Make it a Weekend: A Pittsburgh Black-Owned Itinerary
Support Black-owned Businesses, Explore Historic Neighborhoods and Celebrate Black Art
Whether you're in town for Juneteenth celebrations, Black Music Festival or Black History Month events, it can be tough to fit everything into one visit. That's why we developed this three-day itinerary with a huge focus on Black-owned businesses, walks through historic neighborhoods and other things to do which celebrate Black artists, athletes and more.
Please note, there are dozens of Black-owned businesses to support in Pittsburgh, and this itinerary features just a few. Feel free to modify any part of this itinerary to add restaurants, shopping and stops that better fit your likes and activity level.
Day One: Waffles, Writers and Walter's
Breakfast
Roll out of bed and enjoy a sweet breakfast Downtown at Waffles, INCaffeinated. Conveniently located near many hotels, this restaurant opens at 8 a.m. Vegan options available as well as gluten, dairy and soy-free waffles.
Morning
Explore Pittsburgh’s newest permanent cultural exhibit, August Wilson: The Writer’s Landscape, at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. This immersive exhibition, dedicated to the life and works of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson, opened in 2022. While the exhibit is free, visitors must request a timed ticket.
Lunch
From farmer's market to a full-service restaurant, ShadoBeni has made an immediate impact on the vegan food scene in the Burgh. Enjoy their popular roti, pelau and the doubles that put this Black-owned busines on the map.
Afternoon
From your lunch spot, it’s just a short walk to James Sharp Landing for the best way to see Pittsburgh – via kayak. Rent from Venture Outdoors (reservations must be made in advance) and see the city via the majestic Allegheny River, or rent fishing equipment for a more relaxed afternoon.
Winter Alternative: Dive into the works of Charles “Teenie” Harris, renowned photographer for The Pittsburgh Courier, one of the nation’s most prominent Black newspapers, at the Carnegie Museum of Art.
Dinner
Black-owned Walter's Southern Kitchen has one of the coolest vibes in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Dine outdoors on picnic tables in a bustling part of the city as you enjoy finger-licking BBQ brisket, candied bacon and smoked wings.
Evening
Ready for a nightcap? Explore historic Lawrenceville for some of the trendiest spots in the city, including:
- Belvedere’s Ultra-Dive – drinks and themed dance nights
- Over Eden – rooftop bar
- Thunderbird Café - two-level bar and music venue
- The Goldmark – high energy dance floor
- Cattivo – long-running, gay-friendly hangout
Day Two: Clemente, Cafés and the Clipper
Breakfast
Take public transit to the historic Homewood neighborhood and fuel up at Black-owned Everyday Café, including their fresh-made scones, paired with local coffee.
Morning
While in Homewood, begin a self-guided Artwalk, an arts & culture tour which boasts Black pride and excellence through murals, installations and cultural landmarks.
Lunch
Your Artwalk ends just in time for lunch one block away at Black-owned Showcase BBQ for ribs, wings and their famous sauce.
Afternoon
Even if you’re not a sports fan, The Clemente Museum will leave you inspired by Roberto Clemente and how he overcame racial and language barriers to become one of the greatest ballplayers of all time. Timed tickets are required, so be sure to book this tour in advance.
Dinner
Con Alma is one of Downtown's musts. Named one of Esquire Magazine's Best 27 Bars in America in 2021, enjoy live jazz, a Latin-inspired menu and prohibition-era cocktails with soul. Reservations highly recommended
Evening
Looking for more great views of the city? After dinner, finish your trip to Pittsburgh ride on the Duquesne Incline. Ride to the top of Mt. Washington, where you can bask in the beauty of the city from spectacular lookout platforms.
Day Three: Biking, Burgers and Bridges
Breakfast
After two days of great food and drink, you might need a cleanse. Start today at Black-owned Live Fresh for cold-pressed juices, acaí bowls, smoothies and more.
Morning
Immerse yourself in the exhibit From Slavery to Freedom at the Senator John Heinz History Center with a recreated slave ship, interactive exhibits and original artifacts exploring 250 years of African American history and the quest for human rights in Pittsburgh.
Lunch
Dine and learn about Pittsburgh's happening South Side neighborhood on the go during the popular ‘Burgh Bits & Bites Food Tour. This walking tour is loaded with fantastic food at each stop as you explore the “Great American Main Street” of Pittsburgh. Advanced tickets required
Afternoon
Rent a bike from a POGOH station in the South Side and hop on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail for an afternoon ride. We recommend riding over the Smithfield Street bridge, riding through scenic Point Park, then over the Fort Duquesne Bridge to see PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium.
Dinner
Return your bike in the South Side and make dinner plans at Carmi Soul Food in the same neighborhood. Routinely named one of the best soul food restaurants in the region, Carmi's serves up family-style dining which includes your starter, three sides and three main dishes filling every square inch of your table with deliciousness. The shrimp and grits are the star of the show but you can't go wrong with any combination of flavors here.
Evening
Walk off your dinner to the Gateway Clipper for a Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise & Tour at 8 p.m. to see the beauty of the city at sunset from a grand riverboat. Advanced tickets required
Winter Alternative: Looking a little frigid for a cruise? Head inside to PPG Paints Arena, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins, for the hottest tickets on ice.
