7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh’s Strip District A Food and Culture Guide

7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh's Strip District A Food and Culture Guide - Pennsylvania's Oldest Diner Operates Inside Former Train Car at 28th Street

The Lincoln Diner, a Pittsburgh icon since 1955, originally known as the Varsity Diner, represents a nostalgic piece of American diner history. Housed within a repurposed 1947 train car on 28th Street, it's a quirky establishment that never closes. This 24/7 diner provides a constant invitation to enjoy classic diner fare—the sort of food that feels comforting and familiar. The diner's interior carries the vintage vibe, including an Elvis statue, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. The Lincoln Diner's menu has something for everyone, from comforting egg dishes to savory stuffed French toast, all served up in a manner that recalls a simpler time. Whether you crave a late-night snack or an early morning breakfast, this diner offers a slice of the past within the modern Pittsburgh culinary scene.

Pennsylvania's oldest diner, originally christened the Varsity Diner in 1955, has a rather fascinating history, including a few name changes culminating in the moniker "Lincoln Diner" in 1971. It’s noteworthy that this diner operates continuously, a 24/7 operation, showcasing a dedication to service that's not always common in today's culinary landscape. Further solidifying its individuality is its housing within a repurposed 1947 passenger car. It appears that finding a unique and engaging diner design was important during that time and for good reasons: it could draw in customers to what was likely a rather unassuming place back in the day. In the same vein, The Depot at Doolittle's actually offers two contrasting dining styles - a classic 1950s-era diner car along with a more sophisticated "Parlor Car". This diner also features an Elvis Presley statue near the entry, a rather odd artistic choice that likely provides some photo-ops and whimsical nature to the place.


There's also the Elizabeth Express Dining Car, a more casual eatery created from a repurposed 1940s passenger car that caters to quick and easy dining, with typical fare like burgers, sandwiches, and classic fried options. The idea of reusing railroad cars, once a very economical and logical approach to designing dining spaces, continues to be influential. The use of train cars echoes a trend found across the nation, where the style of diners, even in the 21st century, often resembles that of a passenger car. This is a good example of a legacy design element from an earlier time and has become firmly rooted in public imagery and design. In Pennsylvania, diner culture is associated with typical breakfast dishes like omelets and variations of Benedict, providing a comfortable and familiar food experience for patrons. The nostalgia factor is strong with these sorts of establishments, a comforting sense of familiarity for many diners, and the visual clues tied to train cars, especially the interior designs, helps provide a unique and personalized dining atmosphere for each location.


There's clearly a robust link between train cars and dining ventures. The design heritage is quite remarkable in that many diners were established with this particular design in mind. This perhaps relates to the efficiency of using the compact space on the train cars and how this became adapted for dining spaces. Historically, railroads were vital to this region, and the repurposing of train cars is a compelling and efficient approach to creating a unique establishment. While these particular concepts may not seem all that new to some observers, it seems clear that they have lasting impacts on the environment and create a design aesthetic that we can still appreciate today.

What else is in this post?

1. 7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh's Strip District A Food and Culture Guide - Pennsylvania's Oldest Diner Operates Inside Former Train Car at 28th Street
2. 7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh's Strip District A Food and Culture Guide - Allegheny Coffee Roasts Small Batch Ethiopian Beans Since 1987
3. 7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh's Strip District A Food and Culture Guide - Pittsburgh Macarons Crafts French Pastries in 100 Year Old Bakery Space
4. 7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh's Strip District A Food and Culture Guide - Lotus Foods Asian Market Sources Direct from 12 Countries
5. 7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh's Strip District A Food and Culture Guide - Street Art Gallery Features Local Artists in Former Produce Terminal
6. 7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh's Strip District A Food and Culture Guide - Mon Wharf Walking Trail Connects Strip District with Point State Park
7. 7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh's Strip District A Food and Culture Guide - Family Run Greek Imports Shop Operates Original Olive Press from 1932

7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh's Strip District A Food and Culture Guide - Allegheny Coffee Roasts Small Batch Ethiopian Beans Since 1987

Nestled within Pittsburgh's bustling Strip District, Allegheny Coffee has been meticulously crafting small batches of Ethiopian coffee since 1987. Their focus on Ethiopian Yirgacheffe beans, roasted to a light profile, delivers a unique flavor experience. These beans, grown at high elevations, are recognized for their sweet, spicy, and aromatic notes, making them a favorite among coffee aficionados.

Open from 9 am to 4 pm every day, Allegheny Coffee stands as a local mainstay in a district known for its diverse coffee scene. The shop's commitment to sustainability is reflected in their sourcing practices, suggesting a focus on quality and ethical considerations within the coffee industry.

