Insider’s Guide to the West End
Your go-to resource for one of the city’s best kept secrets.
A lot of West Enders are lifers and you’ll often hear them say “The West End is the best end.” I can definitely say that’s true, even though I married into it. Thankfully, my lifelong West End husband introduced me to the area and I’ve never looked back.
Locals will notice I’m playing a little fast and loose with the term “West End.” Pittsburgh has 90 neighborhoods and the “West End” is actually very small and according to Niche, only has 381 residents. We’re using the “West End” to include a smattering of neighborhoods on that side of town, including Crafton Heights, Elliot, Westwood, Sheraden, Ingram, McKees Rocks and Greentree.
History
The West End is conveniently located just a couple of miles from Downtown Pittsburgh, as well as the North Shore stadiums. According to the city, the first recorded settlers were the Elliot family. In 1788 the family started a saw mill and the area was “an important early supplier of lumber to the growing Pittsburgh region.”
With it being home to a large lumber mill, salt and coal mines, glassworks and millworkers, the neighborhood has deep blue collar roots.
The West End was also once known as Temperanceville until it was annexed by Pittsburgh in 1873. The name was a nod to the temperance movement in resistance to the growing number of taverns in Allegheny County. In fact, it’s home to one of the oldest buildings in Pittsburgh, which is still standing. The Old Stone Tavern, formerly the Old Stone Inn, was believed to have been built as early as 1756.
Eat
The West End-region isn’t known for a particular kind of cuisine, but there are a ton of great local spots to check out. First off is Better-Maid donuts. It’s housed in a tiny little building off the side of busy Middletown Road in Crafton Heights. You absolutely have to set an early alarm to get there before they sell out. This is the kind of place that makes just enough donuts to sell out of each day and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Their charming, irregular shapes and sugary glazes make them one of a kind.
On a sweet note, Antney’s in Westwood makes some of the best ice cream you can find. This small operation is only open in the evenings between roughly May-October. There’s almost always a line by the time they open at 5 p.m. and their homemade ice cream flavors are always changing throughout the season. Some of my past favorites included sweet Italian cheese with swirled Frangelico, lemon with rose jam, and almond poppy seed muffin.
For savory treats, you’ve gotta drive over to Pierogies Plus in McKees Rocks. This place is legendary and for good reason. It’s extremely no frills and in an old gas station. There’s just a small take-out window and you can get some buttery, hot pierogies to eat that instant or take a bag of frozen ones home. If you’re a pierogi novice, these are perfect for an authentic experience.
Cafe412 in the West End Village is a great little breakfast and lunch spot. It’s nestled right on Main Street and has tasty coffee drinks, paninis and sweets.
Wiggy’s in Oakwood has some of the best wings you can get in Pittsburgh, too. With almost 50 wing flavors to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favorite.
Shop
Jackie Whoa Vintage. It’s nestled in a quiet area of Ingram, just on the border of the city line, but the big gold letters saying “vintage” in the window and colorful clothes will grab your attention from the street. Peruse their carefully curated collection and give an old piece new life again. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to escape fast fashion.
For my fellow nerds, you can also check out Phantom of the Attic in Greentree – also just on the edge of the city. If there’s a graphic novel you’re looking for, they’ll likely have it. You can also grab some new Pokemon cards, memorabilia or poster. (It’s also conveniently located close to Antney’s mentioned above…)
You can also find some unique new furniture, homewares or art at Artifacts in the West End Village. Check out their giant showroom of items, ranging from modern to antique.
Entertainment
The Roxian is a refurbished theater in nearby McKees Rocks. The 90-year-old theater underwent a $9 million transformation and re-opened in 2019. The inside is modern and gorgeous, while being big enough to hold a crowd, but small enough to ensure a great view no matter where you are inside.
Sheraden Park sits on 23 acres with a trail that feels like you’re miles from the city. It also has a pool, basketball and tennis courts, as well as fields for baseball, football and soccer.
Main Street in the West End Village is also a great place to hang out on marathon day. The Pittsburgh Marathon course runs across the West End Bridge and down into the main drag of the West End and is always an energetic spot to be while you cheer on the runners.
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Lawrenceville: Neighborhood Guide
Pittsburgh Dining Guide: Oakland Neighborhood
Insider’s Guide to Pittsburgh’s Millvale Neighborhood
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