Unveiling Pittsburgh: Discovering the City of the Three Rivers
As the city known for its major significance in industrial development, Pittsburgh, PA, has been essential to the growth of the country’s history. However, despite the fact that the city’s industrial roots have decreased with the presence of foreign competition, Pittsburgh has successfully continued to expand in population and cultural diversity. Among its ninety neighborhoods, Pittsburgh has produced many literary landmarks and successful authors. Whether you’re looking for a new cozy bookstore or simply exploring the sights of Pittsburgh, one can surely find a unique and interesting literary experience that suits you!
Even though Pittsburgh does not often get credited for being the biggest literary city, its population has continuously worked to change that. Some prominent names in Pittsburgh’s literary legacy include August Wilson and Rachel Carson. If you’re visiting and want to stay in the hustle and bustle of the city, fans can walk through two of the most decorated literary-focused buildings in Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. If staying in the city does not sound appealing to every visitor, you can travel just a few miles outside of the city and visit the Rachel Carson Homestead.
However, the city prides itself on the ability to showcase an authentic connection between all types of people. Great examples of this can be seen when Pittsburgh has been used as the setting for various novels. Personal connections to the city motivated writers like John Grisham to set his novel The Associate at Pittsburgh’s own Duquesne University. Similarly, Michael Chabon‘s film adaptation of his novel Wonder Boys was not only set at Carnegie Mellon University, but also in various other places in the city because of Chabon’s genuine history and connection to it. Even young adult novels, including Stephen Chbosky‘s Perks of being a Wallflower allow readers to identify notable sights of the city.
Pittsburgh prides itself on being full of different kinds of neighborhoods, which give the occupants of this city many opportunities to express themselves through the creative medium of literature and to be inspired by one another to create amazing and impactful work, not only for Pittsburgh, but for those around the country.
Arista Elderkin
Associate Student Representative, Southern Region, 2024-2025
Epsilon Kappa Chpater, President
Berry College, Mount Berry, GA
Food and Fun in Pittsburgh
With the Sigma Tau Delta 2025 Convention in Pittsburgh, PA, fast approaching, it’s time to start planning how you will spend some of your downtime and where you will go to eat with all the great new friends you’re about to meet. During the fall Sigma Tau Delta Board meeting, the Student Representatives had some time to learn a little about what Pittsburgh has to offer. Read on for their reviews of some of the local restaurants and attractions.
$=$1-10 per person
$$=$11-20 per person
$$$=$21+
Restaurants that Won’t Break Your Budget
Alihan’s Coffee and Breakfast – $-$$
129 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
6-minute walk from hotel
Looking for your morning coffee but don’t feel like braving the Downtown area’s Starbucks and Dunkin’ franchises? Alihan’s Coffee and Breakfast may be just what you’re looking for while in town for the annual convention. Alihan’s offers a variety of Turkish and Mediterranean breakfast offerings, including a delightfully strong latte made with Turkish coffee. They also offer a wonderful French Toast topped with mixed berries and sahlep, a traditional Turkish syrup made from the roots of Orchidea flowers. Alihan’s was only a five-minute walk from the hotel, and its atmosphere was relaxed and incredibly welcoming.
Alihan’s coffees and teas cost between $3 and $6, and their breakfast menu ranged between $10 and $16.—Crystal Lea Dilling
Con Alma – $$$ ($10 live music charge per person added to dinner bill)
613 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
6-minute walk from hotel
Con Alma, the cool and classy restaurant/jazz bar in downtown Pittsburgh, boasts a cozy and engaging atmosphere. Whether you want to sit down to enjoy a meal, stay for a drink at the bar, or just lounge and listen to some live music, Con Alma is accommodating for all. As they host local and touring performers, the music can serve as a dazzling backdrop to your evening, or it can be the star of your experience. One performance can move seamlessly from slow and soothing to joyful and effervescent without ever breaking the audience’s groove. The interior is spacious yet intimate, with a very welcoming ambience. The menu offers a medley of both decadent and simple options (with prices ranging accordingly), but one standout is their tea selection. There is something enriching waiting for everyone at Con Alma.—Matthew Chinique
Condado Tacos – $$
971 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
14-minute walk from hotel
Condado is one of my absolute favorite Mexican restaurants. With delicious entrees, the best queso I’ve ever had, and fantastic drinks to share with friends, it’s definitely worth the drive. The atmosphere of Condado is lively and our waiter was amazing! My favorite order is to try different combinations with their build-your-own-taco entree. If you’re having a busy night in, Condado also delivers to the hotel via Doordash!—Autumn Koors-Foltz
Las Velas Mexican Restaurant – $-$$
21 Market Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
6-minute walk from hotel
As an Arkansan, I would have been remiss not to seek out some of Pittsburgh’s queso offerings to see how they compare to Arkansas’ standards of cheese dip. Las Velas, nestled within the Market Square district of Downtown Pittsburgh, did not fail to deliver. The cozy Mexican restaurant lies through a non-descript glass door and up a short flight of stairs that soon opens into a bar and restaurant area designed to help you relax and unwind while enjoying all the good foods and tempting drinks that Las Velas has to offer. I highly recommend the chicken fajitas; they are expertly flavored and are perfect for a relaxing, sit-down meal.
