What to do 8pm-midnight in Pittsburgh?

[Pal2Pluto]

One of our stopovers will be Pittsburgh in July 2022. We pull in at 8pm and leave at midnight. What's the surrounding area like? Walkable at night? Anything within walking distance? or even open in the evening? Or will we be needing to just stay in the station for 4 hours?

 

[PaTrainFan]

That time of year you should be fine and don't consider downtown to be unsafe. There are places you can go in the "Strip District," not far from the station for some good eating and bars, if you're into that. Some decent restaurants are downtown and walkable from the station. Go to Station Square and ride the incline to Mt. Washington for a spectacular view of the city. If you are into transit, take a ride on the T (a stop is a 5 minute walk from the station) which is free in the downtown zone and to the North Shore, where there is some entertainment. Trust me, you don't want to spend 4 hours in the station!

 

[Sidney]

One of our stopovers will be Pittsburgh in July 2022. We pull in at 8pm and leave at midnight. What's the surrounding area like? Walkable at night? Anything within walking distance? or even open in the evening? Or will we be needing to just stay in the station for 4 hours?

When I do that Pittsburgh layover on the way to connect with a Western train in Chicago I always have luggage with me. I'd venture outside the station,but not sure they would hold my luggage. Never asked. If they would I would take a walkm

 

[Trollopian]

In July 2022, evenings will be long, people will be out, downtown will feel pretty safe. I second PaTrainFan's recommendations. The Amtrak station is approximately halfway between two Primanti locations, one in the Strip (away from downtown) and one in Market Square (smack downtown). See Locations and enter zip code "15222." If I were you I'd fill up at Primanti's, and hop the "T" or even walk to Station Square and the Incline. You owe yourself a view of Pittsburgh's bridges and hills and rivers. Or, check the Pirates' schedule. Perennially weak team (but there's always next year!), best ballpark in the major leagues, a 1-mile walk or a free T ride from the Amtrak station. Get cheap tickets and miss the first 3 innings, no big deal. Yinz will have a great layover!

 

[Pal2Pluto]

I LOVE Primanti's! Thanks for the input. Looks like the incline will be a must do! I appreciate all your input!!

 

[west point]

Sunset in Pittsburgh July 4th is 8:55:17 Twilight ends at 9:26:32. Sunrise in that area 5:54

 

[rickb]

My choice would be the Penn Brewery, across the Allegheny River from the station, about a 25 minute walk or 5 minute cab/ride-share. Hearty German food and beer, live music, with a great beer garden atmosphere in the courtyard.

 

[Trollopian]

By the way...I'm just guessing that you're transferring from the Pennsylvanian to the westbound Capitol Limited; the times (8 p.m. to midnight) fit. I assumed that between two long-ish trips you might like to stretch your legs and see a bit of the 'burgh. But if the weather's dreary, or the Pennsylvanian arrives late, or you're not up to the suggested walks, no problem! The magnificent Omni William Penn Hotel is 4 short blocks (0.3 miles; don't bother with the "William Penn Place" address, just head up Grant St.) from the Amtrak station and is one of those magnificent older hotels with sumptuous lobby and a cozy tap room. There are at least two hotels that are closer to the station, but the William Penn is a Pittsburgh icon. You'll miss experiencing the rivers and hills and bridges but you get a half-decent view of them from your trains. Yinz welcome.

https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/pittsburgh-william-penn

 

[Bob Dylan]

When I do that Pittsburgh layover on the way to connect with a Western train in Chicago I always have luggage with me. I'd venture outside the station,but not sure they would hold my luggage. Never asked. If they would I would take a walkm

The kind Agents @ Pittsburgh have always kept my Luggage for Free in their Bag Room during the Layover waiting on the Cap.Ltd.

I've been to several of the places mentioned and only say you probably should use Ride Share if your not familiar with Downtown, as was said it's Safe but can be confusing finding your way in the dark.

 

[justinslot]

Bumping this thread as I may do the PHL --> PGH --> CHI --> LAX trip in the near future. Two questions about the current state of this station:

1. If I do decide to wander into Pittsburgh during my layover (I actually love the William Penn Omni mentioned a post above) does this station have a place for me to leave my bags securely, or do I have to drag them to the hotel bar?
2. Are there charging outlets available? And is there any wifi?

I guess that's three questions. I have only passed through this station briefly in the past, it seemed to have few amenities but I've barely spent any time there.

