Pittsburgh, PA

Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a seasoned senior, you should already know that Pittsburgh is an incredible college town. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities, culture, sporting events and restaurants. In fact, the ‘burgh has a wide variety of restaurants from all the over world from Caribbean to India to Germany. But, which places can you afford to go to on a limited budget that isn’t Primanti’s or Quaker Steak’s?

Below are some of my favorite local college bars and restaurants where you can get your fill of food and drink while not wasting too much of your parent’s money. And, the best part? These restaurants are located throughout the city, which means if you have to relocate because you can’t stand being on-campus or that new roommate you won’t have a problem finding a place to grab a drink or bite to eat.

Off-Campus Restaurant Listings

Big Jim’s Restaurant – 201 Saline Street, Greenfield
Price: $3-$16 – Awesome Features: Burgers, pizza and ½ pound sandwiches. What else do you need?

Buffalo Blues – 216 S. Highland Avenue, Shadyside
Price: $4-$20 – Awesome Features: Ribs, wings and plenty of TVs to catch Pitt games.

Conflict Kitchen – 221 Schenley Drive, Oakland
Price: Varies – Awesome Features: Only serves food from countries that the U.S. is in conflict with.

Church Works – 3525 Liberty Avenue, Lawrenceville
Price: $7-$30 – Awesome Features: Handcrafted beer and award-winning cuisine – but mainly beer.

Fat Head’s Saloon – 1805 Carson Street, Southside
Price: $6-$12 – Awesome Features: Wings and 42-rotating beers on tap.

Fuel & Fuddle – 212 Oakland Avenue, Oakland
Price: $8-$15 – Awesome Features: The menu is half-price after 11pm and there’s beer made in-house.

Hemingway’s Cafe – 3911 Forbes Avenue, Oakland
Price: $8-$15 – Awesome Features: A half-price menu after 9pm and $1.50 beer specials.

Joe Mama’s Italian Italian Deluxe – 3716 Forbes Avenue, Oakland
Price: $8-$15 – Awesome Features: Late night specials that include half-price pasta. Not a bad place to take your parents either.

Lulu’s Noodles – 400 S Craig Street, Oakland
Price: $1.50-$8 – Awesome Features: Maybe not the best in town, but it’s perfect and reliable enough for broke college students.

Mineo’s Pizza House – 2128 Murray Avenue, Squirrel Hill and 713a Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon
Price: $1.57-$30 – Awesome Features: Arguably the best pizza around.

Nied’s Hotel Bar and Restaurant – 5438 Butler Street, Lawrenceville
Price: $4-$13 – Awesome Features: The best fish sandwich in the ‘burgh.

Original Hot Dog Shop – 3901 Forbes Avenue, Oakland
Price: $4-$10 – Awesome Features: A staple since 1960 with over 400 specialized micro and craft beers and cheap prices.

Pamela’s Diner – 4 locations

• 60 21st Street,The Strip District
• 3703 Forbes Avenue, Oakland
• 5527 Walnut Street,Shadyside
• 5813 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill

Price: $5-$10 – Awesome Features: Crepe style hotcakes. That is all.

Red Oak Cafe – 3610 Forbes Avenue, Oakland
Price: $5-$8 – Awesome Features: Great breakfast options and the best vegetarian spot in Pitt.

Ritter’s Diner – 5221 Baum Blvd., Bloomfield
Price: $5-$10 – Awesome Features: Old school diner with jukeboxes and round the clock omelets.

Shiloh Grill – 123 Shiloh Street, Mt. Washington
Price: N/A – Awesome Features: All you can eat bacon on Tuesday nights, $5 glasses of wine on Wednesdays and daily happy hour specials.

Sorrento’s Pizza – 233 Atwood Street, Oakland
Price: $3-$10 – Awesome Features: $5 pizza from 8pm to 3am.

Spice Island Tea House – 253 Atwood Street, Oakland
Price: $3-$14 – Awesome Features: An overlooked Thai/Burmese restaurant.

Tessaro’s – 4601 Liberty Avenue, Bloomfield
Price: $5-$25 – Awesome Features: The best burgers in town.

Union Grill – 413 S. Craig Street, Oakland
Price: $8-$15 – Awesome Features: Burgers, waffle-cut fries and happy hour specials.

Are you in need of some other restaurant options? Check out this list of Places to Eat compiled by the University of Pittsburgh. And, remember, if you want to be closer to your favorite bar or restaurant you should see what kind of off-campus rentals are available at ForRentUniversity.com.

Written By Albert Costill