If you happen to be exploring the Strip District's culinary and cultural attractions, a visit to Allegheny Coffee can offer a unique and flavorful taste of Pittsburgh's strong coffee culture, a testament to the city's dedication to the craft.

Allegheny Coffee has been roasting small batches of Ethiopian coffee beans since 1987, nestled within Pittsburgh's Strip District. Their primary offering, the Yirgacheffe Kochere, is a light roast, a style favored by many coffee enthusiasts. They're open seven days a week, 9 AM to 4 PM, located at 2005 Penn Avenue.

While other notable Strip District roasters exist, like La Prima Espresso and Nicholas Coffee, which has been around since 1919 and holds a historic place in Market Square, Allegheny Coffee distinguishes itself with its focus on Ethiopian beans. These beans are grown at high altitudes, typically over 1700 meters, giving them a particular flavor profile often described as sweet, spicy, and floral. This emphasis on specialty coffee beans highlights the area's robust coffee culture and growing trend towards sourcing high-quality and unique coffees.

It's interesting to note that there's a larger movement across the region focusing on sustainable coffee sourcing with initiatives like fair trade certifications and shade-grown practices. This kind of focus is interesting to see because there is increasing pressure on agricultural practices to balance high yields with environmental responsibility. Overall, the Pittsburgh Strip District has a wide selection of different coffee shops, with each one offering a unique niche to those who appreciate a quality cup of coffee.

7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh's Strip District A Food and Culture Guide - Pittsburgh Macarons Crafts French Pastries in 100 Year Old Bakery Space

Pittsburgh Macarons has established itself in a charming spot within the Strip District's historic landscape, occupying a bakery space with a rich 100-year history. Their specialty lies in producing high-quality French pastries, particularly their acclaimed macarons, which have quickly earned a following among local food lovers. It’s one of the several hidden gems scattered throughout the area, adding to Pittsburgh's energetic bakery scene. They showcase the meticulous craftsmanship associated with French pastry making, blending it into the rich cultural fabric of this bustling district. While many bakeries in the Strip District cater to sweet cravings, Pittsburgh Macarons distinguishes itself with its atmosphere and dedication to quality, making it a prime destination for pastry enthusiasts exploring the area. The establishment's limited seating options primarily lend themselves to a quick indulgence or enjoying a takeaway treat, a testament to the bakery's focus on offering quality over a full-service experience.

Pittsburgh Macarons has set up shop in a space with a fascinating past—a 100-year-old bakery building. It speaks to a longer lineage of baking traditions in the area that long predates many of the contemporary culinary styles. It is interesting to note how a rather old structure like this has been revitalized with a new culinary concept.


Macarons are a particularly delicate treat, involving a process where egg whites are whipped to a very precise texture and then formed into a shell-like confection. This is a good example of how food preparation often requires careful handling and control of variables such as temperature and timing. For instance, achieving the signature smooth exterior of the macaron, which many professional bakers find challenging, requires the piped batter to sit and form a skin on the outside of the batter. This is something that also seems dependent on environmental conditions, specifically humidity, making for a relatively complex process overall.


A major component in macarons is almond flour. Depending on the recipe, the fineness of the flour—usually within the range of 100–120 microns—plays an important role in achieving the characteristic texture of the macaron. It seems that this specific range of sizes helps the batter form correctly and allows for a chewiness that many find desirable.

The history of French macarons goes back a surprisingly long time, originating from simple almond-based cookies in the 18th century. This cookie slowly developed into the colorful, intricately filled dessert we see today. It's interesting to consider how different influences, primarily from French and Italian culinary techniques, have shaped the development of the macaron over the past few centuries.

Interestingly, the use of food coloring, particularly gel-based coloring, is often used for visual enhancement and control of the macaron shell. In addition to the aesthetics, the concentrated gel is selected to maintain the delicate consistency of the batter. It seems like a fairly straightforward example of how visual aspects and the mechanics of the baking process need to be considered during production.

The recent surge of macaron popularity in the US is a relatively new trend that's likely due to globalization. Macarons have really gained their popularity since the early 2000s and are a good illustration of how diverse culinary concepts spread across the globe.

While traditional flavors like chocolate or raspberry are commonly seen, Pittsburgh Macarons experiments with some locally sourced ingredients. This mirrors an increasing culinary trend where locally sourced foods and ingredients are blended with global culinary techniques, resulting in some interesting variations to classic food items.

