Let's take a stroll down Memory Lane today. The Pittsburgh landscape, and its neighborhoods, have certainly changed a lot over the years, with some of our very favorite shops and restaurants closing for good. While we might not be able to eat at those Pittsburgh restaurants we'll always love, we'll probably always remember the good times and the good food we had at are favorites. A tip of the hat to eight beloved Pittsburgh restaurants that are gone but not forgotten.
1. The Original Hot Dog Shop - Oakland
The O was the place to go in Oakland for its tasty hot dogs and golden fries that were scooped up in absolutely gigantic portions. The popular hot dog joint opened way back in 1960, feeding generations of Pittsburghers and college students. It unexpectedly and permanently closed in April 2020.
2. Shiloh Grill – Mount Washington
Pittsburghers raved about the mac and cheese at Shiloh Grill, perched at the top of Mount Washington. It was also well-known for its scrumptious Sunday brunch. Unfortunately, it became another victim of the pandemic, officially closing its doors for the final time on July 28, 2020, after celebrating a final bacon night.
3. Spoon
Tucked in East Liberty, Spoon was a favorite dining spot of many Pittsburghers. It debuted in Pittsburgh back in 2011, serving such delicious dishes as the famous Spoon burger, pork tenderloin, and cod. Spoon said goodbye during the summer of 2020.
4. Nola on the Square
Even if you've never eaten at NOLA on the Square, you certainly recognize it from the outside if you spend any time in downtown Pittsburgh and in Market Square, in particular, The popular New Orleans-themed restaurant brought a bit of Louisiana flare with its southern-inspired dishes. NOLA on the Square closed for good during the summer of 2020, another victim of the pandemic.
5. Green Forest Brazilian Churrascaria – Penn Hills
You really could only go to one place when you craved authentic Brazilian food - and that was Green Forest Brazilian Restaurant in Penn Hills. Over its 20-year run, the Brazilian eatery featured a seafood and salad bar and a menu that left mouths watering. It also closed in July 2020.
6. Alexander’s Italian Bistro – Little Italy
A Bloomfield staple for more than six decades, Alexander's Italian Bistro was the place to go for a scrumptious and an authentic Italian meal. From fried ravioli to chicken Marsala, the menu was bursting with deliciousness. Alexander's Italian Bistro closed in March 2020.
7. Tom’s Diner – Dormont
Diner food is just good, and Tom's Diner served some of the best. A tiny retro diner, Tom's Diner served everything you'd expect from a classic diner - burgers, fries, and milkshakes. It was also known for its scrumptious gyros. The curtain fell on the popular diner for the final time in October of 2019.
8. Lidia’s Restaurant – Strip District
If you're craving Lidia's authentic Italian dishes, you'll have to travel elsewhere. Lidia's Italy permanently shut down, after 20 years, in August of 2019. The popular Italian restaurant, tucked in the Strip District, was owed and founded by Lidia Bastianich, a familiar face at the restaurant.
What are some of the Pittsburgh restaurants that are no longer open that you miss? Join the conversation in the comments! How many of these, 12 stores that anyone who grew up in Pittsburgh remembers, do you still miss?
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!