The Best Cheap Eats in Pittsburgh

The "Steel City" of Pittsburgh is one of America's greatest cities, a blue-collar Western Pennsylvania metropolis that's become a cosmopolitan center of culture, commerce, and cuisine. The cheap eats of Pittsburgh are an integral part of the city, serving up hearty and diverse meals constructed from a fascinating blend of cultures and cuisines. But where are the smartest, savviest diners in the Steel City headed out to when they're looking for the best cheap eats in Pittsburgh? Welcome to our Tastemakers List. Here, we've gathered information from in-the-know diners throughout Pittsburgh to put together this list of the greatest cheap eats restaurants in Pittsburgh. From local pubs and bars with plenty of comfort food to neighborhood restaurants and diners, the cheap eats of Pittsburgh have a hearty meal for everyone. Grab a table tonight and enjoy!

The OpenTable Team

20 Restaurants

Updated October 01, 2021

Restaurants:	Houlihan's - Mt Lebanon, Over Eden \| TRYP Hotel, The Foundry Table & Tap…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	American, International, Farm-to-table…
Neighborhoods:	Mt. Lebanon, Lawrenceville, Downtown…

Houlihan's - Mt Lebanon

$$$$

American

Mt. Lebanon

4.5

389 reviews

In the Galleria of Mt. Lebanon shopping center, Houlihan's is one of the best places for cheap eats in Pittsburgh. Head in after a day of sightseeing or shopping to enjoy some excellent happy hour specials. Grab the "big cheese" full-size burger or a wide selection of appetizers, including Thai wings and stuffed mushrooms. Along with that, diners can select from domestic craft and well cocktail specials and the "big craft beer" menu. For the main meal, try the "Kansas City Burger" made with brown sugar bacon, barbecue carnitas, onion straws, and cheddar.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Over Eden | TRYP Hotel

$$$$

International

Lawrenceville

4.5

235 reviews

For a place and a meal with a view, diners can't do much better than Pittsburgh's Over Eden. This exciting rooftop bar in the heart of Pittsburgh is a lively place for cheap eats and plenty of fun. Start with some of the bar snacks, like za'atar chips with marjoram, thyme, sesame, and sumac. There's also the Mama B's salami served with apricot, caramelized onion, and hot mustard. Grab a pitcher of Miller Lite or Fat Head's "Head Hunter" IPA to go with the classic hummus dish or baba ganoush made with eggplant, hazelnut, and chili oil.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Foundry Table & Tap

$$$$

Farm-to-table

Downtown

4.5

619 reviews

In the heart of Pittsburgh's trendy North Shore neighborhood, The Foundry Tap and Table is a river-side spot for excellent cheap eats. The weekday happy hour features half-price draft beer and house wine, along with cheap signature cocktails and small plates. Be sure to warm up fingers before heading on Thursdays. Play rock-paper-scissors with the bar staff, and if diners win the house buys a drink! The bar snacks feature favorites like heirloom popcorn with hot cheddar seasoning, honey roasted bar peanuts, and daily poutine specials. Try one of the Foundry's signature sandwiches, like grilled cheese with local apple butter or a salmon BLT with avocado mayo on ciabatta bread.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bakersfield - Pittsburgh

$$$$

Mexican

Downtown

4.5

630 reviews

This cultural district hit restaurant is a straightforward and exciting spot for cheap eats in Pittsburgh. The Mexican-influenced menu is colorful and hearty. Start with the trio of chips, guacamole, and salsas. Tortas come on a fresh telera roll, with favorites like the chicken cutlet and black beans "Milanesa." Tacos come on hand-made, in-house tortillas, and feature Baja shrimp, short rib, al pastor, and corn truffle styles. Be sure to try the Bakersfield margarita, served with el Jimador Blanco, triple sec, and agave nectar.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - South Hills

$$$$

American

South Hills

4.4

131 reviews

The local installment of this nationally-renowned chain is an excellent spot for cheap eats in Pittsburgh. Try some of the house special pizzas or burgers, and pair them with the BJ's Oktoberfest lager or special "Tripel" IPA. There are also plenty of lunch specials at BJ's. Stop in for the half chicken California Club special or the Southern fried chicken. Stick around for dessert and one of the BJ's special "Pizookie" treats or a BJ's baked beignet.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Yard Gastropub Shadyside

$$$$

American

Downtown

4.3

340 reviews

Right on Bellefonte Street in the heart of Pittsburgh, the Yard gastropub is a prime spot for a game and some of the city's best cheap eats. This Shadyside spot specializes in great beers, pub food, and fun times. The deep and varied house tap list features favorites like the "Hop Knife" from Troegs Independent or the "Cosmic Void" IPA from Hitchhiker Brewing Company. Be sure to try something from the gourmet grilled cheese menu. The "Smack Yo Mama" features beer cheese, cheddar, onion straws, and pulled chicken.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