It's fascinating to see this revitalized bakery space as an example of how modern food concepts are increasingly finding their home in historic buildings and spaces. Repurposing these types of spaces likely has positive consequences for a sense of community identity, along with a compelling contrast between a new concept like this and the older structure in which it resides.

7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh's Strip District A Food and Culture Guide - Lotus Foods Asian Market Sources Direct from 12 Countries

Lotus Foods Asian Market, nestled within Pittsburgh's Strip District at 1649 Penn Avenue, offers a remarkable array of Asian culinary ingredients. It's a destination for those who enjoy exploring the diverse flavors of Asia, importing directly from 12 different countries. Their selection spans from basic pantry staples to unique sauces and fresh produce, even including house-made tofu. Shoppers often remark on the competitive prices, making Lotus Foods a great option for those looking for quality on a budget. While the vast selection can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with Asian cooking, for those well-versed in Asian cuisines, it's a haven of flavor and tradition. Situated in a district already renowned for its diverse Asian food scene, Lotus Foods stands out for its depth of product offerings. If you're seeking a wide range of Asian culinary items in Pittsburgh, Lotus Foods is well worth a visit.

Located in the heart of Pittsburgh's Strip District, Lotus Foods Asian Market presents a fascinating exploration of global food sourcing, drawing in ingredients from a remarkable 12 countries across Asia. Their shelves are lined with a diverse array of rice varieties, from the well-known Jasmine rice of Thailand to the more obscure Bhutanese Red Rice. It's intriguing to see how such a range of products reflects the vast agricultural practices across different regions and the unique flavor profiles each variety brings.

One can find ancient rice varieties like the Forbidden Rice from China, which boasts a history dating back thousands of years, once considered a staple for royalty. The differing flavors of these rice varieties—influenced by their genetics and the environments in which they are cultivated—highlight the intricate connections between geography, farming, and taste. A keen observer can spot noticeable differences in both flavor and texture between different types of rice. The long-grain Basmati rice offers a drier and fluffier texture when cooked compared to short-grain varieties, which are known for their stickier consistency.

While offering a wide selection of rice, Lotus Foods also has a collection of sauces, baked goods, and an expansive frozen section, including their own locally-produced tofu. Some customers report finding the store a bit overwhelming because of the sheer volume of products, particularly for shoppers not accustomed to navigating Asian ingredients. However, many regular customers appreciate the wide selection of pantry staples and unique sauces, not to mention lower prices compared to other local Asian markets. The shop has received generally positive customer reviews and comments, emphasizing the favorable shopping experience at the location.

It's interesting to consider how the introduction of lesser-known rice varieties can both broaden a person's palate and improve their health. The Bhutanese Red Rice, for example, offers a substantial fiber and antioxidant content. Many of the rice offerings also boast higher nutritional profiles compared to the more commonly available white rice, providing additional vitamins and minerals in a convenient and readily available format.

In a time where the pursuit of food transparency and traceability is growing, Lotus Foods appears to be an example of how retailers can make direct links to their global supply chains. It prompts thoughts on how the entire chain of producing food, from the farm all the way to the grocery shelf, can significantly impact the food itself. While offering a wide variety of products, it's also important to note that this emphasis on sourcing unique ingredients is likely also related to the popularity of exploring various global cuisines and the renewed interest in discovering culinary experiences from other regions.

7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh's Strip District A Food and Culture Guide - Street Art Gallery Features Local Artists in Former Produce Terminal

Within Pittsburgh's Strip District, a former produce terminal has found new life as a vibrant street art gallery. This space, now a haven for local artists, provides a unique blend of the city's industrial past and its current artistic spirit. The gallery features a mix of street art styles, including graffiti, murals, and other forms of urban expression. It's part of a larger movement in the district to blend old and new, showcasing a dynamic transformation into a hub of cultural activity. The gallery is surrounded by a revitalized market district that’s teeming with unique boutiques and restaurants. The gallery provides a platform for local artists, fostering a sense of community and celebrating artistic talent. Every visit offers a new experience and emphasizes Pittsburgh's increasing status as a place worth discovering due to its vibrant cultural atmosphere.

The repurposing of a former produce terminal into a street art gallery showcases a fascinating evolution in how urban spaces are utilized. It's a reflection of a broader trend in city planning where old commercial buildings are adapted to serve new cultural purposes, fostering a stronger sense of community and revitalizing potentially underused areas. The transition from a purely functional structure to one embracing art is a compelling example of modern urban development.

