Kerrie’s guidebook
Our Neighborhood
The Mexican War Streets are a beautiful and historic neighborhood with plenty to offer. The name comes from the 1840s development of the land which was then called Buena Vista.
The neighborhood streets were named after people and places from the Mexican-American War, hence the current name, the Mexican War Streets. From the architecture to the artistic attractions, a whole day can be spent exploring this Northside neighborhood. Here are a few things you should check out on your visit.
The Mattress Factory Museum
The Mattress Factory is a contemporary art museum that showcases unconventional art from artists working in residence from around the world. The nearly 20 site-specific exhibits aim to motivate, challenge and excite visitors to think about the world in new, creative ways. Insider's tip: Admission is half-off every Tuesday.
Commonplace Coffee: Commonplace Coffee opened on Buena Vista St in January of 2016. Loved by our local community, Commonplace Coffee has pleased many visitors with their specialty coffee at its newest location on the Mexican War Streets. They are all about the relationships with both the customer and producer and say their coffee shops are "a way of creating space to hang out with you." The cozy coffee shop is the perfect spot to grab some caffeine during your exploration of the Mexican War Streets.
Mexican War Streets Architecture: The architecture of the homes and businesses on the Mexican War Streets is one of the most charming parts of the historic neighborhood. Victorian architecture is seen throughout the neighborhood's 19th century crafted homes. The architecture may have lacked in grandeur at the time, but craftsmanship and style made up for this. Don't know where to start? Take a stroll down Palo Alto, North Taylor, Buena Vista Street, Monterey Street or West North Avenue to find beautifully restored homes.
Colorful Randyland: Randyland is Pittsburgh's most colorful attraction. The home of artist Randy Gilson is open for visitors most days 10am-5:30pm. Randy has turned this once run down corner of the Mexican War Streets into a bright, welcoming area for everyone. His house and garden, painted in bright colors, decorated with lawn furniture, mannequins, mirrors and an array of other knick knacks, has been visited by people from all over the world! This one is a must see.
Monterey Pub: The Monterey Pub is a little piece of Ireland on Pittsburgh's North Side. They offer a cozy atmosphere with cold beer, mahogany booths, a fireplace and traditional (and not so traditional) food. You can grab the usual pub food like burgers and wraps, or try traditional Irish flare such as fish and chips or Devonshire boxty.
Events: Every year, The Great Mexican War Streets Yard Sale takes place on the Mexican War Streets, offering buyers a unique setting to find new treasures and enjoy food trucks. Every September, The Annual Mexican War Streets House and Garden Tour allows visitors to go on self-guided tours of the restored homes and gardens in the neighborhood. These events are the perfect excuse to stroll through the streets rich in history and culture.
The National Aviary: Join an immersive experience feeding the birds, visit the living dinosaurs exhibit, or watch the penguins at play. One of the finest aviaries in the world is just steps. Open daily 10am to 5pm
The Children's Museum Pittsburgh: Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is a place that delights and inspires children, where they can take off on fantastic flights of imagination daily, and return to earth to splash in a river, hammer a nail and ink a silkscreen. Named one of the nation’s top 15 children’s museums by Parents magazine in 2015, the Museum welcomes over 306,000 visitors annually and provides tons of fun and loads of “real stuff” experiences for play and learning. Hands-on, interactive exhibit areas and experiences that inspire joy, creativity and curiosity include The Studio, MAKESHOP, Waterplay, Nursery, Theater and Backyard. The Museum’s award-winning, three-story building connects two historic buildings, Allegheny Post Office Building & the Buhl Building. Its center building is screened by a shimmering wind sculpture created by environmental artist Ned Kahn (Articulated Cloud). In 2006 the Museum became a certified green building (Silver LEED) and was honored by the American Institute for Architects and the National Historic Preservation Trust.
Allegheny Commons Park: Located right across the street. Established in 1867, Allegheny Commons is Pittsburgh's oldest park. Known for its mature canopy trees, wide promenade, and lovely Lake Elizabeth, Allegheny Commons is the front yard for the Northside's diverse neighborhoods. Visit the historic fountain at the corner of North and Cedar Avenues, stroll the walking trails around Lake Elizabeth, or visit the children's playground.
If you haven't already, add the Mexican War Streets to your bucket list. The attractions combined with the Victorian architecture make this neighborhood a pleasing destination for Pittsburgh natives and visitors alike. The Mexican War Streets Society was founded to promote and preserve the Mexican War Streets and is a great resources for those who want more information about the neighborhood before visiting.
26 polecane przez mieszkańców
Mexican War Streets
The Mexican War Streets are a beautiful and historic neighborhood with plenty to offer. The name comes from the 1840s development of the land which was then called Buena Vista.
