VAMONDE Pittsburgh

Eat your way through the city of Pittsburgh at these top rated restaurants (Cover Image by rawpixel from Pixabay)

Best Restaurants in Pittsburgh

A contemporary American fine dining restaurant overlooking Pittsburgh

Altius, created by B DeFrancis and Chef Jessica Bauer, is ranked as one of the top restaurants in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Dine at Altius to enjoy some of the most decadent dishes and finest liquors in Pittsburgh while overlooking the city from the top of Mount Washington.

Watch the video below to see what Altius has to offer:

Jessica Bauer, the executive chef and partner at Altius, integrates high-quality ingredients into the restaurant's contemporary American menu. At Altius, your experience is carefully considered and designed with care.

Altius

A two-story restaurant recognized by its extensive whiskey collection and creative menu

Butcher and the Rye is a two-story restaurant located in the Cultural District of Pittsburgh. Owned and conceptualized by Richard DeShantz, Butcher and the Rye is known for its extensive whiskey collection and creative menu, offering a contemporary spin on rustic American dishes. This gastropub is the first Pittsburgh bar to be nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Bar Program.

Butcher and the Rye's interior design pays homage to the rustic Americana. Visit the restaurant and see oil lanterns in place of candles on some tables, tattoo-inspired murals painted on the walls, and vintage knives and cleavers on display by the entrance. 

Known to be a reputable contemporary American restaurant in the Pittsburgh area, Butcher and the Rye also boasts an ambitious cocktail program. Try their locally-sourced beers, artisan cocktails, wines, and custom creations invented by skilled bartenders and mixologists. Two different bars are featured inside the space: the Whiskey Wall, displaying over 600 varieties of whiskey, and the Rye Bar, featuring craft cocktails and a library in the lounge area.  

Cover Photo by Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash

Butcher and the Rye

A "crash the counter" Argentinian restaurant with the option to BYOB

Gaucho Parilla Argentina is a restaurant located in Pittsburgh's Strip District that serves wood-fired delights with an Argentine flare. Enjoy sandwiches, salads, steak plates, and daily-made chimmis (Gaucho Parilla's signature sauces).

The restaurant follows a non-traditional service style the owners call "crash at the counter." Instead of waiting for tableside service, order ahead at the cashier and seat yourself in the dining room or patio. A food runner will deliver your order to your table and porters are available in the dining areas to assist with refills, desserts, questions, and bussing tables. 

When dining at Gaucho, feel free to BYOB (bring your own beer - or any of alcoholic beverage of your choice). This practice is encouraged here and the Gaucho team jokes that a "sharing policy" is strictly enforced.  

Reservations are not accepted at Gaucho Parilla Argentina and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Take note that Gaucho tends to form long lines during peak hours.

Cover Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash

Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

A family-style Spanish restaurant focused on traditional pintxos

Morcilla is a Spanish located in Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh. Just blocks away from Cure, Chef Justin Severino's other hit restaurant, Morcilla offers an upbeat, family-style Spanish menu. The menu emphasizes traditional pintxos, the Spanish version of small snacks or hors d'oeuvres. Morcilla has also grown famous for its signature charcuterie, hand butchered and prepared with a Spanish flair by Chef Severino.

Justin Severino, chef and co-owner of Morcilla, is a four-time James Beard Foundation award nominee and two-time FOOD & WINE The People’s Best New Chef Mid-Atlantic winner. In addition to his extensive culinary arts background, Chef Severino is also a talented whole animal butcher and provides Morcilla with a wide-ranging charcuterie selection. 

Click on the video below to watch Chef Severino prepare one of Morcilla's signature fishes:

Check out Morcilla's website for more information on the restaurant, team, and upcoming events like the September Threadbare Cider Maker Dinner and October Hog Butchering Demonstration and Beer Brunch!

Morcilla

Pittsburgh's first gastropub serving New American cuisine

Conceptualized by Chef Richard DeShantz, Meat & Potatoes is a gastropub in the Pittsburgh Cultural District that puts its own spin on classic comfort foods. 

Meat & Potatoes approaches traditional American pantry staples with non-traditional cooking methods. The restaurant also believes in the "nose-to-tail" concept, wherein every part of the animal can and should be served. Featured on the menu are reimagined versions of classic American dishes like grilled bread, brisket hash, buttermilk-fried chicken livers, and chicken and waffles. 

