1
Duo's Taqueria
4.5Mexican, Tacos · $$ · 5906 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Mexico City-style tacos that taste like the real deal. Counter-casual; the al pastor is the order.
Order: Tacos al pastor off the trompo
See Duo's Taqueria on the map →East Liberty
The 7 best restaurants in East Liberty
Every spot we rate in East Liberty, ranked honestly 1–5 by a local across food, vibe, value and service. Duo's Taqueria leads at 4.5. Nobody paid to be here.
2
Mola
4.5Seafood · $$$ · 6018 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
A sleek raw bar and seafood spot. Crudo is the move; quality ingredients, prices to match.
Order: Crudo & whole grilled fish
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Tana Ethiopian Cuisine
4.4Ethiopian, East African · $$ · 5929 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
The city's go-to for Ethiopian, and a genuine community table for Pittsburgh's Ethiopian and Eritrean families. Everything lands on one big sheet of spongy injera. Tear, scoop, eat with your hands. Get the doro wat for the slow berbere heat and a generous spread of the vegetarian wots to round it out. Service can wander when it's busy; the food is worth the patience.
Order: Doro wat with a hard-boiled egg over injera
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Square Cafe
4.2Breakfast, Brunch · $$ · 134 S Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
A sunny all-day breakfast spot with local art and good pancakes. Wholesome and reliable; expect a weekend wait.
Order: All-day breakfast + local art on the walls
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Hey Babe
4.2Cocktail Bar, New American, Small Plates · $$$ · 120 S Whitfield St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Folded into the historic YMCA-turned-Maverick Hotel, this throwback lounge nails the moody-music, low-light, order-another-round vibe the old Ace corner always wanted. Cain and Hirst know this scene cold, and the seasonal bites punch above 'hotel bar.' Walk-ins only. Embrace the no-plans energy.
Order: Crispy eggplant with whipped feta, pine nuts, and basil oil
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Palm Palm
4.1Coastal, South American, Small Plates · $$$ · 5996 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Herky Pollock built a Palm Springs fever dream in the East End, terrazzo, palm fronds, vintage glam, and the coastal small plates mostly keep up with the looks. The Truffle Spaghettios are a wink that actually works. It's a scene first and a meal second, but the scene's a good time.
Order: Truffle Spaghettios with parmesan cream and black truffle
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Kelly's Bar & Lounge
4.0American, Bar · $$ · 6012 Penn Cir S, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
A retro bar with great mac-and-cheese and a stiff drink. Charm over ambition. And that's the whole point.
Order: Mac & cheese + a stiff Manhattan
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