Submitted by Sock_It_2_Me53 t3_10qihpt in pittsburgh
I seem to prefer the hole in the wall places that most people don't talk about or aren't recommended to visitors. I'm just curious as to what everyone's favorite "hidden gems" are. A few for me would have to be Michael's Pizza Bar, Jolinas Mediterranean, JJ Poke. Also shout out to Treat Liege Waffles; best waffles I've ever had.
Shhhh! Don’t let people know about Bryant street! 😂
Hahahaha I’m so sorry 😂
Anyone who's been in Pittsburgh for any period of time knows about Bryant st. Shout out to Smiling Banana Leaf; my first introduction to Thai cuisine.
While I have to enjoyed their burgers in the past, went with my wife last month and their burger patty sizes were definitely smaller, think half the size of the bun. Also, it was cooked to well-done when we asked for medium, ordered for pickup and found out when we got home / only a couple blocks away. Obviously may just have been a bad day but we weren't too happy with it :/
I love them as well. Haven't been in a long time
And Jeff's cooking on Mondays when they are closed!
Can you please explain what this means?
Thank you
If you like Michael's, some other South Side spots in the same spirit are Birmingham Bridge Tavern and Carson Street Deli. Local spots with fair prices and really solid food.
Carson Street Deli has great sandwiches. Even the ones that sound gross are great (looking at you, Donnie Brasco).
BBT has the best wings I've had in Pittsburgh.
I share the same sentiments. CSD is quality ingredients and things are done with care. Can't beat the beer garden out back on a nice day, either. And the tavern has elite bar food all around. Fried pickles are top shelf too.
Have to give the Cajun fries a try at the tavern!
Good recs.
Spice Island Tea House in Oakland
Took Took 98
Took Took is my favorite Thai restaurant
[deleted]
Love Big Jims!
[deleted]
I feel like no one talks about Nak Won Garden, and it's probably my favorite restaurant.
Szechuan Spice is right there, too, and so flavorful (even if it still looks like the 1970s inside). That Giant Eagle gets mad foot traffic; people need to be hitting up the restaurants around it.
I had a duck dish there that was pretty bad. It was a duck neck and it was literally all bone, sauce and yam noodles. I said something and he was like, “yeah that’s the dish” and I was, “I get that it’s duck neck but it’s literally all vertebrae with no meat and all sauce,” and showed him and he still was like “sorry about it.” $16. Not a fan and I’m all about authentic dishes. It looked nothing like the pictures I saw online which was why I ordered it. Sad days. My partner’s pork belly loked good, though.
I'll make sure to keep getting all the lamb, chicken and pork I've enjoyed so much, and not the duck neck.
Yeah I’ll try the other stuff next time! The lamb sounded good. What would you suggest?
Google reviews say a lot of bad service
It's 3.5 stars. According to that viral tiktok from Freddie Wong, that means it's a GREAT Asian restaurant.
*https://www.indy100.com/viral/freddie-wong-chinese-food-yelp
The owner likes to hover at your table and comment sometimes. I thought it was charming. Some people clearly got pissy about it.
Thanks for the extra input! I don't take google reviews for gospel but anything under 4 stars usually gives me pause
At Nak Won's price point, that is totally fair. We went despite the reviews because we wanted that specific cuisine, and it's been awesome.
Oh, sometimes the food comes out at different times, too, rather than everyone at the table being served together. I can see some people thinking that's "bad service," but they just serve it when it's ready; the kitchen isn't huge.
Looking forward to checking this place out - do you have recommendations?
Spicy seafood udon, or any of the hot pots.
My cousin once asked for that Udon Extra spicy (he is white) and the server asked him if he was sure a couple times before.
He was in pain.
I think that's actually typical for Korean. It's very similar to the Japanese izakaya concept
I've never experienced an issue and been there at least a dozen times over the last couple years.
Service is indeed a bit rushed.
It’s the kind of place that you sit eat, and get OUT. But I was a regular there for and a few years and the owner was pretty friendly. Just a bit stern.
