PGH Connections
Strip District
One of the most wonderfully alarming areas of Pittsburgh
The nearby church bells are drowned out by the hawkers calling out their wares, and the scent of barbequed ribs strives to overwhelm the faint aroma of fresh flowers. It’s hard to decide what should claim your attention first!
The Strip District is one of the most wonderfully alarming areas of Pittsburgh. Most vibrant on a Saturday morning, the Strip is best known for its gastronomical offerings. The Strip’s main thoroughfare, Penn Avenue, is peppered with street vendors selling everything from Chinese food to $5 sunglasses. The next street to the north, Smallman, is lined with loading docks upon which you can often find fresh fruit and flowers at wholesale prices (it gives a whole new meaning to “no middle man” – you are practically buying stuff right from the truck!). The streets are dirty and often crowded, but both of these characteristics serve only to enhance the sense that you are glimpsing behind-the-scenes of Pittsburgh’s culinary following. The people in the area are almost as interesting as the less mobile attractions. The highly eclectic nature the Strip attracts local and visiting bargain-hunters, gourmet chefs, antique collectors, jewelry aficionados and regular, curious people. The streets do get clogged on the weekend, so this is probably not the most efficient way to do your shopping, but if you are in the market for something specific or are just looking to absorb the sights, the Strip is the place to be.
Although the Strip is traditionally home only to early-morning marketplace and niche market shoppers, the area has recently been expanding to attract Pittsburgh nightlife as well. Penn and Smallman Streets now offer several restaurant choices and a wide selection of bars and pubs. Keep an eye on this area for interesting new nightlife opportunities; if the recent development is indicative of things to come, then this typically sunny, bustling neighborhood may just become the haunt of Pittsburgh night owls as well.
Getting there:
By Car:
Take Fifth Avenue south to Aiken and turn left. This turns into Liberty Avenue from which you’ll turn right onto 27th Street and then make a left onto Penn Avenue.
By Bus:
From the corner of Craig Street and Winthrop , catch the 54C bus and get off at Liberty Avenue and 21st.