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.
6. Redstart Roasters
- Location: East Liberty
- What to try: House Coffee
- What to do nearby: Visit The National Aviary
This artisan small batch roaster is quite unique in that they have received the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center’s Bird-Friendly coffee certification. They source coffee beans from sustainable farms which preserve bird habitats. One of their partners in sustainability is top rated Pittsburgh attraction, The National Aviary. If you are a bird lover, you might want to put this one on your bucket list. As for the coffee, it is delicious. Numerous roasts are available, light or medium with different tasting profiles. The ambiance here is beautiful and spacious with an airy, clean, and well-maintained appeal. With lots of chargers, lamps, and a large table, it’s also a great place to read or work.
7. Big Dog Coffee
- Location: Southside Flats
- What to try: Everything bagel with cream cheese, house coffee
- What to do nearby: Shop and dine at Southside Works
This spacious, quiet coffee shop is a great place to work, meet up with friends, or just relax on a leisurely weekend morning. Unlike more cramped and rowdy coffeeshops, the ambiance is inviting and tranquil. Plenty of places to enjoy a seat all to yourself by a cozy fireplace, as well as a shady patio for the milder months. The decor and artwork are colorful and eclectic giving you something to look at while you sip your coffee. They serve premier Intelligentsia coffee and offer a variety of pastries. Also, there’s smoothies and juiced drinks for anyone avoiding caffeine. It’s also one of the few coffeshops to offer bagels, so definitely a plus!
Note: the coffee is served a bit too lukewarm (I like mine really hot!).
8. Delanie’s
- Location: South side
- What to try: Veggie Quiche
- What to do nearby: Check out Station Square, an entertainment complex home to several popular chains (Hard Rock, Melting Pot), the Gateway Clipper cruise, and the Duquesne Incline.
Delanie’s is one of the better options for those seeking a cozy setting away from the university and tourist areas. The attractive 2 floor layout really sets it apart from other local coffeehouses. The brick walls and eclectic art make the interior here quite appealing. The vibe is definitely cozy, inviting, and local. The coffee here is excellent, as are the pastries which come from a variety of local businesses. The highlight to try here is the delicious veggie quiche – a bit pricey, but worth the splurge.
9. Margaux
- Location: East Liberty
- What to try: Almond croissant, Americano, house coffee
- What to do nearby: Take a stroll around beautiful Highland Park, featuring walking trails, a seasonal water fountain, and flower gardens
One of Pittsburgh’s newest coffee shops is also the best for anyone seeking a high end coffeehouse experience. This European style cafe in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood serves specialty coffee, desserts, a decent sized breakfast menu, and pastries, in a gorgeous setting. The vibe is tranquil and refined and the space is big, open, filled with plants, and bright. Lots of cozy couches and relaxing chairs to enjoy a specialty espresso or decadent pastry (I recommend the almond croissant!). Service is great and refills on house coffee is a big perk! I recommend indulging in the wonderful almond croissant.
10. Cafe Conmigo
- Location: Wexford
- What to try: Americano
- What to do nearby: U-pick at Soergels Ochards, Enjoy delicious soup at Zuppa’s Deli
This newer addition to Pittsburgh’s coffee scene is quite unique. If you love plants and greenery, then you will definitely want to place a visit to Cafe Conmigo high on your coffee shop bucket list. This place is decorated with all sorts of beautiful plants. Really, it’s a place to sit and relax or meet up with friends over a great cup of coffee in the most tranquil and zen setting in the metro. Lots of cozy seats where you can kick back and enjoy a great cup of joe (beans come from local roaster Commonplace). As a bonus, they serve treats from local bakery Mediterra (and also offer a number of GF and vegan treats) and have a ton of plants available for sale. Bonus: leashed dogs are welcome!
A few more local gems
I wouldn’t necessarily put these coffeehouses on the top of your list or go out of your way to visit, however, they are an okay choice if you happen to be in the vicinity.
Carnegie Coffee (Carnegie) – This spacious coffeehouse is located in an old post office in downtown Carnegie. They serve Lavazza coffee, a well respected brand. While the coffee is not the best in the city, the spacious layout and eclectic decor make this one worthy of a visit.
Redhawk (Sharpsburg) – While I am personally not a fan of the atmosphere, the drinks here are quite good. The historic building is nice, but the vibe is a bit bleak and depressing. On a positive note, the staff was very nice and the coffee was nicely presented.
Orbis – Cute local coffee shop and cafe in downtown Mt. Lebanon. The space is attractive and very clean. Nice selection of pastries, great bagels, and tasty breakfast food (including delicious veggie quiche). The setting is quaint, the coffee good (although sadly no refills), and location convenient.
Yinz (N. Ave) – Popular local coffee chain with 8 locations. Coffee is great and the sports decor is a nice bonus at the North side location. Food options are limited and drip coffee is unfortunately only served in paper cups.
Coffee Tree Roasters – Locally owned coffeeshop with numerous locations. Serves single farm sourced coffee from around the world. Both the coffee and presentation are great. Be on the lookout for seasonal specials including a delicious White hot chocolate. Food is sub par and wrapped in plastic. The Shadyside location is particularly spacious and attractive.
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