Food is pretty damn good, but a bit pricey. But Korean food does tend to be a bit more labor intensive.
And if someone is a bit uneducated in how certain Korean restaurants work, it can come off as rude. I once asked if I could have more fish banchan, even if it is more, they said “No”. My guess is because they were PACKED and needed every bit to get through the night. I really didn’t mind.
I think it's a thing with Asian cuisine / culture in general, honestly... I feel the same way at some Chinese places but if the food is good and I am their guest, then I don't mind :)
Lol. How Lee does this too. I don’t really care as long as (like you said) the food is good
my favorite Korean place unless I'm jonesing for Hwe dup bap
I love No1 sushi in downtown
Andy's Sushi in Wholey's.
Silk Road in caste village has excellent sushi
Silk road is solid as well used to get them all the time when I was living down there
Silk Road doesn’t get the attention it deserves!
Sushi Kim 2 has great sushi. His first shop is where I first learned to love sushi.
Their Korean food is IMO the best and most authentic in town. Absolutely love that place
Have you tried soju? I was pretty let down with their prices. The soju during happy hour was worth it but their Korean fried chicken was like $20+ for two giant fried legs. Still looking for a near authentic place.
The best is in Cecil. Golden Pig
I haven’t! I’ve been meaning to but my list of places to try gets longer by the day 😂
Second thjs
For the price and speed at which the order comes out, yeah it’s a steal. But by no means is it the best sushi in town
Please do enlighten us.
It’s tough to say because tbh I haven’t loved any sushi I’ve found in pittsburgh but if I have to pick one that’s consistently solid it’s Ginza
Huszar for some Hungarian food (North Side).
YES
Kiku!!!
Kiku is excellent.
Will have to check out. Love me some Japanese cuisine 😋 Thanks!
It’s been around forever
I think they have the freshest sushi I’ve ever had imo
Hogs head in spring garden, Amel’s in Baldwin township
Amels is awesome.
Oak Hill Post.
Do not order their Breakfast Smash unless you want it to ruin every other breakfast sandwich you've ever eaten or ever will eat.
I’m partial to the Breakfast Burrito but it’s all great!
I’ve heard someone say your life will have two parts: before you had the Oak Hill Post breakfast burrito, and after you’ve had it.
Def Oak Hill! Started as a pop up outside a brewery. Such great breakfast and lunch.
Angkor
Right next to Wiggy’s (another good one)!
I love Angkor. Their lunch specials are very affordable. The na taing appetizer is unique in the area, as far as I know, and is amazing. If you like fish, the nam yaa is a great noodle dish. I ordered takeout once with a vegetarian dish and they called to tell me one of the other items was made with pork, I think - either way, some kind of meat. They just wanted to make sure I knew. Very nice customer service.
Doridos in South Park. Some of the best crab cakes and French onion soup in Allegheny County. Food is cheap, drinks are strong.
Good call!!!
Lived in SP for 30 years and literally have never eaten there. Wild.
Udipi.
It used to be amazing and authentic. Lately the food doesn't taste the same anymore
New chef. It’s still fantastic imo, but they played with the recipes a bit. The owner told me the dosas have more of a “spring roll” feel where there are more fresh herb and whatnot. I wasn’t a big fan of the change. They also have a couple new dishes. The Manchurian cauliflower is my new fav.
Mintt in Monroeville- Indian
Also Udipi Cafe in Monroeville for Indian
Jolina's is great.
Subba.
Subba!!! Thank you
I need momo now!
Yes, the momo! We always get plenty.
La Palapa and OTB in Southside
Stinky's in Lawrenceville, and Leo's in the North Side
Absolutely love stinkys
Stinkys is awesome!
Pitaland in Brookline.
Bombay to Burgh just opened up fairly recently. Really innovative takes on indian food.
Pho Kim 88, The Original Gyro, Kanlaya, The Clubhouse, and Breakneck Tavern.
We were regulars at Breakneck and recently quit going. The inconsistency with the food has been awful. The servers and bartenders are great. The food has been undercooked or overcooked and just not as good anymore. Sad because it was our go to.
