Visiting your fine city this weekend for the first time. (Pittsburgh: mattress, theater)

[UKUKUK]

I've been to Pittsburgh before but never had any reason to get off the freeway. Having been invited out to Pitt to visit a friend who's pursuing graduate study for a weekend, she wants to show off her city. Is there anything exclusively Pittsburgh (not in the tourist sense) that I should ask to see?

I'm the anti-tourist and want the authentic P-burgh. Great views, good food, good drinks, good music, culture.... let's hear your recommendations!

[airwave09]

Well be sure to hit up East Carson Street for nightlife. You could basically say it is Pittsburgh's "Bourbon Street". Fat heads would be a great place to try for dinner while you are there. They have unique sandwiches the size of your head and an endless micro-brew list.

For great views, there are really too many places to mention here, but I would recommend going up the incline to Mt Washington. Yes, it is very touristy but almost necessary for first time visitors nonetheless.

Strip District on Saturday morning is a must for culture, food, and shopping.

For music I would need to know the scene you are into before recommending something.

[Aqua Teen Carl]

Originally Posted by UKUKUK

I'm the anti-tourist and want the authentic P-burgh. Great views, good food, good drinks, good music, culture.... let's hear your recommendations!

I too am the anti-tourist. Here's a good start for a break from the usual Pittsburgh tour:

Food: S&D Deli, Tram's Kitchen, The Pretzel Shop, Bloomfield Bridge Tavern, Max's Tavern, Istanbul, Mike and Tony's Gyros, Real McCoy Sandwich Shop (I'm not one for fancy places)

Coffee: Big Dog Coffee, 21st Street Coffee, Cannon Coffee, Beehive (for the atmosphere)

Drinks: Penn Brewery, Church Brew Works, East End Brewery for growlers (I like beer)

Music: Check out the schedules for Altar Bar, Mr. Smalls Theater, Rex Theater, Thunderbird Cafe, Diesel, Static PGH (haven't been here yet but I've heard good things)

Culture: Start here, Mattress Factory is fun and unique too

That's a good start to an alternative to the usual "LOL PRIMANTIS/INCLINE/MT. WASHINGTON/PNC PARK" tour.

[BrianTH]

In defense of the inclines, they were once crucial transportation links, and are still used by some people for practical purposes today. So they aren't just a tourist thing, but a legitimate slice of Pittsburgh's working history.

[MathmanMathman]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

In defense of the inclines, they were once crucial transportation links, and are still used by some people for practical purposes today. So they aren't just a tourist thing, but a legitimate slice of Pittsburgh's working history.

Yes, otherwise it's sort of like going to San Francisco and not taking a cable car. There aren't that many funiculars around and Pittsburgh is famous for having two.

[ForYourLungsOnly]

I wouldn't say there are many things in Pittsburgh that you can label as "overtly touristy". Most of the stuff Pittsburgh is known for (Incline, Mt. Washington etc.) aren't really "touristy" and can be quite enjoyable. I'd definitely hit up the southside (E. Carson) for some bar hopping if that is your thing. There are some decent restaurants down there too. The views from Mt. Washington are worth the short drive up the hill if you have a car and its a decent day weather wise.

[Augie6]

Originally Posted by airwave09

Well be sure to hit up East Carson Street for nightlife. You could basically say it is Pittsburgh's "Bourbon Street". Fat heads would be a great place to try for dinner while you are there. They have unique sandwiches the size of your head and an endless micro-brew list.

For great views, there are really too many places to mention here, but I would recommend going up the incline to Mt Washington. Yes, it is very touristy but almost necessary for first time visitors nonetheless.

Strip District on Saturday morning is a must for culture, food, and shopping.

For music I would need to know the scene you are into before recommending something.

I agreee 100% with the above q.. Also depending on where she lives, Oakland offers some very " Pitt Univ" traditions.

I highly recomend the Strip District on Saturday Mornings.. Its give a great sense of Pittsburgh Culture and Direction.

[UKUKUK]

Thank you all so much! So many good recommendations! I'll definitely be bringing my camera along and post the photos I capture. This is coming from a Kentucky-sprawl viewpoint so I'll try and keep them interesting! I'll be touring Pitt on Friday, actually, as I just inquired into one of their Ph.D programs. I'm excited to check the area out! Any more recommendations?

Pitt seems like a city that loves its beer! I was asked to bring Yeungling back to KY for one of my friends, even :P

[BrianTH]

If the weather is nice, I'd go Downtown and walk around a bit, making sure to visit Market Square and cross a bridge to the North Shore and walk along that a bit for the views.

[airwave09]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

If the weather is nice, I'd go Downtown and walk around a bit, making sure to visit Market Square and cross a bridge to the North Shore and walk along that a bit for the views.

Another great idea. However, I just checked the 10 day forecast and of course the weather this weekend is going to be terrible while next week the weather is going to be perfect.