Discovering Pittsburgh's Best Coffee: A Journey Through Local Cafés
Table of Contents
- Key Highlights:
- Introduction
- Squirrel Hill’s Gem: Commonplace Coffee
- The Shadyside Experience: Arriviste Coffee Roasters
- New on the Block: Ineffable Cà Phê
- The Busy Morning Buzz: KLVN Coffee Lab
- Sustainable Choices: Redstart Roasters
- A Cozy Nook: Spigolo
- The Mechanics Behind Great Coffee: Mechanic Coffee Company
- Embracing the Local Flavor
Key Highlights:
- Pittsburgh boasts a vibrant coffee culture with a variety of high-quality cafés, especially in trendy neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill and Shadyside.
- Commonplace Coffee stands out with its excellent brews and welcoming atmosphere, a must-visit for anyone in the area.
- New entries like Ineffable Cà Phê highlight the city's growing diversity in coffee offerings, especially with specialized beverages like Vietnamese coffee.
Introduction
Pittsburgh, a city known for its rich history and stunning landscape, is also emerging as a vibrant hub for coffee enthusiasts. Over recent years, indie coffee shops have sprouted throughout the city, each offering unique flavors, atmospheres, and experiences. As the café culture thrives, locals and visitors alike are discovering the best spots to enjoy expertly crafted brews. This guide will navigate through Pittsburgh's must-visit coffee cafés, showcasing the best that the city has to offer for both casual drinkers and coffee aficionados.
Squirrel Hill’s Gem: Commonplace Coffee
One of the standout destinations in Pittsburgh’s coffee scene is Commonplace Coffee, located in the heart of Squirrel Hill. Known for its third-wave coffee approach, Commonplace offers a minimalistic interior, brightened by an assortment of indoor plants. The ambiance strikes a balance between casual chic and functionality, making it an ideal spot for meetings or a quiet morning coffee.
The highlight at Commonplace is undoubtedly its coffee. On a recent visit, a cortado was selected, and its creamy texture and robust flavor did not disappoint. Tasting notes reveal a delightful nutty and chocolate undertone, showcasing the barista's skill and the quality of the beans sourced.
Commonplace Coffee Location:
- Address: 5827 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
The Shadyside Experience: Arriviste Coffee Roasters
Just a short drive from Squirrel Hill, Arriviste Coffee Roasters in Shadyside has gained a loyal following. This café marries the art of in-house coffee roasting with an inviting atmosphere. The interior features comfortable seating, making it conducive for conversations or studying.
On a visit, an afternoon meeting turned into a delightful coffee tasting experience, highlighted by an artisan cappuccino adorned with intricate latte art. The baristas take pride in their craft, and customers appreciate their personable approach and knowledge about coffee origins.
Arriviste Coffee Roasters Location:
- Address: 5730 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
- Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm; Friday – Sunday, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
New on the Block: Ineffable Cà Phê
A noteworthy addition to Pittsburgh's coffee scene is Ineffable Cà Phê, a café that specializes in Vietnamese coffee. Nestled inside a Vietnamese grocery store, it offers an authentic taste of Vietnamese coffee culture. The unique brewing methods employed and delicious espresso from renowned La Colombe make it a must-try for those looking to explore distinctive flavors.
Customers can also enjoy the beautiful dining space that offers an inviting ambiance for a casual coffee date or quiet reflection.
Ineffable Cà Phê Location:
- Address: 7511 Thomas Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
- Hours: Daily, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Busy Morning Buzz: KLVN Coffee Lab
KLVN Coffee Lab has garnered a reputation for its bustling morning crowd, and it's easy to see why. This coffee spot focuses on crafting high-quality beverages while fostering a community atmosphere. The café’s layout is inviting, featuring ample space for customers to relax or work.
The highlight here is the meticulous attention to detail in each cup served. Regulars often rave about the excellent cortados and pour-over coffees that maintain a consistent quality.
KLVN Coffee Lab Location:
- Address: 6600 Hamilton Ave, Fl 1, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sustainable Choices: Redstart Roasters
For those who appreciate sustainability in their coffee choices, Redstart Roasters offers a unique selling point. Dubbed a "sustainable bird-friendly microroaster," Redstart not only serves high-quality coffee but also contributes a portion of its sales to bird preservation.
On a recent visit, the cortado confirmed the café's commitment to quality, boasting a robust flavor profile that caters to various palates. The bird-themed decor pays homage to the café’s mission, making it a conversation starter.
Redstart Roasters Location:
- Address: 224 N Euclid Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
- Hours: Daily, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
A Cozy Nook: Spigolo
Strolling into Spigolo feels like stepping into a cozy living room. This quaint coffee shop, housed in an old home, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere paired with great coffee. The staff welcomes you with genuine warmth, and the selection of drinks, particularly the cortado, impresses with its quality.
With outdoor seating during warmer months, it’s a perfect place to enjoy a cup in the company of friends or a good book.
Spigolo Location:
- Address: 101 Edgewood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm; Saturday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm; Sunday, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Mechanics Behind Great Coffee: Mechanic Coffee Company
Located in a vibrant neighborhood, Mechanic Coffee Company is lauded for its expertly brewed coffee and friendly service. The busy café always seems to have a welcoming bustle, making it an attractive stop for locals and tourists alike.
On one of my visits, a cortado was the drink of choice. Its rich flavor served as a perfect companion to the café's inviting atmosphere.
Mechanic Coffee Company Location:
- Address: 5830 Ellsworth Avenue #100, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
- Hours: Monday – Saturday, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm; Sunday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Embracing the Local Flavor
Pittsburgh's coffee shops each have their distinct characteristics, drawing coffee lovers from various backgrounds. From third-wave cafés focusing on high-quality beans to charming locales that prioritize sustainability, the city fosters an impressive coffee culture.
As more cafés open and existing ones continue to innovate, the vibrant coffee scene will not only energize mornings but will also create spaces for community gathering and social interactions.
FAQ
What are the best neighborhoods to find coffee shops in Pittsburgh? Some of the top neighborhoods include Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and Lawrenceville, where a diverse array of cafes can be explored.
Are there any cafés with a focus on sustainability? Yes, Redstart Roasters is a prime example, featuring bird-friendly practices and sustainable sourcing for their coffee.
Which coffee shop is ideal for working remotely? Places like KLVN Coffee Lab and Commonplace Coffee offer comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi, perfect for those looking to get some work done.
How can I discover more local coffee shops? Exploring different neighborhoods in Pittsburgh is the best way to stumble upon hidden gems. Social media platforms and local food blogs can also highlight the latest openings and favorites.
In conclusion, whether you're a daily coffee drinker or an occasional enthusiast, Pittsburgh has an impressive selection of coffee shops offering high-quality brews and inviting atmospheres. The local coffee culture reflects the city's diversity, innovation, and community spirit.
