount Washington 3rd: Pittsburgh International Airport

BEST PLACE TO ENJOY A CIGAR

FAT BOYS CIGARS

154 Pleasant Dr., Center Township. ​​fatboyscigars.com 2nd: Leaf and Bean 3rd: BURN by Rocky Patel

BEST PLACE TO HAVE SEX IN PUBLIC

CATHEDRAL OF LEARNING 2nd: The Fruit Loop 3rd: Carrie Blast Furnaces

People + Places continues on PG. 40

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People + Places continues from PG. 38

BEST THREADS ACCOUNT

BEST TV PERSONALITY

threads.com/@pittsburghgraffiti 2ND: Meg St-Esprit 3RD: Blythe Books

instagram.com/davidhighfield 2ND: Heather Abraham 3RD: Mary Ours

PITTSBURGHGRAFITTI

BEST TIKTOK ACCOUNT

BEST TV PERSONALITY UNDER 30

tiktok.com/@soysauceyybae

instagram.com/foreheadbrows 2ND: Royce Jones 3RD: Paige Hyland

@SOYSAUCEYYBAE

1st

Place

CP PHOTO: LISA CUNNINGHAM

BEST TO TAKE A SELFIE

RANDYLAND

1501 Arch St., North Side. randyland.club 2ND: Mt. Washington 3RD: Fallingwater

BEST PODCAST

STRAIGHT FACTS PODCAST

youtube.com/@StraightFactspodcast_102 2ND: City Cast Pittsburgh 3RD: Etta Arlene Spiritcast

BEST PRO ATHLETE

JALAPEÑO HANNAH

2ND: Sidney Crosby 3RD: Andrew McCutchen

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY (TALK)

KELLY DZANAJ 100.7

Best PA County Fair

audacy.com/starpittsburgh 2ND: Larry Richert 3RD: Lily Sixx

BEST TWITCH ACCOUNT

TWERKQUEST

twitch.tv/twerkquest 2ND: CreamTeam 3RD: Indigo Sparks

BEST UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

4200 Fifth Ave., Oakland. pitt.edu 2ND: Carnegie Mellon University 3RD: Duquesne University

BEST VIEW OF THE CITY

EXITING THE FORT PITT TUNNELS INBOUND

2ND: Grandview Overlook 3RD: PNC Park

2ND: Kimberly Rhoades aka Cig Mom 3RD: Joe Long

BEST TINY FREE LIBRARY

DEATH COMES LIFTING LIBRARY

636 E. Warrington Ave., Allentown.

2ND: Mollie's Bad B*tch Book Box @ Ruggers Pub 3RD: Castle Shannon Library Little Free Library

WHICHEVER ONE AT CARLOW, GIRLS ARE CRAZY THERE IN THE BEST WAY

2ND: Delta Phi Epsilon (ETA Chapter- Pitt) 3RD: Alpha Kappa Alpha (Upsilon Chapter) at Point Park University

CP PHOTO: LISA CUNNINGHAM

BEST YINZER

PITTSBURGH DAD

BEST SPORTS ANNOUNCER

JOSH GETZOFF

BEST THIRD SPACE

MOON & YARN CRAFT ROOM

605 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue. moonandyarn.com 2ND: Carnegie Library 3RD: ASCEND Climbing WWW.PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Many TikTokers are known for their hyper specific content, but with soysauceyybae, aka ia ao, you get a little bit of everything. ao is the ultimate multi-hyphenate, an alt-pop musician, artist, fortune teller reading palms, tarot, and tea leaves , food-in-the-car reviewer, animal lover, and witchy alloween acolyte, whose own moody, atmospheric music often provides the soundtrack for her videos. ith ao’s soysauceyybae, you can upcycle a ason oorhees mask in four parts (set to her own ethereal song iller ummer , visit the shop cats at ellevue’s The enagerie, where her paintings are for sale, go to Paris aguette, or try some car kum uats with her for the first time spoiler she rated them 8 0 . ao recently described her sound as bathing in the somber alternative, and while her TikToks aren’t always so gloomy, it’s easy to sink in all day long. - achel ilkinson

LYDIA B. KOLLINS

BEST SORORITY

2ND: Bob Walk 3RD: Greg Brown

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DAVID HIGHFIELD

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM

BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION/BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT OF TOWNERS