Prices for drinks ranged everywhere from $6 to $20 and foods ranged from $5 to $25.—Crystal Lea Dilling
MilkShake Factory – $$
314 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
8-minute walk from hotel
If you are looking for a spot to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than The MilkShake Factory. With over a dozen varieties of gourmet milkshakes, they have every flavor covered, from chocolatey to fruity, to both, to everything in between! The possibilities do not end there: the extravagant and indulgent flavor combinations extend to the sundae menu and other specialty items. Also, The MilkShake factory of course has classic shake flavors and some non-dairy options. Shakes, sundaes, and floats aside, they offer a collection of chocolatey bites and confections (stroopwafels, smores, pretzels, and more) that can be eaten inside or taken as a snack on-the-go. Customers can expect some reasonable prices (around $8 per person), speedy service, and lots of comfortable seating in a bright, blissful environment.—Matthew Chinique
Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream – $
246 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
7-minute walk from hotel
With just a short 5-10 minute walk you can enjoy fun and unique flavors of homemade ice cream. A personal recommendation would be the smore’s flavor, but you truly can’t go wrong with any flavor that’s served to you in either your pick of a cone or a cup!—Jo Mahlum
Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co. – $
23 Market Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
5-minute walk from hotel
Located on the Pittsburgh Market Square, Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co. is by far the best coffee I have ever had—and I love coffee. Reasonably priced (lattes were roughly $6), they have over a dozen different flavor combinations and a bunch of different drink options. I personally loved their Pumpkin Pie Latte, the Bee’s Knees Latte, and I made my own: Strawberry Vanilla Oat milk Latte! (Yes, I tried three different drinks.) Over 100 years old, Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co. roasts and grinds their own coffee in-house, something you can see when you visit! They also offer what seemed like a million different teas as well, all located along the back wall of their store. Overall, this was my favorite visit of the trip, and you’ll definitely catch me there in March!—Sophia Jockell
Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar – $
2 Market Square, Pittsburgh PA15222
6-minute walk from hotel
A family member who used to live in Pittsburgh recommended this place to me. Primanti Bros. is known for their unique sandwiches: with meat, French fries, and slaw on them. Speaking with the host, he recommended the pastrami sandwich, saying it was his favorite. I’m not a huge pastrami guy, but I figured I’d give it a try since he hyped it up so much. The sandwich was unique, and for a pastrami sandwich, it was pretty good. To be honest, I felt it was a little overhyped but worth a stop for an authentic Pittsburgh experience.—Zach Brady
Rock ‘n’ Joe Coffee – $
524 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
4-minute walk from hotel
This coffee shop is only a five-minute walk from the hotel, making it a great spot to step out to in the morning or between events. In addition to coffee, their menu contains tea, lemonade, and smoothies, as well as baked goods and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. The apple fritter I got with my coffee was particularly good (they’ll even heat it up for you if you want!). You’ll find this place is pretty averagely priced—a drink and a snack will be about $10. The area where you walk in is only for ordering, but there is also an upper level with plenty of seating. With a really nice modern look and friendly staff, I would say this is a great choice when you’re looking for coffee around the city.—Isaiah Russell
Stack’d Burger Bar – $$
3716 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
9-minute drive from hotel
It is about a 10-15 minute Uber drive and the price for a meal is anywhere from $15-30 varying upon what you order, but definitely a manageable amount. The style of the restaurant is unique and different and that extends to the way you place your order. You are given a slip of paper to put together your own meal simply by checking off boxes. The food was great and I would definitely go back!—Jo Mahlum
The Yard – $$
100 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
5-minute walk from hotel
Looking for a little comfort food in the Convention city? Head over a few blocks to The Yard for the best grilled cheese you will ever have. With over fifteen different kinds of grilled cheese you can try, these creative creations will light up your pallet without breaking your wallet. There’s a ton of space for large groups at this restaurant/pub. Or if you’re interested in grabbing something quick between sessions, you can take food to-go!—Kelly Taylor
Restaurants at the Hotel
3 Rivers Restaurant & Lounge – $$
600 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Inside the hotel
Indulge in traditional Pittsburgh cuisine fused with modern American flavors. This upscale eatery offers a delectable array of dishes with fresh ingredients from local farms and artisanal producers.
