From Wikitravel

East End-South is a region of Pittsburgh, made up of the neighborhoods of the southern portion of the East End area of Pittsburgh.

[edit] Understand

The primary attraction in this region for visitors and residents alike is the neighborhood of Oakland [1], home to Pittsburgh's two major universities and several major museums. Once the edge of the city, Andrew Carnegie set it up to be a cultural center with the founding of the Carnegie museums and libraries. The neighborhood continued to grow as Pittsburgh's cultural center with the growth of universities in the area, most notably the University of Pittsburgh and some parts of Carnegie Mellon. Today, the area is full of ethnic diversity, students, and others seeking out culture.

East of Oakland are many smaller neighborhoods which are mostly residential, but some possess business districts and attractions of their own, just at a more laid-back pace than Oakland. Many of these neighborhood are well-kept, with an educated professional populace and stately homes in good condition. Squirrel Hill, wedged between Frick and Schenley Parks, is one such neighborhood with plenty of lovely homes, shopping, and good ethnic restaurants. While the proximity to several major colleges makes the community a diverse one, the general ethnic identity of the neighborhood is Jewish. During various religious holidays and weekly periods of worship, the prevalence of the culture is obvious. Shadyside [2], just outside of Oakland, is well known in the city for its shopping. Walnut Street, the core of Shadyside's shopping district, offers a bustling atmosphere of boutiques, shops, lounges, and restaurants designed to suit the discriminating tastes of residents and visitors. Other neighborhoods in the region include Point Breeze, Regent Square, and several others.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By Car

East End-South is directly accessible via the Parkway East (I-376). There are two main exits: one leads onto Forbes Avenue, which is the most convenient for reaching Oakland. The other one is on the west end of the Squirrel Hill Tunnel, leading you onto Forward Avenue, which takes you directly into Squirrel Hill.

From Downtown, primary streets you can take to get into the district are the Boulevard of the Allies, Forbes Avenue (one-way west), Centre Avenue, or Bigelow Boulevard. Fifth Avenue runs parallel to Forbes Avenue, but is a one-way street westbound (towards Downtown) between Oakland and Downtown. On the east side of Oakland it is a two-way street and one of the primary routes used to reach Shadyside.

[edit] By Bus

The Port Authority [3] has several bus routes heading east from downtown through Oakland, making it a very convenient place to take public transit to. The frequent 61 and 71 routes take you directly from downtown to Oakland, and its only a 15-minute bus ride from downtown. The EBO takes the East Busway from Wilkinsburg directly to Oakland and back. The Airport Flyer 28X goes from the airport through downtown to Oakland. Many other bus routes also pass through Oakland.

There are several buses routes that run through Shadyside, principally along Fifth Avenue, Ellsworth Avenue, and Centre Avenue. The 500, 71D, 77C, 78C, and East Busway routes are all prominent routes that pass through Shadyside.

[edit] Get around

Oakland is heavily congested, especially during school hours, as many are traveling here to either attend class or work at one of the many universities in the area. This is only complicated by the number of one-way streets. 5th Avenue is a westbound only street through most of Oakland, whereas Forbes only allows eastbound traffic.

Parking can also be fairly difficult to find, unless you're willing to park in a garage. Most of the attractions and restaurants in the area are within walking distance of each other, so this is certainly the easiest way to get around.

[edit][add listing] See

• Frick Art & Historical Center, 7227 Reynolds St, +1 412 371-0600, [4]. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. A complex of museums and historic buildings including: Clayton (the home of industrialist and art collector Henry Clay Frick), the Frick Art Museum, the Car and Carriage Museum, and the Greenhouse. The grounds, museums, and greenhouse are free, tours of Clayton are $12 adults, $10 seniors, $6 children.

• Homewood Cemetery, 1599 S Dallas Ave (north of Frick Park), +1 412 421-1822, [5]. A large cemetery founded in the mid 1800's. While not a tourist attraction like the old cemeteries of new Orleans or Paris, Homewood houses many ornate mausoleums, statues and memorial edifices.

• Phipps Conservatory, 1 Schenley Park, +1 412 622-6914, [6]. Sa-Th 9:30AM-5PM, F 9:30AM-10PM. $10 adults, $9 adults/students, $7 children, children under 2 free.

• Pittsburgh Center For the Arts, 6300 5th Ave, +1 412 361-0873, [7].

• Rodef Shalom Synagogue, 4905 5th Ave, +1 412 621-6566, [8]. A biblical-themed garden.

• Roslyn Place. Turn of the century wood paved street built in 1914, with restored houses lining the street.

• Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum, 4141 5th Ave (across the street from Pitt campus), +1 412 621-4253, [9]. M-Sa 10AM-4PM. $5 adults, $3 seniors/veterans/children, children 5 and under free.

