Kristy Locklin
Published March 2, 2020
https://www.nextpittsburgh.com
If you’re still committed to your New Year’s weight loss resolution, Pittsburgh can be a tough place to live.
There are a bunch of restaurants opening around town in the next few months, from fried chicken eateries and barbecue joints to places serving upscale comfort food.
Here are nine that are opening soon.
Photo courtesy of The Coop Chicken & Waffles.
The Coop Chicken & Waffles, North Side
Here’s something to crow about: one of the ‘burgh’s most beloved food trucks (the one that looks like a big red barn) is getting a brick-and-mortar shop at 401 East Ohio St. The Coop Chicken & Waffles will be your go-to spot for the famous poultry-pastry combo, as well as new offerings such as bone-in birds, salads, sandwiches and family-sized meals. Residents and neighboring businesses are excited: Allegheny City Brewing even whipped up a batch of Flew the Coop Stout, a waffle and maple syrup beer, to celebrate the occasion.
Photo courtesy of Fig & Ash.
Fig & Ash, North Side
The menus are printed. The tables are set. The staff is ready to work. Chef Cory Hughes is chomping at the bit to open his farm-to-flame restaurant. After hammering out a few more details, 514 East Ohio St. will be bumpin’. The 1,800-square-foot space seats 54. Belly up to the bar or at the chef’s counter, where you can watch your food being prepared on a wood-fired oven. That’s one delicious way to warm up on a cold day.
Pita My Shawarma, Lawrenceville
Another mobile eatery that’s putting it in park is Pita My Shawarma, which specializes in modern Mediterranean food. It’s setting up shop at 3716 Butler St. and, according to an Instagram post, will be dishing out freshly made shawarma, hummus wraps and other goodies by this summer.
Pusadee’s Garden, Lawrenceville
If you’ve taken a stroll through Lawrenceville lately, you’ve probably seen the sign and started salivating. Pusadee’s Garden is reopening this spring after sprucing up 5321 Butler St. The restaurant, known for its traditional Thai dishes — mmm, can’t you just taste the crab fried rice? — is also a feast for the eyes. Its patio is one of the prettiest in Pittsburgh.
Sewickley Tavern. Photo courtesy of Studio St. Germain.
Sewickley Tavern, Sewickley
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style! Sewickley Tavern opens March 17 at 409 Beaver St. The building has been renovated from the ground up to include sustainable features such as solar panels on the roof, air quality monitors, acoustic ceiling materials and antibacterial restroom stalls. The owner-chef team of Courtney Yates and Dave DeVoss is constructing a menu to match the new digs. Highlights include everything from Scotch duck egg, honey Andouille sausage and hush puppies with beer cheese sauce, to hearty sandwiches, jambalaya and New York strip steak. The tavern boasts eight taps and specialty cocktails concocted with house-made mixers.
Photo courtesy of Coop de Ville.
Coop de Ville, Strip District & gi-jin, Downtown
Folks will soon flock to Coop de Ville at 2301 Smallman St. for southern-fried chicken sandwiches and salads. This fast-casual venture from the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group built a loyal following through its pop-up presence at täkō. In addition to good food, the new spot will feature good fun with duckpin bowling, arcade games, pinball machines, pool tables, bocce courts, ping-pong and more. On the opposite end of the culinary spectrum, the DeShantz team is debuting a raw bar called gi-jin. The intimate space at 208 Sixth St. will specialize in sushi offerings that are works of edible art. Both concepts are slated to open around April.
Photo courtesy of Oakmont Barbeque Company.
Off the Rails Barbeque & Drafthouse, Verona
Oakmont Barbeque Company, a roving rib joint, is putting down roots in neighboring Verona. The old gas station and used car lot at 549 Allegheny River Blvd. has been converted into a spot where you can fuel up on St. Louis-style BBQ. Off the Rails will have indoor and outdoor seating and a bar with 12 draft beers. A soft opening will be held March 7 at 1 p.m.
Rendering courtesy of The Woods House Historic Pub.
Woods House Historic Pub, Hazelwood
The Woods House Historic Pub at 4604 Monongahela St. is adding a new chapter to its lengthy story this May. Constructed around 1792 by Col. George Woods, the surveyor who laid out Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle, the stone structure was a residence for generations and then sat abandoned for 30 years. Once the restoration is complete, the house will be a restaurant serving traditional pub food with modern flair and a variety of scotch, bourbon and whiskey.
Top photo courtesy of Fig and Ash.