DUQUESNE INCLINE AND MOUNT WASHINGTON OVERLOOK

duquesneincline.org 2ND: Phipps Conservatory 3RD: Randyland

pghdad.com 2ND: Cig Mom 3RD: Dustin Bones

BEST YOUTUBE CHANNEL

PITTSBURGH DAD

youtube.com/user/pittsburghdad 2ND: Wendy’s Classic Corner 3RD: That Adventure Guy

STAFF PICKS BEST OF PGH

BEST ALDI FINDS SECTION

Lawrenceville Aldi

Nothing sidetracks a grocery trip like the Aldi Finds section, and not all Aldi Finds sections are created equal. The Lawrenceville Aldi reigns supreme with a full, wellstocked aisle begging shoppers to peruse its selection of seasonal decor, ill-fitting clothes, and random toys. And candles — soooo many candles. What goes better with fro en pi a and elle ie avored selt er than a steeply discounted stadium chair, an off-brand uishmallow, or a hooded towel for your dog ooking for a small one-use appliance, or a cheap hair tool that probably sucks t’s all here in the ldi inds section nd if you’re like me, you follow the ldi nstagram account for weekly updates on new useless crap that will make you uestion whether or not it’s worth the short-lived burst of retail dopamine. 450 56th St., Lawrenceville. stores.aldi.us -Amanda Waltz

BEST OVER-THE-TOP BILLBOARD

Jimmy Wan’s Restaurant and Lounge

ew billboards grab my attention like the one for immy an’s restaurant, its hinesestyle dragon looming over te. 28, eyes ashing, neon fire bursting from its mouth. The ashy style conjures a se y, dangerous establishment straight out of a icholas inding efn thriller, specifically Only God Forgives. hile the results are, e pectedly, less so, the food still slaps, ensuring that the dramatic billboard isn’t the only thing worthwhile about immy an’s, which has locations in both o hapel and ranberry. 1337 Old Freeport Rd., Fox Chapel and 1686 Rte. 228, Cranberry. jimmywans.com - Amanda Waltz

BEST PLACE TO BE A LOCAL TOURIST

Allegheny Observatory

’m a big believer in being a tourist in your own city, something that’s not difficult in a place as steeped in history and accessible landmarks as Pittsburgh. t took too long for me to visit the Allegheny Observatory, a designated historic landmark atop Riverview Park that’s often forgotten amid the much-deserved love for our museums, inclines, and stadiums. Operated by the University of Pittsburgh for the last 158 years, the Observatory is still a working laboratory, and thus not a place you walk right into, but it frequently holds free tours and events, in keeping with its mission to let the public come gaze at the stars. n addition to three domed telescopes one of which has a true-crime connection , the Observatory is rife with gems like a crypt, marble hallways, and stained glass, and boasts having pioneered standard time, shaping Pittsburgh’s industriali ation. ome for the cosmic views, stay for the eye-opening history. 159 Riverview Ave., Perry North. observatory.pitt.edu -Rachel Wilkinson

BEST PLACE TO BE LEFT ALONE

Banksville Swimming Pool

Pittsburgh itiparks pools are oases for the overheated. hile they vary from cute to capacious and everything in between, one stands out for its e tremely chill vibe — anksville Pool, located off of anksville oad in the sleepy neighborhood of the same name. f you’re hot, sick of your neighborhood, and simply want to take a dip without being bothered, Banksville Pool is it. Keep this in mind when pool season comes back around ne t year 1461 Crane Ave., Banksville. pittsburghpa.gov. - olin illiams

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT THAT WILL NEVER MAKE AN EATER OR NEW YORK TIMES LIST

Coriander India Grill

hile Pittsburgh opens bu y new restaurants in this economy and holds court about its status as a foodie town, lately, ’ve been more about the unsung hero the un appable neighborhood gem. This isn’t so much about one spot — though obviously have mine — as much as a category of restaurant that know every Pittsburgher has in their back pocket, and that’s ld aithful down the street that’s been there for years.

