Get To Know Dormont

Go to Dormont for smash burgers, vintage furniture and a historic movie theater, conveniently located along the T line.

Oct 16, 2024 · 1:35 p.m. ET

Spend the day exploring Dormont, a south Pittsburgh borough conveniently located along the light rail or “T” Red Line next to Beechview, Brookline, Mt. Lebanon, and Banksville.

1 Thing To Know

The borough got its name from the phrase “mont d’or” or “mountain of gold” in French (though it’s not clear why). It was first a part of Scott and Union townships until 1909 when it became the first independent municipality in the South Hills. But long before colonization, Dormont’s land was home to the Delaware and Shawnee tribes.

Eat & Drink

☕ First, coffee: Get off the T for a cup from Potomac Station Coffee House or take a quick stroll for a fresh brew at Espresso A Mano.

🥞 Breakfast: The Dor-Stop Restaurant is your spot for hotcakes, eggs Benedict, French toast, and more classic comfort. It was dubbed a “diner lover’s dream” on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”

a double smashburger with bacon, lettuce, onion, tomato — *Multiple Hey Pittsburgh readers wrote in to say that Moonlit Burgers has the best burgers in the city. (Courtesy of Moonlit Burgers)*

🍔 Lunch & dinner: For a quick bite, grab a Sicilian slice at Badamo’s Pizza, soup and a sandwich at Fredo's Delicatessen, or a smashburger and shoestring fries from Moonlit Burgers. Want to sit down? Eat tacos on Btos Kitchen’s outdoor patio, a cozy bowl of Vietnamese pho at New Saigon, or spicy noodles and dumplings at Thai Spoon.

🍰 Treats: Potomac Bakery has been a sweet neighborhood tradition since 1927. Order breads, coffee cakes, pies, custom cakes, and of course, cookies for your Pittsburgh wedding cookie table.

🍻 Cheers: Keep the good times going with a crisp drink on tap at Arsenal Cider or take your pick from ales, IPAs, lagers, and sours at Back Alley Brewing Company.

mid century furniture on display like a wooden dresser, bamboo couch and chair, teal tiled coffee table and a large sign that says "Forage" — *Stop in to see Forage Vintage and Good’s latest finds and flips. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)*

Shop Local

📚 Find gently used reads at Beyond Bedtime Books, restored mid-century furniture and decor at Foraged Vintage and Goods, and more secondhand treasures at Mt. Lebanon Trading Post.

🧄 If you’re looking for Eastern European, Russian, and Turkish food products, browse Jmart International Market.

The historic red brick hollywood theater with three arched boarded up windows under renovation — *Hollywood Theater will get a new debut. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)*

Go, See, Do!

🎞️ The folks behind Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville are returning the historic Hollywood Theater to its 1920s glory. Stay tuned to catch a flick when the more than $1 million renovation is complete.

🌳 During the warmer months, walk the trail or play a pick-up game at the athletic fields and courts in the 23.5-acre Dormont Park. Or take a dip in the 60,000-square-foot Dormont Pool. (It has a waterslide!)

✨ Or find your flow during the offseason at South Hills Power Yoga, Prana-Veda Studio, or Sacred Social House.