Along with its one-of-a-kind menu, Meat & Potatoes is also recognized for its prohibition era-inspired bar. Click on the link below to learn what happens behind the bar at Meat & Potatoes:

Avoid the long wait times at Meat & Potatoes and reserve now for your next trip to Pittsburgh!

Meat & Potatoes

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Plan your spring break family fun in Chicago! Check it out on the Choose Chicago channel on Vamonde.

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Spring Break Family Fun

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues."

Chicago History Museum

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues." Southern black migrants brought the blues to Chicago, where the music helped them forge connections and transform an unfamiliar, often inhospitable city into a new home. The music was also transformed—electrified and amplified to compete with urban noise. The photography of Raeburn Flerlage captures the streets, clubs, homes, and studios where a community of musicians defined the Chicago blues sound.

AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues

From a 20th century resurgence that rivaled the Harlem Renaissance, to spectacular displays of Victorian Era architecture, this South Side neighborhood is responsible for tremendous cultural and social advances that are not to be missed.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. Discover why Bronzeville is more than just an artsy pocket on the South Side.

Bronzeville and Beyond

"How can I possibly be expected to handle school on a day like this?" We've all been there, even if we're not Ferris Bueller. After your mornings stretch, you look outside at the shining sun, soft breeze, and then wonder, "How can anyone expect me to handle work on a day like this?" So take the day off! While you're at it, follow in Ferris Bueller's footsteps too as Choose Chicago takes you through the film locations that made Ferris Bueller's Day Off such a wonderful adventure (but make sure Ed Rooney isn't on your tail).

It’s Ferris Bueller's Day Off! Take a day to explore the city, but don't get caught by the incredulous Principal Rooney! Kick it like a couple of wise-cracking high school kids at The Art Institute of Chicago and peer down from over 100 stories in the air with the Skydeck at Willis Tower. (Cover photo from @thiswashollywood via Instagram)

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Chicago’s legendary Second City comedy troupe and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Join us as we explore the historic neighborhood and discover its many claims to fame.

As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Discover why this neighborhood has been home to immigrant families, gays, hippies and young professionals alike over the years.

Quintessential Old Town

The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company team up with Choose Chicago to how you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Join us as we show you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

Hyde Park: Obama's Neighborhood

The Budget Savvy Travelers

Temperatures are rising and the days are getting longer. This is a sure sign that schools will soon be out for summer vacation. Families looking for fun, affordable ways to keep kids busy during hot days will appreciate this guide that shares some great ways to cool off around Chicago—most are even free.

Best Places to Cool Off in Chicago

Craving a getaway, but short on vacation time or extra travel funds? Why not consider embarking on a culinary adventure? Chicago is a great city to experience the world through food! There are over 100 different neighborhoods in the city, each with its own unique flavors and traditions to share. Chicago has always celebrated a diverse array of people, cultures, and cuisines. Therefore, it's not surprising that Chicago consistently ranks high in top foodie destinations in the United States. For those of us that can’t book a plane ticket to satisfy our travel “craving,” taking a culinary adventure is truly the next best thing. Chicago offers a great opportunity to be carried away to a dreamy, distant place–if only through our palates alone.

Traveling the World Through Food | Chicago

Haley Guidry

Only have a short time to visit Chicago? No problem! With this guide, you can fit it all in - in just a weekend!

Spending a Weekend in Chicago

Looking for some free activities to explore in Chicago? You'll be surprised to learn that there are many things to do around the city that are absolutely free of charge!

6 Chicago Hidden Gems to Explore For Free

Wrigley Field holds the very identity of the Chicago Cubs. But Wrigley isn’t the only spot that embodies the spirit of the Cubbies. Lakeview is home to so many rich businesses that are full of North side pride!

Lakeview Chamber of Commerce

Wrigleyville isn’t the only haven for fans of the Chicago Cubs. Take an adventure “Beyond Wrigley” into West Lakeview to explore some of the neighborhood icons and local businesses that are full of Cubbies pride!

Beyond Wrigley

Glessner House

Glessner House -

An architectural treasure in Chicago

Glessner House - An architectural treasure in Chicago

Welcome to the Chicago Cultural Center, a landmark home of the arts.

The People's Palace

Chicago Architecture Center

Chicago has long been a laboratory for architectural innovation and experimentation. Let the Chicago Architecture Center lead you through the stories behind some of the city’s most significant skyscrapers. Come on an adventure to unlock the secrets of ten iconic Chicago Buildings.