This restaurant never fails to deliver delicious takeout on a rainy Tuesday, and you can even dine in without a reservation. or me, this is oriander, a uirrel ill staple where know the spice level on the matar paneer my go-to will be perfect, the samosas straight from the oven, and the mango lassi fresh. ’m also looking at you, Taiwanese istro afe 33, and eon’s aribbean in llentown which, admittedly, will drive to . n an uncertain world, let’s hear it for the tried and true. 2201 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill. corianderindiangrill.com -Rachel Wilkinson

BEST DOWNTOWN ALLEY

Exchange Way

The teel ity already had its star turn as otham ity in hristopher olan’s Batman series. rom the right angle, it’s easy to pretend Pittsburgh is bigger and maybe scarier than it actually is, and that’s especially true in the alleys of owntown. hile some alleyways capture a piss-scented anhattan je-ne-sais- uoi trawberry ay and others take you to the city’s utilitarian backside ecil Place , change ay combines steaming grates, rusty fire escapes, and public art installations in a perfect otham gumbo. ou can almost imagine the atmobile speeding toward ell Phone isco in pursuit of the bad guys after sunset. Exchange Way, Downtown. - olin illiams

BEST BUS LINE FOR A PITTSBURGH GRAND TOUR

PRT 64 (Lawrenceville-Waterfront)

This year’s est of P issue goes to press during a two-month-long stalemate over Pennsylvania’s state budget, which could see historic transit cuts, including 5 Pittsburgh bus lines. aving relied on Pittsburgh egional Transit buses for the 3 years ’ve lived here — and recogni ing transit as a public good and part of Pittsburgh’s — don’t want to see any of them go. ut ’ll spotlight one favorite the , slated for major reduction. The is a classic Pittsburgh bus, traversing awrenceville, loomfield, hadyside, uirrel ill, and reenfield, ending at the aterfront in omestead. o you want to get a breakfast arepa before heading to your dentist hat about grabbing coffee in riendship, then catching a movie at the anor re you a reenfielder like me who can commute to work, or wants to walk through the underrated alvary emetery in the fall, then skip driving to the aterfront The has covered all the contingencies of my ast nd-centric life, and ’ll continue to toast it even if we’re forced to bid it farewell. rideprt.org -Rachel Wilkinson

BEST BIKE LANE

Allegheny Commons

Pittsburgh’s non-car infrastructure is arguably better than it’s been since the end of citywide trolley service. n particular, we’ve massively stepped up our bike-lane game under the past two mayors, turning four-lane traffic nightmares in ast iberty and llegheny enter into the city’s completest streets. The latter combines bike lanes with dedicated signals, pedestrian bulbouts, truck aprons, and protections including striping and le Posts for a much more secure e perience. The lane loop around ommons is e emplary of the Pittsburgh we’re becoming, a place that is far friendlier to people on foot or wheels to navigate and enjoy. The only thing better than this kind of infrastructure upgrade is full pedestrianization. Commons N, E, S, W, Allegheny Center. - olin illiams

Staff Picks continues on PG. 42

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Staff Picks continues from PG. 41

BEST GRAFFITI TAG

FART

raffiti is cool. t makes ugly surfaces pretty and pretty surfaces more interesting. t can also be uite funny and even helpful. ne Pittsburgh tagger has been running around discouraging littering. omeone else is making your mom jokes at the e pense of passersby. y favorite T. ometimes, the artist even ups the ante, adding tags including piss, e panding to fart boy, even fart on cops assuming this is all one person . ne wonders if the similar tag P P is the same person or a different vulgar vandal. ither way, these people are doing the lord’s work. tay atulent and eet of foot, T. salute you.

Various locations. - olin illiams

BEST NEMACOLIN ALTERNATIVE

The Grand Resort in Warren, Ohio

an you afford to go to emacolin can’t. ure, it’s lovely there, with e cellent dining and a spa that will take you to nirvana hear , but ’d also like some semblance of a savings account. nstead, when ’ve needed a little getaway, recently, ’ve opted for The rand esort in arren, hio. s it cheap eck no. ut if you want a little opulence without having to pull from your 0 k , this is a better option. The rooms are lovely, the spa is accommodating, and the heated oman bath outdoor pool, which is accessible all year round, feels like a little oasis. ates at both resorts vary depending on the season, but in general, you can spend a night at The rand esort for about a third of what you’d pay at emacolin. onsidering that not going broke increases my happiness roughly threefold, this is a great deal all around. 9519 E. Market St., Warren, Ohio. thegrandresort.com - li Trachta

BEST PLACE TO WATCH A GEESE AND GROUNDHOG TURF WAR

Waterworks back parking lot

ehind the aterworks shopping pla a, the clans of anada oose and histle Pig do battle. arely contained by a chain-link fence, these natural enemies forever clash over a coveted patch of embankment, their awkward combat witnessed only by gym rats drinking pre-workout in their cars outside nytime itness, or by hibachi employees taking their smoke breaks beside the dumpsters. ill these furious creatures, these accursed warring fiends, ever know peace, or will the angry honks forever ring out in spinwall 934 Freeport Rd., Aspinwall - manda alt