City Works - Pittsburgh

$$$$

American

Downtown

4.4

813 reviews

With 90 craft beers on tap and a creative menu, the City Works restaurant and bar is a prime spot for the best cheap eats in Pittsburgh. On weekdays, head into the City Works for some excellent happy hour specials. Along with beer deals and half-price wines, diners can choose from cheap pretzel bites, cheese curds, firecracker rolls, or Nashville hot popcorn chicken. Don't miss the extensive craft beers on tap including the Fat Heat's "Head Hunter" IPA or the Elysian Brewing Co. "Space Dust" IPA.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cinderlands Foederhouse

$$$$

Brewery

Lawrenceville

4.5

197 reviews

With plenty of creative brews and a menu full of pub favorites, the Cinderlands Beer Company is one of the best places for cheap eats in Pittsburgh. The hearty menu features favorites like chicken and donuts with dry-rubbed wings and sloppy Joe poutine with Wisconsin cheddar cheese curds. Be sure to try one of the city-special pierogi with barbecue carrot and Alabama barbecue sauce. For beers, go for the experimental "Halley's Comet" tartshake IPA with gin and chartreuse or the "Incredible Sky" wet-hopped IPA.

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Merchant Oyster Co.

$$$$

Seafood

Lawrenceville

4.5

98 reviews

One of the best seafood menus and a great beer list make the Merchant Oyster Co. a top spot in Pittsburgh for cheap eats. Stop in on the weekday and Sunday happy hour for half-off tap wines and Narragansetts, along with half-off select oysters. There's a changing-daily menu of fresh oysters and clams and a full selection of chowders including Rhode Island red and New England. For a special sandwich treat, go for the Jersey-style pork roll and cheese or the lobster Cuban with Swiss and pork roll.

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Ten Penny

$$$$

Contemporary American

Downtown

3.9

1486 reviews

A hot spot right across from the city's Convention Center, Ten Penny is the home to some of the best cheap eats in Pittsburgh. The menu is a mixture of cit-influenced classics and creative recipes. Try the "dirty pierogi" flatbread, made with charred kielbasa and smashed potato. Ten Penny also features Chicago beef sliders with Chicago giardiniera and baked pretzel sliders with kielbasa and cheddar. Don't skimp on the Ten Penny starters. The TP meatball is a half-pound treat with "Sunday Sauce" and garlic toast, and the skillet cornbread features a butter slab and spicy maple.

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The Yard Market Square

$$$$

Gastro Pub

Downtown

4.4

664 reviews

A fifth-avenue favorite for some of the best cheap eats in Pittsburgh, The Yard Market is a hip and happening location ideal for a night out with friends and family. Stop in to watch a ballgame or hang out with the crowd for some cheap eats. Grab one of the Market's celebrated craft beers, like the Grist House Brewery "Flood Line" IPA or a Sixpoint "Resin" from Brooklyn. Those heavy brews go great with one of the house pub pretzels served with home-made beer cheese and mustard, or the "Everyday I'm Trufflin'" flatbread with Buffalo mozzarella and infused white truffle.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Siempre Algo

$$$$

American

Downtown

4.9

459 reviews

Near the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, Siempre Algo is a choice location for some of the city's best cheap eats. The Pittsburgh-influenced menu includes favorites like home-made pretzels with chicken liver pate and baked blue crab dip. There's also plenty of Southern specialties, like low-country boil with shrimp, clams, and andouille sausage. Pair the cheap eats with some of the Siempre Algo cocktails. Try the "Clementine Smash" with Buffalo Trace bourbon or the "I Went too Far" with Aperol, house tonic, and orange bitters.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Hard Rock Cafe - Pittsburgh

$$$$

American

Downtown

4.3

340 reviews

Prepare to rock out with some cheap eats at the Pittsburgh location of this world-famous chain. Right on the water in the Station Square neighborhood of Pittsburgh, the Hard Rock Cafe features plenty of hard-rocking memorabilia to entertain diners. Grab a seat for some live music and some fine dining. The "legendary" burgers at the Hard Rock are something special. Go for the barbecue bacon cheeseburger, with house-made barbecue sauce, leaf lettuce, and vine-ripened tomato. Other favorites include the twisted mac, chicken and cheese and a New York strip steak with potatoes and vegetables.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Walnut Grill - Fox Chapel