Cover photo courtesy of Jessica Cabe

10 Iconic Chicago Buildings

Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

An Adventure through all the Best Spots in the City

Must Visit Attractions in Chicago

Chicago has one of the most iconic skylines in the world. This insider guide shows you the best vantage points to capture a memorable photo of the skyline of Chicago. Best of all? These are all places that you can visit that are all free of charge.

Where to Find Chicago's Best Skyline Views for Free

Start on Chicago's South Side and travel back in time as you explore visit the homes of some of the most influential LGBTQ+ people in the city's vibrant history. Make your way through Washington Park and Woodlawn moving north towards Rogers Park.

Learn about Chicago's vibrant LGBTQ+ history on this cultural excursion through various parts of the City. This tour covers the historic markers and residences of some of Chicago's top LGBTQ+ luminaries. Find out how they left their marks from Washington Park and Woodlawn all the way up north to Rogers Park.

Explore Gay Chicago History: LGBTQ+ Landmarks Tour

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago.

The Magnificent Mile

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago. Unexpected turn-of-the-century ballrooms, lavish chandeliers, stained glass fit for royalty, atlases of the Renaissance, former mansions of America's elite, eclectic bars, iconic burger joints, classic cocktails, and unbeatable views make up our guide to the top hidden gems around the district.

The Magnificent Mile's Hidden Gems

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture.

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture. Hop on the Red Line, a bus, or even a water taxi and discover one of Chicago's most unique neighborhoods.

Chicago's Chinatown

This adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929–1968," invites you to explore some of the locations Dr. King frequented in Chicago.

A Baptist minister and champion of nonviolent activism, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential figures of the civil rights movement. He spent considerable time in Chicago protesting racial discrimination, particularly in housing and education.
This VAMONDE adventure is based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929-1968," and invites you to explore in person some of the locations King frequented in the city and to consider how Dr. King’s work remains relevant today, fifty years after his assassination.

Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago

Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian, on a journey through Humboldt Park to learn more about the role the 150-year-old park served as key experimental grounds for Jens Jensen's Prairie style of landscape architecture.

Julia Bachrach

Established 150 years ago, Humboldt Park can be thought of as a living landmark with layers of history that reflect contributions by important landscape designers, architects, and artists. The most noteworthy, Danish immigrant Jens Jensen (1860 – 1951), revered the indigenous scenery of the Midwest and created the Prairie style of landscape architecture. Humboldt Park provided important grounds for his process of experimentation. Jensen went on to design estates for prominent businessmen such as Julius Rosenwald, Harold Florsheim, and Henry Ford. Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian and author of "The City in a Garden: A History of Chicago’s Parks," on a journey to learn more about how Humboldt Park served as Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds.

Humboldt Park: Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds

The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. Get inspired by these galleries and their collections

Chicago Scene

Chicago is home to countless world renowned cultural institutions. The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. There’s something for everyone at these galleries, whether you’re simply an appreciator of art or a seasoned collector.

Art Galleries: Beyond The Museum Campus

Not your everyday Chicago adventure, these unique outings go inside, behind-the-scenes, and even underground to show off a different side of the city.

From the lair of a notorious Chicago gangster to the infectious groove of a legendary blues club, this adventure will have you socializing, singing, and exploring the city all day (and night!) long. Personally curated by the Vamonde team (a group of foodies, architecture buffs, music fanatics and bar-hopping explorers) this adventure will provide you with the incredible stories and secrets behind some of Chicago’s notorious and renowned spots. Did we mention gingerbread cookies at the Waldorf Astoria?

A Chicago Insider’s Adventure

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks.

American Writers Museum

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks. A special adventure created in honor of the 2017 American Library Association Annual Exhibition and Conference.

Chicago Literary Landmarks Hunt

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. Paul speaks with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Paul Natkin

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. In this adventure,  Paul goes beyond the Chicago Blues Festival to speak with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Beyond the Blues

The Gathering Spaces are a series of artist-designed community areas along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness spanning Lake Shore Drive. Travel along the corridor to discover how the artists linked nature and culture.

Chicago Park District

The Gathering Spaces are a series of five artist-designed community areas along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor (BWC), a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness spanning both sides of Lake Shore Drive. The five Gathering Spaces reflect the nature and culture of the area and serve as assembly grounds and rest areas for people exploring the Corridor. The spaces were designed and created by teams of local artists in partnership with community-based organizations in the Chinatown, Bronzeville, and Pilsen neighborhoods. On this adventure, we'll travel along the BWC to get the inside scoop on the creative process, community goals, and environmental context of each Gathering Space.

