PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

Tom Savini has traveled all over the world making on-screen mayhem — but Bloomfield has always been home.

“I’ve been in the same house I was born and raised in for 77 years,” the filmmaker and special-effects master says. “There’s a lot of Pittsburgh in me.”

In addition to his hundreds of credits in the world of special effects, Savini has also appeared in acting roles in such films as “From Dusk Till Dawn,” “Django Unchained” and both versions of “Dawn of the Dead.” His career and achievements are well documented in the 2020 book “Savini: The Biography,” but we wanted to learn about the makeup specialist’s local picks. We asked: What is Tom Savini’s Best of the ’Burgh?

What’s your Pittsburgh “hidden gem,” a place that you love that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

Eide’s Entertainment. “Eide’s is a like a horror convention in one building.”

If you could only eat one local meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

“That would be the hot meatloaf sandwich at Ritter’s Diner — with mashed potatoes and everything covered in thick, hot gravy.”

If Pittsburgh had a theme song, what would it be?

“Pennies From Heaven” by The Skyliners

What’s the annual tradition that you wait for every year?

“The Halloween Parade here in Bloomfield. The mayor comes through on Halloween! That’s pretty cool.”

Favorite Pittsburgh appearance in a movie or on television?

The 1990 remake of “Night of the Living Dead” (Savini’s feature directing debut)

What’s your unpopular Pittsburgh opinion? What is something you think about the city (or a famous aspect of it) that won’t win you any friends?

“The South Side has changed, almost overnight … I can’t believe what’s happened. Shops are closing; restaurants aren’t doing business anymore.”

Where’s the first place you take out-of-town guests?

The Carnegie Museum of Art. When Quentin Tarantino came to town, however, Savini took him first to Primanti Bros. — and then to Eide’s Entertainment.

If you could bring back one Pittsburgh place or restaurant that’s no longer there, which would you pick?

“That’s easy — Del’s [in Bloomfield] … I grew up going to Del’s. People used to send me on errands to Del’s, picking up their pizzas.”

You get one Incline ride with any Pittsburgher, living or dead. Who is it?

Charles Bronson

For this year’s Best of the ’Burgh, we asked our staff and frequent contributors to tell us about things they’ve recently discovered in our region, whether it’s something new to the area or a longstanding institution they’ve never before experienced first-hand.

From a Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concert to an invention incubator in O’Hara, here are our 2024 Best of the ’Burgh picks.

Mancini’s Bakery and Pittsburgh Brewing Co. Collaboration

mancinisbakery.com | pittsburghbrewing.com

They say “beer is liquid bread” and, also, “bread is life.” I guess that’s why I’m living for Mancini’s Bakery buns made with Pittsburgh Brewing Co. spent grains.

The two titans of the city’s carbohydrate industry joined forces this spring to give Yinzer Nation the perfect Pittsburgh roll to hold all of that Isaly’s chipped chopped ham BBQ. And, since 85% of brewing waste is spent grain, the partnership reduces food waste. Double yoi! To celebrate the release of the new item, the bakery threw a Monday morning block party at their McKees Rocks headquarters.

The first 100 Burghers who showed up got to sip Iron City samples and eat a free burger on beer bread. I think Mancini’s should do this every Monday to boost regional morale. Of course, I might need to do more “Buns of Steel” workout videos to make up for indulging in Iron buns, but it’s worth every squat. —Kristy Graver

Kaufman Tavern’s Peacock Room

Zelienople: 105 S. Main St. | kaufmantavern.com

I thought I knew everything about the Kaufman Tavern, the landmark former hotel turned restaurant and cocktail bar in Zelienople. So imagine my surprise when my family and I popped in on a busy Saturday night only to be led to the building’s basement speakeasy.

Also called the “Peacock Room,” a nod to golden vases filled with extravagant feathers, the wine cellar resembles something out of a Great Gatsby fantasy with its velvet and brocade seating in jewel-toned colors and dim lighting paired with brick floors. Of course, there’s also a plethora of wine bottles stacked against the stone walls, and patrons can also rent one of the tavern’s many basement wine lockers. —Jessica Sinichak

IronBlast’s Game Zone

Washington: 1500 W. Chestnut St. | ironblastsgamezone.com

Anyone noodling around in the Washington Crown Center mall may stumble upon a large storefront with life-size mannequins of horror and video game characters. Step inside, and you’ll find a smorgasbord of nostalgic, geeky fun at this retro video game and memorabilia shop.

In addition to a wide selection of retro video game consoles and games, the shop offers all sorts of toys and other novelties. But that’s not even the best part: in the back is a $10, all-you-can-play arcade, complete with cabinets for games such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, retro and modern pinball machines, Skee-Ball and more. —Matt Petras

Oddmonth Poetry Series

Bloomfield: 5002 Penn Ave. | banthateabar.com

Care to take in a poetry reading in a galaxy far, far away? You’re in luck. Oddmonth Poetry Series has set up shop in Bantha Tea Bar in Bloomfield. While not explicitly “Star Wars”-themed, this cozy spot definitely has a space cantina vibe and feels like the perfect fit for this laid-back and unpretentious reading series.

Started in early 2023 by poets Don Wentworth, Jason Baldinger and Scott Silsbe, Oddmonth convenes the last Saturday of odd-numbered months. The positive audience response to the series has led to the occasional even-numbered event, but odds are this series will keep to its invitingly uneven keel. —Kristofer Collins

Barebones Productions

Braddock: 1211 Braddock Ave. | barebonesproductions.com

Since 2003, Barebones Productions has performed plays in intimate spaces under a bowling alley in Squirrel Hill, on the North Side and now behind a restaurant spot in Braddock. I can’t believe I just discovered this gem of a theater company this past season.

Founded by Patrick Jordan with the mission to produce challenging, entertaining and thought-provoking plays, the experience brings you up close and personal with the actors in the Barebones Black Box theater that seats 70.

Updated from print: After holding pop-up dinners in the former Superior Motors restaurant before the show, Brew Gentlemen is opening the Braddock Public House brew pub and restaurant in the space. The menu includes Pittsburgh classics with a Hawaiian-Japanese influence in a modern pub atmosphere. —Virginia Linn

Juggling Club

zeeppo@steelcityclownbrigade.org

Gracefully throwing balls, clubs, swords and whatever else they can get their hands on, a group of jugglers meets most summer Sundays outside the main branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Oakland.

The Masters of Flying Objects at Carnegie Mellon, the Masters of Dropping Objects at the University of Pittsburgh and the Steel City Clown Brigade take turns leading the warm and welcoming group, who usually call out to anyone passing by if they want to learn to juggle, even offering spare juggling balls. Sometimes members of the group are practicing other clowning techniques too, like twisting balloons. —Stacey Federoff

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Downtown: 600 Penn Ave. | pittsburghsymphony.org

Last Christmas my mom and I spent a girls’ day in the city with brunch, a stop at a Christmas pop-up bar and capping off the night with our first performance by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. What did we choose, you might ask? The music of Ravel, Tchaikovsky … Muppets?

Yes, we saw the PSO perform the score to “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” but they were so talented it was easy to forget we went all the way to Heinz Hall to see one of our favorite holiday films on the big screen. We agreed we’ll be back for another performance — sans Michael Caine and Kermit the Frog to distract us. —Jesseca Muslin

Cheeseman Fright Farm

Slippery Rock Township: 147 Kennedy Road | cheesemanfrightfarm.com

You might think you’ve seen the highlight when the flame-spewing runaway tractor careens toward you — but there’s so much more ahead. The Halloween attraction Cheeseman Fright Farm, located on an eerily quiet patch of land outside Portersville in Butler County, begins with a haunted hayride; your vehicle will be pursued and boarded by zombies and more as it winds through the corn.

