Five Must-Visit Coffee Shops in Pittsburgh

Are you a coffee lover? Are you looking to branch out to different local cafes? If so, this is your sign to read this article.

I love coffee and have wanted to find a bigger variety of cafes to go to in the Pittsburgh area. I have spent my time venturing out to different shops all throughout the Burgh. I also conducted an interview with Emma LaRocco, a Pittsburgh college student and coffee lover that reviews local cafes. You can follow Emma’s Instagram page, PGH COFFEE for more reviews and insight on all the best drinks for any season.

From my personal experiences along with Emma’s insight, I have compiled a list of the best coffee shops from the five prime areas in Pittsburgh: Southside, Downtown, Shadyside, Lawrenceville, and Oakland.

#1: Southside — Big Dog Coffee

Southside has a few local coffee shops, all unique in their own ways. However, I think Big Dog stands out the most. The location is key — not too close to the busier section of Southside, so it’s not as crowded (compared to other cafes, such as Delaney’s). The workers were extremely nice and welcoming.

The shop itself is very cute and cozy inside. There are comfortable chairs and a good amount of tables to do work in. When it is nice outside, there is a lovely patio, which makes it stand out from other shops in Southside.

Back in the fall, I ordered a pumpkin spice latte, and it was delicious. I couldn’t put the drink down! I am also a major fan of their iced vanilla latte.

Pumpkin spice latte and outdoor patio at Big Dog Coffee

#2: Downtown — Brother Andre’s Café

Brother Andre’s is located in the Epiphany Roman Catholic Church near the PPG Paints Arena. A unique fact about this shop is that it is an outreach of Move a Mountain Missions and provides employment for adults living with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

The shop is big inside with plenty of tables to do work. There is a wide selection of drinks as well as food and pastries. There is a large variety of special drinks based on the changing seasons. During the fall I ordered the “Falleluia” drink, which is an iced latte with maple spice and cinnamon. It was delicious and garnished beautifully! On top of that, a note was written on my drink that said “When you take a sip you taste the soul of Brother Andre’s love.” I would definitely come back to this shop again.

#3: Shadyside — Adda Coffee and Tea House

Adda is a must-visit in Shadyside. It has a cute atmosphere with aesthetically beautiful drinks. They also have very nice and outgoing workers. Adda is passionate about their business. You can taste it in their coffee.

#4: Lawrenceville: Inkwell Coffee Shop

Inkwell is Emma’s favorite coffee shop in all of Pittsburgh. It has a rustic interior inside with couches and tables for working and relaxing. Along with the other shops mentioned, Inkwell has great workers that care about coffee.

Out of all the vanilla lattes that Emma orders from cafes, the specific latte at Inkwell was ranked the best. After my experience, I can see why she speaks highly of it. The location and atmosphere are perfect for a coffee shop, the workers are kind, and the coffee was superb. I am looking forward to going back during the fall to try their seasonal flavors.

#5: Oakland — Red Hawk Coffee

Red Hawk is a boutique coffee roaster café. They are known for their espresso. The shop in Oakland is very small, so it is a grab-and-go situation. The coffee is delicious and is a quick and easy treat that will fit into your crazy schedule.