BEST FEATURED PITTSBURGH TRUE CRIME CASE

Dr. Larry Rudolph

owever one feels about true crime, whether indifferent, outraged, or invested, the subject suddenly becomes unifying when it involves the rich. Take r. arry udolph, the successful local dentist, known primarily for his well-advertised sedation methods, who became the subject of Trophy Wife: Murder on Safari, a ulu series released earlier this year. The unusual details of the case involve big game hunting gross , infidelity, and, of course, greed. nother classic, and tragic case of it’s always the husband. - manda alt

BEST PLACE TO BE SHAMELESSLY SWEATY

Three Rivers Heritage Trail

To my fellow prissy femmes who prefer to shimmer as opposed to drip hog sweat whilst out in public, see you, and it’s . t’s to strap on a bike helmet, crush your hairstyle for a day, and enjoy a bike ride on the scenic riverfront. t’s to run the trail while listening to ady aga on your irPods and sweat in the humid summer heat, and the humid fall heat, and the spring rain. nd while it’s super fun to be sweaty while busting a move at rewer’s ar, nothing beats the feeling of a sudden cool, soothing bree e on your sweaty face like you get on the Three ivers eritage Trail. pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Parks/Our-Parks/ThreeRivers-Heritage-Trail - tacy ounds

BEST UNINTENTIONAL ART GALLERY

STORExpress Self Storage windows in Etna

The massive T press elf torage facility lurks near the 2nd treet ridge like a troll waiting to unleash its three riddles. ver the years, however, it has enthralled me with its strange window displays, inadvertent tableau worthy of artistic consideration. imagine a storage facility manager turned outsider art visionary, who discovers a collection of abandoned manne uins in a locker and arranges them for their own amusement, only to construct a thought-provoking work. The windows’ most recent random assortment of patriotic uly th yard in atables was clearly a searing indictment of our slowly de ating democracy. 100 Hafner Ave., Etna. storexpressselfstorage.com - manda alt

BEST PLACE TO LET A KID BLOW 10 BUCKS

Vendor Bender

Perhaps an international family vacation isn’t in the cards for you this year, but a trip to endor ender with a 0-spot in hand is something your kid will probably be more e cited about, anyway. endor ender, an always-open little room on urray venue in uirrel ill, houses about a do en vending machines, all stocked with candies, snacks, and drinks from around the world, each priced at a few dollars each. our little one can sample chips from the Philippines, gummies from ermany, ebanese soda, and or legit ubai chocolate, depending on the offerings of the day. t’s candy, but it feels special. lmost cultured. Plus, maybe they’ll even let you have a bite. 2301 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill. instagram. com/vendorbenderstore - li Trachta

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BEST TIRAMISU THAT’S NOT TIRAMISU

Moio’s

nce upon a time, tried the Tony-misu at oio’s, and it changed my life. t’s a sheet cake that serves 5-90 people that’s straight from their website and not an e aggeration , but it can also be for one person who really loves this version of a tiramisu and is willing to go on a shameful cake binge. t’s like tiramisu underwent a glow-up and became something that’s somehow even better. give it a million out of five stars. 4209 William Penn Hwy., Monroeville. moios.com - tacy ounds

BEST LATE-NIGHT FOOD

The Parlor Dim Sum BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR KIDS WHEN YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO GET WORK DONE

Beanstalk HQ

Work-from-home parents: I know you need a goddamn break. From Bluey blasting on the TV while you’re sending emails, to kids begging for snacks while you’re on Zoom, nothing ruins a day more than trying to do everything you can to be the best parent and the best employee while pulling out your hair. Before you turn to vodka and Xanax, give Beanstalk in e ford a shot. rop your kids off in the playroom with a trained childcare professional while you work in a calm, professional co-working space that comes with coffee, snacks, and peace and freaking uiet. 12300 Perry Hwy. Ste. 200, Wexford. beanstalkhq.com -Stacy Rounds

