Insider's Guide to Pittsburgh's Millvale Neighborhood

Repost from Visit Pittsburgh. [Click here to view original article.]

This reinvented Pittsburgh neighborhood is now a go-to for craft beer, great bars and top entertainment

Once known as a rundown industrial mill town, Millvale has since reinvented itself by developing entertainment and recreation opportunities over the past decade. Millvale is home to a handful of well-known local treasures alongside some hidden gems that draw visitors from across the city and beyond. Home to the infamous Millvale Music Festival, Millvale Pride Festival and Millvale Days Festival, this small but mighty town has a little something for everybody!

When I moved to Millvale a little over 4 years ago, I was mainly excited for the affordable rent and easy commute to the city. Little did I know, within those 4 years, I would fall in love with the town and the community surrounding it. I think a lot of people overlook Millvale due to its reputation in the past, but as a Millvale resident, I can full-heartedly say that this little town has more than meets the eye.

What’s New?

Millvale Market After decades without a local grocery store, Millvale Market officially opened its doors for business in late January. The market, located at 24 Grant Avenue, sells fresh produce, prepared foods, grocery staples, delicious coffee drinks, and more! In addition, they sell local favorites from The Pickled Chef, Baby Loves Tacos, Sprezzatura, Turner’s Tea and more!
Harold’s Haunt Feeling witchy? Harold's Haunt in Millvale is a themed they-bar with comfy community vibes that welcomes spirits of all kinds. Owned by Millvale's own local witches, Harold's Haunt is the perfect destination to enjoy a cocktail or listen to a story about the resident ghost.

Eat

Iron Born Pizza. Credit: @bridgesbottlesnbites on Instagram

Duncan Street Sandwich Shop Duncan Street Sandwich shop located on North Avenue is the definition a hidden gem. This Millvale restaurant serves up massive gourmet sandwiches and unique sides that will have your mouth watering for more. You can enjoy your sammy out in the sun on their private outdoor patio and BYOB. My go-to order is the Nashville Hot Turkey sandwich, it’s spicy but delectable!

Iron Born Pizza Enjoy Detroit-style pizza right in Pittsburgh! Iron Born Pizza serves up their delicious pizza in their small Millvale take out shop and in the Strip District’s Smallman Galley. My personal favorite is the White Pie because of the deliciously tangy onion jam, although I have tried almost every pizza on their menu and have never once been disappointed!

Jean-Marc's French Bakery. Credit @wannabeyinzer on Instagram

Jean-Marc Chatellier's French Bakery Jean-Marc’s opened in 1992 as a wholesale business, and quickly became a destination for regional favorites such as nut and poppy seed rolls and French baked goods. Jean Marc’s baked treats stand at the top of the city’s great bakeries. His sinfully rich butter cream icing, delicate macarons, versatile triple-layer cakes and authentic croissants are as tasty as you’ll find anywhere in France. And if you’re lucky, you’ll be there on a day they have baguettes, you’ll think you’re in Paris!

Lincoln’s P&G Diner Pamela’s Diner has always been a Pittsburgh fan-favorite breakfast spot with 6 locations surrounding the Greater Pittsburgh area. Millvale’s location, also known as Lincoln's P&G Diner, has been serving up Pamela's famous hotcakes, burgers, milkshakes and many other tasty treats out of the Lincoln Pharmacy for decades. Be sure to try the Big Lincoln – which includes a short stack of hotcakes, your choice of breakfast meat and their infamous lyonnaise potatoes.

Drink

Grist House Craft Brewery The homey outdoor atmosphere, impressive selection of brews, knowledgeable staff, and rotating schedule of local food trucks are just a few reasons why Grist House Craft Brewery has turned into a Millvale favorite since they opened in 2014. The outdoor beer garden alongside the recent expansion of their taproom makes this spot the perfect destination for locals and visitors to enjoy a perfect Pittsburgh summer night. More than likely, you can find me there Friday through Sunday enjoying a crisp IPA and admiring everyone’s furry four-legged friends!

