Recommendations for a short fall weekend in Pittsburgh with the dog?

November 2, 2021 12:51 PM

We're heading to Pittsburgh this weekend for a short overnight trip with the dog. Can you recommend some neighborhoods, parks, and other areas to explore with a dog in tow? Also, good vegetarian takeout food?

Looking to stay in slower/quieter areas where my dog will be comfortable. I'd like to find some nice historic neighborhoods & parks to walk around and work up an appetite. Some spots I have in mind to walk around are: Frick Park, Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, Highland Park. I'm also interested in checking out some of the city and areas south of the river which I've never explored. I saw the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden allows dogs, so we might head over there (30mins southwest of the city). Interested in any and all recommendations.

Any good spots for vegetarian takeout food?

Thanks!

posted by pilibeen to Travel & Transportation around Pittsburgh, PA (6 answers total)

You have some awesome spots picked out!

Shadyside is a great community with some beautiful older homes. I recommend walking down Ellsworth from Negley to N Neville - the side streets offer some really impressive views, too. But you could walk on all the cross streets between S Highland and Amberson and enjoy the unique homes on every street! I used to when I lived there - it’s especially magical at night during the holidays.

Damn. I miss that and I’m happy for you to see some cool older homes!

Other places:
A walk up Beechwood Blvd from 5th towards Wilkins has some amazing homes to view. Alternatively you could walk up Shady. Note both are hilly! So hopefully your doggo has a lot of stamina! If you and your dog are SUPER fit try going south on S Negley Ave from 5th - even steeper than Beechwood and Shady. You will be tired at the top, I promise, but the intersecting streets again offer nice homes on view.

Highland Park around the reservoir is a great spot.

Parks: Schenley Park is fantastic, but you really can’t go wrong with Frick Park, either! Plenty of trails.

If you can leave the dog for 3-ish hours (to sleep after all the walking?) you might want to check out The Mattress Factory - one of my favorite art museums in the world. If you can’t this trip, get there another time (and maybe incorporate a trip to Falling Water or Kentuck Knob, too)

For vegetarian takeout, can’t recommend Onion Maiden enough! A bit away from Shadyside area but nice. For dinner in Shadyside, you could get Noodlehead!
posted by glaucon at 1:28 PM on November 2, 2021 [2 favorites]

From August: The 12 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Eateries in Pittsburgh. I'd say Apteka's the can't-miss, but I know not everything on the menu is available for takeout, so check with them if there's something on which your heart is set.

The list:
Reed & Co.
Apteka
ShadoBeni
Disfrutar
Onion Maiden
B52
Allegro Hearth Bakery
Pure Grub
The Zenith
Udipi Cafe
Viridis
Tupelo Honey Teas
posted by jocelmeow at 2:45 PM on November 2, 2021

We had some really tasty Laotian food in Squirrel hill at Kiin, and they had some delicious veggie offerings (and they do takeout). Not fancy, but delicious.

Also, the handpies and breakfast pastries at Butterjoint/Pie for Breakfast were excellent, I'd try anything there. They're not too far from Schenley Park, and I want to go back now.
posted by ldthomps at 6:02 PM on November 2, 2021 [1 favorite]

If you enjoy historic architecture, Allegheny West and nearby neighborhoods are absolutely a treat. The neighborhood website has a nice selection of Things to Do.
posted by ReginaHart at 7:44 PM on November 2, 2021

Baby Loves Tacos posted on fb that they'll be at the Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer on Saturday with brunch and vegan options. General admission to the mixer is 9:30-5 p.m. I don't know if they're planning to be there the whole day.
posted by jocelmeow at 2:36 PM on November 3, 2021

ShadoBeni has pre-orders open for pickup at the Bloomfield Farmer's Market on Saturday.
posted by jocelmeow at 9:43 AM on November 4, 2021