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 Incline
Updated 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?