Abeille Voyante Tea Co Abeille Voyante Tea Company, previously known as Tupelo Honey Tea, is a community driven tea shop that offers unique tea blends made by hand and delicious vegan baked goods. If you are a tea lover, you must check out this adorable little shop located next to the Millvale Library.

Strange Roots Experimental Ale (w/ Pittsburgh Sandwich Society)- There are very few things that are as satisfying as a beer and a delicious meal after a long day, right? Well lucky for you, Strange Roots Experimental Ale with the Pittsburgh Sandwich Society has got you covered! The artisanal brewery has a pub-style taproom that offers a rotating selection of small batch ales and delicious gourmet sandwiches from the Pittsburgh Sandwich Society. The In-N-Aht Burger is a must try!

Also notable… Sprezzatura (temporarily closed), Caesars Alehouse & Eatery, Grant Bar, Smokey’s Tavern, Sidelines Bar & Grill, Double L

Shop

B-sides Vintage Another Millvale hidden gem is B-Sides Vintage, a hip vintage retail clothing store located on Grant Avenue. B-Sides has it all from band tees, vintage boyfriend jeans, old school Pittsburgh sports jerseys and more! Whether you are stopping in to peruse the colorful racks or sell the items that have been taking up space in your closet, you never know what magic you’ll find at B-Sides! As an avid thrifter myself, I have found some amazing finds here and as much as I’d love to gatekeep this place it’s too good to not share.

Steel City Salt Co. If you see the salt man mural on the side of the building you know you came to the right place! The Steel City Salt Company, located on Grant Avenue, sells salts, seasonings, and rubs that they source from all over the world. Popular sellers include the Black & Gold blend, Dill Pickle Salt, and the Steeltown Garlic & Herb blend.

Attic Record Store Sure you can stream music right from your phone nowadays, but where is the fun in that? If you are a vinyl lover, you must check out The Attic record store in Millvale. The store has been around since 1980, selling new and used records. Prices vary widely, but you can almost always find what you’re looking for (even an awesome photo opportunity for the Gram right outside)!

Esther’s Hobby Shop Although hobby shops are not as common anymore, Esther’s Hobby Shop in Millvale is quite unique, modern and somewhat nostalgic. They carry things from painting supplies all the way to N scale model trains and accessories. You will feel like a kid in a candy store when you walk into Esther’s!
Other notable stores: Vintage 416, Curated Flame, Maude’s Paperwing Gallery

Play

Mr. Smalls Concert Venue Located in Millvale, the building in which Mr. Smalls resides once belonged to the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh as the site of St. Ann's Catholic Church built in 1924. The now converted live music and entertainment venue hosts several national touring acts each year. In my opinion, Mr. Smalls is one of the best concert venues I’ve ever visited, and I have been to quite a few. When you step inside, you feel as if you stepped into somewhere truly magical making this eclectic and innovative indie venue the perfect place to catch a live show.

Lumberjaxes Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking to switch up your date night, you may want to visit Lumberjaxes in Millvale. Tucked away in an old warehouse, you will find Pittsburgh’s first competitive axe throwing location (yes, competitive axe throwing is a thing). Whether you are a competitive person or not, Lumberjaxes is the perfect place to enjoy some alcoholic beverages and de-stress with some friends. In addition to axe throwing, Lumberjaxes offers Sliders Curling, America’s first competitive bar-style ice curling rink. Sliders Curling is offered in the winter and spring months so be sure to grab your squad and book before May 7th!
Millvale Riverfront Park The Millvale Riverfront Park makes the most of the borough’s waterfront location along the Allegheny River, with fishing, bike and boat rentals, Millvale Marina, a kayak and rowboat launch access, Mr. Small’s Skate Park and a tackle and bait shop. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail runs through the park and leads to PNC Park, Heinz Stadium and other hotspots along Pittsburgh’s North Shore.

Whether you are a Pittsburgh native or an out-of-town visitor, you’ll be surprised at what you can find just five minutes north of the city of Pittsburgh! Millvale may be small, but it’s sure to leave a mighty impact!