Lakefront Gathering Spaces

Broadway in Chicago

With more than 200 theaters, Chicago is home to a rich and varied theater community, well known for a diverse mix of original productions that began here and then went on to Broadway and the world. Broadway In Chicago currently own many of the anchor theatres in Theatre District, including the CIBC Theatre (home of Hamilton), the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and the James M. Nederlander Theatre which broke records when it housed Wicked from 2005-2009. Let Broadway In Chicago take you through a tour of the theatres that make up the Chicago Theatre District.

Chicago Historic Theatre District

Jason Brammer is known for his distinctive mixed media assemblage based works, surreal paintings and drawings, murals and site-specific installations. Join us as we take you across the city and unearth how some of your favorite works came to be.

Jason Brammer

Portals, Pyramids, & Octopods: The Art of Jason Brammer

You might have already heard about a few of these destinations, consider this your local guide to the Wicker Park bars that are in some way (think hidden entrance) or another (think no address) -- secret.

Holiday Jones Hostel

Because we’re terrible at keeping secrets and because Wicker Park has too many cool off-the-beaten-track places to explore, Holiday Jones Hostel has created this adventure to give you the inside scoop on the best lounges, dive bars, and speakeasies to visit and pretend like you’re a regular.

Wicker Park's Best Kept Secrets

The story of public housing is the story of America. Explore the untold stories of people who created community across racial and economic divides and confronted social injustice.

National Public Housing Museum

​The story of public housing is the story of America. This tour, curated by the National Public Housing Museum, introduces you to the heart of Chicago’s Near West Side with its vibrant communities, diverse cultures, and history of activism and resistance. Explore fascinating sites where public housing residents built community across racial and economic divides, restaurants and bakeries that continue to create delectable food from various cultures and learn about overlooked and invisible stories about where people studied, organized, and confronted social injustice. We recognize this land as being indigenous, and we follow the lead of the first peoples who, despite massive genocidal violence, have never relinquished the struggle for land, water, culture, their people.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

The Near West Side and The Jane Addams Homes: Chicago's Ellis Island

The story of literary Chicago is one of overlapping communities; avant-garde, intellectuals, journalists, activists, artists, and migrants from places near and far.

​The story of literary Chicago is one of overlapping communities: ​avant-garde, intellectuals, journalists, activists, artists, and migrants from places near and far. The city's many newspapers, magazines, and literary journals have offered experience and exposure for aspiring writers. Programs at local libraries, bookstores, and cafes have connected writers with the reading public.

City of Writers

The American Writers Museum is the first national museum in the United States dedicated to engaging the public in celebrating American writers. Tap GO and check out 'Writers Hall' for a preview of the museum, but like any good page-turner, it‘ll only leave you wanting more. Plan a visit to unlock the exclusive, behind-the-scenes content for each exhibit.

Tucked away in the West Ridge community is a treasured place— Indian Boundary Park.  The 13-acre park was developed in two major phases—the first in 1916 and the second in the early 1920s. Plans for both phases were created by Richard Gloede, a landscape gardener and horticulturalist from Evanston.  Unlike other parks of the era that accommodated numerous athletic activities, Gloede and the Park Board sought to create a beautiful landscape for rest and relaxation.  The park has always had a seamless relationship with the adjacent neighborhood, and despite various changes over the years, Indian Boundary Park has always retained its special character.

Indian Boundary Park

Liz Garibay uses taverns, beer history, and drinking culture as familiar tools to teach about the city’s past to a diverse audience. Researching records, collecting oral histories and collaborating with experts she’s been able to provide factual historic information to anyone wanting to learn about history in a fun and social way.

Liz Garibay

Chicago Beer History takes you to pivotal  points in time in Chicago’s history where beer is often the common denominator. This adventure takes you through time and places in the city with touching on topics that range from infrastructure to politics. Curated by Liz Garibay, a self-proclaimed beer and tavern history; join as she takes you on a trip through time. Pull up a stool, grab a beer, and let’s talk history.

Chicago's Beer History

Choose Chicago® is the official destination marketing organization for Chicago, Illinois. When you’re in Chicago, you’re home. With the countless experiences there are to have here, you're absolutely welcome to do any and all of them.

Best Restaurants in Pittsburgh

Altius

Altius

Butcher and the Rye

Butcher and the Rye

Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

Morcilla

Morcilla

Meat & Potatoes

Meat & Potatoes

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