Then you’ll climb off and wander through disorienting and creepy rooms and fog-soaked outdoor spaces. It’s one of the most remarkable spooky spots around; arrive early to shop Halloween crafts or grab a snack. On a crisp autumn evening, you won’t want to leave — no matter what lurks in the woods. —Sean Collier

Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library

Bloomfield: 5401 Centre Ave. | pghtoys.org

When I first heard of the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library, I thought it was just that: A place for kids to check out some toys to borrow and take home.

I wasn’t expecting a play space mecca, with entire sections devoted to every type of toy you can think of, from trains and dolls to dinosaurs and dress-up, as well as a space to drive ride-on toys, small playhouses and an entire arts and craft room. Established in 1974, the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library is a volunteer-run operation, meaning it may operate at odd hours — but that also means if you time it right you can keep your kids occupied in early mornings or evenings when nothing else is open. —Lauren Davidson

The Blue House Bakery

thebluehousebakery.com

Erin Pennington whips up sweets that are scrumptious — and gluten-, grain- and dairy-free, at that. The Blue House Bakery reinvents classics — everything from the “brookie,” comprised of half cookie and half brownie, to the ever-popular cinnamon coffeecake — in a quality-first way, for those seeking paleo-friendly treats.

Pennington’s creations, available by pickup at her South Hills operation or at a farmers market, bear a list of all ingredients on the product labels and have a lightness to them. Marking birthdays and anniversaries with Blue House’s sprinkle-coated cakes boosts the profile of your celebration — and leaves celebrants feeling jovial. —Kristina Martin

Allegheny Portage Railroad Museum

Gallitzin: 110 Federal Park Road | nps.gov/alpo

In the 1800s, rail cars were hoisted up the Allegheny mountains via pulleys — no train engine was strong enough. The Allegheny Portage Railroad Museum tells this tale of ingenuity that fueled development in Pittsburgh for decades.

From 1834 until the opening of Horseshoe Curve in 1854, 10 inclined planes were the only rail passage west in this region. The museum site is interactive and interesting: Dress up in period costumes, watch the massive pulley engines at work, and kick back in the Lemon House saloon like rail travelers once
would have. —Meg St-Esprit

Con Alma on Oh! Jazz

Downtown: 613 Penn Ave. | conalmapgh.com and ohjazz.tv

Pittsburgh’s home for world-class jazz, Con Alma, was already an established hotspot to those in the know. A high-tech partnership let the secret out — and now, jazz aficionados the world over can sit in on Downtown sets.

By partnering with the international jazz streaming service Oh! Jazz, Con Alma can instantly stream its performances around the world, with a high-fidelity system bringing quality sound and video to far-flung fans. The service added Con Alma in early 2024, placing it alongside iconic clubs in Tokyo, Havana and Madrid — a designation that’s well earned by Pittsburgh’s place in jazz history. —Sean Collier

Mayer’s Cup at Red’s Good News

Brookline: 542 Brookline Blvd. | instagram.com/redsgoodnews

I’m a Pittsburgh beer drinker, but every now and then I like to support purveyors of other local liquids. Red’s Good News in Brookline has the Mayer’s Cup, a mix of Lawrenceville Distilling’s Parking Chair Vodka, lemonade, grenadine and Schneider’s Iced Tea that is served in the carton.

It’s a boozier alternative to the other yinzer elixir, IC’d Tea, a marriage of Iron City Beer and Turner’s. Pair your Mayer’s Cup with a basket of dino nuggets and you’ll be “Dippy” in no time, Pittsburgh. —Kristy Graver

North Park Ice Rink

Allison Park: 1101 Pearce Mill Road | alleghenycounty.us

Despite living a 10-minute drive from North Park for the last 15 years, I had never skated at the outdoor ice rink. That changed in December when, on a whim for my daughter’s 10th birthday, we decided to hit the rink with some friends — and what a fun time we had.

There’s something about skating in the fresh air with a group of people that inspires nostalgia. While I had a huge fear of falling and breaking my teeth, my skills returned after a few tentative rounds on the ice. Meanwhile, my daughters grabbed two of the coveted plastic walkers and were soon speeding around the rink.

Once our session finished, we headed to the indoor concession stand for hot chocolate and a slushie — which, although unusual on a cold day, felt refreshing after all of the activity. —Jessica Sinichak

Completely Booked

Murrysville: 201 Blue Spruce Way | completelybookedstore.com

It’s hard to beat a cozy, independent bookstore. Completely Booked, located in an unassuming storefront in a Murrysville plaza, features new releases along with an impressive backlog considering its relatively small square footage.

Like any good indie bookstore, the owners have curated the shelves into interesting and compelling sections and themes, including a Pittsburgh authors section, as well as a selection of puzzles and toys. Readers of literary and genre fiction alike, of all ages, will be able to find something here. —Matt Petras

Classes at Bottlerocket

Allentown: 1226 Arlington Ave. | bottlerocketpgh.com

While all of the usual events at next-gen dive bar Bottlerocket Social Hall in Allentown are a guaranteed good time — from Bad Movie Bingo or “Bario Kart” (playing Mario Kart with a live band) — this winter, the bar hosted a DJ class led by Jellyfish dance party host Formosa.

She created a supportive environment that taught beatmatching and transitions on a beginner’s controller, but she also helped connect the classmates as encouragement to keep at it. A group from class hit Pittsburgh Open Decks for the last session “after-party” and everyone performed a half-hour set at a showcase in April.

The bar has also offered classes in stand-up comedy and puppeteering. —Stacey Federoff

Cameron Barnet

cameronbarnett.net

Sometimes in Pittsburgh we focus so much on the bridges that we miss the rivers. I’m paraphrasing poet Cameron Barnett, whose point was that as a city we can be so enamored of our shared connections (who doesn’t well up with pride any time Sister Sledge’s “We are Family” plays?) that we gloss over the very real impediments preventing too many from experiencing Pittsburgh as a most livable city.

“Easy / to miss all the life you pass by on your commute, / all the history these congested tunnels plunge you through,” he writes in “Swisshelm Park,” from his second book, “murmur,” published earlier this year.

Barnett’s poems trace the historical, personal and political. His poems are generous of spirit and rigorous in their presentation of our complex city. —Kristofer Collins

Art in Parks at Riverview Park

Perry North: Riverview Drive and Mairdale Avenue | engage.pittsburghpa.gov/art-parks 

Stumbling across an Art in Parks installation in one of our Citiparks feels like winning the Powerball — in the middle of the woods. When my family found one in progress — an artist was carving a fallen tree in Riverview Park one sunny summer day last year, we stopped to chat and quickly became enthralled.

That team of artists — Sans façon and Steve Gurysh — are a few of the creatives across the city melding artistic installations and public green spaces.

To find this sculpture, park at the lot on Riverview Drive and take the Wissahickon Trail; the installment is on the left within a few hundred yards. —Meg St-Esprit

Allegheny City Brewery’s Dog Wall

North Side: 510 E. Ohio St. | alleghenycitybrewing.com

Allegheny City Brewing has a new 2,400-square-foot taproom behind its old space on the North Side. The place has already gone to the dogs. Since its inception in 2016, the brewery has invited patrons to hang photos of their pets on a wall of the original headquarters.

