Pittsburgh restaurants to try during Family Weekend

Late October means crunchy leaves, scary decorations and trying to figure out what do with your parents during Family Weekend. Fear not: Here are eight standout restaurants, most with outdoor seating, that are sure to impress your visiting relatives on Oct. 29-30.

You and your family can also check out Pitt’s Family Weekend Welcome Reception on Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. for featuring food, games and door prizes or head to Heinz Field for the crown jewel of the weekend: a Pitt football game vs. Miami.

täkō, Bakery Square

Billed as a “Japanese/Mexican approach to street food,” this recently opened restaurant in Bakery Square drops the vibes of a taqueria right into the bustling hubbub of one of Pittsburgh’s most popular shopping destinations. Place your order at täkō’s takeout window, grab a seat on the colorful patio and feast on next-level tacos.

Farmer X Baker, Aspinwall

What could be better than enjoying lunch with views of the Allegheny River? Farmer X Baker is a takeout window located in Allegheny River Trail Park in Aspinwall. Enjoy a meal featuring locally sourced organic entrees. Their menu features bagels, sandwiches and vegan soft serve.

2 Sisters 2 Sons, Sharpsburg

It may not have outdoor seating, but this is one restaurant that’s worth taking a dish to go. Winner of the Pittsburgh City Paper’s Best New Restaurant award in 2021, the bright-green 2 Sisters 2 Sons is a family-owned Caribbean restaurant that’s won accolades for generous portions of flavorful, authentic Jamaican food. Calling ahead is a good bet: Order the jerk chicken with your pick of sides and thank us later.

Caffé Mona La Bistro, Bloomfield

Show your parents how much you learned in French class by ordering them a crepe at Caffé Mona in Bloomfield. This restaurant has an Instagram-worthy back deck with an awning made of rainbow umbrellas.

Showcase BBQ, Homewood

No need to head south for tender, smoky barbeque: Showcase is in Pittsburgh’s East End community of Homewood, right off Washington Blvd. Once you taste their ribs, chicken and sides, you'll be a believer, too.

Salem’s Halal Market, Strip District

With its colorful painted storefront, Salem’s is hard to miss. Pick from an assortment of delicious curries, kababs and a wide variety of other Indian and Middle Eastern fare — and stop by the attached market afterward to grab some ready-made meals for when you don’t want to make a trip to the Strip.  

Nicky’s Thai, North Side

A perennial favorite of the Pittsburgh Magazine Readers Poll for best Thai restaurant, Nicky’s Thai can accommodate gluten-free and vegan diners as well as other food allergies. Come for the generous portions of pumpkin curry (it’s fall after all) and stay for the relaxing water features in the restaurant’s back garden.

Kaya, Strip District

Even if Pittsburgh weather is overcast, you can give your parents a sunny Caribbean feel by taking them to Kaya. Watch the hustle and bustle of the always-busy Strip District from Kaya’s outdoor seating while enjoying the restaurant’s signature pineapple mango tomatillo salsa. Maybe your trip to Kaya will help convince your parents to fund your spring break.

Or…stay in Oakland after all

There are great restaurants all over Pittsburgh, but there’s nothing wrong with staying in the neighborhood, either. Head to breakfast stalwart Pamela’s Diner for dinner-plate-sized hotcakes or check out the stunning floral displays and the cafe at Phipps Conservatory.

— Nichole Faina and Patrick Monahan