The tree-lined streets of Shadyside, along with the many parks throughout this charming neighborhood, make for a spectacular fall season. Journey with us for a walk along S. Highland Avenue where we’ll pass by wonderful eateries, historic sites, and some Franklin West apartments available to rent today.

We’ll start our tour at Howe Springs on Fifth Avenue where the road meets the southernmost end of S. Highland Ave. What you see today is the 1912 neoclassical redesign where the spring’s structure first stood in 1892. When Thomas Howe sold the land featuring the spring,  he stipulated that the spring would remain free for public use.

Photo credit: Google Street View

As you cross Fifth Avenue and follow the sidewalk on the right side of S. Highland Avenue, you’ll soon arrive at one of Franklin West’s S. Highland Avenue apartment buildings.

509 S. Highland Ave

This location offers peaceful seclusion while providing the ideal proximity to all the city’s amenities. You’ll notice just how close it is to Fifth Avenue, which can easily bring you all the way downtown in only minutes. Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Market District are all within walking distance, so you can run your errands without the carbon footprint.

For rent now: Apt. 33

This 2-bed, 1-bath residence features a private balcony where you can sip your morning cup of coffee and get a dose of fresh air. When it’s too cold to go outside, enjoy the natural light flooding in through the large windows while you stay nice and warm. The kitchen includes a refrigerator, range, and dishwasher. Laundry facilities are available within the building, so you can knock out your chores without darting all over town.

Let’s continue about three and a half blocks further up S. Highland Avenue. Cross S. Highland Avenue at a crosswalk on your way up, and you will be met by the historic Highland Towers. 

Highland Towers

You’ll find this historic residential gem conveniently situated in the heart of Shadyside’s East End. This urban neighborhood with a suburban feel is just minutes from downtown Pittsburgh and the city’s most prominent universities, such as Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh.

Highland Towers has been a fixture of Shadyside since 1913, and the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The building’s architect, Frederick G. Scheibler, Jr., began his career as an apprentice in 1888 at age 16 and was a lifelong Pittsburgher. This beloved example of Modern American architecture takes direct inspiration from the Vienna Secession art movement; it is a superb example of Scheibler’s natural talent.

Two fourth-floor residences are currently available.

For rent now: 340 S. Highland Ave, Apt. 8A

This 2-bed, 1-bath apartment can be all yours. Enjoy the spacious living room where you can immerse yourself in a good book and decorate to your heart’s content. The wall-to-wall carpet in this space will keep your feet cozy all winter long, and the decorative fireplace provides a warm accent to this interior. The large dining room will keep you from getting stir-crazy while working or studying at home.

For rent now: 342 S. Highland Ave, Apt. 16B

Take full advantage of the inclusions in this 2-bed, 1-bath unit. A built-in chest of drawers in the living room checks off some of your furniture needs, while the dishwasher will allow you to focus more on the art of cooking rather than the aftermath.

Ready for a delicious hot meal after this stroll through the crisp air? Continue up S. Highland Avenue to the next block and stop in at Noodlehead. This restaurant centers its menu around popular dishes from Thailand’s many street markets. With plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, there’s something here for everyone. Noodlehead is currently available for takeout, delivery, or outdoor seating. Bring your face covering as well as cash, because they do not accept credit cards.

If you decide on the takeout route, or you wish to continue up S. Highland Avenue, make your way up to the South Highland bridge and have a seat on one of the built-in benches on this award-winning bridge. The $2.9 million project wrapped up toward the end of 2013 and spans Ellsworth Avenue, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Busway, and the Norfolk Southern Railroad. Take note of the glass panels highlighting various pieces of the area’s history; you’ll truly find a window into the past.

Photo credit: Google Street View

This brief stretch through Shadyside is just a small portion of what makes this neighborhood so charming. We hope you enjoyed your tour, and we encourage you to request a tour or more info regarding our current availability.