On April 14, they held a Dog Wall Migration event so folks could move the pictures to the new site. Even a few cat owners participated. The taproom has seating for 94 patrons inside the main bar area and second-floor mezzanine.

The building is set back from the street, leaving room for an L-shaped patio with picnic tables and fire pits. A wraparound deck on the second story offers views of Downtown and, of course, a dog-friendly beer garden. —Kristy Graver

James Simon’s Uptown Events

simonsculpture.com

Longtime artist James Simon’s home and art space has been the talk of Uptown for a long while, thanks (at first) to its hosting of the former Gist Street Reading Series. In later years, his abode, brimming with creative works and greenery out back, has been an optimal backdrop for other art-centric events.

In warm and cold weather, the creator — well-known for public art installations such as the Liberty Avenue Musicians — opens up his doors to artists from across the nation and globe to share their creations. The happenings educate and entertain audiences; we love the al fresco concerts hosted in the garden.

Recipients of his e-newsletters remain apprised about the functions, requiring digital reservations and payment online or in person. —Kristina Martin

Inventionland

O’Hara: 585 Alpha Drive | inventionland.com

A world of imagination awaits at Inventionland, a 60,000-square-foot immersive work environment and idea incubator where specialized designers, artists, writers and strategists bring creative projects to life.

Tucked away in RIDC business park in O’Hara, the nondescript building turns magical once inside; among the 16 themed areas where the magic happens are a shipwrecked pirate ship, a treehouse, a cupcake kitchen and even a giant castle with turrets and a drawbridge.

There are also three running waterfalls, life-like trees and grass-lined sidewalks that meander throughout the cavernous space. In addition to turning ideas into products (anyone can submit an idea on the Inventionland website), the makerspace hosts tours for roughly 15,000 students, educators, designers, business professionals and inventors each year. —Jessica Sinichak

Mineral Springs Loop at Raccoon Creek State Park

Hookstown: 3000 State Route 18 | dcnr.pa.gov/RaccoonCreekStatePark 

Choosing just one favorite local hike is hard, but the Mineral Springs Loop at Raccoon Creek State Park tops my family’s list. At only 1.2 miles long, even young kids can navigate it. The path winds across streambeds through native forest before arriving at an impressive waterfall.

At the top, hikers can explore the ruins of the Frankfort Mineral Springs Resort — where wealthy Pittsburghers flocked in the 1800s for the reported “healing waters.” There’s nothing medicinal about the water, but a hike along this trail is certainly healing for our souls. —Meg St-Esprit

Sliders Ice Curling Bar

Millvale: 2 Sedgwick St. | slidersbarandgames.com

If you’re generally feeling inspired by the Olympic Games, there are times each year to test out a Winter Games sport in Millvale. Sliders Ice Curling Bar offers a bar-style rink, where friendly curling competition may ensue.

During a 75-minute reservation, you will have lanes for up to 16 players, support from a Sliders staffer and the option to play whatever curling games you’d like — oftentimes with the goal of landing the highest score.

Patrons cannot step onto the ice, so the employee who’s hanging out with you at the other end of the curling lane will push the stone back to the starting line after each turn you take; then you’ll prepare to kneel and launch it back again. Sliders is open from fall through spring (an outdoor ice rink doesn’t mix well with our humid summers) with a full-service bar; the attached Lumberjaxes axe-throwing site is open year-round. —Kristina Martin

Warehouse Wednesdays

Sharpsburg: 126 23rd St. | pittsburgh.dressforsuccess.org 

Dress for Success Pittsburgh serves as a resource for women joining and returning to the workforce, but (even sweeter) the local team also provides an opportunity to give back while making connections … and snacking.

The Sharpsburg location of this international organization is the site of volunteer events, such as the sip-and-sort-style gathering Warehouse Wednesdays. Set on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, the do-gooder engagements fitting for individuals or groups traditionally center around processing recent donations of apparel, accessories, toiletries and more; participants can provide their own refreshments and make a monetary donation to the cause. —Kristina Martin

Butler Little Theatre

Butler: One Howard St. | butlerlittletheatre.com

Butler’s home for community-based productions will next year celebrate its 85th anniversary — but its origin predates its opening date. With beginnings in community groups dating to the 1920s, few regional theaters in Pittsburgh or elsewhere have deeper roots.

That’s a testament to the dedication Butler has for its hometown players, but the onstage product speaks for itself. The 2023-24 season featured staples such as “Arsenic and Old Lace” as well as more challenging, contemporary works like the alternate-reality drama “Constellations.”

The 2024-25 season launches with Neil Simon’s politically charged love triangle, “The Star-Spangled Girl.” —Sean Collier

PHOTO BY NORA BEST / COURTESY OF EDDY HOMES

Appliance Store

Don’s Appliances

donsappliances.com

PHOTO COURTESY DON’S APPLIANCES

Architecture Firm

Cullen & Associates

cullen-pgh.com

PHOTO BY CRAIG THOMPSON / COURTESY OF CULLEN & ASSOCIATES

Building Products

Allegheny Millwork & Lumber

alleghenymillworklumber.com

Furniture Store

Levin Furniture

levinfurniture.com

General Contractor

Resnick Roofing & Contracting

resnickroof.com

Hardware Store

Rollier Hardware

rolliers.com

Home Builder

Eddy Homes

eddyhomes.com

PHOTO BY NORA BEST / COURTESY OF EDDY HOMES

Home Decor Store

The Good Home of Oakmont

thegoodhomeofoakmont.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GOOD HOME OF OAKMONT

Interior Designer

You-Neek Designs

you-neekdesigns.com

PHOTO BY THIRD SHIFT PHOTOGRAPHY / COURTESY OF YOU-NEED DESIGNS / DESIGN BY YOU-NEEK DESIGNS

Kitchen & Bath Supplier

SPLASH/Nicklas Supply

splashshowrooms.com

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SAHAIDA / COURTESY OF SPLASH

Lighting Store

Cardello Lighting & Electric Supply

cardellolighting.com

Real Estate Agent

Riley Sciarappa, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty

thepreferredrealty.com/riley-sciarappa

PHOTO BY NICK SCIARAPPA / COURTESY OF RILEY SCIARAPPA

Window Company

Mt. Pleasant Window & Remodeling

mtpleasantwindow.com

PHOTO BY KRISTEN WYNN

Day Care — Children

C&M Play Studio

cmplaystudio.com

Day Care — Pets

Camp Bow Wow

campbowwow.com/pittsburgh

Florist

The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers

thefarmersdaughterflowers.com

PHOTO BY PAUL PHILLIPS / COURTESY THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER FLOWERS

Landscaper

Quality Choice

qualitychoicelandscaping.com

New or Used Auto Dealer

#1 Cochran

cochran.com

Pet Services

Say It Once Dog Training

sayitoncedogtraining.com

Veterinarian

VCA Animal Hospitals

vcahospitals.com

Wedding Photographer/Videographer

Kristen Wynn Photography

kristenwynnphotography.com

PHOTO BY KRISTEN WYNN

Wedding Planner

Here for the Cookie Table

instagram.com/hereforthecookietable

PHOTO BY MARSHA HOUSTON

PHOTO BY CAITLIN GIRDWOOD / COURTESY OF MOON & YARN

Artisan/Craft-Made Store

Moon & Yarn Craft Room

moonandyarn.com

PHOTO BY CAITLIN GIRDWOOD / COURTESY OF MOON & YARN

Antique and Repurposed Store

Construction Junction

cjreuse.org

PHOTO BY JENI BENZ / COURTESY OF CONSTRUCTION JUNCTION

Bike Shop

Trek Bicycle Verona

trekbikes.com/Verona

Bridal Boutique

Bridal Beginning

bridalbeginning.com

Cards/Stationery Store

Wildcard 

wildcardpgh.com

Children’s Clothing Boutique

Precious + Posh

preciousandposh.com

Comic Book Store

Phantom of the Attic Comics

facebook.com/potaOakland

Garden Center

Trax Farms Market

traxfarms.com

PHOTO COURTESY TRAX FARMS

Gift Shop

Embroidery From The Heart

embroideryfromtheheart.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMBROIDERY FROM THE HEART

