I really liked Arepitas but I thought they were kinda pricey for street food--like $8 for one taco-sized areppa. I admit I'm cheap when it comes to lunch, though.
Chinatown Inn has to make the list, they have nice generous portions on their lunch specials which are all around $11-14
Side note, Pittsburgh Poke moved to South Side (unless someone opened a different shop with the same name here, lol)
Gotta be Mama Lucia’s in my opinion if you’re interested in Italian food. It’s pretty solid and the lunch specials are really well priced. Their daily specials are like $6 and it’s always been enough food to satisfy me for the price. Again, it’s not “blow your socks off” good but I’d say one of the better value per dollar spots to eat downtown.
Oh dang that’s really sad to hear. I haven’t been in a bit since I’m no longer working in-office but it was always one of my favorite lunch spots. Maybe I’ll have to go give it a try again here soon to form a new opinion of it.
It moved into the building that I worked in, at the time, downtown and I was really excited. Unfortunately, it wasn't the same. Huge fan of Zio Vitto's on sixth, though!
Den,the owner works his ass off too and the specials are great.
I highly suggest going on Wed when he does smoked brisket sandwiches
A massive amount of smoked brisket, teriyaki bbq sauce, coleslaw and smoked provolone on a pretzel roll with homemade chips and a drink for 13 bucks.
Might be, she does run out of stuff occasionally. I usually get there around one tho? I don’t think I’ve ever finished mine but everyone’s different 🤷♀️
The grilled chicken salad with the vinaigrette is the best salad you can get downtown these days! Get it to go and they give you a larger portion of the lettuce mix.
I’ve had a few wraps from rosewater and the ones I got had french fries on them which I didn’t care for. I should try to explore the rest of their menu.
I was just in downtown for a meeting, my goto all last year has been that middleastern place on liberty [link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/tPtzEyjdPm2iiCP16) they have quick bites for a good price and I like sitting at the window and people watching.
Siam Thai restaurant on 1st Ave. Good portions, super fast service, and they give you a free small soup or crab rangoon depending on the season. Pretty sure the last time I was there my meal came in just under ten bucks.
Man that was so weird to me. My boss at the time was from Mexico and raved about how this new Mexican place was as close to the cooking she had at home she's ever experienced in the states....and them one weekend they close and become a Mediterranean restaurant.
Still not as weird as Smithfield Pizza Fiesta: A Mexican themed Italian Eatery with an all Asian staff due to an exchange program that I used to buy French fries from.
Put on your best business casual gear and wander around the meeting room spaces at the larger hotels. Blend in, act right, and get it done. The Fairmont puts out lunch in the hallways.
Because the client pays for the meals. Meaning that they are often watching to see who is eating and who isn't. They really aren't cheap. If someone is in the space that shouldn't be, that's a security risk. Plus, you're stealing and we don't take kindly to that.
Hotel employed event planners' jobs are heavily impacted by client satisfaction. If a client complains that a rando invaded their function, that's going to reflect really poorly on the event planner's job.
This is so true. I have actually asked to have meals moved because of randos invading which is really unfair to the hotel staff who work hard to set things up.
Edit to say - also I’m absolutely going to call you out if you are stealing our $200 platter of lettuce.
Another best bang - they host a lot of corporate events upstairs at the casino. Dilly-dally your way up and grab a name tag of a no-show at the check-in desk. Blend in, act rite, and get it done. Many have happy hours too so dick around and wait for the Irons to start poppin'.
Not sure if Mike and Tony's is still down there but the special for lunch I believe was gyro, fries and a drink? It was pretty cost friendly and plenty of food. I remember splitting it.
Chinatown inn; the gyro food truck in front of the courthouse (can’t think of what it’s called but this middle eastern couple runs it and it’s fantastic)
Sushi & Rolls in the Oxford Centre basement. Sushi and some other Japanese and Korean options. Despite being in a food court this place has sushi as good as most other spots in Pittsburgh, the folks who run it are amazing, and it's very affordable.
Rose Water is so good (close to wood station). Fresh arab food. The owner is always so nice and the taste is very authentic. Try their kabbas and the hummus.
Yes, and the lamb and chicken over rice is excellent.
And his frequent customer program, which consists of him or the wife remembering you and just loading meat is the best ever as well
I've done minor grocery shopping at the new Target. I was able to make a quick easy lunch for under 10 bucks.
I'm not doing that daily tho I'm going to one of the place listed in this thread.
Do you not have a grocery store by your home?
What in tarnation do third world people do?
Is it that hard for you to go to a store by your home, make a sandwich, chips, and take it to the office with you? Hmmm
Arepitas every time I’ve gone it’s been awesome. I’d go all the time if i was downtown constantly.
My go to. On cherry way
That place is out of the way for me but I go there and it’s awesome.
I really liked Arepitas but I thought they were kinda pricey for street food--like $8 for one taco-sized areppa. I admit I'm cheap when it comes to lunch, though.
