I started April out of town and ended April, like most of Pittsburgh, without power. It was a busy month with my full time job and trying to get some YouTube videos created. I’m trying to do more long form videos again. I was in New Orleans for a work conference, but unfortunately didn’t get to leave the hotel much during that time. I did check off a couple of restaurants I’ve never been to as well, which was fun to do.
Restaurants
My first Pittsburgh “restaurant” of the month was Manny’s BBQ at PNC Park. No matter how many new foods they add to PNC, the pulled pork at Manny’s is still one of the best things to get at the ballpark.
I finally tried one of the most recommended burgers in Pittsburgh at Butterjoint. I liked it a lot, especially the sauce on it. Butterjoint also has some amazing cocktails and great snacks like a pickled vegetables plate and a raclette.
I only made it to one fish fry this season, but it was one of the best. Community Kitchen had an amazing fish fry with double battered cod. It was massive and delicious. Community Kitchen is also one of my favorite non-profits in Pittsburgh, helping people build culinary skills.
It took me a little longer than expected, but I was able to go to Braddock Public House for brunch. This restaurant opened last Fall, but I couldn’t find the time to get there. I’m glad I finally did. We split a bunch of dishes like the spam musubi and the chicken katsu and biscuits.
I ate at another new-to-me restaurant, Morcilla. I don’t know how I’ve never eaten there in all my years in Pittsburgh, but it was a stellar meal. Morcilla features Spanish-style tapas. This was an incredible meal. My favorites were the Oxtail Montadito and Costillas de la Matanza. I
Another new restaurant to me for the month, I went to Mullett’s in Mt. Lebanon when I was looking for a new cocktail bar to try with Sean of Pittsburgh Pours. We got to try the delicious Crispy Pork Belly. The cocktails were incredible. I wish I had gotten a drink there sooner.
I went to a PSU Alumni event hosted by PSU World Campus at Southern Tier. It had been a while since I ate there. I ended up eating a bunch of buffalo wings.
I went to City Kitchen for dinner. I got a Sesame Shoyu Tuna Poke Bowl from Shaka and some cocktails. It was a great bowl.
I went to the VIP preview of 1930 by Atria’s. The Atria’s in Mt. Lebanon has rebranded with an updated décor, updated menu and new cocktails designed by The Warren, a place I visit often. I was impressed by the Cauliflower Tacos and the Fried Bologna sandwich.
I got dinner at Soba. They just started offering some bites during happy hour at the bar. The tuna nachos with wonton chips were my favorite.
Food Trucks and Takeout
I got Boonseek again. This time at Hitchhiker Brewing. Best Korean Corn Dogs in Pittsburgh. I also always get their Chi Bob Korean Fried Chicken.
I got to try Off the Press Burgers. They used to be The Smashery, but have upgraded their truck and food. I ordered The Classic with Bacon and it was a fantastic burger.
At Beers of the Burgh Tacomania I got carnitas tacos from Blue Sparrow and a trio of tacos from Taqueria El Pastorcito. Both of these are favorite food trucks of mine. More about Tacomania below.
Events
I went to see St. Vincent at Stage AE. I was disappointed that I had missed her previous three performances in Pittsburgh due to being out of town each time. She was fantastic and a lot of fun. She has so much energy. Since her career has spanned so many years now, it was interesting hearing how she has experimented with different styles and genres over the years. She also decided to crowdsurf during a song.
I went to the biggest and best Beers of the Burgh Tacomania yet. This time it was at Pittsburgh Brewing Company, home of Iron City Beer. Enjoy Wrestling put a great slate of matches, including an intense 5×5 tag team event. I ate so many tacos while I was there. This is a twice-a-year event and always a fun one.
