Best Greek Food in the East End

The Greek Gourmet on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill has the best gyro I've ever had in my life. It's mind-blowing. I can't even begin to describe how incredible their gyros are.

Best Consignment Shop in the East End

The Avalon Exchange on Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill.









Photo Courtesy of gsa-cw.com

Dig Through Antique Stores in the East End

Photo Courtesy of antiques.sc.com

Go to the Art Museum in the East End

The Carnegie Museum of Art on Forbes Avenue in Oakland

Best Place to Find Unique Dresses in the East End

Hiptique on Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside is a great place to find unique dresses. This little store also sells bags, jewelery,and home decor.

The prices range from affordable to not-so-affordable, but you can always find an interesting piece to purchase at the end of the day. I always have good luck on the clearance rack and the jewelery case. I also think it's a great place if you are looking to buy a gift.








Photo Courtesy of http://pittsburghsigns.org/archives/shadyside/

Best Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurant in the East End

The Quiet Storm on Penn Avenue in Friendship is the best vegetarian-friendly restaurant in the East End. The restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan fare in a relaxed coffee house-like setting.

This restaurant has some of the best hummus I have had, and they have a really delicious vegetarian gyro burrito. There is a coffee bar in the middle of the restaurant that has many different options, complete with tea and vegan cookies.

They have a table set up for people who want to come alone to work on their laptops, with free wi-fi and plenty of outlets. The overall atmosphere is very cozy and relaxed. I love to go here if I need a good cup of coffee and a snack while I study.

Photo Courtesy of pghroots.com

Dance in the East End

Dance Alloy Theater on Penn Avenue in Friendship always has an ongoing dance class or  performance throughout each week.

The school offers ballet, modern, hip hop, salsa, and merengue classes for all ages and levels of experience. Private classes are also available. They even offer a grown-up and me dance class for toddlers. Classes run in three major sessions in spring, summer, and fall.

Photo Courtesy of Jane Vranish

Designer Consignment Shop in the East End

Designer Days Boutique on Ellsworth in Shadyside is a unique women's consignment shop with designer brands. I normally shop there for jewelery because they always have some good pieces. Just last week, I found a beautiful plum satin Marc Jacobs top which didn't fit me-I was devastated. But, I bought a pair of pretty chandelier earrings and soon got over the disappointment.

DDB always has a huge clearance section, which there are normally good finds. They also have many shelves of designer jeans and shoes as well. This little shop is definitely worth checking out if you are ever in the area.

Photo Courtesy of designerdaysboutique.com

Best Cupcakes in the East End

Vanilla Pastry Studio on Centre Avenue in East Liberty is the best place to get cupcake in the East End. My favorite are the chocolate-espresso cupcakes that they have often, which are topped with a chocolate-covered espresso bean. 


The shop always has new flavors and different seasonal flavors that you can choose from. You can stop in for a pastry and coffee in the morning and pick up a cupcake for a snack while you're there.




Photo Courtesy of debbieweil.com

Make your own Holiday Ornaments in the East End

The Pittsburgh Glass Center always has an interesting array of classes to try. From bead-making to glassware, there is always a new class to keep you coming back.

Around the holidays, there are a few different classes called Make-It-Now that only take a few short hours. These classes are less expensive and you get to pick up your creation a couple days afterward. There are glass pumpkin classes and ornament making classes for those who want to make a holiday gift for someone special.

Photo Courtesy of blog.glassquarterly.com

Vintage Shop in the East End

Eons on Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside is a great place to look for vintage finds. They always have a lot of different things in stock, especially jewelery. Once, I tried on a pair of vintage Manolo's and was very sad when they were a size too small. 

Around Halloween, they always get in some vintage costumes and have them on a rack out front. I always have a good time trying on some of the crazy things that you can find in there.

Photo Courtesy of boringpittsburgh.com

Best Ice Cream Shop in the East End

The best place to get ice cream in the East End is at Oh Yeah! Ice Cream and Coffee on S. Highland in East Liberty. This ice cream shop doesn't just have ice cream, they also have specialty coffees and homemade waffles.

Choose from a chalkboard full of ingredients to add to your ice cream or milkshake, such as vanilla wafers, figs, granola, and even bacon. You can create your very own personalized flavor. There are also soy ice cream options and vegan options to choose from. I once tried soy green tea ice cream with chopped figs on top-and it was incredible.

The ice cream shop offers free wi-fi, discount punch cards for frequent customers, and have movie nights in the summer. Oh Yeah! is in my opinion, the best and most unique ice cream shop in the East End.



 Photo Courtesy of bakingdomesticityallthingsmini.blogspot.com