That’s a bummer. I usually pop in for Sunday brunch but I haven’t been there since this past May.
I love Kanlaya!
Cilantro y Ajo on the South Side. Small place, very little seating. Incredible food.
So I work at a restaurant in derry pennsylvania about 30 mins outside of the city and I think it's pretty cool. It's called Chef Datos Table. When I saw all the cool marketing I had to work there. We are open tues- Sat and each day is different from the day before. Our late owner and chef was from the country of Georgia and his wife who currently runs it is German so each day you get our main menu that has Americanized food but also more authentic dishes. Each day we also give you a smaller 2nd menu. Tuesdays that menu is german apps, entrees, and desserts. Wednesday we have a "wild game " for braver eaters who might be interested in kangaroo, shark, camel or boar. Thursday is international where your menu has apps, entrees, drinks and desserts from that weeks country. Friday and Saturday have special menus too. I'm proud of where I work and think we have something for everyone (we have vegetarian, vegan, gluten free options as well)
added to my to do list
Do they serve Khachapuri?
Yea! The owner goes back to make it:)
Nox's in Blawnox! They're also opening a second location off of route 8 (Nox's on 8)
I was going to say this, too!
The Huddle in Beechview. Best rueben you'll ever have. Tan wings are awesome too.
I no longer eat meat but I still believe you can judge any restaurant by the quality of its Reuben.
The woods house in hazelwood The Old Place inn - never personally tried it but I have a bunch of family that said it’s fantastic
Golden Pig - Authentic Korean in Bridgeville
The Diner in Oakdale!
Not a restaurant per say, but Curbside Coffeehouse in Blawnox is amazing. They have incredible sandwiches, salads, coffee and smoothies. Huge portions for what they charge.
Angkor, best Cambodian and Thai I've had here, friendly owners, beautiful dining space. Unfortunate location on Noblestown Road.
I don’t know if this is considered a hidden gem, but Chengdu Gourmet on Forward Ave in Squirrel Hill is fantastic if you like Szechuan-style Chinese food. Honestly my favorite Chinese place in the city, and it’s byob too. I recommend the chicken in a flaming pan
Cafe Zinho
Turkish kebab house on centre
If you're in the mood for American Bar food, Rochester Inn, Blue Goose Salon, and Hal's in the North Hills are all good options.
K Asian Bistro is very good Asian fusion.
BFG Cafe on Penn has a great gyro for an impossibly good price.
Angelo's is well known for great pizza, but they also have the best steak sandwich I've ever had (when they're on their game anyway. On occasion it's a bit underfilled, but even then it's delicious).
Abby's Jamaican Fusion in the Hill is awesome and the owners are so fucking nice. Their curry is decent, but having their jerk chicken for the first time was a real moment in my life. The brown stew chicken is also great. It's been a while since I've gone, need to head back soon.
Friendship Perk N Brew is an awesome lunch spot.
In the south hills, Sagun is great. Not a ton of Indian spots down there, so my wife and I ate a lot of Nepali while we lived in the area. Sagun is the best out of a ton of amazing Nepali restaurants we have. Really mind blowing momo.
Sam's Sun Sandwich has great gyros and baklava and Sam is a delight.
If anyone goes to just one of these, please make it Abby's. Really awesome place run by awesome people.
+1 for Sam’s Sun!!! Great food and great guy, I’ll never forget the first time I went in probably 10 years ago. Felt like I knew him forever
K Asian bistro used to be my jam, but ever since the pandemic their shrimp has been gross
I've never gotten shrimp there tbh. The sushi is good and their duck drunken noodles are excellent. Never been tempted by shrimp
Tootsies in Coraopolis
it's really good and the place and staff are charming
Masala house. Best place in Pittsburgh I’ve seen that cooks both veg and non veg Indian food.
Their “tali” style lunch buffet has very VERY local south Indian veg dishes that are done better than my Indian granny and dare I say mom.
I give them an 8/10 chances of having awesome food. The other 2/10 times the food is just “ok”. Usually slightly less good on the weekends.
