The Most Fun Restaurants in Pittsburgh

The diversity of food in Pittsburgh results from the city's former steel industry. Immigrants flocked to The Steel City for an opportunity – from the American South to the Italian countryside. With them, they brought their unique contributions, transforming the culinary scene. Although the steel industry has disappeared, the food traditions have not. Locals love their French fry covered salads, rare steaks, and all kinds of creative concoctions. But where do the savviest diners go to have a good time and a meal? Welcome to Tastemaker 20. We've collected data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Check out all these fun restaurants in Pittsburgh and book a table before missing out on the excitement!

The OpenTable Team

13 Restaurants

Updated October 31, 2019

Restaurants:	Tree Tops Restaurant, Siempre Algo, Morcilla…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Contemporary American, American, Spanish…
Neighborhoods:	Acme, Downtown, Lawrenceville…

Tree Tops Restaurant

$$$$

Contemporary American

Acme

4.7

1538 reviews

Frank Lloyd Wright designed structures that focused on organic architecture, and Tree Tops Restaurant was created with this trend in mind. Stone fireplaces, unprocessed wood and tons of foliage all combine for a relaxing environment to enjoy a great meal. Tours of the classic homes onsite make this a unique fun restaurant in Pittsburgh, but even without the tours, the menu is enough to impress. It includes filet mignon, wild caught salmon, chicken cutlets and a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.

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

At Siempre Algo Restaurant, one of the more noticeable signs says ‘Don't worry. Everything is going to be amazing.’ The eatery manages to follow through on this promise with great food, a welcoming environment and an undeniably relaxing ambiance. Guests are surrounded by unique lighting, old school wood designs and framed art that creates a simultaneously contemporary and vintage appeal. It may be hard to pay attention to all this, though, while enjoying American classics like low-country boil, strip loin steak, red snapper and heirloom carrot salad.

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

Morcilla

$$$$

Spanish

Lawrenceville

4.8

1411 reviews

Cider maker dinners, beer brunches and hog butchering demonstrations are just small examples of why people believe Morcilla is one of the fun restaurants of Pittsburgh. These events are minute parts of the excitement, though, for an eatery that has a signature charcuterie program, family-style menu and hanging meats getting ready for use. The solid wood paneling, vintage lighting and exposed brick add to the old-school ambiance. Menu favorites include beef tartare, roasted Laurel Hill Farm trout, cider braised chicken and a host of other Spanish influenced cuisine with a contemporary kick.

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

The Melting Pot - Pittsburgh

$$$$

Fondue

Downtown

4.7

1310 reviews

Double Date Fridays, holiday gatherings, fundraising opportunities and other featured events make The Melting Pot stand out as one of Pittsburgh’s favorite fun restaurants. Even without these affairs, though, the focus on fondue still makes this eatery a unique experience. The New York Times even called it "pure entertainment.” Every table has its own fondue area, and while there are a variety of menu options to choose from, many people opt for the four-course experience followed by one of the numerous varieties of chocolate fondue.

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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The Vandal

$$$$

Contemporary European

Lawrenceville

4.5

401 reviews

How could an eatery known as The Vandal – complete with special events such as Sicilian dinner and All Rose dinner parties – not be considered one of the most fun restaurants in Pittsburgh? The decor inside is simple yet unique – with exposed brick, simple clay vases, distressed walls and vintage seating – but the fare is mostly contemporary European. Crowd favorites include seasonal salads, roasted chicken, smoked trout and the popular Vandal Cheeseburger. Keep in mind that the menu can change frequently.

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

Bonfire Food and Drink

$$$$

American

Downtown

4.5

383 reviews

Whether a guest chooses to sit on the first or second floor of Bonfire will dictate their dining experience. The Downstairs menu features smaller options with a few main courses – such as hanger steak or roasted salmon – peppered in. The Upstairs menu is mostly appetizers and a larger variety of main courses such as bacon wrapped pork tenderloin and braised beef cheeks. Either way, the discounts during Happy Hour, stone walls, wood-fired stove and unique lighting combine into an environment that’s perfect for one of the fun restaurants in Pittsburgh.

