@LionJim let Tgar, local, weigh in with some ideas. Many of the places listed are wonderful, Tgar particularly likes the Aviary and The Warhol Museum but we have so many gems. Somebody mentioned the Roberto Clemente museum which is as unique and fascinating as the Warhol.
The Roberto Clemente Museum also has a winery in the basement. Believe it or not, they make excellent wines. Eddie Vedder owns a private barrel downstairs as do many other luminaries. the Museum itself has a collection of the most fascinating Memorabilia and sports photographyI have ever seen honoring one great human being .
@rudedude mentions Church Brew Works, great for A Round of beers but do not eat here.
Now, here is the beauty of the Burgh. Someone mentioned Eleven which is over in the Strip District. Take the family for a walk through the Strip. Purveyors of great food, funk and love. Eleven is the best fine dining option. Many diners and specialized food options for breakfast and lunch including Whaley’s, Pamela’s, Kelly O’s, and lots of ethnic options. Take a stroll through Penn Mac ( Pennsylvania Macaroni Company ) buy some cheeses and other delectable for travel back home. Tgar goes down to Penn Mac for raviolis which are in the freezer area.
The next two neighborhoods to the east are Polish Hill and Lawrenceville, where there is a significant food scene and again, a very cool vibe. Walk the Main Street. Just south of these neighborhoods is Bloomfield, another historic neighborhood with food purveyors, art galleries, etc. Ifnyou and the Family are feeling Cheeseburgers, drop in to Tessaro’s and do what we do.
I mention the above neighborhoods because Pittsburgh is comprised of 92 unique distinct neighborhoods.
The Carnegies ( so generous ) have gifted us four incredible museums including the Warhol, Science ( not just for kids. ) History, and Art. All fabulous. Another to consider when down in the Strip on Smallman Street is the History Center, One of our favorites.
Everything mentioned above is very close together and or in the same neighborhood. Speaking of Neighborhoods, the History center has a floor dedicated to Mr. Rogers if that is your thing. Would you be My Neighbor?
Across the river on the North Shore ( and a good place to book a hotel room ) is the stadium area and the River Walk. Here you will find some wonderful nods to our city including the Mr. Rogers Statue created by the same artist who gave Washington DC The Einstein statue. The North Shore has a bunch of chain Party spots which are popular on Game days etc, not what you are looking for. The North Shore Tavern across from PNC specializes on Steak on a Stone if that’s your thing.
Do not leave town without taking a ride up to Mt. Washington on the Duquesne Incline. This is fun for everyone. There is dining up on Mt. Washington, cocktails as well but also just a fun trip up and down with a short stroll.
Just another thought, consider one of our Neighborhood Food Tours. Always fun and insightful to local history.
If I can be of any help please let me know.
Other great walking areas include going to the Phipps Conservatory, South Oakland area where The Carnegie Museum of Art resides along with Carnegie Mellon University, Pitt, and the Shadyside neighborhood nearby. Great lunch spots etc. and restaurants in Shadyside.
Enjoy our lovely city. Plan for two hours at any of the museums, ( you can spend Way more hours at any of them ) . Nothing is far apart, Ubers are plentiful, parking is iffy.
Take Care and thank you for visiting.
One edit. Stay out of the South Side, especially at night. They are working hard to bring it back to what it once was but have a ways to go. It pains me to mention this but it is sound advice.
