10 local coffeeshops to check out in Pittsburgh
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Pittsburgh is home to a growing lineup of independent coffeeshops. No longer are Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts your only options when it comes to enjoying one of life’s greatest simple pleasures outside of the house. Sipping a cup of joe in a cozy local coffeeshop on the weekend is a great budget friendly activity to enjoy anytime of the year. With various options spread throughout the city’s diverse neighborhoods, there is an option for you, no matter your personal style or where your day’s adventures may take you. Living in the ‘Burgh for the past year, I attempted to try out the majority of local coffeeshops throughout the metro.
Below are my top 10 coffeehouses, each offering a different scene, style, and located within close proximity to some of Pittsburgh’s best attractions.
1. La Prima Espresso
- Locations: Strip District
- What to try: Americano
- What to do nearby: Pick up a sweet treat at Colangelo’s Bakery
La Prima serves high quality Italian espresso and coffee. They offer over 20 varieties of locally roasted beans, including blends, single origin, seasonal and decaf options for purchase. La Prima operates several cafes throughout the city, the best location found within The Strip District. This cafe features outdoor seating and is located nearby many local restaurants, bakeries, and ethnic grocers. Although they serve no food, you can order a delicious pastry next door at Colangelo’s Bakery. Treat yourself to an authentic Italian cannoli, a chocolate croissant, Danish, or Sfogliatella. Pricey, but worth a splurge. Unfortunately, many smokers gather here. If smoking bothers you (I hate it!), visit the AC Hotels location (near the Heinz History center).
2. Commonplace Coffee
- Location: Mexican War Streets
- What to try: Coffee cake, Morning Glory muffin, Americano
- What to do nearby: Take a walk and enjoy the lovely architecture. Also in the vicinity is Randyland, a colorful outdoor art exhibit open free to the public.
What started as a single cafe in the small community of Indiana has now blossomed into 8 shops including 4 in the Pittsburgh region. Commonplace serves specialty coffee plus local pastries. Although the food selection is limited, everything is quite good especially the coffee cake. Plus, the presentation is quite fancy compared to other options in the region, making this one of my favorite date spots. Do visit the charming Mexican War Streets cafe in one of Pittsburgh’s oldest neighborhoods. The attractive setting amongst old Victorian row houses is quite nice. The quaint outdoor patio is perfect for relaxing during the milder spring and fall season.
The interior can get way too sunny during the summer months (I need to wear sunglasses inside) due to the large windows. Visit on an overcast day for the most comfortable experience.
3. Mediterra
- Location: Sewickley
- What to try: House coffee, blueberry muffin, chocolate croissant, artisan bread, shashuka
- What to do in the vicinity: Check out the local shops of downtown Sewickley. This charming tree-line Main St. is lined with independent businesses.
This wonderful Mediterranean cafe offers 2 convenient locations: historic downtown Sewickley and Mt. Lebanon. Here you can enjoy fresh artisan bread, specialty pastries, great coffee, and delicious healthy breakfast and lunch entrees all in the same place. They serve the best coffee and offer the nicest ambiance anywhere in the metro. Their bread is amazing – do try the Ref Fife or sprouted spelt. Entrees to try include Milk Bread French Toast, Shakshuka, Avocado Toast, and Quiche. The pastry selection is amazing. Everything from the fresh blueberry muffins, to the chocolate croissants, to homemade pop tarts and cinnamon rolls are worthy of the caloric splurge!
Bonus: you receive points for each visit. After 10 points, you will receive a free loaf of bread, a coffee, or pastry! Fantastic deal! Let’s just say, I have racked up many free pastries!
My guide to the best Mediterra pastries
4. Convive Coffee
- Location: McCandless, Mars, North Shore, Lawrenceville
- What to try: Banana chip Muffin
- What to do nearby: Shop, see a movie, and eat at McCandless Crossing
Convive, a family run business, offers 4 locations so it’s easy to get to no matter what part of the ‘Burgh you are exploring for the day. I usually end up at the McCandless location before shopping at Trader Joe’s. I love sipping on endless dark roast coffee in the quiet setting and getting to Trader Joe’s right at opening! The coffee here is really strong (but not burnt) and I love that you can get your own refill via self service. The food selection is a bit limited and on the pricey side, however, I do enjoy their muffins.
5. Defer
- Location: Strip District
- What to try: Matcha tea cake, Americano
- What to do nearby: Shop for authentic Italian goods at Pennsylvania Marconi Company.
Defer is a wonderful local coffeehouse with 4 Pittsburgh locations including Market Square downtown and the Strip District. The vibe is trendy and hipster and the ambiance beautiful and inviting. The Strip District location features beautiful brick walls for the ultimate historic touch in an old neighborhood. What sets this cafe apart from others is the wonderful assortment of healthy menu items. Options include Chia seed pudding, raspberry lemon poppy seed oatmeal, sweet potato and chickpea hand pie, and toast with avocado/hummus or cashew butter.
If you have a sweet tooth, you will want to treat yourself to the delicious Matcha tea cake topped with orange lime buttercream and pistachios. Packed with powerful green tea antioxidants so at least it’s a little bit healthier.
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