Indie Bookstore

Mystery Lovers Bookshop

mysterylovers.com

Jewelry Store

Robert Currens Jewelers

robertcurrensjewelers.com

Men’s Clothing Boutique

Trim Pittsburgh

trimpittsburgh.com

Record Store

Jerry’s Records

jerrysrecords.com

Thrift/Vintage Shop

Thriftique

ncjwpgh.org/thriftique

PHOTO BY PATRICIA TSAGARIS

Toys/Game Store

SW Randall Toyes

swrandalltoys.com

Women’s Clothing Boutique

Straight Line Boutique

straightlineboutique.com

PHOTO BY JOE PUCCIARELLI / LOOP PHOTOGRAPHY / COURTESY BELI NAILS

Barber

House of Handsome Barbershop and Boutique

houseofhandsome.com

PHOTO BY JORDAN BECKHAM STUDIO / COURTESY OF HOUSE OF HANDSOME

CBD

Hippie & French

hippieandfrench.com

Counseling Center

Forward Wellness Counseling

forwardwellnesscounseling.com

FORWARD WELLNESS COUNSELING FOUNDER JODIE HNATKOVICH | PHOTO BY SHANNON THE PHOTOGRAPHER / COURTESY JODIE HNATKOVICH

Hair Salon

The Pittsburgh Hair Bar

hollynorth.glossgenius.com

Health & Beauty Store

Lipstyck Lab

lipstycklab.com

PHOTO COURTESY LIPSTYCK LAB

Independent Pharmacy

Bloomfield Drug Store

bloomfielddrugstore.com

Local Fitness Club

LEG1ON Training & Performance

l1tp.com

Medical Spa

fillir

fillir.com

Nail Salon

Beli Nails

belinails.glossgenius.com

PHOTO BY JOE PUCCIARELLI / LOOP PHOTOGRAPHY / COURTESY BELI NAILS

Semi-Permanent Makeup

LUXskin

luxskin.glossgenius.com

Spa

Serene Hair Studio & Spa

serenehairspa.com

Tattoo Parlor

Inkadinkadoo Tattoo

inkadinkadoo.net

Yoga Studio

Be Yoga Oakmont

beyogaoakmont.com

PHOTO COURTESY BE YOGA

PHOTO COURTESY HEINZ HISTORY CENTER

Activity Bar

Coop De Ville

coopdevillepgh.com

Bed & Breakfast

Mansions on Fifth

mansionsonfifth.com

Boutique Hotel

The Priory

thepriory.com

Cinema

Cinemark Robinson Township and XD

cinemark.com/robinson-township-and-xd

Dance Troupe

The Tamburitzans

thetamburitzans.org

Dog Park

South Park Dog Park

alleghenycounty.us/South-Park

Drive-In Theater

Dependable Drive In Theater

dependabledrivein.com

Golf Course

Oakmont Country Club

oakmontcc.org

PHOTO COURTESY OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB

Haunted Attraction

Kennywood’s Phantom Fall Fest

kennywood.com/phantom-fall-fest

Hiking/Biking Trail

Montour Trail

montourtrail.org

PHOTO COURTESY MONTOUR TRAIL COUNCIL

Holiday Light Show

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

phipps.conservatory.org

Late-Night Spot

The Crafty Jackalope

craftyjackalope.com

Local Band/Musician

The Clarks

clarksonline.com

PHOTO BY ERICA DILCER / COURTESY MINT TALENT GROUP

Miniature Golf

Puttshack

puttshack.com/pittsburgh

Museum

Heinz History Center

heinzhistorycenter.org

PHOTO COURTESY HEINZ HISTORY CENTER

Pickleball Courts

North Park

alleghenycounty.us/North-Park

Place to Take Kids

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

pittsburghzoo.org

Pumpkin Patch

Soergel Orchards

soergels.com

Tourist Attraction

Mount Washington

visitpittsburgh.com/mount-washington

PHOTO COURTESY PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Artist

Emily Glass

feeltherainstudio.com

PHOTO BY EMILY GLASS

Bartender

Olivia Shields, Off The Rails Barbecue

obcofftherails.com

Comedian

Chrissy Costa

chrissycosta.com

Improv/Sketch team

Latchkey Kids

instagram.com/latchkeykidslive

Influencer

@ana.eats.pgh

anaeatspgh.net

PHOTO BY RACHEL ROWLAND / COURTESY @ANA.EATS.PGH

Local Writer

Sean Collier

pittsburghmagazine.com/sean-collier

PHOTO COURTESY SEAN COLLIER

Meteorologist

Jeff Verszyla

wtae.com/jeff-verszyla

Morning Drive Team

The Morning Freak Show with Mikey and Big Bob

iheart.com/the-morning-freak-show

Podcast

The YaJagoff! Podcast

yajagoff.com

PHOTO COURTESY YAJAGOFF!

Pro Athlete

Sidney Crosby

nhl.com/sidney-crosby

PHOTO COURTESY PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Radio Station

