Insider's Guide to Bakery Square

What if I told you there's a place in Pittsburgh where you can truly do it all without ever leaving one venue? Great food, happening events, upscale shopping and cozy stays all in one place sounds impossible, you might say!

Enter Bakery Square, a former bakery turned into the 34-acre crown jewel of East Liberty and surrounding neighborhoods, flocked to by foodies, tech workers, trendsetters and more at this go-to shopping center. Join as we highlight some of our favorite stops in our insider's guide to Bakery Square in Pittsburgh.

Dining

Let's start with what's most important, the food! Some of the best dining in Pittsburgh can be found just steps away from each other in Bakery Square, with seven (soon to be eight) stops ready for brunches, lunch rushes, date nights and bustling weekends.

Personally, City Kitchen is always my must-stop when I'm in Bakery Square. Here, four different, chef-owned restaurant concepts are brought to life with one shared seating area. This allows you to order from your phone and chow down on diverse menus from the perfect patties on decadent burgers from Charred and warming soups and stir-fries at Somi to Elevate's American comfort classics and Shaka's Hawaiian fusion favorites. Their covered patio is famous during the warmer months as the ultimate hangout spot. During the winter, this space transforms into a heated lounge. In 2024, they introduced City Kitchen Oasis, a winter pop-up bar featuring its own cocktail and food menu.

Right across the way, Alta Via Pizzeria is lauded for its upscale 'za (their pepperoni classic square pizza is among the best I've had anywhere) but I can also make an entire meal just of their burrata and semolina-crusted zucchini. When you're full beyond bursting, head down to Jeni's for a scoop of ice cream (their darkest chocolate is my go-to).

We've already covered so many types of cuisines, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention täkō tôrtä's taqueria-inspired restaurant. Part of the Richard DeShantz restaurant group, their upscale takes on Mexican street food, served in a gorgeous modern dining room that makes perfect lighting for the Gram (Instagram, or your grandma, who would appreciate the photo too I'm sure), spotlight tortas (authentic Mexican sandwiches), carnitas, pollo asado and Spanish octopus tacos, and make-your-own bowls. If that isn't enough, you can even enjoy fresh sushi here once Golden Gai opens up soon!

Shopping

Now that you're fueled up and heavily caffeinated, it's time for your shopping spree! Bakery Square boasts some of the best high-end shopping in the city with stores you won't find in any other Pittsburgh neighborhood.

Find the perfect running shoes at Fleet Feet, using their 3D food-scanning tech to match you with the ideal fit for your needs. Then, update your home décor with the experts at West Elm, take home a new outfit that'll have heads turning at Free People and find the latest styles in fashion and home goods at Anthropologie and Anthropologie Weddings.

Events

Even the most fun places on Earth can get stale if they don't change it up from time to up. Luckily, Bakery Square is crushing it with special events throughout the year to make each visit special.

Recurring events keep visitors coming back each month! These include weekly yoga sessions year-round on Saturday mornings either on their lawn or indoors, trivia nights at täkō tôrtä on Tuesdays and City Kitchen on Thursdays as well as free movie nights out on the Bakery Square lawn to extend your night out in the city. Or, you can spend most of the day at Bakery Square with some of their larger events of the year, including 412 Day, Pride on Penn, Tailgate on the Lawn, and more!

This is just a snapshot of what Bakery Square has in store, and new announcements and special events are happening all the time. For the latest on what's happening during your visit, be sure to follow Bakery Square's socials/website!

Explore

You don't have a spend a dollar to enjoy Bakery Square! Public spaces inside and out add to the beauty of every visit!

The Conservatory is a stunning three story, open-air atrium that links City Kitchen, Alta Via Pizzeria and and Jeni's Ice Cream. With living green walls, seasonal decorations and the best vibes, this is the perfect spot to read a book or work from home from. Just opened in 2024, the Portal Art Gallery collaborates with our talented local art scene with ever-evolving exhibits. And, when you're ready to explore even further, follow the iconic light tree art installation along Sally's Path that connects Bakery Square to the Shadyside neighborhood.

When it's warm out, the courtyard is the place to be. A large turf lawn with cornhole, connect four and other outdoor games makes for a great time with friends. Throw down a blanket or grab a lawn chair, sip on a bev from City Kitchen, mingle with Yinzers and catch the game on the 160 sq-foot screen. Public seating with charging stations allows you to get work done without worry of your tech dying on you.

Parking

While East Liberty can sometimes be one of the more difficult neighborhoods to park in, Bakery Square makes parking a breeze. The South Garage on the premises offers complimentary parking for two hours during the weekdays, three hours after 5 p.m. and three hours on weekends. Plus, EV stations ensure you can get a charge if you need it.

Plus, it's easily accessible via public transportation and your own pedal power. There's four bike racks, two fix-it stations and a protected bike lane to make Bakery Square one of the most accessible spots in the city.

Work

Whether you need to take an important meeting on your vacation to Pittsburgh or are taking a hush trip (it's our secret) to the city to "work from home," Bakery Square is an incredible place to set up your laptop.

There's plenty to get inspired by here! This entire facility was once the home of the Nabisco Baking Factory (some say you can still smell the fresh-baked cookies), and now the entire facility has been lovingly renovated into the modern, sustainable Bakery Square you see today.

And tech companies have taken note. Google is one of the key tenants here and other tech-forward companies and VCs have followed suit, meaning you'll be surrounding by inspiration and fresh ideas literally pouring from the walls as you work here!

Stay

I wasn't joking when I said you can literally do your entire trip to Pittsburgh here! SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh Bakery Square is right on the premises with all-suite accommodations, indoor garage parking, complimentary breakfast featuring hot and healthy selections, and free WiFi. They even include access to the LA Fitness in Bakery Square, making this the perfect home base for the rest of your travels through the city.

More to Explore:

Jared B.

Author

Jared B.

Enthusiastic Pittsburgher

Always in search of the next great craft beer and arcade. Can be found in the Supporters Section of Pittsburgh Riverhounds games and at whatever festival is happening in the city.

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