Street art, often seen as merely a visual element, has a deeper significance tied to social and political commentary. Many artists use their work to address local issues or represent the identities of the neighborhoods they inhabit. This resonates with insights from urban sociology that suggest public art can build a stronger sense of belonging among people in a community. It is quite fascinating how street art bridges the gap between aesthetics and community identity.

The architecture of the terminal likely has a historical context, with designs from the middle of the last century prioritizing durability and functionality. Many of these structures were built with exceptionally strong materials to withstand the demands of transporting and storing agricultural products, showcasing interesting engineering solutions. We can clearly observe strong influences from a bygone era on the current urban landscape in this architectural example.

Studies have demonstrated that having art in public spaces can be highly beneficial for people's mental health. This art gallery acts as a vibrant visual element, stimulating creativity and promoting social interaction, which can have a significant impact on overall community health. The presence of public art can create a strong sense of place for a community.

The local artists who are featured in the gallery often use materials and methods that emphasize environmental sustainability. These practices provide insightful examples of how material science and traditional craftsmanship intersect to create beautiful and lasting art, in this case without sacrificing artistic integrity. This connection between modern and more traditional practices is quite fascinating.

The change from a produce terminal to an art space is a compelling illustration of the changing economic landscapes in many cities. The sharing economy and adaptive reuse are central themes in how resources are allocated in urban environments, and this adaptation provides a clear example of this strategy in action. Maximizing existing resources in this way is crucial for a sustainable and resilient urban environment.

This intersection between art and community contributes to the overall cultural capital of the area, possibly impacting property values and gentrification trends—important aspects of the urban economic environment. Art can create a sense of vibrancy that increases the desirability of an area and is something that can impact property values and local economics.

Street art can also be a potent tool for communicating scientific concepts to the public. Artists can effectively communicate complex ideas on subjects like climate science or public health through their visual narratives, bridging the divide between science and art. It is amazing how creative expression can translate science concepts into more accessible and meaningful ways.

The process of creating street art is more than just pure artistic expression; it requires a deep understanding of space and planning, akin to the principles used in architectural design. Artists have to account for dimensions and the surrounding environments, blurring the lines between art and the principles of engineering. There is an amazing level of detail and complexity involved in the execution of many street art pieces, that is not always readily apparent.

The success and popularity of this art gallery might serve as a model for similar projects in other cities. It suggests a potential new trend in how public art is curated and how community planning could prioritize local culture and artistic expression in previously overlooked spaces. This model illustrates how spaces within a community can be creatively reimagined to improve quality of life for many people.

7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh's Strip District A Food and Culture Guide - Mon Wharf Walking Trail Connects Strip District with Point State Park

A new trail connection, the Mon Wharf Connector, has significantly improved access between the Strip District and Point State Park, offering a more seamless experience for those exploring the city on foot or by bike. Previously, a narrow section near highway piers created bottlenecks for trail users, but the new connector eliminates this issue with a dedicated, traffic-free ramp. The upgrade also encompassed broader improvements such as wider pathways, improved lighting, and enhanced safety features. This $4.2 million project is part of the larger Great Allegheny Passage trail system, extending all the way to Cumberland, Maryland. The connection highlights Pittsburgh's growing focus on creating a more interconnected urban environment. It provides easier access to the Strip District’s thriving food and cultural scene while enriching the broader trail network that's a major draw for both locals and tourists seeking to enjoy the city’s scenic and historic areas. It's a notable improvement for anyone wanting to enjoy the views of the city and the surrounding natural environment without having to navigate traffic congestion.

The Mon Wharf Connector, a roughly 1.5-mile walking trail, provides a direct link between Pittsburgh's Strip District and Point State Park. This connection cleverly blends urban planning with recreational opportunities, while also offering stunning views of the city's renowned Three Rivers. The trail's design ingeniously utilizes the natural topography, creating a dynamic experience that shifts perspectives throughout the route. This thoughtful engineering helps make nearly the entire path accessible, catering to a variety of mobility needs.

The concrete surface is engineered for resilience, and a special surface finish enhances traction in wet and dry conditions, minimizing slips and falls for pedestrians and runners. This section of the Monongahela Riverfront has historical ties to the early 20th century, serving as a pivotal hub for river traffic. The walking trail effectively pays tribute to that legacy while functioning as a modern recreational asset, showcasing the ability of urban spaces to evolve over time.

Landscape architects carefully integrated native plant species throughout the trail, enhancing the overall urban environment. These plants are known to contribute to cleaner air, thereby subtly transforming the trail into a small-scale component of the city's ecology. There's also a compelling economic aspect: data suggests that urban walking trails can boost nearby property values by up to 5%, as they enhance aesthetics and provide more recreational amenities. This ultimately sustains economic vitality in surrounding neighborhoods.

