New Year's in Pittsburgh

[mlipps]

My boyfriend & I are going to be in Pittsburgh to visit the University of Pitt as one of his law school candidates/visit my friend who lives on Mt. Washington. I have been a couple of times so I am generally familiar w/the area, but this will be my first visit since my 21st birthday. We'll be there from Dec. 31st till Jan 2nd. I'm looking for a few recs for a fun place to spend New Year's, a few inexpensive lunch places, and maybe somewhere a little more expensive to eat for dinner. We like almost anything, although I live in Chicago so I'm generally unimpressed by ethnic food in other cities unless it's pretty outstanding.
Thanks in advance!!! :)

[yayadave]

Since you're out of town, you may not know about this event. It must have some food involved somewhere!!

http://www.firstnightpgh.org/

[mlipps]

Holy crap! How cool!! Thanks so much :)

[Panini Guy]

Not suggesting this for NYE, but for an inexpensive dinner, Yo Rita in the SouthSide. It's to tacos what Hot Doug's is to weiners. If you asked for one thing you can't get in Chicago but you can in Pittsburgh, Yo Rita would be my answer. Bonus: it's actually very, very good. In addition to the non-traditional soft taco fillings (which have little to do with Mexico, so comparisons to S.Side Chicago Mexican don't apply), should they have the $4 grits with huitlacoche when you're there, get a couple bowls and dive in. Sadly they're not open for lunch or we'd be there all the time. Two tacos per person are surprisingly very filling and with an appetizer are a full dinner.

For a more expensive dinner (again, not NYE), I'd suggest Salt of the Earth For reference, it compares extremely favorably to Schwa (I'd argue it's better), and is more affordable with a more interesting and engaging dining room. Two can have app/entree/dessert/wine/tip for under $150.

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Yo Rita
1120 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

[yayadave]

Don't miss the soup at Yo Rita, either.

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Yo Rita
1120 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

[mlipps]

Thanks guys! Salt of the Earth sounds wonderful but unfortunately out of my college student budget. yo Rita, on the other hand, sounds PERFECT! :) Can't wait!

[Burghfeeder]

Since you will be on Mount Washington, a couple of new places have just opened. One is the Shiloh Grill, which is on Shiloh Street where the Shiloh Inn was. Just about across the street is a new kind of trendy small bar called Havana. If you don't care to drive, you can also take the Mon Incline down to Station Square where there are a number of bars and restaurants. Make sure to go inside the Grand Concourse...It's really beautiful. They also have a great happy hour with good prices on drinks and half price appetizers.

http://burghfeeding.blogspot.com/

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Shiloh Inn
123 Shiloh St, Pittsburgh, PA 15211

Station Square
2 E Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

[Augie6]

New Years Eve? What type of crowd are you looking for?

[mlipps]

We're young (I'm 21 and he's 24) but neither one of us are much for anything club-y, and neither are heavy drinkers so probably not a place with one of those crazy expensive all you can drink things. Just a unique place that will be hopping on New Years but not too fancy.

[Augie6]

I am not too familiar with anything directly in Mt. Washington, but Station Square seems to be your best bets. I am also in that age group, and you will be able to find something to suit you down there. Bar Room is typically I pretty neat scene. Not too cluby, but trendy on the inside (although bars in station square seem to change every month). There is also some other smaller places in that area. Grand Concourse is a lot more refined than anything down there,and main dinning room is fancier. Although, the bar area is awesome!!! ****I would recomend you have either reservations or atleast a plan way before you go out. (that goes for anywhere in pItt on new years). Alot are pre sales or limited seating only.

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Bar Room
7 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Station Square
2 E Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Grand Concourse Restaurant
100 W Station Square Dr Ste 1, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

[mlipps]

Thanks to both of you for the suggestions! I've been to Station Square before so I at least know how to get there, so I'll scope it out and see what looks interesting.
Grand Concourse sounds great too, that will be wonderful.
Any must visits as far as inexpensive restaurants near Pitt? I've had the world famous ice cream already, so I know about that one, but any neat little lunch spots etc. would be fantastic!

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Station Square
2 E Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Grand Concourse Restaurant
100 W Station Square Dr Ste 1, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

[Augie6]

I would def recomend Joe Mamas, if you like Italian type meals. Great website too.(www.joemamas.com) Close enought to Pitt. You will no problem finding something you like!!! ... Spice Island Tea House is also decent. Although, being from Chi Town, might not be all that. just be warned looks shady

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Spice Island Tea House
253 Atwood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213