If you rearrange the letters in the name Etna it spells Eatn. In this community, that’s not a misnomer.

Located on the banks of the Allegheny River, Etna — which takes its name from Sicily’s still-active volcano Mount Etna because of its topography — packs a lot into one square mile, including a relatively new riverfront park and urban walking trails. In 2019, the borough was named the world’s first certified EcoDistrict for its efforts toward sustainability, equity and climate protection.

ETNA RIVERFRONT PARK

Sandwiched between Millvale and Sharpsburg — municipalities that followed their neighbor’s Earth-friendly lead to form a Triboro EcoDistrict — Etna is working to introduce more green infrastructure to mitigate stormwater issues (when it rains it pours, right?) and attract like-minded businesses who care as much about the environment as they do about making a buck.

Piggybacking that honor have been two more accolades: Etna’s main business district along Butler Street was named one of the “Great Places in Pennsylvania” in 2021 by the Pennsylvania Chapter of American Planning Association, which recognized its sustainable practices, stormwater management, rain gardens and complete street concept — which allows cars, bikes, pedestrians and mass transit to safely occupy the road at the same time. A year later, the association named the Etna Riverfront Trail and Park a “Great Place” after the borough transformed a 1.8-acre neglected space along the Allegheny River into a vibrant recreation area.

CALVERT MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

From going green to staying in the black, the community relies on Etna Print Circus for eye-catching screenprinting needs and Ernie B’s Rock ’n Roll Barbershop for stylish cuts. Kiya Tomlin, the first lady of Pittsburgh Steelers football, has established her clothing boutique in town.

Housing prices are rising as families seek out the Shaler School District. Depending on location, you can see listings ranging from $89,000 to well over $200,000, according to Racheallee Lacek of Sotheby’s Realty.

The borough’s dining options are gaining attention. Pig out at Porky’s Bar & Grill, a Bridge Street landmark that is currently undergoing renovations. When it reopens this fall, expect the surroundings to be on par with the amazing pub grub. The Smoked Pulled Frank, their signature sandwich, is deliciously hard to wrangle with all of the Carolina barbecue sauce-covered pork falling off of the brioche bun and onto a bed of steak fries. Fork it.

REAR END GASTROPUB AND GARAGE | PHOTO BY KRISTY LOCKLIN

There are still more bar room favorites and cold beer to be had at Big Mike’s Tavern & Grill and ridiculously good sandwiches from Bridge City Brinery food truck’s Takeoutery. Across the street, there’s Rear End Gastropub & Garage, where they’re serving food that takes you on a gastronomic journey across America. It’s a fitting menu for a former service station.

PORKY’S BAR AND GRILL | PHOTO BY KRISTY LOCKLIN

Bitter End, Rear End’s sister business down the block, is a speakeasy-style watering hole specializing in Prohibition-era cocktails and shareable plates. If the green light above the door is on, it’s open. Pie Hole Pizza, the company’s third cheekily named eatery, encourages you to stuff your face with a slice or two.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH CEMETERY

It’d be a crime if you didn’t try Cop Out Pierogies on Butler, especially with all of the gluten-free and vegan varieties available.

Into craft suds? Wash all that food down with a pint from CoStar Brewing, a veteran company based out of Highland Park that’s building its first taproom from the bottom up in Etna.

MAC MILLER MURAL

Before you leave, stop and admire the Mac Miller mural, a colorful tribute to the late Pittsburgh rapper. With all of the food, shopping and recreational options, a trip to Etna is considered “Self Care.”

1868
Incorporated

3,300
Population

Did You Know?
Etna is pushing for more solar: It has at least 10 permitted residential solar installations, plus a sun-powered carport at the Garden of Etna.