The Mon Wharf Walking Trail was part of a larger urban revitalization effort that repurposed previously industrial areas into green spaces. It represents a notable shift in modern urban development, where city planners increasingly prioritize public accessibility and well-being. The trail also experiences a surge in usage during community events, with visitor counts estimated to increase by more than 300% during festivals. This showcases how vital these kinds of walking paths can be for facilitating social gatherings.

The engineers involved in the project implemented sophisticated civil engineering techniques, especially with regard to water management. The improved drainage and flood control systems work to safeguard the trail's integrity, ensuring it can withstand heavy rainfall. And finally, research suggests that strolling along visually engaging trails can significantly improve mental health by alleviating stress. By offering convenient access to natural beauty, the Mon Wharf Connector contributes to the psychological well-being of those who use it.

7 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh's Strip District A Food and Culture Guide - Family Run Greek Imports Shop Operates Original Olive Press from 1932

Within the bustling Strip District of Pittsburgh, a family-run Greek import store preserves a piece of culinary history through the continued use of its original 1932 olive press. This shop, Athina Traders, is a testament to the lasting significance of the olive tree in Greek culture, a symbol that has been associated with triumph since ancient Olympic Games. The shop's dedication to authentic gourmet Greek goods, particularly olive products, sourced directly from a family business in Messinia, Greece, ensures that the heart of Greek cuisine is kept alive and shared with the community. This store not only adds to Pittsburgh's already diverse culinary landscape but also highlights the cultural connections between different communities through shared food traditions. It's a fantastic way to experience a slice of Greece right in the heart of Pittsburgh—a compelling intersection of history and modern culture. The shop offers a glimpse into the rich past of Greek cuisine, while simultaneously celebrating its lasting appeal in a contemporary context.

### A Glimpse into a Strip District Gem: A Family-Run Greek Imports Shop with a 1932 Olive Press

Tucked away in the Strip District, this family-run Greek import shop boasts a fascinating piece of culinary history: an original olive press dating back to 1932. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional methods in food production. The press itself is a marvel of mechanical engineering, built with sturdy cast iron and stainless steel, capable of extracting high-quality olive oil critical for authentic Greek recipes.

The shop's production methods offer a window into the science of olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, has a distinct chemical composition—a high concentration of monounsaturated fats, including oleic acid, which research suggests can offer various health benefits. The cold-pressing technique employed here is crucial, as it maintains not just the oil's flavor but also its valuable antioxidants like oleocanthal, known for its anti-inflammatory effects.

The flavor profiles of the oils produced here are diverse, a result of the different olive species used and their harvest timing. This variability is directly related to the phenolic content of each olive type. Exploring these variations highlights the fascinating impact of a specific geographic location (terroir) on the chemical composition of the oil.

Olive oil's prominence in Greek cuisine is no accident. Its history in Greek gastronomy extends back millennia, with evidence of its use dating to 4000 B.C. It’s intriguing to consider how olive oil was not just a food but a commodity that significantly influenced socio-economic exchanges within ancient Greece.

The shop's commitment to traditional practices extends beyond its production methods. They offer tours, providing a captivating, hands-on experience for visitors to witness the olive oil extraction process. It's a fantastic way for people to connect with food origins and understand the impact of these scientific processes on the final product.

This family-run business highlights the importance of cultural legacy and continuity within local food systems. It's a powerful reminder of how traditional skills and practices can be passed down through generations. The shop uses a variety of olives, including the Koroneiki and Kalamon, each exhibiting its unique qualities. The Koroneiki, known for its high oil yield and quality, demonstrates agricultural advancements over time.

The shop takes great care in preserving the oil's quality. Olive oil is remarkably sensitive to heat and light, which can rapidly degrade its quality. By storing the oil in dark glass and utilizing temperature-controlled environments, the shop demonstrates an understanding of the interplay between engineering and food preservation.

The shop's role extends beyond its product offerings. By supporting local sourcing, it fosters a stronger connection within the community. It serves as a reminder of how local businesses can significantly contribute to a community's economic vitality, creating jobs and stimulating local agriculture. This emphasis on local commerce strengthens the overall health of the community's economic ecosystem.


Ultimately, this unassuming shop exemplifies the fascinating intersection of historical practices, food science, and community building. Its dedication to traditional techniques and quality products offers a valuable experience for anyone interested in the story behind their food and a window into a part of Greek cultural heritage in the heart of Pittsburgh.