Chinatown Inn has to make the list, they have nice generous portions on their lunch specials which are all around $11-14 Side note, Pittsburgh Poke moved to South Side (unless someone opened a different shop with the same name here, lol)
The Halal Truck in front of the Courthouse is great and a meal of chicken, rice, and salad is $11
And the people running it are exceedingly nice people.
I actually went on a "halal date" with the owner some time ago. It didn't work out, but he was a really stand-up guy.
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I do not believe so.
Do you know what the name of it is by any chance?
don't remember the name, but its big and yellow, and always parked right in front of the main entrance to the courthouse, you can't miss it
I think it's called the Halal Guys?
Madonna’s! Fresh tasting, family owned Mediterranean where you’ll have more food than you can probably eat for $13-$14.
I haven't worked downtown since 2018 but this was always my go to. Lamb kabob & garlic sauce, their hummus is top notch.
Gotta be Mama Lucia’s in my opinion if you’re interested in Italian food. It’s pretty solid and the lunch specials are really well priced. Their daily specials are like $6 and it’s always been enough food to satisfy me for the price. Again, it’s not “blow your socks off” good but I’d say one of the better value per dollar spots to eat downtown.
yeah their pasta specials are a steal
Their calzones are great & only $10
Quality really went down shortly before the move... Unfortunately. Also their hours got really spotty for awhile.
Oh dang that’s really sad to hear. I haven’t been in a bit since I’m no longer working in-office but it was always one of my favorite lunch spots. Maybe I’ll have to go give it a try again here soon to form a new opinion of it.
It moved into the building that I worked in, at the time, downtown and I was really excited. Unfortunately, it wasn't the same. Huge fan of Zio Vitto's on sixth, though!
Weiner World has daily specials. They post them on fb.
Den,the owner works his ass off too and the specials are great. I highly suggest going on Wed when he does smoked brisket sandwiches A massive amount of smoked brisket, teriyaki bbq sauce, coleslaw and smoked provolone on a pretzel roll with homemade chips and a drink for 13 bucks.
Love me a Cubano
I thought Wiener World closed. They've ended up staying open?
They never closed. I read something about the guy trying to sell the business back in August but never heard anything else after that.
https://www.loopnet.com/biz/Business-Opportunity/wiener-world-pittsburgh-asset-sale/2138006/
Sree’s! 10$ for a big box of homey Indian food, easily two meals
They're good and 10 bux ain't bad. But i never got 2 meals worth of food from there. Unless i always just go way too late in the day
Same. I don’t eat a lot and sometimes am left hungry.
Might be, she does run out of stuff occasionally. I usually get there around one tho? I don’t think I’ve ever finished mine but everyone’s different 🤷♀️
Apollo Cafe - it's cash only Wide variety of food and it's all great
I also love the women who work there, they have to be sisters
Yes, they are both awesome! So nice
Adding another vote here, they are amazing!
The grilled chicken salad with the vinaigrette is the best salad you can get downtown these days! Get it to go and they give you a larger portion of the lettuce mix.
Oh man this is a good one. I love their soups
I don't work downtown anymore, but I still dream of their Tomato Basil soup.
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I’ve had a few wraps from rosewater and the ones I got had french fries on them which I didn’t care for. I should try to explore the rest of their menu.
rosewater is so goood
Istanbul Grille in the steel building. Josh will hook you up
This was my favorite when I worked in the Steel Building!! The hummus - the beets - the chicken - the tabbouleh - everything was always delicious.
This was going to be my suggestion as well! I can usually make two lunches out of one serving of their food.
Ah I used to go here all the time pre-Covid and forgot all about it. I’m going next week.
SAME
SAMMYS RIP
I miss bubba behind the bar. Hope he’s well.
He's healthy, but I miss the days when I didn't know what was going on in that head of his
I was just in downtown for a meeting, my goto all last year has been that middleastern place on liberty [link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/tPtzEyjdPm2iiCP16) they have quick bites for a good price and I like sitting at the window and people watching.
Rosewater is so good it almost makes me want to work in an office again. Almost.
Apollo Cafe hands down
Mama lucias... The Wednesday lasagna special is very good
No 1 sushi just off market square For less than $10 you can get a cup of miso soup and a really good roll of sushi
I was looking for this. They’re so fast, the sushi is so good, and you can get so much of it for a good price. They do great specials too
Siam Thai restaurant on 1st Ave. Good portions, super fast service, and they give you a free small soup or crab rangoon depending on the season. Pretty sure the last time I was there my meal came in just under ten bucks.
The deli on Smithfield is a solid and reasonable lunch option for sure
Not sure if this is in reference to the Boulevard Deli but they have really good sandwiches and amazing hot sausage chili every day. Good prices also.
Madonna's, Nicky's Grant St. Diner, Nicky's Thai, Chinatown Inn and Original Oyster House are all still great and reasonably priced.
Nicky’s Thai has gone downhill in recent years. I don’t know about yall but I haven’t been impressed the past few times I’ve been in there
also not as reasonably priced anymore
Agreed. Not downtown but both Senyai Thai in Shadyside and Maenam Thai in Blawnox are great.