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

Carmella's Plates and Pints

$$$$

American

Downtown

4.7

607 reviews

For anyone who’s wanted to enjoy a meal inside a mountain lodge, Carmella’s Plates and Pints might be their best chance in the city. There's taxidermy, a wood-beamed cathedral ceiling, stained glass windows and an open fireplace. The large wine selection, live music and holiday events (including an exciting New Year’s Eve bash) easily land this eatery the fun restaurant in Pittsburgh designation. When guests calm down from all this greatness, they can enjoy delicious offerings such as roasted asparagus soup, pan seared salmon, hanger steak, wild game burgers and many other farm to table offerings.

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

It might be difficult to find Old-World Hungarian cuisine in cities, but Huszar offers just that in one of the most fun restaurants in Pittsburgh. They host exciting events – such as the Annual Bacon Roast and live music – that attract both locals and visitors alike. An electronic jukebox and a distinct dive bar feel – without actually being a dive bar – also do wonders in making a meal here an experience. They have special menus for certain events, but daily offerings include Hungarian goulash, mushroom paprikas, lecsos steak and the Hungarian style kielbasa sandwich.

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

Cornerstone Restaurant

$$$$

Contemporary American

Aspinwall

4.5

287 reviews

The menu at Cornerstone is large and eclectic, and for many people, this is enough to qualify as a fun restaurant in Pittsburgh. As it turns out, their discount tacos and beer during Happy Hour is sufficient for attracting everyone else. The dinner menu features contemporary American options like duck confit, baked goat cheese, charcuterie, Amish chicken and a variety of seasonal entrees. This is all enjoyed among luxury lighting, candlelit tables and fine art that put this simple little bar/restaurant on its own level of chic.

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

Texas de Brazil - Pittsburgh

$$$$

Steakhouse

Mt. Washington

4.5

4282 reviews

There are plenty of steakhouses throughout the city, but none are quite like Texas de Brazil. After enjoying a nice salad, imported cheeses and other starters, guests are greeted by a continuous line of gauchos who cut a variety of meats right at the table. The side items and desserts are great, but the variety of meats are what really stand out. Brazilian sausage, leg of lamb, parmesan-crusted pork loin and filet mignon are just a few of the options available. The cast-iron chandeliers, huge foliage around the salad bar and the striking red color on the wall create a remarkable ambiance.

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

North Country Brewing Co

$$$$

Brewery

Cranberry

4.5

445 reviews

Just walking up to the rustic English-style pub that is North Country Brewing Company is enough to alert patrons that a fun restaurant in Pittsburgh is about to be discovered. This place looks like it was teleported directly from the old country villages from ‘across the pond.’ They have frequent events – ranging from live music and open mic nights to special gatherings like Kegs and Eggs! – along with fun branded apparel that patrons simply love wearing out. Menu offerings include the portabella 'shrooben, impossible burger, beer-battered fish, crab cakes and a variety of both pasta and gluten-free options.

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

Altius

$$$$

Contemporary American

Mt. Washington

4.8

5197 reviews

With featured art from the James Gallery, completely unique globe lighting, massive windows for spectacular city views and avant-garde sculptures throughout, it’s hard to deny that Altius is one of the most chic and fun restaurants in Pittsburgh. They offer contemporary American cuisine at its finest, and their drink menu features well over 100 options. Guests may find it difficult to choose between the veal osso Bucco, Australian lamb rack, Duroc pork chop and other delicious options, but this is exactly why multiple trips to the eatery is the ideal way to go.

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

Eighty Acres Kitchen & Bar

$$$$

Contemporary American

Plum

4.8

801 reviews

Those seeking contemporary American cuisine in a kid-friendly environment need to visit Eighty Acres Kitchen & Bar. Live music, fundraisers, Spanish wine pairings and specialty dinner nights mean there’s a little something to excite everyone. Even if all these things don’t appeal to a guest – leaving their search for a fun restaurant in Pittsburgh incomplete – the menu will no doubt still attract them. Offerings include coyote queso, roasted pork tenderloin, braised short ribs and a delicious selection of salads. Everyone should also try out the Sunday brunch at least once!

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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The Most Fun Restaurants