 

[Trollopian]

Yinzer here (same one who recommended the William Penn, above!) with two and a half answers.
1. Not sure about bag storage because I've never needed it. But it's a staffed station (dull and ugly, yeah, but staffed) and I assume that's an amenity.
2. Yes to charging outlets.
3. Yes to (poky) wifi.
Enjoy your few hours in the 'burgh! Too bad it's not more hours in the 'burgh but maybe your appetite will be whetted.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Everytime I've done the Pennsy to Cap Ltd layover in Pittsburgh, the friendly Agent in the Dungeon like Station has let passengers leave their Luggage (for No charge) behind the Counter while they go out to eat, explore etc.

Pittsburgh has some really good eating spots( and great sights which unfortunately are not visible during this layover due to darkness!)

 

[justinslot]

Yinzer here (same one who recommended the William Penn, above!) with two and a half answers.
1. Not sure about bag storage because I've never needed it. But it's a staffed station (dull and ugly, yeah, but staffed) and I assume that's an amenity.
2. Yes to charging outlets.
3. Yes to (poky) wifi.
Enjoy your few hours in the 'burgh! Too bad it's not more hours in the 'burgh but maybe your appetite will be whetted.

Oh I love Pittsburgh, have stayed at the William Penn for a couple of conferences and have enjoyed that hotel and the general downtown area, and the free light rail (I think) to the casino.

 

[Skyline]

If it has reopened (had been closed for a few months when I was there in August) take the T to Station Square and connect to the Monongahela Incline up to Mt. Washington. Nearby, on Grandview Ave. there's a great observation deck with spectacular views of the Golden Triangle and way beyond.

 

[PaTrainFan]

If it has reopened (had been closed for a few months when I was there in August) take the T to Station Square and connect to the Monongahela Incline up to Mt. Washington. Nearby, on Grandview Ave. there's a great observation deck with spectacular views of the Golden Triangle and way beyond.

The incline is due to re-open sometime this month, as early as later this week but I have seen no formal announcement of re-opening.

 

[Trollopian]

Correct, the iconic Monongahela ("Mon") Incline is still closed for refurbishment and no reopening date has been announced yet, but ought to be soon. The Duquesne Incline, a mile downriver, is operating but unlike the "Mon" isn't as easy to catch by a quick T ride to Station Square from downtown. (But by Uber or similar, no problem.) Both inclines are actually part of Pittsburgh's transit system. See Inclines.

I thought that the incline might be reopened in time for Light-Up Night, the traditional kickoff to holiday season in Pittsburgh, when the entire city is laid out beneath like a dazzling jewel. But that's November 19, less than a week away: Pittsburgh Celebrates Light Up Night | Nov. 19, 2022.

 

[Skyline]

The incline is due to re-open sometime this month, as early as later this week but I have seen no formal announcement of re-opening.

Yes I saw in the P-G this week that opening was imminent but delayed again.

 

[Skyline]

Correct, the iconic Monongahela ("Mon") Incline is still closed for refurbishment and no reopening date has been announced yet, but ought to be soon. The Duquesne Incline, a mile downriver, is operating but unlike the "Mon" isn't as easy to catch by a quick T ride to Station Square from downtown. (But by Uber or similar, no problem.) Both inclines are actually part of Pittsburgh's transit system. See Inclines.

I thought that the incline might be reopened in time for Light-Up Night, the traditional kickoff to holiday season in Pittsburgh, when the entire city is laid out beneath like a dazzling jewel. But that's November 19, less than a week away: Pittsburgh Celebrates Light Up Night | Nov. 19, 2022.

I think that really iconic view down to the Point is the one from the top of the Duquesne Incline. But it's not that easy to get to via public transit. The Mon Incline wins that one, hands down.

I've had the best of both by using the Mon to get up to Mt. Washington and back down, but walking down Grandview Ave. and back for several great views better than that from atop the Mon alone. Probably unrealistic for anyone with time constraints.

Hopefully the Mon will reopen soon. That one, and the nearby observation platform, would be perfect for something very doable while waiting for 29 to arrive. There may even be places to eat on side streets nearby while on the Mount.

 

[justinslot]

Just wanted to confirm that the staff at this station will let you leave your carry on bags in a locked area while you go out for dinner in downtown Pittsburgh if you are there transferring from the Pennsylvanian to the Capitol Limited. (I was going to go to Morton's but they closed super early, so instead I had dinner at the bar at the William Penn Hotel bar.)