Your weather app may promise sweltering sunshine, but there are plenty of ways you can stay cool right here in Shadyside. 

Enjoying the air conditioning indoors is one way to go about it, but a sweet treat is always welcome. Ice cream is a summertime staple, and there are a few places you can get your fix. If you prefer different types of confections, then look no further because we have those too.

Millie’s

This ice cream shop has quickly become a go-to in Pittsburgh. If you haven’t been yet, then it’s time you gave it a try. You’ll find some classic flavors as well as some unique seasonals you’ll love. There are even dairy-free flavors for your enjoyment. Load up a scoop or two with your favorite toppings, or grab a pint to go.

Photo credit: Millie’s via Instagram

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

It doesn’t get much cooler than nitrogen ice cream on a hot day. You’ll get a treat and a show here. Sub Zero has tons of flavors you can mix up with a variety of cream bases and toppings. Vegan, lactose-free, dairy-free, and reduced sugar are all options you’ll enjoy here. Did you know liquid nitrogen cools ice cream at -321 degrees Fahrenheit? Although liquid nitrogen will keep your cone cool, these are hot days so don’t let it melt!

Photo credit: Sub Zero via Instagram

Salúd Juicery

Already got your ice cream fix? Salúd has juice and smoothies for a refreshing summer beverage. Get all your veggies in with a healthy drink and add your favorite fruits for your sweet tooth. It doesn’t stop there – nuts, spices, supplements, and so much more is available and ready to order.

Photo credit: Salud via Instagram

Kahuna Poke & Juice Bar

Kahuna serves up some tasty dishes in Shadyside. While Poke does hit the spot on a summer day, we’re highlighting their juices. Cold-pressed juices here encompass everything from green concoctions made with cucumber, celery, and kale to carrot, orange, and ginger. Still, want something sweeter? Their smoothies will do the trick!

Photo credit: Kahuna via Instagram

Prantl’s Bakery

This one may not cool you down in the same way, but it won’t satisfy your sweet tooth any less. Prantl’s Burnt Almond Torte has been called the greatest cake in America by the Huffington Post. If you enjoy almonds, then do yourself a favor and try the original Burnt Almond Torte at its home in Shadyside. But, we can’t forget to mention, there’s a “walking torte,” and Prantl’s just announced a new pina colada-flavored torte. 

Photo credit: Prantl’s Bakery via Instagram

Let’s continue to show our support to local eateries any way we can. Go ahead friends, we deserve to treat ourselves!

As you do your part to stay healthy and stay indoors, the need for basic staples remains the same. Grocery stores are open for you to replenish your food supplies whenever needed. Don’t forget to wear a mask at all times while grocery shopping in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.

However, there are plenty of alternatives to shopping in-store, so we want to share with you some resources that will help you to get food conveniently and safely.

It’s worth noting that it’s not always easy to get delivery and curbside pickup from the bigger box stores like Giant Eagle and Walmart. For this reason, consider more local services to meet your needs.

In addition to grocery shopping, you might be interested in fully-prepared meals from your favorite restaurants. Support local businesses if you’re able to as many restaurants are offering both takeout and delivery options.

Grocery Delivery Services

Best Grocery Delivery

You can order from this local independent service online or by phone. Best Grocery Delivery doesn’t offer same-day delivery, so place your order before 8:00 PM to receive your groceries the following day. A minimum of $60 is required and there is no extra fee for orders under $200. Orders over $200 will incur a delivery fee of 15% of the order.

Instacart

Instacart will deliver within Pittsburgh from Costco, Aldi, Target, Shop ‘n Save, Restaurant Depot, CVS, and Petco. Delivery fees are anywhere from $3.99 to $7.99, but the membership service is $9.99/month or $99/year will allow for free delivery on orders over $35.

Postmates

Postmates doesn’t keep inventory of store items in its app, so instead, you’ll keep a list of things you need in the app. Your delivery driver will text or call you about substitutions if need be.

