Where to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Pittsburgh

It may be the Steel City, but Pittsburgh has plenty to melt hearts. If you’re looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day with dinner and an event, feel free to mix and match the following suggestions. Then schedule an Uber to pick you and your date up and drop you off at your next stop.

Dinner…

Dish Osteria and Bar

Nestled in a residential area on the South Side, this eatery is a welcome respite from the blocks of bars along nearby East Carson Street. Dish offers an intimate space with a classic Italian menu that changes daily.

Morcilla

Step off Butler Street into Morcilla for a quick getaway to Spain. Between the food and the decor, it’s easy to forget you’re in Pittsburgh. The menu features a few large platters but is mostly pintxos—small plates perfect for splitting between two. Keep in mind: Reservations are a must for this hot spot.

Kaya

Trip to the Caribbean for Valentine’s Day out of the question? Kaya is a great substitute. This charming Strip District restaurant offers bold dishes like Jamaican green curry vegetables, tropical paella, and jerked chicken thighs. Start with a round of dark & stormies and caipirinhas to ease into the perfect date night.

Everyday Noodles

If you want warm and cozy on a budget, Everyday Noodles is your answer. This small Squirrel Hill restaurant offers noodle soups and dim sum among other Chinese dishes. Don’t miss the soup dumplings—they’re the perfect dish to share on a chilly February day.

…and an event …

See a movie

If you’re sticking to Squirrel Hill, stop by the Manor Theatre. This neighborhood cinema in the heart of the Murray Avenue business district has been in business for more than 90 years. Check the listings, grab a beer and some popcorn, and enjoy a movie without schlepping to a multiplex.

Catch a concert

A former church in the Pittsburgh suburb of Millvale, Mr. Smalls Funhouse has been drawing smaller acts to the area since 2002. Most of the space is standing room only, but there’s an upstairs VIP area that overlooks the stage, perfect for concert canoodling. February shows include Zao, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, and The Menzingers.

For an even more intimate experience, check out Club Cafe on the South Side. Be sure to arrive early to grab a table. Expect artists like Albert Lee, The Movement, Southern Avenue, and Airpark, all set to perform here in February.

Get creative

Looking for something long-term? Register for a multi-week course for two at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild? Classes offered from January to February include studio pottery and surrealism in Photoshop.

Get cooking at Habitat

Book a room at the Fairmont hotel downtown and take a cooking class at its on-site restaurant, Habitat. The February 11 class, which includes an apron and lunch, will go over how to make dinner for two.