BEST MINOR PITTSBURGH HOAX

Fake Oakland Sheetz

Now that we can herald the coming of Pittsburgh’s long-awaited Sheetz, I’ve been reminiscing about the road that led us here. Pittsburgh is home to some all-time great hoaxes, most notably, of course, the bootleg South Side Burger King. But I now submit for the canon the tale of the fraudulent Oakland Sheetz, where, in 2021, a prankster hung a fake “Coming Soon” sign for a Sheetz (it was laminated!) on a former Marathon gas station on Forbes Avenue. (The site at 3500 Forbes Ave. is still under construction to become — what else? — a mixed-used development.) Back then, the city rejoiced at the fake news, then just as uickly called the culprit a monster for instilling false hope, and launched a short-lived Fake Oakland Sheetz Twitter account. But you never hear “fake Oakland Sheetz” anymore — at least not with the same fervor as “secret fourth river” or “tunnel monster”— and I think it’s time. Fake Oakland Sheetz is a cousin to Fake South Side Burger King — a story of COVID-era mania, which has now been resolved, ironically, by post-pandemic closures. Plus, I still want to know who did it. -Rachel Wilkinson

BEST PLACE TO SEE STEELERS PLAYING PICKLEBALL

North Park pickleball courts

In June 2022, Pittsburgh Steelers players T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Alex Highsmith played pickleball with an adorable grandma at the North Park courts.

She was unaware of their identities until a photo of them went viral on social media, highlighting the players’ interest in the popular sport. Meanwhile, in 2025, I have thrice spotted Steelers or former players, like Charlie Batch and his Rottweilers, stalking around the park. Are they due for a part two pickleball game with local grandparents?

We shall see… North Park, McCandless. alleghenycounty.us/Parks-and-Events/Parks/ North-Park -Stacy Rounds

BEST UNOFFICIAL BOROUGH “MAYOR”

Kathy Neidhardt of McCandless

The one person who always knows what’s going on in McCandless Township is Kathy Neidhardt. She is the heart of the town that keeps it ticking. She does everything from updating residents on committee meetings to raising environmental concerns to making folks aware of local events to sharing the town’s history to shouting out the accomplishments of orth llegheny students, and more. he’s always got her finger on the pulse of the borough. -Stacy Rounds

As a night owl, I can attest that food after 10 p.m. is still virtually unheard of in this town (we don’t even have a Best of PGH category for it). But The Parlor Dim Sim recently answered the call, expanding on its happy hour to add a full-blown late-night experience with a DJ at the bar on Fridays and Saturdays. The Cantonese spot serves a menu of rotating cocktails and food specials that transcend the normal greasy pub grub, including, when I visited at least, endlessly satisfying crab fried rice. I didn’t know I needed dim sum and tofu dumplings to soak up drinks after midnight, but I do, especially while dining on the restaurant’s covered patio, being nebby, and eavesdropping on hungry Lawrenceville partiers wandering the street below. 4401 Butler St., Lawrenceville. theparlordimsum.com -Rachel Wilkinson

BEST PLACE TO LET MACHINES BABYSIT YOUR KIDS

Velum Fermentation

A top-tier weekend parenting experience is letting your kids run amok in a safe space while you sit with friends and drink beer, and this seems to be pretty much what Velum Fermentation was built for. In their big warehouse space on the South Side, they have a dedicated section for pinball, skee-ball, driving games, and good old-fashioned claw machines — along with a token dispenser that takes credit cards. There are even step stools so the littlest among us can get a boost if they can’t reach the ipper buttons.

Strategically placed at the end of the arcade are picnic tables, making it easy to keep the kids in sight while you chit-chat with pals and sip on a Concrete Bunny. Catch me there all winter. 2120 Jane St., South Side. velumfermentation.com -Ali Trachta

BEST COFFEE FOR CHEAPSKATES

Coen Markets

Pittsburgh is home to a multitude of incredible coffee shops that serve up bespoke beverages while fostering community, but we’re not talking about that right now. We’re talking about where to go if you want a consistently cheap cup of joe on the run, and that place is the Coen Markets adjacent to Amoco stations. If you join the Coen Club, you get a ton of discounts, but the best one, ’d say, is that any si e coffee is only 99 cents. 99 cent coffee n this economy ometimes you gotta do it. Various locations. coenmarkets.com -Ali Trachta

BEST SUMMER CAMP

Sheldon Calvary Camp

Admittedly, I’m wildly biased about this, because I’ve been going to Sheldon Calvary Camp — which has ties to Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside and is now property of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh — my whole life. I was a camper there decades ago, then a counselor, and I still go, to this day, to “Family Camp” at the end of the summer along with my young children. But that’s the point. If you would like for your kids to have a rich, classic American summer camp experience at a place that’s so great they’ll want to keep on going, like me, well into their 40s and beyond, Calvary’s it. 4411 Lake Rd., Conneaut, Ohio. calvarycamp.org -Ali Trachta