The neighborhood streets were named after people and places from the Mexican-American War, hence the current name, the Mexican War Streets. From the architecture to the artistic attractions, a whole day can be spent exploring this Northside neighborhood. Here are a few things you should check out on your visit.
The Mattress Factory Museum
The Mattress Factory is a contemporary art museum that showcases unconventional art from artists working in residence from around the world. The nearly 20 site-specific exhibits aim to motivate, challenge and excite visitors to think about the world in new, creative ways. Insider's tip: Admission is half-off every Tuesday.
Commonplace Coffee: Commonplace Coffee opened on Buena Vista St in January of 2016. Loved by our local community, Commonplace Coffee has pleased many visitors with their specialty coffee at its newest location on the Mexican War Streets. They are all about the relationships with both the customer and producer and say their coffee shops are "a way of creating space to hang out with you." The cozy coffee shop is the perfect spot to grab some caffeine during your exploration of the Mexican War Streets.
Mexican War Streets Architecture: The architecture of the homes and businesses on the Mexican War Streets is one of the most charming parts of the historic neighborhood. Victorian architecture is seen throughout the neighborhood's 19th century crafted homes. The architecture may have lacked in grandeur at the time, but craftsmanship and style made up for this. Don't know where to start? Take a stroll down Palo Alto, North Taylor, Buena Vista Street, Monterey Street or West North Avenue to find beautifully restored homes.
Colorful Randyland: Randyland is Pittsburgh's most colorful attraction. The home of artist Randy Gilson is open for visitors most days 10am-5:30pm. Randy has turned this once run down corner of the Mexican War Streets into a bright, welcoming area for everyone. His house and garden, painted in bright colors, decorated with lawn furniture, mannequins, mirrors and an array of other knick knacks, has been visited by people from all over the world! This one is a must see.
Monterey Pub: The Monterey Pub is a little piece of Ireland on Pittsburgh's North Side. They offer a cozy atmosphere with cold beer, mahogany booths, a fireplace and traditional (and not so traditional) food. You can grab the usual pub food like burgers and wraps, or try traditional Irish flare such as fish and chips or Devonshire boxty.
Events: Every year, The Great Mexican War Streets Yard Sale takes place on the Mexican War Streets, offering buyers a unique setting to find new treasures and enjoy food trucks. Every September, The Annual Mexican War Streets House and Garden Tour allows visitors to go on self-guided tours of the restored homes and gardens in the neighborhood. These events are the perfect excuse to stroll through the streets rich in history and culture.
The National Aviary: Join an immersive experience feeding the birds, visit the living dinosaurs exhibit, or watch the penguins at play. One of the finest aviaries in the world is just steps. Open daily 10am to 5pm
The Children's Museum Pittsburgh: Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is a place that delights and inspires children, where they can take off on fantastic flights of imagination daily, and return to earth to splash in a river, hammer a nail and ink a silkscreen. Named one of the nation’s top 15 children’s museums by Parents magazine in 2015, the Museum welcomes over 306,000 visitors annually and provides tons of fun and loads of “real stuff” experiences for play and learning. Hands-on, interactive exhibit areas and experiences that inspire joy, creativity and curiosity include The Studio, MAKESHOP, Waterplay, Nursery, Theater and Backyard. The Museum’s award-winning, three-story building connects two historic buildings, Allegheny Post Office Building & the Buhl Building. Its center building is screened by a shimmering wind sculpture created by environmental artist Ned Kahn (Articulated Cloud). In 2006 the Museum became a certified green building (Silver LEED) and was honored by the American Institute for Architects and the National Historic Preservation Trust.
Allegheny Commons Park: Located right across the street. Established in 1867, Allegheny Commons is Pittsburgh's oldest park. Known for its mature canopy trees, wide promenade, and lovely Lake Elizabeth, Allegheny Commons is the front yard for the Northside's diverse neighborhoods. Visit the historic fountain at the corner of North and Cedar Avenues, stroll the walking trails around Lake Elizabeth, or visit the children's playground.
If you haven't already, add the Mexican War Streets to your bucket list. The attractions combined with the Victorian architecture make this neighborhood a pleasing destination for Pittsburgh natives and visitors alike. The Mexican War Streets Society was founded to promote and preserve the Mexican War Streets and is a great resources for those who want more information about the neighborhood before visiting.
Food scene
Some of our favorite local restaurants close by.
Working with local dairies, butchers, growers and bakers, they offer some of the best burgers and shakes in town! For a great burger, try the Morty Burger! Inspired by Morty's Steakhouse. It is delicious. Located 1/2 block from Stage AE
21 polecane przez mieszkańców
Burgatory
342 N Shore DrWorking with local dairies, butchers, growers and bakers, they offer some of the best burgers and shakes in town! For a great burger, try the Morty Burger! Inspired by Morty's Steakhouse. It is delicious. Located 1/2 block from Stage AE
Three gringos and an 8-legged culinary muse, who goes by the street name täkō, have brought the so-cal surf vibe to the steel city with south of the border force and fierce margaritas. easily one of our absolute favorites in town. If you like tacos this experience is amazing, Try the duck breast!!!