WDVE

dve.iheart.com

Sports Reporter

Bob Pompeani

cbsnews.com/bob-pompeani

Sports Team

Pittsburgh Steelers

steelers.com

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

TV News Personality

David Highfield

cbsnews.com/david-highfield

TV Newscast

KDKA

cbsnews.com/pittsburgh

PHOTO COURTESY COFFEE TREE ROASTERS

Local Brewery

Grist House Craft Brewery

gristhouse.com

PHOTO BY GARY YON

Local Coffee Shop

Coffee Tree Roasters

coffeetree.store

PHOTO COURTESY COFFEE TREE ROASTERS

Local Distillery

Liberty Pole Spirits

libertypolespirits.com

PHOTO BY BRADLEY MARTIN, DIDIUS, LLC / COURTESY OF LIBERTY POLE SPIRITS

Smoothies

Smoothie King

smoothieking.com

Tea Shop

De Fer Coffee & Tea

defer.coffee

Wine Shop

Narcisi Winery

narcisiwinery.com

PHOTO COURTESY NARCISI WINERY

PHOTO COURTESY DIANOIA’S EATERY

Bakery

Oakmont Bakery

oakmontbakery.com

Barbecue

Mission BBQ

mission-bbq.com

Breakfast/Brunch

Pamela’s Diner

pamelasdiner.com

Burger

Tessaro’s Restaurant

tessaros.com

PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA

Chinese

Sesame Inn

sesameinn.com

Diner

Pamela’s Diner

pamelasdiner.com

Doughnuts

Oram’s Donut Shop

orams.com

Family Friendly

Eat’n Park

eatnpark.com

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Farmers Market

Bloomfield Saturday Market

bloomfieldpgh.org/bloomfield-saturday-market

Food Truck

Hibachi Lou

instagram.com/hibachilou412

Frozen Treat

Page’s

pagedairymart.net

PHOTO BY BECIR PACO

Independent Deli

Leonard Labriola’s Italian Market

labriolaitalianmarkets.com

PHOTO COURTESY LEONARD LABRIOLA’S ITALIAN MARKET

Indian

Taj Mahal Pittsburgh

tajmahalpitt.com

Italian

DiAnoia’s Eatery

dianoiaseatery.com

PHOTO COURTESY DIANOIA’S EATERY

Japanese/Sushi

Little Tokyo Bistro

littletokyopittsburgh.com/bistro

Local Farm

Soergel Orchards

soergels.com

Mexican

El Campesino

instagram.com/campesinomcknight

Middle Eastern

Aladdin’s Eatery

aladdins.com

Outdoor Dining

Narcisi Winery

narcisiwinery.com

PHOTO COURTESY NARCISI WINERY

Pierogies

Pierogies Plus

pierogiesplus.com

Pizza

Fiori’s Pizzaria

fiorispizzaria.com

Pub Food

The Pub at 333

thepubat333.com

Seafood

Off The Hook

offthehookfish.com

Tacos

Condado Tacos

condadotacos.com

PHOTO COURTESY CONDADO TACOS

Thai

Nicky’s Thai Kitchen

nickysthaikitchen.com

Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly

Hello Bistro

hellobistro.com

Wings

Big Shot Bob’s House of Wings

bigshotbobs.com

PHOTO COURTESY BIG SHOT BOB’S

KIKI BROWN | PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

KiKi Brown wears so many hats that it’s hard to figure out how she keeps them straight.

The Pittsburgh native, who has spent years on the radio in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New York, D.C. and Maryland, is the afternoon host and assistant program director for WAMO 107.3 (Audacy). She hosts two podcasts and is a host of the weekly “3 O’Clock Drop” on CBS’ “Talk Pittsburgh.”

She’s also founder and CEO of Nice 2 Media Marketing & Promotions LLC, founder of an online radio station and head of community relations and events for Salem’s Market & Grill. So, we wanted to know: What is KiKi Brown’s Best of the ‘Burgh?

What’s your Pittsburgh “hidden gem,” a place that you love that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

The Mexican War Streets. “The peace that those streets carry takes me back to ‘The Cosby Show,’ which is so weird, but it gives me that vibe.”

If you could only eat one local meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Chicken samosas at Salem’s Market & Grill

If Pittsburgh had a theme song, what would it be?

“We Are the Champions” by Queen

What’s the annual tradition that you wait for every year?

Three Rivers Arts Festival

Favorite Pittsburgh appearance in a movie or on television?

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”

What’s your unpopular Pittsburgh opinion? What is something you think about the city (or a famous aspect of it) that won’t win you any friends?

“I don’t understand Picklesburgh. I don’t get it. I don’t understand why people like pickles so much. Like, how is that appetizing? How do you find so many ways to eat a pickle?”

Where’s the first place you take out-of-town guests?

Art’s Tavern in the Strip District

If you could bring back one Pittsburgh place or restaurant that’s no longer there, which would you pick?

The Crawford Grill in the Hill District. “We need a nightlife. We do not have a nightlife.”

You get one Incline ride with any Pittsburgher, living or dead. Who is it?

Michael Keaton — from his “Beetlejuice” era

DAVE DICELLO | PHOTO COURTESY DAVE DICELLO

Dave DiCello does some of his best work while the rest of us sleep — capturing lightning bolts illuminating the skyline well before dawn from his perch on Mount Washington is one of his specialties. Starting in 2006, DiCello has shot Pittsburgh’s portrait from dozens of locations, in all seasons and all kinds of weather and has developed a large and loyal following on social media. “Hearing people’s stories about memories that come back when they see images I share … there’s nothing better,” he says. Surprisingly, photography is not his day job; DiCello is a senior financial analyst for Thermo Fisher Scientific.

We wanted to know: What is Dave DiCello’s Best of the ’Burgh?

What’s your Pittsburgh “hidden gem,” a place that you love that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

Lake Elizabeth and the West Park area on the North Side. “Whenever I post an image, especially in the fall or spring, people can’t believe it’s Pittsburgh. It’s like a little Central Park in the ’Burgh.”

If you could only eat one local meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

“Fiori’s. There are so many restaurants I love, but if I’m picking one food it’s that. And now I’m hungry.”

If Pittsburgh had a theme song, what would it be?

“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”

What’s the annual tradition that you wait for every year?

“Taking the kids to a Pirates game. I have so many fond memories of going to games as a kid, and I love how excited they get for the pre-game activities and then sitting back with our gloves on and hoping for a home run to be hit in our lap.”

Favorite Pittsburgh appearance in a movie or on television?

“Sudden Death”

What’s your unpopular Pittsburgh opinion? What is something you think about the city (or a famous aspect of it) that won’t win you any friends?

“Fish fries are way overrated. Sorry.”

Where’s the first place you take out-of-town guests?

“Drive right through the Fort Pitt Tunnels and over to the North Shore. The view coming out of the tunnels is second to none, and hanging out by the rivers, with both stadiums and the skyline in full view … just amazing.”

If you could bring back one Pittsburgh place or restaurant that’s no longer there, which would you pick?

The old Manchester Bridge. “It connected the Point and the North Shore and had the most amazing facade … better even than the Smithfield Street Bridge.”

You get one Incline ride with any Pittsburgher, living or dead. Who is it?

Fred Rogers

RACHAEL RENNEBECK | PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

For eight years, Rachael Rennebeck has teamed with John Chamberlin to promote the wacky and heartfelt culture of Pittsburgh as the co-owner of YaJagoff! Media. The podcast hosts branched out in October to create a new video format on Fridays. As the daughter of Jack Hunt, the frontman for Johnny Angel and the Halos, Rennebeck is a born entertainer. She also just began her second four-year term as a North Hills School District board member. She says her greatest thrill as a school director has been to hand out a diploma to her oldest son; she’ll soon get that chance again with her two younger kids.

We wanted to know: What is Rachael Rennebeck’s Best of the ‘Burgh?

What’s your Pittsburgh “hidden gem,” a place that you love that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

The Bayernhof Museum in O’Hara

If you could only eat one local meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Because she follows a gluten-free diet: Polenta with spinach, feta, garlic, toasted pignoli nuts and diced tomato at PaPa J’s Twin Plaza in the Strip District. “When you find something that is gluten-free and it’s so good, you want to hang on to it.”

If Pittsburgh had a theme song, what would it be?

Eat’n Park’s “Place for Smiles” commercial jingle — the original, early-’90s version.

What’s the annual tradition that you wait for every year?

Picklesburgh. “John and I have emceed the pickle juice drinking contest since its inception. It’s become so iconic.”

Favorite Pittsburgh appearance in a movie or on television?

“This is Us”

What’s your unpopular Pittsburgh opinion? What is something you think about the city (or a famous aspect of it) that won’t win you any friends?

“We’re often known for all the different pizzas. ‘Oh, you love Mineo’s. You love this, you love that.’ Everybody has their take on their favorite pizza — I don’t like pizza.”

