Small Business Saturday is one of our favorite days of the year. We usually spend the day popping in and out of local bars and restaurants and making pit stops at the local shops along the way. This year is different, and while we won’t be able to grab a seat at the bar, we’re still finding ways to support local! Whether you’re out in the burbs or city living, there is always someone or something local to support.

Take a look at our recommendations below, and be sure to drop your favorite local spot in the comments!

Beer

It’s no surprise that we like beer. Have you seen our freakin’ map?! Speaking of that piece of art, check it out to find the locally owned brewery closest to you. Grab a 4-pack, a crowler, or go big with a growler! You can even find options to order online and get contactless pick-up for an easy and safe experience!  Need a suggestion? Here are some of our faves (this is NOT an exhaustive list):

• • • Roundabout Brewery 
    • Grist House Craft Brewery
    • Hitchhiker Brewing Co. 
    • Allegheny City Brewing Co. 
    • Abjuration Brewing
    • Insurrection Ale Works
    • Brew Gentlemen
    • Eleventh Hour

Black-Owned Businesses

There have been so many recent articles about some of the best Black-owned businesses in Pittsburgh. Since we couldn’t focus on all of them, we are dropping some articles that do! Check them out:

• • Good Food Pittsburgh:  Black-Owned Businesses and Restaurants You Can Support in Pittsburgh
  • Visit Pittsburgh: Black-owned Businesses in Pittsburgh
  • The Soul Pitt: Diversity Business Directory
  • Forbes: 100 Black-Owned Business to Support (National)

Clothing

• • Posh Local: a unique clothing boutique located in Brookline that now sells men’s clothes, too (Posh Proper). One of the coolest parts of this stop is that they offer same-day delivery! You can’t beat it!
  • No. 14: A Larry-ville favorite! Find your next favorite outfit there, perhaps a killer look for your Covid-friendly New Years’?
  • Figleaf Boutique: Located in South Side, the online shop is always open! Stay on-trend and check out what they have to offer!
  • Boutique La Passerelle: The window displays at this shop make it hard to walk by without popping in! Unique pieces for every style!
  • Vestis:  A high-quality menswear boutique in Lawrenceville. Splurge on your SO this holiday season and find them something special!
  • Mello & Sons: Another Lawrenceville stop for the favorite with free shipping on all domestic orders! What are you waiting for?!
  • Knotzland Bowtie Co.: Sure, we’re spending more time at home in our sweats, but you can’t tell me that you haven’t wanted to get dressed up for a homemade cocktail! Find your next accessory (or mask) at Knotzland!

Crafts and Gifts 

• • Wildcard: Probably a bit of an obvious choice, this Lawrenceville hot-spot is a Pittsburgh favorite. From adorable and funny cards to the perfect shirt, you can find a gift for anyone! They offer curbside pickup Wednesday – Sunday!
  • Gather: Located in Sewickley, this boutique focuses on local artisans, handmade items, emerging new brands, and unique finds. Pop into the many other shops on Beaver Street!
  • Hot Haute Hot: An ever-changing showroom has whatever home-decor piece you’re looking for. They work with their customers to find and create exactly what they’re looking for. They also recently set up an online shop, too! Don’t wait – check them out before this week’s showroom is sold!

Food

Pittsburgh is a foodie haven with its delicious locally-owned spots. You can support local bars and restaurants with take-out for breakfast lunch and dinner! While we could write a Harry Potter-length book (like Order of the Phoenix long) about everything Pittsburgh has to offer, check out some of our favorites!

Breakfast/Brunch

(I have to admit, we’re not big brunchers, so please drop your faves below!

• • Lola’s Eatery: Maybe, if not definitely, some of the best brunch in Pittsburgh! We’re a little biased, but we stand by what we said! Whether you grab a homemade donut or an egg sammie (on a homemade bagel), you will not be disappointed! Check out their Instagram for some kick-ass cakes, too!
  • Spoonwood Brewing Co.: Yes, it’s a brewery, but their Sunday brunch is talked about all week long. Check it out and extend Small Business Saturday with take-out on Sunday!
  • The Vandal: Brunching here on the weekends is made for Instagram! Plus, once you take the pic, the food tastes just as good as it looks! Offered Saturday and Sunday, this brunch is a must-have.

• Lunch, Dinner, and any time in between

  • Walter’s Southern Kitchen: A great spot with great good! Have you tried the cornbread? It’s SO good. While we can’t gather and play games with strangers right now, we are gearing up for when we can!
  • The Yard: We LOVE sandwiches, and this place is the go-to place for unique, DELICIOUS grilled cheese sammies. Get some to-go and have leftovers for days (or hours). There are a few locations throughout the city, so find the most convenient one for you!
  • Federal Galley: Four stops in one! Grab an app from each restaurant to cover all of your bases!
  • DiAnoia’s Eatery: While the experience of eating at DiAnoia’s can’t be beaten, their food is just as good for takeout! Also, check our Pan e Pronto and Pizza Davide. A gift card to one is good for all three! What a great holiday gift!
  • Point Brugge: One of our friends describes this as their go-to spot when they want really good food with an upscale experience. Check it out this weekend (or anytime, really) when you want to feel wined and dined.
  • Gaucho Parrilla: This place got more space and they’re ready for ALL of your take-out needs. Don’t skimp on the empanadas and alfajores!!
  • Thai Touch Kitchen:  We’re South Hills people, so when we don’t want to make the trek to Noodlehead (which is de-loicious), we head to Mt. Lebo for some really amazing Thai food. Buy a few options and have leftovers for the next day – that’s what we do!
  • Leona’s Ice Cream: We once watched a couple bike up to a brewery just to buy a Leona’s ice cream sandwich. Like, they didn’t buy any beer. So these are that good.

Flowers

• • Roxanne’s Dried Flowers: Need to spruce up your home decor without worrying about killing flowers too quickly? Dried flowers are the way to go! They last longer and take away some of the hassles. Plus, when you stop by, you’ll be in the Strip, and you can’t take a step there without spotting something locally owned! Just don’t be that person that stops in the middle of the sidewalk and gawks. Keep moving or move to the side!
  • The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers: Are real flowers your thing? Don’t stop your search before checking out this place! They even deliver within a 10-mile radius. Safe, convenient, and beautiful!

 

We only hit upon a very, very small portion of what local Pittsburgh has to offer. We encourage you to do some more research, and let us know what you find! Now, more than ever, small businesses need our help and support. (Seriously) consider doing your holiday shopping at local hot spots around town. You can also check out Good Morning America’s Deals and Steals which has been highlighting small businesses all over the country that ship! Other online shops like Etsy and Poshmark are also a great way to support small businesses!

For even more options and information, broken down by neighborhood, check out Pittburgh’s city website: https://pittsburghpa.gov/mayor/sb-saturday.