This weekend.... (Pittsburgh, Plum, Duquesne: relocate, hotel, home)

[kellyava1]

I'm new to Pittsburgh and am having company this weekend. I wanted to know the best place to get italian food and what are some must dos for us? They'll only be here Saturday to Sunday but I wanted to do something fun. Any suggestions? We both have small children. Thanks.

[guylocke]

Are you making the Italian food or going out? I would head to Abruzzi on the Southside in the Holiday Inn express building. It has nothing to do with the hotel, it's an old Pittsburgh traditional Italian restaurant who just relocated there.

[kellyava1]

We want to go out for Italian.

[kellyava1]

I have no clue what you mean when you say in South Side. We've never lived here before and have no clue where things are.

[guylocke]

LOL, okay, I'm sorry. No problem! Firstly, where do you currently live??

[kellyava1]

Plum but we dont mind driving a bit.

[guylocke]

Plum but we dont mind driving a bit.

Ok! Well unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your prospective) Pittsburgh has so many Italian restaurants you might be overwhelmed at first!! We even have our own version of a "little Italy."

My favorite hometown restaurant is a place called Abruzzi's. It's on the Southside of Pittsburgh. It is very easy to get to. If you bring up google maps and zoom in on Pittsburgh, you have to find the 10th Street bridge near Duquesne University. It is right across that bridge. Here is their website:
Abruzzi's Restaurant Home Page
and their address:

Abruzzi's Restaurant

20 South Tenth Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-431-4511

If you want to maybe stick to something a bit more plain, there is a chain in Pittsburgh called Bravo. You may have them where you are from originally (if you've already been there, I'd recommend going someplace different). They are kind of an upscale Olive Garden. I think they make pretty darn good Italian food (this coming from the guy who thinks Olive Garden is pure crap). The nearest one to you would be in the Waterfront. I can get you there easy, too. What are you thinking?

[kellyava1]

I know the Waterfront! woohoo. But, I've heard not-so-good things about Bravo. I'm going to check out Abruzzi's page as per your request. Where is your "little italy"? Also, what should we do during the day? Thanks a bunch.

[guylocke]

I know the Waterfront! woohoo. But, I've heard not-so-good things about Bravo. I'm going to check out Abruzzi's page as per your request. Where is your "little italy"? Also, what should we do during the day? Thanks a bunch.

If you do go to Bravo, one request, get their spinach dip appetizer. It IS delicious!! I promise. I've never had a bad meal there, myself. I usually get a chicken dish from their that is very good, I'll try to find it.

Our little Italy is a place called Bloomfield. It is not far from downtown Pittsburgh, next to Oakland. There are quite a few little places, there. I've been to some very good ones, and some not so good ones.

What to do during the day? My gosh you aren't very specific. What do you and your guests like to do?? Is it going to be mostly girlfriends and children? Will men be involved?? I need more!! lol. Did you want to do something cultural? Outdoorsy? Shopping? Sports?

[guylocke]

I found it. I always get either Wood-friend Chicken Marsala or Chicken Griglia. They are both quite delicious, if you ask me. They don't have my VERY favorite Italian chicken dish though, which is Chicken Piccata. However, Griglia is similar. I love capers!!