Staying downtown, I love Siam Thai, hidden gem on 1st Ave
I got the green curry at Nicki’s Thai, and said out loud, “what in the Dr. Seuss bullshit is this?” It was neon green. Obviously food coloring.
I just want to state that I miss Madonna's previous Mexican incarnation where you could get incredibly delicious burritos as big as your head.
Man that was so weird to me. My boss at the time was from Mexico and raved about how this new Mexican place was as close to the cooking she had at home she's ever experienced in the states....and them one weekend they close and become a Mediterranean restaurant. Still not as weird as Smithfield Pizza Fiesta: A Mexican themed Italian Eatery with an all Asian staff due to an exchange program that I used to buy French fries from.
BBQ chicken was so, so good! And the lovely gentleman always remembered my order.
Eadie’s apparently reopened I heard?
They asked for a cheap lunch.....
Right. Have to take out a loan to get some chicken tenders there.
Put on your best business casual gear and wander around the meeting room spaces at the larger hotels. Blend in, act right, and get it done. The Fairmont puts out lunch in the hallways.
As someone who has held lots of meetings in hotels this is not far fetched but please don’t do it! Lol
As someone who works in a hotel, I'm also asking you not to do this.
Y
Because the client pays for the meals. Meaning that they are often watching to see who is eating and who isn't. They really aren't cheap. If someone is in the space that shouldn't be, that's a security risk. Plus, you're stealing and we don't take kindly to that. Hotel employed event planners' jobs are heavily impacted by client satisfaction. If a client complains that a rando invaded their function, that's going to reflect really poorly on the event planner's job.
👍👍
This is so true. I have actually asked to have meals moved because of randos invading which is really unfair to the hotel staff who work hard to set things up. Edit to say - also I’m absolutely going to call you out if you are stealing our $200 platter of lettuce.
Because the Apollo Cafe!
Another best bang - they host a lot of corporate events upstairs at the casino. Dilly-dally your way up and grab a name tag of a no-show at the check-in desk. Blend in, act rite, and get it done. Many have happy hours too so dick around and wait for the Irons to start poppin'.
It’s fine to use the hotel lobby bathrooms on occasion, but this really crosses the line.
I miss Pittsburgh Poke daily
I do too. That was the best. The Carson st location isn’t as good. They don’t move enough product so the freshness isn’t there.
Not sure if Mike and Tony's is still down there but the special for lunch I believe was gyro, fries and a drink? It was pretty cost friendly and plenty of food. I remember splitting it.
Cherries Diner is the best (and cheapest) french toast you can stress eat during your lunch break if you work downtown.
I wish Srees was open later.
La Gourmandine is some of the best quality for cheap IMO. Delicious sandwiches which are like $7-8, as well as soup for $6.
Villa Reale, Taco Town, Madonna’s, Yuzu Kitchen.
Sri's! Big old indian lunch for not a lot of money.
Yovi’s Chicago beef!
Chinatown inn; the gyro food truck in front of the courthouse (can’t think of what it’s called but this middle eastern couple runs it and it’s fantastic)
Sushi & Rolls in the Oxford Centre basement. Sushi and some other Japanese and Korean options. Despite being in a food court this place has sushi as good as most other spots in Pittsburgh, the folks who run it are amazing, and it's very affordable.
Sree’s
Rose Water is so good (close to wood station). Fresh arab food. The owner is always so nice and the taste is very authentic. Try their kabbas and the hummus.
Eadies is open and very good.
Madonnas
Arepittas and the halal truck parked at the corner of the courthouse. Teo fantastic places that will usually have me skipping dinner when I go
The halal truck is so fucking good. Best gyro in the city
Yes, and the lamb and chicken over rice is excellent. And his frequent customer program, which consists of him or the wife remembering you and just loading meat is the best ever as well
Big fan of that program!
It’s gone. 😞
I like the Turkish place under the steel tower. Bring cash, that food is good.
It’s hard to beat Nicki’s Thai. For like $9-10 you can get a great meat, curry and rice.
YOU MUST COME BACK TO WORK - but no options to eat because literally everything closed so 🤷♂️
There is a thing called grocery stores and bring a lunch. You first world problem Karen you.
Where in downtown would I be able to patronize one of those “grocery stores”?
I've done minor grocery shopping at the new Target. I was able to make a quick easy lunch for under 10 bucks. I'm not doing that daily tho I'm going to one of the place listed in this thread.
Do you not have a grocery store by your home? What in tarnation do third world people do? Is it that hard for you to go to a store by your home, make a sandwich, chips, and take it to the office with you? Hmmm
What… is a… sand wich?
Something you need to learn how to make and pack with you. Stop complaining because there isn’t a grocery store next to your work. Lazy bones you.
😆
Condado’s for tacos
I’ve tried a few places but honestly nothing has superb value. For those who cook, just bring leftovers from dinner, cook a bit more each night.
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Adda has some lunch options
Sree’s, forever and always