Don't miss breakfast at Pamela's in the Strip district. (they don't take credit cards though, so be prepared). Also...great Thai food at a little hole in the wall called Sweet Basil--2 locations--one on Murray Ave in Squirrel Hill and also one in Lawrenceville-both are BYOB as well...another up and coming neighborhood in the Burgh.
dave and andy's in oakland for delicious ice cream. i hear they've won a few awards, and they've got interesting flavors like cinnamon and pumpkin pie.
pamela's for breakfast -- the pancakes are a bit much by themselves, but get them with some fruit and they're to die for. in the past three years, i've only ever gotten the strawberry hot cakes. if you have less of a sweet tooth, ask for no brown sugar or whipped cream.
I moved to pittsburgh 2 years ago and as a vegetarian, haven't always had the most exciting choices when dining out. For the first time in a long time, my own (retched) cooking has been more exciting. I know I can't compare it to New York, but either I need vegetarian suggestions or the city has an need and opening for this corner of the market.
Anyway some friends dragged me out this week to a bar/lounge called the Firehouse for a cocktail and appetizers and I was very excited by my options on the menu. I wasn't stuck with grilled cheese, a salad, or a veggie patty. The menu was tapas style, but I would have to say some of the best food in the city ( and a beautiful, extensive wine list to boot).
@susquehanna, regarding Bourdain:
Yes, I was really frustrated too. I guess that it was to be expected, with a young crowd of line cooks. Though I probably wouldn't mind having a beer with Tony, that is for sure! I think that he was probably slightly amused but I'm sure he thought it was a little obnoxious and was being gracious. I also, was a little too shy - the girl next to me asked a question. Although, after I got home, I thought of the perfect question: "Was the photo shoot in My Last Supper your idea?" :)
@Susquehanna:
My husband and I were at the Bourdain lecture last night too. I was also seated in the second balcony, right in front of a group of restaurant folk who were so rowdy they made it hard to hear his responses during the Q&A. I think anyone who has read his books or watched NR fairly often has heard what he had to say before, though he certainly has his schtick down pat! We did enjoy the lecture despite the lame Q&A.
please, for the love of all that is holy, visit Uncle Sam's Subshop in Oakland (near Pitt campus). I lived in Pittsburgh for 5 years, and now live in Philly, and I have to say Uncle Sam's steak and their fries kick Philly's "authentic" variety to the curb.
Spice Island is also in Oakland, and has pretty good Burmese/Thai/Chinese food. Tip: skip the noodles and get a curry or the 5 spice chicken, very very good and you won't pay more than $10 for a big meal. Also extensive tea menu.
Southside (Carson St) is great, lots of energy and interesting people, and amazing restaurants. Perfect place for a night on the town.
@Littlebluesiren: I was at Bourdain's lecture. Up in the second balcony. Weren't you frustrated with the audience's lame questions? Nobody asked about projects he may be developing, Top Chef, his best frenemy Ruhlman, or what it's like being a new dad. Shyness kept me from the Q & A mike. Wish I wasn't that way.
Anyway, the Pgh line cook contingent was out in full force! Can you believe how they were begging the man to go out for drinks with them or to "come back to my restaurant"? Do you think he was genuinely amused with this -- 'cause he was laughing pretty hard -- or was he just smitten with how pathetic the quality of the Q & A had become? Maybe it's a common thing at his public appearances.
@anybody: Did anybody else go to Bourdain's Drue Heinz lecture?
I used to live in Pittsburgh in my 5 years at CMU and I just have to toss in my 2 cents about some of the places already mentioned:
1) Church Brew Works: Take the trip. Beautiful atmosphere, some very good food (I really enjoyed their venison meatloaf the one time I went), and some excellent beer as well. For me that's really something because I really don't like most beers!
2) Chaya: I went there numerous times with my friends when we decided that Friday night meant emptying our wallets and eating big. While you may have to wait for seating at dinner hours (usually crowded) it's worth it. Absolutely magnificent food, spot-on every time. The sushi boats are quite a sight to behold and are quite fresh.
3) Lulu's: Yup, a fine place for the collegiate crowd to go for some good Pan-Asian eats. Very reasonable prices, some excellent takes on old classics. I still miss their wonton soup quite a bit, mostly because it involved bonito broth instead as well as many other veggies and ingredients I usually don't expect. Quite flavorful!
Great, now I miss the ol' place. Guess I'll have to go back eventually to catch up with friends and food!
I can't believe how late I'm coming to this post, but I also live in Pittsburgh and can't say enough about the food scene. Everyone has really wonderful suggestions, so I'm only going to add two places that I dont' think were mentioned:
Udipi Cafe in Monroeville - South Indian diner, amazing dosas and uthappam
Legume Bistro in Regent Square - french/italian country cooking, with a commitment to the local and seasonal
The Strip, as mentioned, is the mecca of food in the city.
I just came back from the Bourdain lecture and I am so happy to read this post and see all the connections to Pittsburgh on SE. Now I want to go and have a meal with you all!
Primanti's is awful so don't bother.
Must visit Pamela's for breakfast.
Tissaro's for burgers.
Fiori's for New York style pizza. It's the best by far.
Mineo's for sicilian style pizza.
Sesame Inn for Chinese.
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