Restaurant Reivew
Cafe Raymond
Cafe Raymond is the best brunch choice in Pittsburgh's historic Strip District. While Deluca's and Pamela's receive more tourist traffic, Cafe Raymond serves a more diverse menu with more allergy friendly choices in a cleaner, more upscale environment. If you are seeking a great brunch date destination, definitely go with Cafe Raymond.
Food
Everything at Cafe Raymond is made from scratch, which is often not the case at most cafes/diners. Breakfast is served all day which is great for anyone who likes to sleep in on the weekends!
The Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes are the most popular menu item and they are so delicious! Definitely worth the splurge! The use of local maple syrup is great for the health conscious.
Lots of choices here for every diet, from a Vegan Quinoa bowl, to a Sausage Egg and Cheddar Croissant, to French Toast and Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly on Challah bread.
They do offer gluten-free bread and wraps and vegetarian entrees are marked as so for convenience.
The coffee here is great and includes free refills although you do have to go back up to the counter and ask which is a hassle on busy mornings.
Lunch includes a number of sandwiches and salads. Again a lot of choices for everyone, from a Chicken Cheesesteak, to a Baked Italian sandwich, to a Veggie Muffaletta featuring grilled portabellas, eggplant, zucchini, squash, roasted peppers, olive salad, nut-free basil pesto, and provolone on focaccia bread.
Service
Here, you will order at the counter, get a number, and a staff member will bring out your meal. Not a great choice for anyone who prefers full service, although the good food and coffee justify a visit.
Atmosphere
The vibe is trendy and modern. However, it's a bit of a hassle to have no full service on busy weekends. Note that the line can get long, the place gets busy, and it's often hard to find a seat. Also, it's a hassle to try to get a coffee refill with the big line that forms.
Final Remarks
Consider adding a brunch stop at Cafe Raymond to your Strip District itinerary. Whether you are in the area for a festival, sporting event, or just checking out the shops, brunch at Cafe Raymond is a great way to start your day.