Sites for Deltans
The Andy Warhol Museum – $$ ($25 adults, $13 students)
117 Sandusky St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
16-minute walk from hotel
Just a quick walk from the hotel, The Andy Warhol Museum is an amazing stop! The museum has 7 floors of the iconic American artist filled with different eras of his art. Starting from the top floor, you’re led through a chronological journey of his art and experience first hand how his artistic identity grew. The museum is thoughtfully curated and well laid out. There’s even a guided audio tour that you can listen to for new insights on the art you experience. Student tickets come at a discount—it’s a must see!—Autumn Koors-Foltz
Located roughly 20 minutes from the hotel, the Andy Warhol Museum is definitely worth the visit! Crossing over the beautiful bridges made the walk even better, especially with a coffee in hand. Once you arrive at the museum, you’re already exposed to different pieces of art, inside and outside. While reasonably priced at $25 a ticket, make sure to bring your student ID for a discount down to $13! Once you gain admission, you are taken through seven levels of Andy Warhol art and history; a few pieces were even interactive! Make sure to plan at least an hour to truly scope out each level (maybe an hour and a half to make room for the gift shop ). Overall, the Andy Warhol Museum was a great addition to my trip, and I definitely recommend!—Sophia Jockell
City Books
908 Galveston Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
32-minute walk from hotel
City Books, one of the local bookstores present among the vendors at the 2025 Convention, offers a mix of second-hand and new books in this cozy shop promising “old-world charm and modern customer service.”—Leigh Dillard, Convention Co-Chair
City of Asylum Bookstore
40 W North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
30-minute walk from hotel
City of Asylum Bookstore, one of the local bookstores present among the vendors at the 2025 Convention, is a beautifully appointed bookstore specializing in translated and international literature.—Leigh Dillard, Convention Co-Chair
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – $$ ($22.95 adults, $19.95 students)
1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
15-minute drive from hotel
A short 15 minute Uber ride shouldn’t stop you from visiting this beautiful garden. The cost is between $20-25 with an option for a student discount. There are many different gardens and themes to visit and see, and of course their gift shop is just as fun. Definitely a great place to take some cute pictures with your friends!—Jo Mahlum
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Free
4400 Forbes Ave Carnegie Lecture Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
15-minute drive from hotel
It is about a 15-minute Uber drive but it is worth it. The library is a part of the Carnegie Melon college but is also open and free to the public. The architecture of the building is beautiful in itself but of course, there are so many books that fill those four walls, which we all know is the reason English majors will love it.—Jo Mahlum
Carnegie Museum of Art – $$ ($25 adults, $15 students)
4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
15-minute drive from hotel
This museum was easy to get to with only a 15-ish minute Uber ride. The cost is under $20 and there is a discount for college students as long as you have your student ID! Overall there were so many different exhibits that were all grouped based on the period they originated from. I loved going with a group of friends, and I truly never felt bored while I was there.—Jo Mahlum
Fort Pitt Museum – $ ($10 adults, $6 students)
Point State Park, 601 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
4-minute walk from hotel
This museum was a great way to learn about the history of Pittsburgh. They have an updated exhibit upstairs that has various videos, artifacts, and displays about Fort Pitt, which was located right at the point where the rivers merge. For students, the entrance fee is $6, and I spent about an hour there, which was plenty. If you are interested in learning about local history, I’d definitely give it a stop. It is only a couple-minute walk from the hotel. (Also, definitely walk around the park to the fountain!)—Zach Brady
Heinz History Center – $$ ($20 adults, $11 students)
1212 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
20-minute walk from hotel
Interested in taking a little walk through Pittsburgh? The Heinz History Center is a little under one mile away from the Convention hotel and worth the walk! Stroll by two beautiful parks before you see the large ketchup bottle on the outside of the museum. For those of you interested in the history of condiments, you are in the right place. But don’t worry. There’s more than just ketchup housed in the six floors of the museum. Look through Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood, artifacts from historic Pittsburgh, or an extensive sports exhibit. There’s plenty to lose yourself in these unique collections!—Kelly Taylor
Posman Books
1637 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
27-minute walk from hotel
While this bookstore is about half an hour on foot from the hotel, the route provides many great sights and other opportunities for shopping around the city. The store contains a wide selection of new releases as well as dedicated sections for classics and graphic novels. They even have an ice cream shop in the same building if you want to pair your book shopping with dessert! The vast majority of their catalog is paperback editions, however, so keep that in mind if you’re a hardcover collector. Otherwise, this store has a really pleasant atmosphere, and I would very much recommend it if you’re looking to pick up some literature while in Pittsburgh!—Isaiah Russell
White Whale Bookstore
4754 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
13-minute drive from hotel
White Whale Bookstore will be our pop-up bookshop at the 2025 Convention, but it is also worth an Uber ride to this cool shop with an integrated cafe.—Leigh Dillard, Convention Co-Chair