BEST BURGER BAR I’M NOT ACTUALLY GOING TO TELL YOU ABOUT

[redacted]

Pittsburgh’s best burger bar is — well, it’s very good. They have a great selection, good service, and a menu that caters both to beef connoisseurs and the health-conscious, and they also have beer. The thing that makes it the most special is they’re homemade — everything is made from scratch. And their tap selection, often featuring, um, good craft beer, is among the best in the city. Basically, this place is awesome. I want them to do well, but not so well that can’t go there in peace. s that so selfish hat’s your favorite burger bar, anyway? [redacted] -Colin Williams

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER SEPTEMBER 17-24, 2025

43

FYI

BY BRENDAN EMMETT QUIGLEY // BRENDANEMMETTQUIGLEY.COM

1. Seven of this rapper’s 11 albums were released after his death 6. Missing from duty, in short 10. Lyra’s brightest star 14. “Cash for clunkers” president 15. King’s title 16. Computer that comes with Apple Intelligence 17. Stiffer’s decision 18. Norway’s patron saint 19. Really bad 20. Bring out happiness?

23. Six pack case?

24. Slimy stuff 25. Juilliard or RADA? 32. Hard stuff 35. Benjamin Edward ___ Stiller 36. Fight (for) 37. In an accomplished way 38. Question that could go either way 39. No longer straight 40. Sprightly dance 41. Actor who narrated How I Met Your Mother 42. Mold and

mushrooms, for two 43. By any means with deadly results?

46. Unbiased job listing letters 47. Grade inflating course 50. Not the first piece of praise?

56. Cry on the way to the vet 57. Whopper 58. Roughly 59. When you might use finger paint?

60. Thrust of an argument 61. Honey color 62. First place?

63. Side 64. Check the math

DOWN

1. “I don’t like your ___, mister!”

2. Letter-shaped fastener 3. Electric grill setting 4. “This should work, ... right?!?”

5. “Following?”

6. Starting from 7. Cunning trick 8. Taken by swallowing 9. French newspaper named after The Barber of Seville

ACROSS

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44

10. Big bingewatcher 11. Give off, as light 12. Beat poet Snyder 13. Excellent service?

21. Rug rat 22. ___-Cola 26. Watch brand named after a letter 27. New beginning 28. Brand owned by 22-Down 29. Hot spot 30. Doorbell camera company 31. Cooler company 32. ___ California (Mexican state) 33. Passing words 34. Russian woman’s name that means “holy”

38. “Am I clear?”

39. Purposely stalls 41. Place for an SD card 42. It moves a lot of merchandise 44. Intentionally play a board game poorly, say 45. Dairy farm land 48. ___ mate (caffeinated beverage) 49. Like a stone’s throw 50. Detective’s clue 51. Top of the line 52. Lamented 53. Protest prop 54. Pear-shaped instrument 55. It’s got your house surrounded 56. Nice title: Abbr.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

$ + $ % - ( 7 ( : ( % % < 2 $ . 6 2 ; ( < ( 0 2 - 2 3 / $ < % < 6 2 3 + 2 & / ( 6 5 2 ( < 2 ' ( / 6 0 $ ; : 2 8 / ' 7 ( / 6 $ ; 2 1 6 5 < $ 1 ( 6 3 4 ( , , $ 4 8 $ $ / ( 5 7 % 2 5 ' ( $ 8 ; 3 5 2 ' 8 & 7 1 , / 6 & / $ 5 ( ( 1 2 6 6 , = ( 6 7 , / ( 6 5 ( ; 7 2 0 5 ( + $ % , & ( & $ 3 / , 9 : ( ( 6 3 2 5 & / ( 2 ) ) ( 5 , 1 * : + , 7 8 1 ' 2 3 $ 5 6 ( 6 2 1 6 0 ( 6 6 $ ' ' ( 5

Careers rooted in community.

OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT. Exceptional Benefits and Competitive Wages.

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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of fictitious name: Sefick Tax & Advisory.

- Tax Preparation - Tax planning - Personal budgeting 412-737-7672

MARKETPLACE SERVICES

PERSONALS White male, 56, health conscious, non-smoker, non-drinker. I’m very caring, talkative and loving. I enjoy oldies, nature, animal-lover.

