Monroeville Mall vs The Mall at Robinson (Pittsburgh, Penn: university, closing)

[Bavaria]

Hi there,
I worked and studied at the University of Pittsburgh like 12 years ago and haven't been to Pittsburgh since then (left in 2000) as I am living in Germany.
So you can imagine that I am very very excited coming back on vacation for a week in April. Of course I want to see all the places again where I had been at the past to refresh my memories.
I used to go to Monroeville Mall very often back then, to walk around and browse the shops, and grab something to eat. As we won't have much time with all the other activities on our schedule I was wondering if it is still worth going there: whatever I read in this forum didn't sound very promising. Has Monroeville Mall really gone downhill that much since 2000?
I have never been to the Mall at Robinson - would it be a better experience to go there instead? We are looking for a nice and relaxed shopping experience, with a variety of different stores and some restaurants (fast food is ok) to get a quick lunch.
The last ten years when I was thinking about visiting Pittsburgh again I was always looking forward to visit Monroeville again. But if it has become that shady.... Any suggestions?

[neurodistortion]

Well, Monroeville Mall has been going through some ups and downs lately rather than a complete downfall, and the area around it has been changing, for better or worse, for the past 10 years now. While some businesses have been closing, others have been opening up, even though the area has basically stagnanted. I wouldn't call the area shady though. Depending on your preferences, you might still find Monroeville Mall enjoyable.

If you want a more refreshing experience, the Mall at Robinson may be the better choice. The store selection at Robinson is a little better than at Monroeville, and the food choices including the food court are also a little better. Also surrounding the mall are many choices for shopping, including the only IKEA in the area. You will also find some exclusive restarants to the area such as IHOP and Mike Ditka's Steakhouse.

[TechieTransplant]

We live very close to the Monroeville Mall, and I'd rather go to the Mall at Robinson any day. Much cleaner, more of an upscale feel.

[Bavaria]

Thank you both for your replies!
Mh, sounds really like the Mall at Robinson would be the place to go.
Are both malls equally big in size / have the same amount of stores?

[neurodistortion]

Originally Posted by Bavaria

Thank you both for your replies!
Mh, sounds really like the Mall at Robinson would be the place to go.
Are both malls equally big in size / have the same amount of stores?

Robinson has about 150 stores, has 4 anchor stores and is fairly shaped like a boomerang, whereas Monroeville has about 160, has two anchors within the mall and is a straight shot from end to end, but there's also the District outdoor lifestyle center with a Barnes and Noble in front of the mall and the annex behind the complex which accounts for about 20 of its stores.

[Craziaskowboi]

Ain't nothing wrong with Monroeville Mall. It was still pretty busy the last time I went there.

I've never been to The Mall at Robinson, so I can't help you there. Also, you might want to check out Ross Park Mall since it's become the most upscale shopping mall in western Pennsylvania.

[Bavaria]

Now after I have decided to go to the Mall at Robinson you throw in Ross Park Mall I have checked there website and some reviews - sounds really like a very good place. Maybe I have to rethink my decision...

[Hopes]

I consider Ross Park Mall to be the best mall in the area. There are upscale stores at Ross Park which are not anywhere else in SW Pennsylvania.

[Little Mizz Pittsburgh]

I've never even stepped foot inside of The Mall at Robinson, but I can tell you that anything will be better than Monroeville...that mall just flat out sucks. All the good stores closed up shop when the recession first hit.

[hornet67]

The Mall at Robinson is a nice, medium -sized mall, but, as previously stated, Ross Park Mall is the premier mall in this area. Nordstrom, Tiffany's, L.L.Bean, Burberry's, etc., are not in any other mall near Pittsburgh.