Where’s the first place you take out-of-town guests?

Her dad’s music museum, Johnny Angel’s Ginchy Stuff, on the North Side.

If you could bring back one Pittsburgh place or restaurant that’s no longer there, which would you pick?

The Primadonna restaurant in McKees Rocks. Rennebeck grew up in Brighton Heights and she and her brother loved it when her parents went there for the evening. “They were gone forever because it was like the who’s who. Everybody would see each other. And that meant my brother and I had the house to ourselves.”

You get one Incline ride with any Pittsburgher, living or dead. Who is it?

Sidney Crosby. “He’s a role model.”

PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

Armed with a vintage Smith-Corona typewriter, Haley Clancy dreams for everyone to have one of her personalized poems hanging in their home. Born in Alabama, the 22-year-old moved to Pittsburgh as an infant when her father, Lakendrick Clancy Sr., was drafted by the Steelers. Clancy began rhyming at age 8 and now can craft a short poem for anyone in just 5 minutes. She has been selling poems since she was 17 and has self-published her first book, “A Little Hope.” She is also working on a poetry-based online shop. You can find her clacking away at many events around the ’Burgh, including the indoor Farmers’ Market Cooperative in East Liberty this winter or at @a.poemspurpose on social media.

We wanted to know: What is Haley Clancy’s Best of the ’Burgh?

What’s your Pittsburgh “hidden gem,” a place that you love that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
“The Strip District … I feel it is the home and history of our Steel City. As soon as you turn onto the one-way portion of Penn Avenue, [your] eyes must wander and take in all of what you see, hear and feel.”

If you could only eat one local meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Birria tacos (with chips and guacamole) from Baby Loves Tacos

If Pittsburgh had a theme song, what would it be?
“‘Jorja’ by [Pittsburgh-based rapper] Benji. — or my poem songs, coming out [on Spotify]!”

What’s the annual tradition that you wait for every year?
“I love writing poems for people who dress up [or] identify as furries more than anything … I love that Pittsburgh has done this since I was 14. I am usually down there accidentally during this event, and it brings me great joy.”

Favorite Pittsburgh appearance in a movie or on television?
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower”

What’s your unpopular Pittsburgh opinion? What is something you think about the city (or a famous aspect of it) that won’t win you any friends?
“I believe Pittsburgh has the nicest homeless people. A lot of them just need some help. If you would ask them what they had to write poems about, they would want to always write yours.”

Where’s the first place you take out-of-town guests?
The Strip District

You get one Incline ride with any Pittsburgher, living or dead. Who is it?
“Mark Cuban — and [I would] tell him all about my business, a poems purpose.”

If you could bring back one Pittsburgh place or restaurant that’s no longer there, which would you pick?
“How the Strip District felt before COVID-19 … [It was] so beautiful being 16 and selling poems there. I don’t know how to explain it.”

ILLUSTRATION BY HUCK BEARD

For Bobby Cherry, every day is Christmas. The longtime journalist — who has worked for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Hearst Television and a news/tech startup company — celebrates the holiday year-round at itschristmas365.com, the holiday website he runs. Cherry, a Moon native, now dabbles in marketing and is a lead volunteer with the American Cancer Society. Due to his affinity for Santa Claus and sleigh rides, his friends call him “Buddy the Elf.” So, for our December edition, we wanted to know: What is Bobby Cherry’s Best of the ’Burgh?

What’s your Pittsburgh “hidden gem,” a place that you love that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
Bella Notte in the Strip District

If you could only eat one local meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Eat’n Park salad bar — with Potato Patch fries from Kennywood. “I’d have to wash it down with a Sheetz cold brew coffee and an IC Light Mango. Oh, and for dessert: Prantl’s cake with buttercream icing.”

If Pittsburgh had a theme song, what would it be?
“In keeping with the holiday theme, I have to go with the late, great B.E. Taylor’s ‘Feel the Love of Christmas.’”

What’s the annual tradition that you wait for every year?
Light Up Night

Favorite Pittsburgh appearance in a movie or on television?
“I absolutely geek out every single time I see the Horne’s tree or PPG Place tree used as B-roll in Hallmark Christmas movies. I’ve also been known to get a bit too excited when I see a street corner in Coraopolis, an intersection in Sewickley and a view of Downtown Beaver — all used as B-roll in Hallmark Christmas movies!”

What’s your unpopular Pittsburgh opinion? What is something you think about the city (or a famous aspect of it) that won’t win you any friends?
“Pittsburghers — especially those of us in the suburbs — rely on personal vehicles too much, and then complain about traffic and parking. For bigger events like Light Up Night or a Broadway in Pittsburgh show, I try to hop on the trolley from Dormont to avoid the aggravation of the Parkway West and navigating Downtown streets and garages.”

Where’s the first place you take out-of-town guests?
“If it’s the holiday season, it’s got to be Downtown — browsing the chalets at Market Square, watching ice skaters at PPG Place, taking selfies at the old Horne’s tree and a stop at the Byham to see Pittsburgh CLO’s ‘A Musical Christmas Carol.’”

If you could bring back one Pittsburgh place or restaurant that’s no longer there, which would you pick?
Kaufmann’s Downtown

You get one Incline ride with any Pittsburgher, living or dead. Who is it?
“Pittsburgh’s favorite Santa Claus, John Suhr. If you’ve been to Light Up Night, the Heinz History Center, Market Square, the former Macy’s Downtown or have seen any of local artist Linda Barnicott’s Santa paintings, you’ve seen him. He’s the best Santa helper to serve the ’Burgh.”

ILLUSTRATION BY HUCK BEARD

Josiah Gilliam, 36, is wrapping up his first year as executive director of PUMP, a membership group that serves Pittsburgh’s young people and partners with Pittsburgh Magazine on the 40 Under 40 program; he was an honoree himself in 2017.

A Penn State grad, he lives Downtown and gets around by bike and bus pass. The ages of PUMP’s members range from early 20s to early 40s, averaging at 30.

“We want young professionals to feel like they can have a good, lived experience here, a good quality of life, and also to get involved civically,” he says.

We wanted to know: What is Josiah Gilliam’s Best of the ’Burgh?

What’s your Pittsburgh “hidden gem,” a place that you love that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

“Con Alma, Downtown. It’s a great place. You get a great kitchen and cocktail experience. There’s live music most nights of the week. And if you’re like me, you’re riding a bike past and you might look in and see Roger Humphries, John Shannon. You just never know who you’re going to encounter.”

If you could only eat one local meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Half pepperoni, half sausage pizza at Aiello’s (with a Penn Pilsner)

If Pittsburgh had a theme song, what would it be?
“‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor’ is the right answer. Honorable mention: ‘Life During Wartime (Live),’ [from the] ‘Stop Making Sense’ concert film by the Talking Heads, because of the line: ‘Heard about Pittsburgh, PA.’”

What’s the annual tradition that you wait for every year?
Opening Day for the Pirates and Open Streets PGH

Favorite Pittsburgh appearance in a movie or on television?
“Jack Reacher”

What’s your unpopular Pittsburgh opinion? What is something you think about the city (or a famous aspect of it) that won’t win you any friends?
“Micro-mobility is a good thing. It’s different modes of transportation. So on the bikeshare we recently had scooters. We should ideally have more options for folks to get around than less over time … So having a biker organization like POGOH, good bike infrastructure, having the T projects like the BRT, which is a bus rapid transit project, coming means that there’s a lot of people, organizations, levels of government working together and problem solving.”