I got dry okra stir fry from them. My family always makes it and it’s slimy as shit. But man, they had it once in their rotating tali options and it was BOMB
Hussar on the North Side. A great family Hungarian Restaurant.
Since I don't see where anyone else has, I'll add
Rose Tea Cafe express on North Craig
and
JJ Poke bowl on atwood.
both in oakland
The salt and pepper chicken noodle soup is my main go to at Rose tea
I love momo and we're spoiled for choice if you're willing to go through the liberty tunnels. My favorite is Himali Kitchen's chili momo. It's a good level of spicy - enough to clear your sinuses and get some endorphins going. A good choice if you're having a bad day.
They also have gundruk soup on the menu. It's made with pickled greens and has about an inch of oil on the top. The oil is a bit much for me so I take some off but the soup itself is SO tasty.
Red Chilly's - Robinson
5 Stars Honduras - Coraopolis
Thai Tamarind - Bellevue
Royal Myanmar - West View
Carmody's Grill - Neville Island
Cilantro & Ajo - South Side
EVIA - Bellevue
Ladybird's Luncheonette - Beaver
Palmyra Mediterranean - South Hills Village food court 🤯
Yes to Thai Tamarind, so consistently good! I liked EVIA but the portions seemed way small, that could just be me
Palmyra is the only reason I have to ever go to the Village anymore. Their food is awesome, but you will smell like garlic for a week afterward.
[removed]
[removed]
I don’t have any to add. Just came to say Jolinas is a solid choice.
Loch Mon Tavern near Clairton. A restaurant/bar that occupies an old church. It's beautiful and clean inside with great food. Bonnie the bartender rocks!
Silky's pub
[deleted]
Szechwan spice in shadyside is incredible. So many unique options and everything is authentic and delicious.
If you are willing to make the drive out to Cranberry Tepache is the best Mexican restaurant I’ve ever been to! Their guacamole is life changing
"Hunan Bar" .
Atwood St.
Oakland.
Really good authentic Southern Chinese cuisine. A lot of good hot spicy dishes.🔥 As good or better than Chengdu in Squirrel Hill. I get the hot pot.🔥🔥🔥
[removed]
Great value, fresh and simple flavors- more "eat everyday"- definitely recommend McKnight Kitchen 1000%. I can eat there again and again and the food is so refreshing it never gets old. I get com thit nuong- grilled pork with rice- and you have to try the sauce that comes with it. Perfectly cooked eggs,. Amazing summer rolls. My partner and I both enjoy the pho- it's a big fat portion so go early and go hungry- and you need to be careful with the Thai iced tea, it's addicting as heck. Mango sticky rice is so good. That's 1/4th of their menu- everyone I've been with has tried the Thai curries and they love those, too.
Plus, it's affordable and good portions.
Taiwan bistro Cafe 33 in Squirrel Hill.
Noodlehead. Love boat
Hook Fish and Chicken in Penn Hills
Big Jim's in greenfield
Back to the foodture
New Saigon is great! They opened where Mekong Gourmet used to be in Dormont used to be. I used to go to Mekong all of the time even though their pho was kind of meh because the owners were so great. Mew Saigon is so much better food-wise. They have a full Vietnamese menu and their pho had all of the organ meat!
Hog's Head Saloon is just some legit bar food and burgers.
We also like Bado's in Mt. Lebanon, nice beer selection and pizza/bar food.
If you're out of the city, Hollywood Gardens in Rochester, awesome vibe but their hours are very limited.
Shaka bowl at sushi fuku Craig st is my favorite delivery order in the city easily
Johnnys Diner, and Cafe Mulan
You just asked online for hidden gems? That’s how they stop being hidden gems
😸
The Arby's down on Banksville Road is amazing.
I came for this.
Sheetz
SnooWalruses3472 t1_j6q88h5 wrote
Applewood Burgers - it’s in the back of Park Place Pub in Highland Park and probably the best burger I’ve ever had at a restaurant. Honestly all of Bryant Street is one big hidden gem, like Casa Brasil and Teppanyaki Kyoto.