[edit] The Carnegie

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh [10]. This is the major Carnegie library in Pittsburgh. Andrew Carnegie funded 2,507 libraries all over the world between 1881 and 1917. Most (1,681) are in the United States, but there are Carnegie libraries from Fiji to United Kingdom. This library is very large with an entire floor for fiction, another for non-fiction and a third devoted to works on technology.

[edit] Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History

4400 Forbes Avenue, +1 412 622-3131. Museum of Art, [11]. Museum of Natural History, [12]. Tu-W, F-Sa 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-8PM, Su noon-5PM. $15 adults, $12 seniors, $11 students/children, children under 3 Free (admission includes entry to both museums).

In a single large building along Forbes Avenue (the same building as the Carnegie Library, but separated) are two absolutely exquisite museums which are the main attraction in Oakland and a highlight for any visit to Pittsburgh. While the two museums do take separate sections of the same building, they blend together well.

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History has extensive exhibits covering fields of paleontology, geology, mineralogy, and biology. Naturally, the highlight exhibits are the dinosaur halls on the first floor, which make up one of the best dinosaur skeleton collections in the world, thanks in large part to Andrew Carnegie's funding of scientific field work just as knowledge of dinosaurs became known to the world. Among the many specimens here you'll see reconstructed skeletons of Diplodocus, Apatosaurus, Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, sea dinosaurs, and not one, but two Tyrannosaurus rex.

Also on the first floor is an excellent hall of minerals and gems, where you'll see many exquisite and beautiful specimens, as well as a hall of fine jewelery. On the second floor is a room full of realistic recreations of non-extinct animals, such as lions, zebras, polar bears, and many other animals from North America and Africa. The third floor has some interesting anthropological exhibits, with halls dedicated to ancient Egypt, the people of the Arctic, and Native Americans.

The Carnegie Museum of Art is a world-class exhibit space with a permanent collection of paintings that include Rembrandts, Van Goghs, Cezannes, Picassos and many more. In addition it hosts temporary exhibits from other museums all over the world and funds the Carnegie International, a biennial staging of "the most important and prestigious international survey of contemporary art in North America." Most of the exhibit spaces are on the second floor, but on the first floor are the Halls of Sculpture and Architecture, which offer many more interesting works, both contemporary and classical.

[edit] Pitt Campus

The Cathedral of Learning, between 5th Avenue, Bigelow Blvd, Bellefield Avenue, and Forbes Avenue. A 42-story gothic style building which is the anchor of the University of Pittsburgh. Construction was begun in 1926 and took ten years to complete. It is the tallest school building in the western hemisphere and is visible from almost anywhere in Pittsburgh. On the first and third floors, surrounding its immense commons rooms are the 27 nationality rooms [13], each designed, constructed, and decorated in the characteristic style of 27 different nations which at the time made up the diverse population of Pittsburgh. Because much of the building in composed of classrooms and other university facilities, large portions of it are restricted to public access. However, an impromptu observation desk is open on the 36th floor, accessible by most of the elevators. From there, the view is marvelous.

Forbes Field, though it no longer stands you can visit what remains of the former home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Inside Pitt's Posvar Hall on the ground floor you can see the old home plate in a glass case on the ground. Outside, south of the building, you can see what remains of the left field wall, including where Bill Mazeroski hit the 1960 World Series winning home run against the Yankees. Every year in October, Pirates faithful will come out to the wall to listen to a recording of the game.

Heinz Memorial Chapel [14] located opposite the Cathedral of Learning, was built with funds left to the school by H.J. Heinz (of ketchup fame). The small Gothic chapel features amazing stained-glass windows, free tours to sample the acoustics, and concerts and recitals, typically on Sundays. See the website for calender.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Oakland once was home to many of Pittsburgh's sports teams. Most of their stadia have been demolished, but one can still cheer on the University of Pittsburgh Panther's Basketball team at the Peterson Events Center.

• Chatham University Arboretum: Estate of the Mellon family, landscaped in part by the Olmsted Brothers (who landscaped Boston Common and New York's Central Park) with many different flowering trees - now part of the grounds of Chatham University. Located just south of 5th Ave on Woodland Rd, in North Squirrel Hill.

• Frick Park, partially in Point Breeze, is a wonderful wooded area with several trails ideal for walking the dog, or bicycling.

• Schenley Plaza and Park - this 456-acre park is a haven for exercisers, sunbathers, and anyone who appreciates beautiful green space. The newly-constructed Plaza area, across from the Carnegie Library of Oakland, features a carousel and free wi-fi Internet access. On Sunday and Wednesday nights during the summer, a free movie is shown on Flagstaff Hill in the park.

