Pittsburgh food in December: What’s opening and what’s closing
Choose from four concepts at Federal Galley, while Lawrenceville got … a North Park Lounge?

A sneak preview at Federal Galley.
Rossilynne Culgan / The InclineUpdated 11:30 a.m. Dec. 2
You’ve got some eating to do: With a dozen new restaurants and bars opening in the past few weeks, here’s the list of where to head this month.
From a fried chicken spot that’s become an instant go-to to a holiday-themed pop-up bar to a suburban staple that’s moved into Pittsburgh’s hipster haven, there’s a lot to talk about.
Hello

Federal Galley, North Side
Like its Strip District sister Smallman Galley, this food hall/chef launchpad offers four concepts in a casual cafeteria setting set to open on Dec. 5.
Provision Pittsburgh is back from its Smallman Galley days with one of the best burgers in Pittsburgh, and it joins three new options: El Lugar, which serves up tacos; Michigan & Trumbull with Detroit-style pizza; and Supper, with a comprehensive restaurant-style menu featuring home-cooked delicacies.
The design is similar to Smallman Galley with exposed brick and incandescent bulbs, but the crowd flows better through this larger space. It’s located in a former bank, so keep an eye out for the vault door at the bar, which serves cocktails, wine and beer.

Miracle on Market, Downtown
This holiday bar is back for a second year with new cocktails and so much holiday decor that “it looks like Christmas threw up everywhere,” the bar owner told The Incline. Here’s what else to expect at the mega-popular pop-up in Market Square.
Ki Pollo, Lawrenceville
A second restaurant from the folks who brought you Ki Ramen, Ki Pollo is serving up fried chicken and empanadas along Butler Street.
Bitter Ends Luncheonette, Bloomfield
At this new petite place along Liberty Avenue, grab breakfast or lunch (or both) from James Beard semifinalist chef Becca Hegarty. Expect soups and pastries and a menu that “will flow with the seasons,” per Pittsburgh Magazine.
Alida’s Woodfired Cucina, Lawrenceville
This new spot near Doughboy Square celebrated its grand opening just after Thanksgiving with Italian food, wine and 16 beers on tap. The restaurant is a project from the owner of the former Oakland bar Panther Hollow Inn, the Post-Gazette reports.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Downtown
If you’re into expensive steak, boy, have we got the place for you. Ruth’s Chris has re-opened after a $2 million renovation with an expanded footprint and an upgraded bar, the Business Times reports.
North Park Lounge, Lawrenceville
Yes, you read that correctly. There is a North Park Lounge in Lawrenceville now. Let that sink in for a second. The suburban chain has plopped its latest location in the neighborhood named one of the world’s most hipster ‘hoods just a few years ago. This brings up *a lot of feelings.*
First of all, Lawrenceville is not even near North Park, nor is it even remotely North of the city, so couldn’t the restaurant chain have tweaked the name a bit? Secondly, it’s Butler Street, not McKnight Road, isn’t it? Will the menu be tweaked to include avocado toast and La Croix? Final question … does this mean Lawrenceville is over?
La Scola’s Italian Ice and Custard, Highland Park
It’s never to cold for ice cream, especially at this new italian ice and custard shop in Highland Park. Fall flavors include Caramel Apple Butter Custard and Sweet Potato Pie Custard.
Tina’s, Bloomfield
Taking over for Tea Bags, this new bar promises “classic vibes and classic cocktails at a vintage price.” Any questions? Take it up with the boss — The Boss.
Bier’s Pub, North Side
Formerly known as Benjamin’s, this North Side joint has kept the burgers but has now rebranded as Bier’s Pub. Four One Brew sat down with co-owner Jake Bier a few months back to hear more about his plans for the space, including a Bier Garden out back.
Cinderlands Beer Co., Lawrenceville
Situated in the location that used to house Roasted Barrelhouse & Eatery and Eclipse Lounge (RIP Eclipse), this Butler Street spot brews its own beer and makes its own food, too, according to the Post-Gazette.
See you soon
The Roastery, Strip District
This cafe will take the place of 21st Street Coffee with pastries, light food, wine, beer, craft cocktails and, of course, coffee, NEXT Pittsburgh reports. It’s expected to open by year’s end.
See you soon-ish
- The Penn Cove Eatery and Mr. Rogers Neighborhood Bar
- Choolaah
- Freshii
- Insomnia Cookies … which said it was opening this summer but we’re still impatiently waiting. Where are the cookies?!
- Penn Brewery taproom
- Piazza Talarico
- Poulet Bleu
- Spork Pitt permanent location
- Chantal’s Specialty Cheese Shop
- Pizza A’Badamo
Farewell
TGI Fridays, Pittsburgh International Airport
If you were one of the ardent fans of the Fridays at the airport, sorry about your luck. If it lessens the pain, the Trib reports that Penn Brewery will open a location at the airport this spring.
Seviche, Downtown
Farewell to happy hour mojitos and salsa music at this Penn Avenue bar-restaurant. Per the venue’s website: “Seviche has been sold. We thank all of our wonderful customers for the eleven years of sharing seviche & salsa dancing together. Look for an exciting new concept in 2018.” So stay tuned.
Matteo’s, Lawrenceville
This Italian restaurant along Butler Street is closing, the Post-Gazette reports. But good news — Driftwood Oven is opening a permanent location in its place.