 

[Skyline]

May I also recommend the bar at the Drury Hotel, 745 Grant St.

Menu includes casual offerings prepared and presented well, not as "fancy" as some other downtown options. Open til 10pm, later on weekends.

Only 2 blocks from Amtrak, up Grant Street and just beyond the Federal Bldg.

 

[Trollopian]

May I also recommend the bar at the Drury Hotel, 745 Grant St.

Menu includes casual offerings prepared and presented well, not as "fancy" as some other downtown options. Open til 10pm, later on weekends.

Only 2 blocks from Amtrak, up Grant Street and just beyond the Federal Bldg.

The Drury is the former Pittsburgh branch of the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank, in an Art Deco building that dates from 1931. Kudos to the Drury chain for "adaptive reuse" and for preserving many architectural features. Having said that, I don't much care for the lobby; it's basically open-plan, with little separation of spaces, noisy, and as Skyline remarks, not as fancy as the iconic William Penn just two blocks further from the Amshack, er, Amtrak station. But yeah, if weather is Dreary, pick Drury.

Historic Renovations – Pittsburgh - Drury Hotels

If you're a fan of Art Deco (I am!), make sure to goggle at the adjacent Koppers and Gulf buildings. In fact, walk through the lobby of the Koppers building if you can. (I do it often in daytime but I'm not sure it's possible between 8-12 p.m.)

 

[Devil's Advocate]

May I also recommend the bar at the Drury Hotel, 745 Grant St.

The Drurys I've visited had bars with very limited options, such as using Pepsi for a rum & coke and serving "margaritas" out of a soda gun.

Is this Drury different?

 

[Skyline]

If you google Drury Hotel Pittsburgh, you'll find their website. Among the food offerings are a free hot breakfast in the morning and a free hot dinner in the early evening.

My recommendation is for what they call 4th District on the Mezzanine level, offered later than the 5:30pm free dinner. The website includes a food menu and a drink menu. I guess they could use Pepsi products vs Coke products; most eateries use one or the other but not both. I've never witnessed pre-made cocktails dispensed from a gun but that would not be a good thing nor keeping with the otherwise quality vibe.

Drury Hotels in Pittsburgh and other cities have found innovative ways to repurpose landmarks creatively and I'll say they've hit a homerun on Grant Street. See if you can take a peek beyond the lobby!

If you've just arrived on 43 and are connecting to 29 it's a great option with an ample menu of good food unless you're looking for a fancy full-course meal. Amtrak pax would especially appreciate the convenient location.

I've never had more than a cocktail at the William Penn further up Grant. I'm sure it's both great food and comparatively expensive.

 

[CaptPete 43]

You should try this: Housed in the beautifully preserved Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station, the Grand Concourse Restaurant at Station Square is a true testament of grandeur and elegant dining. With cathedral stained-glass vaulted ceilings, marble columns, and a dramatic staircase, guests are quickly transported to the glamorous side of the Progressive Era, with the luxury of a modern-day menu.

This is what you should really do: Housed in the beautifully preserved Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station, the Grand Concourse Restaurant at Station Square is a true testament of grandeur and elegant dining. With cathedral stained-glass vaulted ceilings, marble columns, and a dramatic staircase, guests are quickly transported to the glamorous side of the Progressive Era, with the luxury of a modern-day menu.

 

[MARC Rider]

You should try this: Housed in the beautifully preserved Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station, the Grand Concourse Restaurant at Station Square is a true testament of grandeur and elegant dining. With cathedral stained-glass vaulted ceilings, marble columns, and a dramatic staircase, guests are quickly transported to the glamorous side of the Progressive Era, with the luxury of a modern-day menu.

This is what you should really do: Housed in the beautifully preserved Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station, the Grand Concourse Restaurant at Station Square is a true testament of grandeur and elegant dining. With cathedral stained-glass vaulted ceilings, marble columns, and a dramatic staircase, guests are quickly transported to the glamorous side of the Progressive Era, with the luxury of a modern-day menu.

One thing to consider, it's a bit of a trek across downtown Pittsburgh and over the Monongahela River. It's not that far, but I would recommend using a Taxi/Uber, as it's a bit of a walk through streets that are a bit deserted later in the evening. Station square is also near the bottom station of the incline that one could ride to get a really nice view.