<p>I also, live in Pittsburgh and all of the above are great suggestions. I HAVE to add a restaurant–Il Pizzaiolo. It is right in the business district in Mt. Lebanon, in the South Hills. It is very easy to get there from the city. Head south on 19, through the Liberty Tunnel. The pizza is made in a wood oven in about 90 seconds–some very unusual combinations that are delicious. There is wine bar upstairs! Pastas are fantastic. But, beware–basically a pasta and pizza place with salads and appetizers. Very authentic!! If you don’t come into the city catching that AWESOME view, you will certainly see it on your way back into town!!!</p>
<p>My son goes to school in Philly and this is the place that he wanted to go to as soon as he got home for his fall break!!!</p>
<p>Thanks all for the great suggestions. I knew this was the right place to come! Will let you know next week how it went. Sounds like the weather will be iffy!</p>
<p>Thanks for all suggestions for touring P’burgh. We had a great 36 hours. Up the Monongahela Incline at dusk and down the Dusquene with the walk, the views and drinks and dessert in between. Walked all over downtown and the Point. Carnegie Museums closed on Monday, but really enjoyed the Cathedral of Learning (and all the cool classrooms) and the Phipps Conservatory. Sonoma Grille for dinner in the Cultural district was a little bit of a splurge but fabulous. Came home last night to 6 inches snow and an additional 6 overnight. I am ready for spring!</p>
<p>We just got back from visiting our D at Pitt and had a great weekend! We stayed at the Wyndham, which I got for $100 a night on Priceline.</p>
<p>If anyone is planning a trip in the near future, don’t miss the National Aviary. You can walk through bird habitats like a rainforest and see the birds flying around. Feeding time is lots of fun, and you can volunteer to do the honors. There is also a bird show that was very exciting. We were there for about two hours and saw some wonderful birds, up close and personal!</p>
<p>That night we ate at a great new restaurant in Bloomfield, the Italian section of Pittsburgh. It’s called Sausalido, and we had a superb meal. The menu is Mediterranean, and the ambiance is simple yet elegant. The owner is a very engaging young man named Nick, and he knocks himself out making sure you have a good experience. The portions are large, but if you’re not in the mood for a full meal you can make a nice dinner of two appetizers, as I did. Bring your own bottle of wine. [Sausalido:</a> The Gourmet Bistro & Full Service Catering Company](<a href=“http://www.sausalido.net%5DSausalido:”>http://www.sausalido.net)</p>
<p>I’m so sorry I didn’t see this BEFORE your trip. I didn’t see anyone else mention Primantis. You really should have one of their sandwiches (a whole one is quite a lot…can easily be split between two people). The best is corned beef, cole slaw, and french fries (fresh cut and fried) on this terrific bread. I thought is sounded odd, and so did DS, until we had one. It’s well worth finding. There are several around town. We were told it was the “Pittsburgh Sandwich”.</p>
<p>Oh musmom2…you HAVE to go to Primantis the next time and let me know how you like it…or just tell your kiddo about it. My guess is he has already heard about Primantis. We were a bit doubtful too…on our first trip. DS and I actually walked through the downtown to the “other side” of town to an old Primantis that is actually like an old pub. It was really neat. The second time, we went to the Primantis right downtown that is like a sandwich diner…a counter with stools…very neat too. The sandwiches were really good (although I’m sure they are high in calories and everything else that is bad for you…). If I went back there, Primantis is one place I would go to again.</p>
<p>P.S. Even if you order 1/2 a sandwich, there will be PLENTY for two folks to share.</p>
<p>I second Tessaros (the burgers are delish!!!) and you can always catch a sporting event on tv. I, too, have never had a “sammich” from Primantis. I’ve lived here since 1965!!!</p>
<p>I think the main draw for Primanti’s is the fries right there on the sammich. It makes the thing about 4 or even 5 inches high and a real mess. Yum.</p>
<p>My two food must haves every visit to the Burg: Pamela’s pancakes (like crepes), and “O” hot dogs. There used to be an O (Original) Hot Dog Shop in CMU’s UCenter but there was some problem, and they’re gone. So I get a couple down on Forbes (dahn Forbes). Smothered in mustard, relish, chili, onions. Love 'em.</p>