Pittsburgh Peeps

[LauraMoser]

 We are going to Pittsburgh in less than two weeks, yay! We are staying for three days. We have found things to do with our kids (4.5 yo and 2 yo, and a baby). We plan to visit the Carnegie Science Center as well as the zoo and aquarium (primarily the aquarium since it will be cold). 

So really my question is, where are some family/budget friendly places to eat while we're there? We are food lovers and like to try new things, as well as regional things. Is Primanti Bros. worth a visit? They sure look good on TV!

ETA: Any good hotel recs? We're looking for something moderately priced.

[LauraMoser]

Anyone? Bueller?

[scherbatsky]

What part of the city are you staying in?

[frlcb]

I just went to visit a friend with my 21 month old daughter, we did the Pittsburgh Children's Museum and it was really good - pittsburghkids.org/

We also ate at Jerome Bettis's restaurant which was right by one of the stadiums, and it was child friendly. jeromebettisgrille36.g3restaurants.com/

I have only ever eaten at Primanti Brothers after drinking so I have no advice there

My dh and I went for my friends wedding last year and did Priceline and stayed at the Omni William Penn for like $100 and it was really nice. I have also stayed at the Springhill Suites in the South Side and it was nice.

[londoncalling]

The only suggestion I have in terms of activities is you may want to try the national aviary on the north side instead of the zoo/aquarium depending on the weather. They have a big penguin exhibit there too.

Where are you looking to stay? In town or outside of town? Primanti brothers is good enough (really good when you are drunk at 2 am), but the strip district location isn't the most family friendly of all the locations. It's more bar-like. Some of the other locations are more restaurant style.

[panicked]

I second the Aviary. There is also a children's museum nearby (not the science center).
link Primanti Bros. is absolutely a must-go destination. I met my husband at one! A nice sit-down casual dining place is Max and Erma's. They have the best warm chocolate chip cookies. ::drool::

[FloFTW]

William Penn Omni is great.

[librarygirl]

My parents when they visit love to stay at the Hampton Inn in the Strip District. The big plus is that parking is free (they have their own lot on the premises), free breakfast, etc. Anywhere on the North Shore is good in terms of location (Residence Inn, Spring Hill Suites, Hyatt Place).

I have a whole list of Pittsburgh attractions/restaurant reviews on my blog:

www.theredheadedtraveler.com/p/pittsburgh.html

I agree with a pp about the Jerome Bettis Grill (he's beloved around here)-good food, relaxed ambiance! The South Side Works also has a ton of family friendly restaurants too.

As for Primanti's-it's not my thing but some people absolutely love it

[littlemisssunshine]

I third the Aviary. Love, love, loved it! The birds are so entertaining and we spent several hours there. They have a live bird show where they let birds fly around the room. A large owl swooped over our heads and hit my head with his wing. Very cool! Also Schenley Park is fun for a picnic. Also check out Ketchupsaurus. blogs.smithsonianmag.com/dinosaur/2012/03/dinosaur-sighting-ketchupsaurus-and-company/

Primanti's Brothers is good, as is Pamela's. Waffellonia is yummy. I love Church Works Brew, a old cathedral turned brewery and restaurant. If you like Asian we really enjoyed Little Asia. I don't have kids so I can't vouch for kid friendliness on any of these, but the food is good! 

[froggy76]

Pamela's has the most amazing hotcakes. I think Primanti brothers is overrated. Church Brew Works is awesome and LOUD, so you wouldn't have to worry about your kids being noisy.

Las time I was there, we went to a hot dog place in the basement of a church downtown - Franktuary. It was good!

The science center and Duquesne Incline are fun. The aviary is also really nice. I've never been to the zoo.

If you end up near Pitt, there's a place called Lulu's (formerly Yum Wok?) that has awesome asian food. It's really close to the museum of natural history.

ETA: if you want to try Pamela's on a weekend, be prepared to wait in line for awhile. You'll want to go on a weekday, or make sure you beat the typical brunch rush.

[pbandj]

If you are looking for a family friendly breakfast place - Square Cafe is great. Good food, kid friendly and open early (8am on weekends). It is in the Regent Square area, a more residential area, not near many hotels. Coca Cafe in Lawrenceville is nice too. For dinner, Church Brew Works, BRGR or Burgatory are casual and kid friendly. Mad Mex, which is a chain is pretty kid friendly.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Childrens Museum are both good alternatives for inside activities.

[Balki.Bartokomous]

The zoo is good, but this time of year, it's too cold. Go to the aviary instead. Love that place. They'll let your kids feed the birds worms and stuff. For kids, I've heard great things about the Children's Museum. The science center is cool, too, but that might not keep the 2yo entertained.

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is ranked one of the best and the dinosaur exhibit is awesome. If you go to the museum, there is a new restaurant called the Porch in Schenley Plaza right next to it. It was decent.

Take a trip up the incline, for sure.

Primanti Brothers is overrated. Pamela's is good. Not sure what kind of food you're looking for, but here are some kid-friendly restaurants I'd take friends if they were visiting:

Point Brugge Cafe - Great brunch; IIRC I've seen kids there, but you might want to call & double-check that they can accommodate you. It's pretty small but worth the wait.
Dozen Bake Shop - good brunch.
Aladdin's Eatery
Rose Tea Cafe
Taste of India
Uncle Sam's

[londoncalling]

If you do Pamela's most locations are cash only so be warned in advance. Can't vouch for their coffee, but their hotcakes are great - the strawberry are my favorite.

Lulu's noodles is on S.Craig St across from the natural history museum.

[kwynn]

Ahh, Pittsburgh, with your $.50 random admissions and your cash only restaurants. It's like it's 1985 all over again.

Seriously, you will love Pittsburgh---it is so quaint. Very friendly. I'm looking forward to moving back.

I also recommend Hampton Inn in the Strip District.