Pittsburgh Cafe Spotlight [Socially distant edition]
Happy International Coffee Day!
Ever since the COVID outbreak hit and upended virtually life as we once knew it here in the US, one of the biggest transformations for me has been going out walking more. The walks have been either in the morning before the start of the workday or early evening after logging off for the day. They started out as merely brisk 15-20 minute strolls in the nearby blocks while I immersed myself in music or podcast - as a way to get some fresh air after hours of sitting inside looking at a computer. Slowly but surely the walks expanded further across nearby neighborhoods, with stops for take out at a local coffee shop.
The walks have been an immensely helpful activity with de-stressing and self reflection for me. Honestly, as I put on my headphones, mask, and sunglasses, I can basically live in my own world of music! (However, I would not suggest doing this too often for risk of becoming permanently socially awkward/anti-social) But as I begin to exhaust my nearby area, I decided it was time to venture out of my comfort zone and launched on an "epic walking trip” touring several cafes around the city of Pittsburgh for a day. The story of the walk will come some time later, but for this post I highlight some cafes I’ve enjoyed over the past couple of months, of which some were visited during that epic walk.
Biddle’s Escape
401 Biddle Ave
One of the cafes that had been on my bucket list for the longest. Right on the edge of Wilkinsburg and Point Breeze neighborhoods, it sits in a quiet residential area with Madeleine’s Bakery across the street as well. Didn’t get a chance to stop by as there was a pretty long line, and this was during my epic walking trip so I had other places to catch! Unfortunately because of the pandemic seating is limited to the outdoor area (which, is still super nice!). Got myself a regular coffee as I hadn’t realized it is cash-only (long story for a later time). Anyhow, I had heard it had an eclectic feel, but I really like it (passes my “vibe check”), and hope to return some time when I have more cash to try out more things!
Rating:
Coffee: 9/10
Environment: 10/10
Consistency: N/A - first visit
Overall: 9.5/10
Big Dog Coffee
2717 Sarah St
Continuing with one of the cafes I visited durinng my walking trip, Big Dog Coffee is over on the South Side (right off of Carson St / South Side Works / Hot Metal Bridge). Big Dog had some socially distant seating inside, which was perfect given I it was after one of the longer legs of my walk (no pun intended), it was nice to sit down, rest, and charge my phone! That phone charge session actually made the biggest difference for me and was key to lasting my phone through the rest of my journey. The baristas were super friendly. They recommended me their PSL - I had asked what was their ‘best’ drinks. It was my very first PSL of 2020, and I’m glad to have it from a local coffee shop! It had a nice layout and artwork. An excellent place to hunker down and be productive. I also recommend the general area as well as the Hot Metal Bridge with alternate views of Downtown from the Monongahela River.
Rating:
Coffee: 9/10
Environment: 10/10
Consistency: N/A - first visit
Overall: 9.5/10
KLVN Coffee Lab
6600 Hamilton Ave
I did a first review of this early quarantine in April, but I have since visited them several times and tried several drinks, as well as picked up some tacos from Baby Loves Tacos’ weekly popup. For those who don’t know, Baby Loves Tacos is, in my opinion, the best tacos I’ve had in Pittsburgh so far. The owner Zack is super friendly. We first connected over both knowing one of my favorite faculty members at Carnegie Mellon. Anyhow, back to KLVN, I have been particularly interested in sparkling + citrus-y + coffee type beverages and KLVN has been key with their Cold Brew Old-Fashioned and Mescalero drinks. They also just recently came out with fall drinks (Atol de Elote and Caramel Apple Cider) that I still need to try sometime!
Rating:
Coffee: 9/10
Environment: 10/10
Consistency: 9/10
Overall: 9.5/10
Adda Coffee & Tea House
200 S Highland Ave
This one’s close to me, both figurately and geographically (Read more in a previous review). They have been one of my “TGIF” morning go-tos for the past couple weeks. When the weather was warmer, the Shadyside Sunrise (another of those sparking + citrus-y type coffee drink), as well as limited time Pea Blossom Matcha Latte were my favorites. They’ve expanded their outdoor seating off the curb of Highland Ave, and put out these nice “Adda Coffee” umbrellas at each table that to me automatically passes the Environment check. They’ve also partnered with mola in East Liberty with some Pasteis de nata (Portuguese egg tart) (a major throwback to the egg tarts (蛋撻) I had as a child), and also opening a ‘third’ location (Adda Bazaar) as a marketplace in the previous Gluten Free Goat location.
Rating:
Coffee: 10/10
Environment: 10/10
Consistency: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
Arriviste Coffee Bar
5730 Ellsworth Ave
The other one both physically and figuratively close to me. (Physically this one’s even closer than Adda) Also not my first review (see my previous review here). Their cafe con miel is still my all. time. favorite. drink. Period. The baristas also one of my favorites. They also have a whopping three of the sparking + citrus-y type drinks. Also, is there a term to describe that particular type of coffee drink? Kinda inconvenient to have to keep trying to describe what it is…. Anyhow, for the past couple weeks, Mi Empanda Pittsburgh had also been having their popups outside of Arriviste. Prior to the popups, I’ve actually never had empanadas. But ever since, it’s been my go-to every Saturday morning. Cafe con miel + empanadas while watching the cars pass by Ellsworth Ave….my type of relaxing weekend morning 👌
Rating:
Coffee: 11/10
Environment: 10/10
Consistency: 11/10
Overall: 11/10…is that even allowed lol? 😂
Now, go have some coffee!