Where’s the first place you take out-of-town guests?
Grandview Avenue via the Incline

If you could bring back one Pittsburgh place or restaurant that’s no longer there, which would you pick?
“Brunot Island as a place to go and have fun. There used to be a racetrack there … It would be great to be able to take the T and have a good bite to eat and go to a concert. You know, fun community recreational stuff.”

You get one Incline ride with any Pittsburgher, living or dead. Who is it?
Andy Warhol or George Westinghouse or Josh Gibson — or all of them. “The stories those guys could tell.”

ILLUSTRATION BY HUCK BEARD

Comedian Aaron Kleiber doesn’t have to find inspiration, he lives with it. His wife and three children fuel his stand-up act, which you can regularly catch at the Pittsburgh Improv in Homestead or at Downtown’s Arcade Comedy Theater. On stage and off, the Steel Valley native pontificates on his heritage, hockey, the Homestead Grays and how this quirky city is fertile ground for folks who want to make a living being funny. So, we wanted to know:

What is Aaron Kleiber’s Best of the ’Burgh?

What’s your Pittsburgh “hidden gem,” a place that you love that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
“Dragon Chinese in Munhall. I’ve had Chinese food all over the country and this is the best I’ve ever eaten.”

If you could only eat one local meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“Honestly, I could probably eat a Primanti sandwich, fries and a pizza once a day. And maybe Pamela’s for breakfast every day, too.”

If Pittsburgh had a theme song, what would it be?
Mister Rogers’ “Won’t You Be My Neighbor”

What’s the annual tradition that you wait for every year?
“Christmas with my kids. Since 2020, we’ve decorated our house as silly and obnoxiously as we can.”

Favorite Pittsburgh appearance in a movie or on television?
“Night of the Living Dead”

What’s your unpopular Pittsburgh opinion? What is something you think about the city (or a famous aspect of it) that won’t win you any friends?
“I’m over black and gold 365 days a year. I gave up on the NFL years ago.”

Where’s the first place you take out-of-town guests?
“I love showing people PNC Park and the Forbes Field wall and taking them to Pamela’s for breakfast. I took Bob Saget to The Warhol years ago.”

If you could bring back one Pittsburgh place or restaurant that’s no longer there, which would you pick?
“I think it would be really cool if we still had Forbes Field.”

You get one Incline ride with any Pittsburgher, living or dead. Who is it?
Mario Lemieux

ILLUSTRATION BY HUCK BEARD

Bob Walk arrived in Pittsburgh in 1984 and decided to stick around. The right-handed ace played 10 seasons for the Pirates, including a 1988 campaign in which he posted a 2.71 ERA and was sent to the All-Star Game. He earned 105 wins in his career before retiring at the end of the 1993 season. His days as a Bucco were far from over, however; since leaving the mound, Walk has been a fixture in the broadcast booth as a color commentator and an analyst for AT&T SportsNet. We wanted to know: What is Bob Walk’s Best of the ’Burgh?

What’s your Pittsburgh “hidden gem,” a place that you love that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
“There’s a little breakfast place that I like to eat [in the North Hills] … Totin’s Diner. I really like going there for breakfast.”

If you could only eat one local meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicken wings at the Franklin Inn

If Pittsburgh had a theme song, what would it be?
“Renegade” by Styx. “That’s what I think 99% of people would say. Anyone that’s sports-minded … Everybody gets up and stands and moves and sings.”

What’s the annual tradition that you wait for every year?
“Fourth of July weekend has really started to be a lot of fun for me — but I have to say baseball opening day. My life revolves around it.”

Favorite Pittsburgh appearance in a movie or on television?
“Jack Reacher”

What’s your unpopular Pittsburgh opinion? What is something you think about the city (or a famous aspect of it) that won’t win you any friends?
“I don’t think people who haven’t spent much time in the Allegheny County area have any appreciation for what a great place this is.” Despite Pittsburgh’s charms, we haven’t yet convinced outsiders that the steel era is over. “When I first moved here, all my friends and family were under the impression that I had moved to someplace that looked like an apocalypse — dark clouds, covered in gray ash, huge steel mills,” even though today, “It’s a tremendous place to raise a family.”

Where’s the first place you take out-of-town guests?
A cruise on the Gateway Clipper

If you could bring back one Pittsburgh place or restaurant that’s no longer there, which would you pick?
Pitt Basketball games at the Fitzgerald Field House. “It was like going to a big high-school gym, except it was a Big East school. Big-time college basketball in a quaint little fieldhouse.”

You get one Incline ride with any Pittsburgher, living or dead. Who is it?
Andrew Carnegie

When Ken Rice arrived in Pittsburgh in 1988 to work at WTAE, he never dreamed he would still be in town 35 years later. “The longer I stayed, the more of a hold Pittsburgh took on me,” he says. A native of Chicago, Rice moved to KDKA in 1994. In addition to anchoring live coverage of many breaking stories, Rice also gets a chance to practice his comedy chops when he serves as emcee for the annual “Off The Record” benefit, an event where local journalists and actors take satirical aim at the city’s movers and shakers for charity. We wanted to know:
What is Ken Rice’s Best of the ’Burgh?

What’s your Pittsburgh “hidden gem,” a place that you love that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
City of Asylum and Alphabet City. “Maybe the most interesting place in town — bookstore, restaurant, performance venue, all tied to a vital nonprofit giving sanctuary to endangered writers and artists from around the world.”

If you could only eat one local meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“A couple of slices of Badamo’s Sicilian pizza and an East End Big Hop.”

If Pittsburgh had a theme song, what would it be?
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” “It should have been named Pittsburgh’s official anthem long ago.”

What’s the annual tradition that you wait for every year?
OpenStreetsPGH

Favorite Pittsburgh appearance in a movie or on television?
“‘Take Bigelow.’ If you know, you know — if you don’t, watch and savor ‘Striking Distance’ ASAP.”

What’s your unpopular Pittsburgh opinion? What is something you think about the city (or a famous aspect of it) that won’t win you any friends?
“We love fireworks too much. Just July 4th would keep fireworks special. It’s not like we’re trick-or-treating every time the Pirates win, right?”

Where’s the first place you take out-of-town guests?
Grandview Avenue (Near the statue of Washington & Guyasuta)

If you could bring back one Pittsburgh place or restaurant that’s no longer there, which would you pick?
The O

You get one Incline ride with any Pittsburgher, living or dead. Who is it?
“[WPXI anchor] David Johnson. He’s a great guy and I miss seeing him. No one’s seeing him anywhere, right? That’s what I thought.”

ILLUSTRATION BY HUCK BEARD

Marjorie “Chi Chi” Rivera has been a working medium based in Pittsburgh for more than 30 years. A native of Panama, Rivera gives readings at her office in Brentwood but also at events from dinner shows to spiritual conventions throughout the region and beyond.

“It’s so much fun,” she says, “because I get to reach a lot of people and meet a lot of people. It’s a very nice way to make a living and make a life.”

Unlike Rivera, we’re not psychics, so we had to ask the old-fashioned way: What is Marjorie Rivera’s Best of the ’Burgh?

What’s your Pittsburgh “hidden gem,” a place that you love that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
The park space along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail on the South Side. “I love to go and sit at the picnic tables down by the river … and it’s got the great little dog park.”

