A Day in Lawrenceville
If you're looking for a fun, hip neighborhood with lots of cool things to do, spend the day in Lawrenceville.
Consistently named among the top hipster neighborhoods in the U.S., Lawrenceville is a historic neighborhood that has reinvented itself into a boho city center with a hyper creative energy, and an edgy nightlife. Lawrenceville is located just three miles from Downtown Pittsburgh and is right in between two other very cool neighborhoods, the Strip District and Bloomfield. Butler Street is lined with trendy bars and restaurants, art galleries, antique shops and boutiques and even a historic movie theater. With so much to do, it's easy to spend a really great day in this neighborhood, and we're going to tell you how. So grab your squad and head to "The Ville!"
Getting Here
Whether you're driving, biking, walking, or using public transportation, there are plenty of ways to get to Lawrenceville. Home to 30 bike share bikes and 200+ on street parking spaces, you can generally find a place to ditch your car. There are also 6 bus routes that service Lawrenceville, and there are always ride share services cruising the streets.
Food + Drink
Whether you’re here for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or something in between (read: “brunch” or “happy hour”), Lawrenceville has a ton of great choices, so arrive hungry and you’ll leave happy.
Breakfast
Coca Café is a great setting with several vegetarian options.
Barb's Corner Kitchen is a diner style restaurant with great prices and fast service.
La Gourmandine Bakery and Pastry Shop is a French bakery for an on-the-go breakfast. I recommend the cinnamon rolls. Warning: they're addictive!
Lunch
The Vandal is Eastern European small plates, coffee, breakfast, and breads in a light-filled, cheerful space.
Banh Mi & Ti is a cute Vietnamese deli serving banh mi sandwiches & bubble tea drinks.
Lawrence Hall four delicious concepts all delivered right to your table in this upscale food hall, accompanied by local beer or craft cocktail from Dear James.
Dinner
Industry Public House - Try the pot roast sliders!
Dive Bar and Grille is NOT a dive bar. Wonderful food with an intimate atmosphere.
Matteo's is an Italian restaurant focusing on steak and seafood with homemade pasta.
Piccolo Forno - BYOB trattoria/pizzeria with outdoor seating.
Pusadee's Garden - Casual, modern Thai cuisine. Lovely outdoor seating.
Esquina Cantina Mexican street food with extensive tequila and fresh cocktails, and an outdoor patio.
Smoke Barbeque Taqueria - Specialty tacos filled with delicious BBQ meats. 'Nuff said!
Stinky's Bar and Grill is home to "The Codfather" fish sandwich. It's a no-frills bar with lots of menu choices.
Tamari - Wonderful Asian-Latin cuisine, outdoor seating, and great sushi.
Drinks
Brillobox-Relaxed lounge serving mixed drinks and bar eats with live music, dancing and special events.
New Amsterdam-Industrial hangout offering finger foods and lots of microbrews
The Abbey-Trendy, spacious cafe serving espresso, craft beer & cocktails
The Goldmark-High-energy night club with a dance floor, DJs and a cool vibe.
Spirit-Multilevel space with a cocktail lounge (cash-only)and pizzeria
Belvedere's Ultra Dive- Features live music, DJs, karaoke, pool, pinball, and, of course, a full bar.
Grapperia-creative cocktails, imported brews and rare wines in a cozy, Italian setting.
Cinderland's Beer Co.- an authentically Pittsburgh stop for drinks as well as delicious food.
Allegheny Wine Mixer- an unpretentious bar featuring wines, craft beer, cocktails, cheese platters and kitsch.
Things To Do
Check out Arsenal Bowling Lanes, endorsed by The New York Times as "where old school bowling vibe meets nightclub atmosphere." There’s a bar in the back that serves food, and every night they have cool specials like their Wednesday night “Rock 'n Bowl” with live bands and all you can bowl for $8!
Row House Cinema is one of those classic small, single-screen neighborhood theaters that is still operating today. There is a new movie theme every week and a concession stand that includes natural popcorn, craft beer, local pretzels, and vegan options. Stop next door at Bierport for some beer before the movie!
As if bowling a old movies weren't enough of a throwback for you, Kickback Pinball Cafe offers Espresso, Cold Brew, Milkshakes, Panini Sandwiches, and obviously some of the best pinball gaming in the city. BYOB fr a truly memorable time in the city.
Shopping
There are tons of little boutiques with unique finds for you to take home and treasure. You can find furniture, fashion, and everything in between. Here are my top picks:
Lawrenceville is always booming and blossoming with new and exciting things to do, eat, and (you may have noticed) drink. Check out this unique neighborhood now, and then come back soon to see what else has popped up since you were here last.