Visit the seasonal Shadyside festivals :

• Walnut Street Jam : Last Saturday of June, July, August. Local bands play on Walnut Street - which is closed to vehicular traffic, beer is also allowed on the street.

• Ellsworth Arts Festival  : Weekend after Labor Day. Ellsworth Avenue is closed to vehicular traffic as local artists set up stalls on Ellsworth Avenue.

[edit] Learn

There is a concentration of different colleges and universities in Oakland that is perhaps only rivaled in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The two largest and best known are the University of Pittsburgh [15] and Carnegie Mellon University [16] (called CMU for short).

Smaller schools of higher education include Carlow University [17], a Catholic university that largely enrolls women, and Chatham University [18], a private women's college.

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Used Books Oakland is a book lover's dream. Sample any of the many used book stores to see what treasure you can find.
• Caliban Book Shop, 410 S Craig St, +1 412 681-9111, [19].
• Jay's Bookstall, 3604 Fifth Ave, +1 412 683-2644, [20].
• Pitt Paraphernalia as with any college or university, check out the school Book Center [21] for t-shirts, hoodies, magnets, and other souvenirs.

[edit] Shadyside

Shadyside has two shopping districts: the Walnut Street district specializing in apparel, and variety stores, and the Ellsworth Avenue district specializing in art galleries.

• Schiller's Pharmacy, 811 S Aiken Ave, +1 412 621-5900. Great pharmacy with upscale bath products and cosmetic lines. Friendly staff.
• Kawaii Store, 5413B Walnut St #B, +1 412 687-2480, [22]. This little shop sells Japanese stuff. It has a lot of Choco-Cat, Totoro, etc merchandise.
• Kards Unlimited, 5522 Walnut St, +1 412 622-0500. A strange store which sells novelty stuff. They sell books, stationary, toys, etc.
• Shadyside Variety Store, 5421 Walnut St, +1 412 681-1716. Another variety store.
• La Feria Gift Shop, 5527 Walnut St #2, +1 412 682-4501, [23]. A gift shop selling ethnic Peruvian handicrafts, as part of the La Feria restaurant.
• Maser Galleries, 5427 Walnut St, +1 412 687-0885, [24]. Much of the art at Maser Galleries is contemporary, but the collection is eclectic, including sports art, traditional oil paintings, and work by the finest national and international masters.
• Tokyo Japanese Food Store, 5853 Ellsworth Ave, +1 412 661-3777, [25].
• Brand stores in Shadyside include Apple Store, Banana Republic, Victoria's Secret, and the Four Winds Gallery (Native American art).

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Aiello's, 2112 Murray Ave, +1 412 521-9973, [26]. This Pizza is one of the best in the Burgh. It is loved by all the locals and is a common hang out for many Taylor Allderdice High School Students. The pepperoni rolls are to die for, loaded with parm. It has a classic Italian pizzeria atmosphere with friendly and personable staff. They are open till 2AM so you can always grab a cut to go.
• Chaya Japanese Cuisine, 2104 Murray Ave, +1 412 422-2082, [27]. Amazingly good sushi, worth every penny. One of the few places in the country where you will find wasabi made from fresh wasabi root instead of powder; the waiter will proudly show you the root if you ask. Word of warning: its capacity is tiny, and don't expect to be acknowledged as you wait for a table.
• Eat 'n Park, 1816 Murray Ave, +1 412 422-7203, [28]. Family-friendly local chain. Fair prices, friendly service, and their trademark smiley cookie. Many only eat here when they have to (i.e. after the bars close) but others eat here by choice.
• Gullifty's Restaurant, 1922 Murray Avenue, +1 412 521-8222. [29]. A varied menu and Pittsburgh's Best Desserts 22 years running. not only do they have award winning desserts, but delicious entrées as well. They have been offering live jazz many nights, it simply sets a lovely environment to wine and dine.
• Milky Way, 2120 Murray Ave, +1 412 421-3121. This vegetarian restaurant has an assortment of pizzas. They have many salads and make a great falafel. The best part about it is that it is kosher. For any people who keep religious eating habits, this would be the place to go.
• Doc's Place, 5442 Walnut St, +1 412 681-3713, [30]. An excellent bar/pub. Expect to spend about $10 on your meal. Great burgers.
• Sushi Too, 5432 Walnut St, +1 412 687-8744. Good Asian restaurant.
• Prantl's Bakery, 5525 Walnut St, +1 412 621-2092, [31]. Excellent baked goods are low prices.
• Elbow Room, 5744 1/2 Ellsworth Ave, +1 412 441-5222, [32]. Try the mixed fritters and fries plate.
• Bites and Brews, 5750 Ellsworth Ave, +1 412 361-4425, [33].
• Harris Grill, 5747 Ellsworth Ave, +1 412 362-5273, [34]. Try the pork shank.