$$$$

Contemporary American

Fox Chapel

4.5

923 reviews

A renowned Pittsburgh institution, the Wexford installment of the Walnut Grill is a lively and exciting American pub and grill. Head in for breakfast with some of the best cheap eats in Pittsburgh. The WG "Lil' Plate" features cage-free eggs, meat, and breakfast potatoes. Creme brulee French toast features powdered sugar, whipped cream, and breakfast potatoes. For lunch, try the street tacos, in fish, tuna, pork, or chicken styles. There are also plenty of grilled flatbreads on the menu at Walnut Grill. Try the local Pittsburgh pie, with barbecue sauce, fries, mozzarella, and provolone.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Jacksons - Southpointe

$$$$

Contemporary American

Canonsburg

4.5

483 reviews

One of the most celebrated restaurants in town, Jacksons Restaurant and Bar is an excellent spot for cheap eats in Pittsburgh. Start the meal with one of the seasonal cocktail specialties. A cucumber sunrise pairs Titos vodka with watermelon nectar, muddled cucumber, and orange juice. Try the bourbon blueberry lemonade, made with Jim Beam Black, blueberry puree, and lemonade. For an entree, try the four-course chef's tasting menu or the Iowa premium filet mignon served with potato pancake, wild mushrooms, and horseradish butter.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Atria's - Murrysville

$$$$

American

Murrysville

4.6

878 reviews

In the heart of the Mt. Lebanon suburb, Atria's is a local favorite restaurant with some of the best cheap eats in Pittsburgh. Flip to the all-day menu for a selection of Italian classics. Try the restaurant's signature pot roast nachos, made with cheddar jack, sour cream, and jalapenos. Another menu highlight? The hickory-smoked barbecue ribs, made with the house signature barbecue sauce, fresh-cut fries, and coleslaw. Try the Hawaiian chicken with a bourbon-glazed, with island rice and garlic-roasted broccoli. The sandwich menu is also full of standouts. Try the jumbo lump crab cake with chipotle remoulade or the classic turkey club with Swiss and bacon.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Steel Cactus - Southpointe

$$$$

Mexican

Canonsburg

3.7

26 reviews

The Steel Cactus is one of the signature restaurants in Pittsburgh. This lively Mexican chain features an engaging, modern atmosphere bolstered by food and drink specials. Be sure to try the signature "Yinzerita" margarita done Pittsburgh style. Head in for the daily lunch specials to try the Steel Cactus taco salad or fajita salad, or make an individual creation with the "tacos your way." Be sure to get some of the signature dips, like the traditional with avocados and cucumbers or a roja made with fire-roasted tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos.

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North Country Brewing Co

$$$$

Brewery

Cranberry

4.5

445 reviews

This acclaimed Slippery Rock brewery and restaurant is the site for some of the best cheap eats in Pittsburgh. A cozy and unassuming spot, North Country is known for their signature "carnivore" sandwiches, including the "Runnin' Bull" with roasted beef brisket and the smoked pork barbecue in an IPA marinade. Don't miss the extensive menu of house-made brews. Try the "Station 33" firehouse red with a malty color, or the Paleo IPA with plenty of hop punch. There's also a traditional English-style cask ale and a rich "Stone House" stout.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Atria's - Pleasant Hills

$$$$

American

Pleasant Hills

4.5

1323 reviews

The Pleasant Hills location of this celebrated chain is one of the top places for cheap eats in Pittsburgh. Be sure to try some of the signature drinks from Artia's, including a triple-smoked Manhattan made with whiskey, vermouth, and badabing cherries. A classic Moscow mule includes Tito's, ginger beer, and fresh-squeezed lime, and the "Spring Garden" includes gin, prosecco, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Huszar

$$$$

Hungarian

Downtown

4.6

243 reviews

For a traditional Hungarian meal and some cheap eats in the city, Huszar is the spot to go. Right off of North Avenue, Huszar is a welcoming spot full of exceptional Hungarian dishes. On weekends, the langos - traditional Hungarian crispy fried bread - is a must-have. For appetizers, try the potato pancake with sour cream and shredded cheese, or the fried cheese served with tartar dressing and white rice. Entrees include a Transylvanian wooden platter with grilled chicken, pork, and steak with fried potatoes and side salads. A gypsy pork loin is garlic-infused with slab bacon and fried potatoes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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