Things to Do in Shadyside, Pittsburgh

Shadyside is arguably one of the best Pittsburgh neighborhoods to visit, especially on a nice day. Up until the mid-1800s, it was home to mostly farmland. Now, it’s home to plenty of parks, dining, shopping, and residential neighborhoods. Pretty much everything in Shadyside is within walking distance, and we recommend walking if you’re able to, as parking can be fairly difficult, especially on weekends. Below are the best things to do in Shadyside, Pittsburgh:

Eating in Shadyside

Shadyside is home to some of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh. Most of them can be found on Shadyside’s three main streets: Ellsworth Ave, Walnut St, or South Highland Ave. These are some of the best restaurants in Shadyside, Pittsburgh:

• Nak Wan Garden – A Korean restaurant with an extensive menu and generous portions
• Fujiya Ramen – Located at the end of Walnut Street, this Japanese restaurant has great ramen, rice bowls, and curry.
• Girasole – A critically acclaimed Italian restaurant
• Pamela’s P&G Diner – A famous diner chain in Pittsburgh known for their hotcakes. While this isn’t the original location, the lines tend to be shorter than in Oakland, Squirrel Hill, and the Strip District.
• The Yard – If you want an adventurous grilled cheese, this is the spot to go. They also recently renovated their upstairs to include a small arcade.
• Mercurio’s – If you’re in the mood for traditional wood-fired pizza and gelato, this is the spot to go.
• Acorn – Fairly new to Shadyside, Acorn is a fine-dining American restaurant with seasonal menus.
• Café Moulin – If you love a sweet breakfast, this French café has some of the best crepes.
• Soba – Located on Ellsworth Ave, this is an Asian fusion restaurant.
• Umi – Right above Soba is this high-end sushi and sashimi bar with 7 and 11-course omakase meals.
• Mad Mex – Located on South Highland Ave, this restaurant serves up some massive burritos (and margaritas). Make sure to go in the fall and try the Gobblerito, a Thanksgiving-themed burrito complete with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
• Casbah – Right across the street from Mad Mex is Casbah, a high-end Mediterranean restaurant with a very cool dining area.
• Shady Grove – If you’re looking for affordable American with outdoor seating, head over to Shady Grove, located right off Walnut Street.
• Noodlehead – Head over to Noodlehead for some seriously good Thai street food at a very reasonable cost. Make sure to bring cash, as they do not take cards.
• Pasha Café & Lounge – This Mediterranean restaurant is tucked back behind Walnut Street and has a very nice patio for warm Pittsburgh days.
• Tocayo Tacqueria & Tequila – This restaurant has some seriously cool vibes on the inside and is a great place to go if you’re in the mood for Mexican.
• STACKD – Located on Ellsworth Ave, STACKD is a local chain that allows you to create your own burger.
• Senyai Thai Kitchen – If you are craving curry, noodles, or Thai classics, this contemporary Thai restaurant is a go-to.
• Café Zinho – Craving upscale European cuisine? Stop in to grab a bite and enjoy the very bohemian interior.
• The Urban Tap – They serve food all day, but if you’re going to go – go for brunch. Their mimosa flights and donut holes with coffee dip are to die for.
• Sushi Too – A great spot for sushi located right on Walnut.

Coffee Shops in Shadyside

Looking for somewhere to enjoy some coffee? Shadyside is home to some seriously awesome local coffee shops:

• Adda Coffee & Tea House – A very sun-filled coffee shop on South Highland that has great coffee, treats, and sometimes holds high tea! They also have a bazaar to help support local vendors.
• Arriviste – Located on Ellsworth, this is the spot to go if you are a fan of pour-overs or espresso.
• Jitter’s Café – If you’re more of a grab-and-go coffee drinker, this spot could be for you!
• Coffee Tree Roasters – With big windows and a large indoor space, if you need a spot to hunker down and get some work done, this is the place to go.

Bars in Shadyside

Despite all of the other things to do around Shadyside, you’ll find that the bar scene is not very prevalent. (You’ll want to go to South Side for that) In any case, there are some bars that you can hit up while you’re in the area.

• Cappy’s – A small pub on Walnut Street that has become a local staple. They have drink specials each night and hold a very competitive trivia night with some desirable prizes.
• The Urban Tap – When you walk into Urban Tap, the first thing you notice is their beer wall. They have over 100 beers on draft at any given time, so you’re bound to find something you’ll like.
• Mario’s East Side Saloon – Located on Walnut, this local chain has a large rooftop which is perfect for going out when the weather is nice.
• Con Alma – For a nice night out, check out this live jazz club and sip on some of their signature cocktails.
• Shadyside Hideaway Bar – Hidden behind Millie’s Ice Cream is the Hideaway Bar, a great place for affordable drinks.
• William Penn Tavern – One of the best spots to watch any Pittsburgh sports game. They always have drink and wing specials.
• Frank’s Bar and Grill – A classic bar with American fare just off Walnut Street.

Dessert in Shadyside

Of course, we saved dessert for last. In terms of things to do in Pittsburgh, Shadyside has some seriously good spots if you have a sweet tooth. Make sure to check them out:

• Treat – Ice cream over Liege waffles. Could it get any better?
• Prantl’s Bakery – You cannot visit Pittsburgh and not get the famous almond torte cake from Prantl’s Bakery.
• Mercurio’s – Stop in for a variety of flavors of classic Italian gelato.
• Millie’s – This local company has expanded like crazy over the last few years and it’s no surprise. Their ice cream is some of the best that you’ll have. Don’t shy away from the dairy-free options either – they’re just as good!
• SubZero Ice Cream – Ever had ice cream made with liquid nitrogen? Try it out at their spot on South Highland.
• The Yard – Realistically, you’ll probably go to The Yard for their grilled cheese, but if you’re in the area and craving dessert, don’t pass it up. They have some super-indulgent dessert options.

Shopping in Shadyside

If you’re looking for more high-end shopping, Walnut Street is the place to go. There, you will find the following stores:

• Banana Republic
• SW Randall Toys & Gifts
• Apricot Lane Boutique
• Sephora
• Kards Unlimited (a very unique shop filled with great gift options)
• Lululemon
• Williams-Sonoma
• Apple
• Patagonia
• Pursuits Women’s Clothing & Accessories
• L’Occitane en Province
• The Collective
• Henne Jewelers
• Ten Toes
• Toadflax
• GAP
• Athleta
• Jill
• Francesca’s
• Shadyside Variety Store
• Maxalto
• Dress Circle
• Kawaii Gifts
• Tennis Village
• Roberta Weissburg Leathers
• E B Pepper
• Footloose Shadyside
• Pam Elsner Designs
• Choices
• Glassworks and Cheeks
• Feathers
• Moda
• Dina Ellen
• Synthesis

On Ellsworth, check out these two vintage and retro clothing stores:

• Eons Fashion Antique
• Hey Betty

Other fun things to do in Shadyside:

• Trade items at Caboodle Trading Post
• Attend Jam on Walnut
• Visit Roslyn Place to see the only wood-paved street in the country
• Stop by the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts

There you have it! Some of the best things to do in Shadyside, Pittsburgh. Can you believe that all of these great places exist in just one neighborhood in Pittsburgh? There are so many other awesome things to do in the city, but if you ever find yourself in the area, you definitely have to check these spots out!

While you’re at it, make sure to sign up for our blog newsletter to stay up to date with all of our latest posts.