Postmates pricing ranges from $0.99 – $9.99 plus a percentage of your cart total. With an Unlimited Membership at $9.99/month, there’s no extra delivery fee on orders over $12.

Grocery Curb-Side Pickup

If you prefer to drive to the grocery store and simply pick up your cart that you’ve put together online, then Giant Eagle & Market District, Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods all offer options. Since demand is high, you may need to pick a time slot, and availability may be sparse, so be sure to plan ahead.

Restaurant Takeout & Delivery

There are many restaurants to choose from even now as many businesses are closed. There are frankly too many to list, but a few things to keep in mind are that some restaurants don’t have their own delivery staff. Look into which restaurants use Postmates, GrubHub, and UberEats to fulfill orders for if you are in need of delivery.

If you’re more flexible, then takeout is an option provided by most restaurants. Menus may be modified, but businesses are doing their best to meet the needs of their communities, so they appreciate your patronage.

Additional Resources

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive list of all your grocery options, then be sure to take a look at this article from Very Local Pittsburgh for all the current offerings in Pittsburgh.
For a general list of restaurants open for takeout and/or delivery at this time, see this post from Pittsburgh City Paper or this list from GoodFoodPittsburgh.com.

Whether you became your kids’ new teacher, shifted your work life into your home – or maybe both, your favorite local restaurants want to provide a little bit of comfort as you navigate this new normal. 

Many local establishments are continuing to offer takeout and delivery while their dine-in service is shut down due to the COVID virus. From options like contactless delivery to curbside pickup, you can still patronize your favorite places from a safe distance. 

Here are a handful of places that are offering takeout and delivery options: 

Noodlehead

242 S. Highland Ave

A neighborhood favorite is still offering takeout – and a NEW delivery option! Avoid the normal line of waiting for a table and order online or use their new delivery feature. Check this Instagram post for all the details or give them a call at 412-295-4580. 

Photo Credit: Noodlehead via Instagram

Acorn

5528 Walnut Street

Acorn is offering to-go orders by calling the restaurant directly at 412-530-5950. They are also offering delivery through GrubHub. To-go and delivery menu options include Shrimp & Grits, Tossed Chicken Salad, ‘Bubbe’s Matzo Ball Soup’, Cheeseburger, Fish Sandwich and more. Yum!

Photo Credit: Acorn Pgh via Instagram

Mad Mex

220 S Highland Ave

While we may have missed the cherished return of the Gobblerito, (which sold out in one day!) Mad Mex is still offering take out and even delivery to make sure you can get the Mexican food fix you’re missing. For more information visit their website here.

Photo Credit: Mad Mex via Instagram

Mercurio’s 

5523 Walnut St

Pizza is the perfect takeout or delivery option and Mercurio’s won’t disappoint. They are offering both takeout and delivery during their normal business hours. Visit their website for additional details or to place an order. 

Photo Credit: Mercurio’s via Instagram

Bird on the Run

128 S Highland Ave

Guests will be able to order in-store for take-out, order online for pick up in the store, or order through 3rd party delivery partners like Postmates, DoorDash, GrubHub, and UberEats. Visit their website to order your favorite fried chicken in Shadyside. 

Photo Credit: Bird on the Run via Instagram

Millie’s Ice Cream

 

In addition to a delicious dinner, you need dessert too, right? Millie’s is offering mobile delivery right to your doorstep. They are pulling their ice cream truck from 2014 out of the archives to give the people what they want – ice cream! Visit their online store for more information or to place an order. 

Photo Credit: Millies via Instagram

These are just a few of the foodservice establishments still offering takeout and delivery. The best way to find out if your favorite place is still open is to check their social media. Many restaurants have been posting weekly specials or new features like local delivery to help their business thrive during difficult times. 

If you aren’t interested in dining out during this time, you can also buy gift cards from your favorite place to put some money in their pocket and a gift card in yours for a later date.