The simple things in life make me happy. Desire a girl with similar interest.

412-781-5989, best time 7p.m.-8:30p.m.

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PERSONALS A happy guy who loves good food, great conversation, and even better company — just looking for someone who enjoys the same interests! Give me a call at 412-313-4320 —and if I miss your call, leave a message and I’ll get back to you soon!

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Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Bellefield Entrance Lobby, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, until 2:00 P.M., local prevailing time for:

PITTSBURGH OBAMA 6-12 • HVAC Renovation • Mechanical, Electrical, General, and Abatement Primes PITTSBURGH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY & ADMINISTRATION BUILDINGS • Steam Pressure Reducing Station Replacement • Mechanical Prime Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700), 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is non-refundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.

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ESTATE OF HICKEY, GARY, W DECEASED OF PITTSBURGH, PA

ARTIST SEEKS FEMALE MODEL

NAME CHANGE

ESTATE NOTICE

I’m an artist who hires models as reference for paintings.

No exp needed.

I photograph you in a 1-to-1.5 hr session. $50.

More details follow.

Contact me/ see my work: instagram.com/ faj_dano PortraitsByFaj.com

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 700 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. October 1, 2025 at 12:15 PM. 176 Chanae Holliday, 2165 Blessing Spell, 4104 Dennis Payne, 4112 Robert Foltz, 4118 Gerald Henchell, 4182 Taylor Blair. The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 110 Kisow Dr. Pittsburgh Pa. 15205 on 10/1/2025 at 11:15 AM. Drew White 346, 3 Rivers Sheepdog Club Of G Pitts 66. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 111 Hickory Grade Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017, October 1, 2025 at 12:30pm. Kimberly Wilson 1024, Cynthia Southern 3396. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 880 Saw Mill Run Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15226, October 1, 2025, at 1:15 PM. Kaylee Kendrick 1029, Christian Bove 1101, George Edmundd 2056, Billy Ferrie 4001, Shawneice Hogen 4112, Marcus Taylor 4128, Tre Titus 4199. The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 902 Brinton Road Pittsburgh, PA 15221 on October 1st, 2025 at 11:30 am.

Anthony Hightower 1231, Tina Witherspoon 2158, Franshauna Batron 2202, Tiara Law 2229, Hailey Misko 2284, Mateo Summers 3171. The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

TECHNICAL

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R&D ENGINEER SOFTWARE

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 141 N Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh PA, 15208 on October 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM. 1209A Alieshia King, 2271A Justin Bock, 3196A Tenielle Spruill, 4079 Courtney Wright, 6044 Esther Howard. The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 1005 E Entry Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15216 on 10/01/2025 at 11:30 AM. 2240 Nathan Gibson, 5163 Gordon Lee. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s Lien at the location indicated: 3200 Park Manor Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 on October 1, 2025 at 1:00pm. 4003M Spencer Calloway. The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 6400 Hamilton Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 October 1, 2025 at 1:45 PM. Dawna Miles-5052, Charmaine Moore-1035. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

- providing all merchandising services for your business.

Email:tgordon@ columbusconsulting.com

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: NO. GD-25-009246, In re petition of Charles Hampton, for change of name to Charles Beatty Jr. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 15th day of October, 2025, at 9:30 a.m, as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.

No. 02230576 of 2023.

Michelle Hickey Extr.

449 Ridgemont Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15220

ESTATE OF GALLA, JOANNE, A, DECEASED OF BRIDGEVILLE, PA

No. 04197 of 2025.

Bernard Galla Extr.

10 Landgraf Ave, Bridgeville, PA, 15017 ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF ANDREWS, GABRIEL KING A/K/A IF NECESSARY, GABRIEL, KING ANDREWS, DECEASED OF PITTSBURGH, PA

No. 022504855 of 2025.

Suzanne Andrews Extr.

340 Bank Street, Sewickley, PA 15143

CA, Inc. is accepting resumes for the following position in PITTSBURGH, PA: R&D Engineer Software REF8983669: Lead design and delivery of new products/process.

Send resume to submit. apps@broadcom.com.

EOE. Must include REF code.

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 1212 Madison Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 on 10/01/2025 at 1:30 pm for 2101 Walter Johnson, 4131 Reba Pyron, 5140 Imanuel-Tiefing Hall, L9 Marease Robinson, and L92 Earl Telfair. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

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