If you could only eat one local meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tacos from the street stand outside Las Palmas on Brookline Boulevard. “It’s taco Tuesday every day with me!”

If Pittsburgh had a theme song, what would it be?
“It would be ‘We Are the Champions’ by Queen, because I feel like we are the champions at everything. We’ve overcome struggles in our past, we have sports teams that are unrivaled, we have an excellent community … I feel like you can’t beat Pittsburgh anywhere.”

What’s the annual tradition that you wait for every year?
Picklesburgh

Favorite Pittsburgh appearance in a movie or on television?
“Queer as Folk,” the Pittsburgh-set drama. “I loved that show; I loved that it featured our town and that it also featured queer people.”

What’s your unpopular Pittsburgh opinion? What is something you think about the city (or a famous aspect of it) that won’t win you any friends?
“We’ve got three dirty rivers … We’ve got some clean-up work that we have to do.” Nevertheless, “our confluence, at the Point, is such a unique landmark.”

Where’s the first place you take out-of-town guests?
Monongahela Incline and Mount Washington

You get one Incline ride with any Pittsburgher, living or dead. Who is it?
Billy Porter

If you could bring back one Pittsburgh place or restaurant that’s no longer there, which would you pick?
“It would be West View Park. I remember going there — it had a sky ride my grandmother took me [on] when I was a wee little kid … What do I miss from being little? I miss my grandma, and I miss going to West View Park.”

A TESSARO’S BURGER | PHOTO BY ERIN KELLY

Bakery
Oakmont Bakery

Barbecue
Off the Rails Barbeque and Drafthouse

Breakfast/Brunch
Eat’n Park

Burger
Tessaro’s Restaurant

Chinese
Sesame Inn

Diner
Pamela’s Diner

Doughnuts
Oakmont Bakery

Family Friendly Meals
Eat’n Park

Farmers Market
Canonsburg Farmers Market

Food Truck
Hibachi Lou

Frozen Treat
Page’s

Independent Deli
Oakmont Deli & Specialty Soups

Indian
Taj Mahal Pittsburgh

Italian
Angelo’s Restaurant

Japanese/Sushi
Little Tokyo Restaurant

Mexican
El Campesino

Middle Eastern
Amel’s Restaurant

Outdoor Dining
Narcisi Winery

Pierogies
Pierogies Plus

Pizza
Fiori’s Pizzaria

Seafood
Off The Hook

Tacos
Condado Tacos

Thai
Nicky’s Thai Kitchen

Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly
Aladdin’s Eatery Squirrel Hill

Wings
William Penn Tavern

⇒⇒⇒ FIND MORE BEST OF THE ‘BURGH PICKS HERE

Plaques for Best of the ‘Burgh Readers’ poll can be ordered here.

PHOTO COURTESY WIGLE WHISKEY

Local Brewery
Allusion Brewing Company

Local Coffee Shop
Crazy Horse Coffee

Local Distillery
Wigle Whiskey Distillery

Smoothies
Crazy Horse Coffee

Tea Shop
Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange

Wine Shop
Narcisi Winery

⇒⇒⇒ FIND MORE BEST OF THE ‘BURGH PICKS HERE

Plaques for Best of the ‘Burgh Readers’ poll can be ordered here.

HEATHER ABRAHAM | PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

Artist
Baron Batch

Bartender
Taylor Rezzetano

Comedian
Tyler Ray Kendrick

Improv/Sketch team
Latchkey Kids

Influencer
Celina Pompeani

Local Writer
Sean Collier

Meteorologist
Mary Ours

Morning Drive Team
DVE Morning Show

Podcast
The YaJagoff! Podcast

Pro Athlete
Sidney Crosby

Radio Station
WDVE

Sports Reporter
Bob Pompeani

Sports Team
Pittsburgh Penguins

TV News Personality
Heather Abraham

TV Newscast
KDKA

⇒⇒⇒ FIND MORE BEST OF THE ‘BURGH PICKS HERE

Plaques for Best of the ‘Burgh Readers’ poll can be ordered here.

HUNDRED ACRES MANOR | PHOTO BY OLLIE GRATZINGER

Activity Bar
Coop De Ville

Bed & Breakfast
Oakmont Inn

Boutique Hotel
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh

Cinema
Cinemark Robinson Township and XD

Dance Troupe
The Tamburitzans

Dog Park
Carnegie Dog Park

Drive-In Theater
Dependable Drive-In Theater

Golf Course
Oakmont Country Club

Haunted Attraction
Hundred Acres Manor Haunted House

Hiking/Biking Trail
Montour Trail

Holiday Light Show
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Local Band/Musician
Donnie Iris

Museum
Senator John Heinz History Center

Place to Take Kids
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Pumpkin Patch
Triple B Farms

Tourist Attraction
The Duquesne Incline

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Barber
House of Handsome Barbershop and Boutique

CBD
Hippie & French

Counseling Center
Mindful Therapy & Hypnosis

Hair Salon
Antinas Salon & Boutique

Health & Beauty Store
LUXskin

Independent Pharmacy
Jeffreys Drug Store

Local Fitness Club
Bootcamp FIT360

Medical Spa
Fillir

Nail Salon
Beauty Bungalow PGH

Semi-Permanent Makeup
Nik’d Beauty Studio

Spa
Serene Hair Studio & Spa

Tattoo Parlor
Big Iron Tattoo & Piercing

Yoga Studio
Be Yoga Oakmont

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KARDS UNLIMITED | PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

Antique and Repurposed Stores
Mulberry Antiques

Bike Shop
Trek Bicycle Verona

Bridal Boutique
This Magic Moment Bridal Studio

Cards/Stationery Store
Kards Unlimited

Children’s Clothing Boutique
Precious + Posh

Comic Book Store
Phantom of the Attic Comics

Garden Center
Trax Farms Market

Gift Shop
Embroidery From The Heart

Indie Bookstore
Mystery Lovers Bookshop

Jewelry Store
Robert Currens Jewelers

Men’s Clothing Boutique
Moda

Record Store
Jerry’s Records

Thrift/Vintage Shop
City Mission Thrift Store — Canonsburg

Toys/Game Store
Castle Toys and Games — Oakmont

Women’s Clothing Boutique
Straight Line Boutique

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PHOTO BY MARIAH TREIBER PHOTOGRAPHY

Day Care: Children
C&M Play Studio

Day Care: Pets
Camp Bow Wow

Florist
L&M Flower Shop

Landscapers
Paul Miller’s Landscaping

New or Used Auto Dealer
#1 Cochran Kia of Robinson Township

Pet Services
Lindsey’s Dog Walking & In Home Visits

Veterinarian
Hidden Valley Animal Clinic

Wedding Photographer/Videographer
Mariah Treiber Photography

Wedding Planner
Mack & Main Events

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PHOTO COURTESY EDDY HOMES

Appliance Store
Don’s Appliances

Architecture Firm (tie)
mossArchitects
Desmone Architects

Building Products
Armina Stone

Furniture Store
Today’s Home

General Contractor
Resnick Roofing & Contracting — North Hills

Hardware Store
Ace Hardware — Oakmont

Home Builder
Eddy Homes

Home Decor Store
The Good Home of Oakmont

Interior Designer
Larkin Living Spaces

Kitchen & Bath Supplier
Splash/Nicklas Supply

Lighting Store
Cardello Lighting & Electric Supply

Real Estate Agent
John Marzullo Team, Compass RE

Window Company
Thermo Twin Windows

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