55 polecane przez mieszkańców
täkō
214 6th StThree gringos and an 8-legged culinary muse, who goes by the street name täkō, have brought the so-cal surf vibe to the steel city with south of the border force and fierce margaritas. easily one of our absolute favorites in town. If you like tacos this experience is amazing, Try the duck breast!!!
A must if you are looking for a meaty meal! Their food is some of the top in town. Their steaks are fantastic, albeit large. They also offer an amazing burger called the Pub Burger. (Tip - Order a side of Truffle Mayo for your fries!) I also love the braised beef Poutine. Book a reservation as this one is hard to get a table before 8:00.
59 polecane przez mieszkańców
Meat & Potatoes
649 Penn AveA must if you are looking for a meaty meal! Their food is some of the top in town. Their steaks are fantastic, albeit large. They also offer an amazing burger called the Pub Burger. (Tip - Order a side of Truffle Mayo for your fries!) I also love the braised beef Poutine. Book a reservation as this one is hard to get a table before 8:00.
Diners at the new restaurant, located on E. Ohio St. can expect to find contemporary American cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients dictated by the season.
Warm temperatures will mean a spicier menu full of dynamic flavors. Comfort foods will step up to the plate when cold weather moves in again in the fall. The calendar also will dictate the cocktail, wine and beer selections.
17 polecane przez mieszkańców
Siempre Algo
414 E Ohio StDiners at the new restaurant, located on E. Ohio St. can expect to find contemporary American cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients dictated by the season.
Warm temperatures will mean a spicier menu full of dynamic flavors. Comfort foods will step up to the plate when cold weather moves in again in the fall. The calendar also will dictate the cocktail, wine and beer selections.
Once the executive chef at Wolfgang Puck in San Francisco, LA, and Seattle, chef/owner Michael Barnhouse and his wife Yelena moved to Pittsburgh and opened the ultimate neighborhood restaurant that focuses on gourmet comfort food. Personally, my favorite BYOB nestled on the fringe of our lively Mexican War Streets Neighborhood.
10 polecane przez mieszkańców
Lola Bistro
1100 Galveston AveOnce the executive chef at Wolfgang Puck in San Francisco, LA, and Seattle, chef/owner Michael Barnhouse and his wife Yelena moved to Pittsburgh and opened the ultimate neighborhood restaurant that focuses on gourmet comfort food. Personally, my favorite BYOB nestled on the fringe of our lively Mexican War Streets Neighborhood.
Easily one of our favorites! The food is outstanding. Fresh ingredients, amazing authentic flavors. If you like meats or grilled foods, this is an absolute must!
74 polecane przez mieszkańców
Gaucho Parrilla Argentina
146 6th StreetEasily one of our favorites! The food is outstanding. Fresh ingredients, amazing authentic flavors. If you like meats or grilled foods, this is an absolute must!
This awesome 4 chef incubated and beer garden offers indoor and outdoor space. Easily a favorite in our neighborhood! Something for everyone! Just a short walk through the park!
47 polecane przez mieszkańców
Federal Galley
200 Children's WayThis awesome 4 chef incubated and beer garden offers indoor and outdoor space. Easily a favorite in our neighborhood! Something for everyone! Just a short walk through the park!
My favorite places to take friends who visit the city!
Randy Gilson bought Randyland on a credit card in 1995. Every day after waiting tables, he came home to paint and bring happiness to his neighborhood. Now people travel all over to share his dream. Stop in ... BYOB ... enjoy a glass of wine in the yard.
129 polecane przez mieszkańców
Randyland
1501 Arch StRandy Gilson bought Randyland on a credit card in 1995. Every day after waiting tables, he came home to paint and bring happiness to his neighborhood. Now people travel all over to share his dream. Stop in ... BYOB ... enjoy a glass of wine in the yard.
Amazing collection of hundreds of cool bicycles and bicycle art! Two floors of family fun! Free entry and donations appreciated!
46 polecane przez mieszkańców
Bicycle Heaven
1800 Preble AveAmazing collection of hundreds of cool bicycles and bicycle art! Two floors of family fun! Free entry and donations appreciated!
There is no better way to see this city than from Mt. Washington. Take a ride up the incline to one of several overlooks for spectacular views of town!!
14 polecane przez mieszkańców
The Incline
1197 W Carson StThere is no better way to see this city than from Mt. Washington. Take a ride up the incline to one of several overlooks for spectacular views of town!!