[edit] Oakland restaurants

Put some twenty thousand college students in a small urban area and you can be sure you won't go hungry. Or thirsty. If you've outgrown college food and college bars there are also a number of very good restaurants in the area.

There is always The O, the place for some of the best fries in Pittsburgh. All along Craig Street and Forbes Avenue are restaurants ranging from Chinese and middle eastern to Subway. Here is a small sample of what's there.

• Essie's Original Hot Dog Shop, 3901 Forbes Ave, +1 412 621-7388. Better known as "the O" or "the Dirty O". Originally opened across the street from Forbes Field. Cheap food. Extremely greasy. You can get giant piles of greasy french fries for cheap. It is a good place to go after drinking. Late hours. The place is filthy. You don't want to use the bathroom. It has a reputation for being dangerous, but there is always at least one cop there at all times. Most people go for the hot dogs, french fries, or pizza. If you are in Oakland, you should at least try the fries to say you have been there.
• Union Grill, 413 S Craig St, +1 412 681-8620. Classic American Food - burgers, desserts and other American food. This place can get really crowded at lunch time.
• There is also a Five Guys Burgers and Primanti Brothers near campus, and of course larger chains like McDonald's, Wendys, and Panera Bread.
• Taiwan Cafe, 3725 Forbes Ave, +1 412 687-6288. Excellent, cheap Chinese food and there's always seems to be a group of Chinese students inside enjoying a meal. They also have a huge selection of beer.
• India Garden, 328 Atwood St, +1 412 682-3000, [35]. India Garden is probably the most famous Indian restaurant in Pittsburgh. The food is really good, but the service isn't always the best and the Servers aren't always fluent in English. The restaurant is generally loud, with two TV sets playing Bollywood music videos while Hindi pop music blasts from the speakers. The half off specials between 4PM-6PM, 10PM-1AM, are just awesome and they have a buffet at lunch from 12PM-3PM.
• Star of India, 412 S Craig St (near the Carnegie museums), +1 412 681-5700. It is across the street from an Indian grocery store.
• Tamarind, 257 N Craig St, +1 412 605-0500, [36]. Further away from the campuses in an old Victorian house, specializing in south Indian fare. They offer a very good lunch buffet daily.
• Mad Mex, 370 Atwood Street, +1 412 681-5656, [37]. Great food. Food is half off from 11pm-1am. Mexican food. The employees are mostly punk types while the crowd is usually yuppie.
• Veracruz, 3715 Forbes, +1 412 688-0766. Frequented by students for its inexpensive Mexican food, with a focus on beans.
• The chains Chipotle and Q'Doba also have locations on Forbes.
• Fuel & Fuddle, 214 Oakland Avenue, +1 412 682-3473, [38]. Good food. Vegetarian friendly. It has a hipster crowd. The prices are about $10 for a meal.

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Hemingways, 3911 Forbes Avenue, +1 412 621-4100, [39]. $1 Miller Lites, microbrew selection, combined with the food, great place to drink. A lot of girls.

• Gene's Place, 3616 Louisa Street, +1 412 682-9213. Really cheep drinks ($2.50 mixed, $2-3 22oz beers, $5.50 pitchers). No food. Some microbrews. Mostly guys looking to drink. If you are looking to drink cheap, here is the place.

• Mad Mex, Atwood & Bates. Excellent beer selection (9 or so microbrews on tap, extensive bottle selection). The frozen margarita's are great. Expensive unless you come during a drink special (430-630 for happy hour, 9-11 for evening special). Great food if you like to eat while you drink.

• Fuel & Fuddle, Oakland Avenue, [40]. The crowd is hipster. They have a large microbrew draft selection (12 or so) and an extremely extensive bottle selection.

• Doc's Place, 5442 Walnut Street, +1 412 681-3713, [41]. Great bar. Cheap prices ($1-3 for a beer, $5 or 6 for a pitcher). They offer a balcony to drink on that overlooks Walnut Street.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Since Oakland is a "college town", as well as a center of research and technology, there are numerous accommodations including most of the big name chain hotels. In addition the area has very frequent bus connections to Downtown which is only a ten or fifteen minute ride to all the large downtown hotels.

• Shadyside Inn, 5405 5th Avenue, +1 412 441-4444, [42].
• Inn on Negley, 703 S Negley Ave, +1 412 661-0631, [43].
• Wyndham Garden Hotel - University Place, 3454 Forbes Avenue, +1 412 683-2040, [44]. Minutes from downtown and close to many of Pittsburgh's renowned universities, including UPMC Health System, Carnegie Mellon and University of Pittsburgh.

[edit] Contact

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!