City Cast Pittsburgh

🥞 Pittsburgh’s best brunches

May 5, 2026 · — Francesca Dabecco

Alright, yinz. We’re in the second week of our membership campaign. Real talk: We’re behind on our goal 👎

We need 90 readers and listeners to become City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors — think of it like one sign up for each of Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods!

When you become a Neighbor, you help sustain our work so we can continue to cover the stories and events that matter most to you.

Plus, Neighbors getting access to members-only events where you can connect with your actual neighbors IRL. (We have a lot of fun at events like happy hours, behind-the-scenes tours, and food tastings.)

No FOMO for me!

Display ad: "Liberty Magic presents 'We Phantom Figures' with Jared Kopf, May 7-17, 2026. A bearded man in a suit gestures mysteriously. Dark, enchanting theme."

What's CITY Talking About

post-gazette building — *The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism bought the paper from Block Communications Inc. last month. The nonprofit also publishes the Baltimore Banner. (Megan Harris / City Cast Pittsburgh)*

Post-Gazette Cuts Nearly Half Its Newsroom

At least 40% of the newsroom staff lost their jobs under the paper’s new ownership, including a large portion of union employees who spent three years on strike, according to the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh. Venetoulis' founder previously said the nonprofit would likely cut staff due to industry realities. The Guild president called the layoffs a “discriminatory" attempt to bust the union. [Axios Pittsburgh / City Paper]

City Finances in 'Delicate Position'

Pittsburgh spent nearly $45 million more than it brought in last year, according to a new report from City Controller Rachael Heisler. Federal pandemic relief funds helped prop up the budget and mask financial issues for several years, she said, but now "the mask is off.” Heisler reiterated concerns about how the city counts its expenses and said that long-term, Pittsburgh needs to grow its tax base by attracting more residents and businesses. [TribLive]

Cultural Trust Announces Arts Fest Lineup

The Three Rivers Arts Festival will debut at its new location, the Arts Landing in the Cultural District, June 5-7 and 11-14. Expect to see hundreds of arts and crafts vendors and a variety of live music performances, from rock to alternative hip hop to pop-folk. (See who’s headlining.) Don’t miss Pittsburgh’s art-rock troupe Squonk turn Arts Landing into a “kinetic, music-filled playground.” [Cultural Trust / WESA]

Spirit Airlines Shutdown Affects Region

The airline ceased operations over the weekend after filing for bankruptcy and failing to get federal assistance. Spirit was PIT’s sixth-largest carrier and the only airline serving Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Westmoreland County. [🔒 Pittsburgh Business Times]

Hemingway's Cafe Closes After 43 Years

The Oakland bar served its final round on Sunday, and even Mayor Corey O’Connor poured some pints to bid it farewell. The beloved spot on Forbes Avenue was a popular hangout for Pitt students — so much so that a group of grads skipped their commencement to enjoy some drinks, cards, and buffalo chicken dip one last time. [Hemingways / KDKA]

Shop handmade ceramics with over 40 artists!

The Mother of All Pottery Sales is a colossal pottery sale that features regional ceramic artists, stunning ceramic artwork, clay demonstrations, and a hands-on activity! Join us to learn about clay, meet and support local artists, and find unique, handmade gifts for your loved ones (or for yourself).

Discover fun, free events for families!

From May 1 to May 23, Remake Learning Days celebrates its 10th anniversary with hundreds of events for kids, families, and communities. From robot petting zoos and DJ workshops to playful walks through Pittsburgh-area parks, the festival brings kids and families together to wonder, learn, and explore. Find fun, free events for your family at remakelearningdays.org!

Burgh Brunches We Don’t Want To Live Without

*Anthos’ French toast topped with homemade fig syrup, preserved sour cherries, whipped cream, and pistachios. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)*

Whether you’re craving dippy eggs and home fries or a towering stack of pancakes, there's a spot in the city for you. We’re dishing on the meals worth waking up for on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast — and sharing a few of our best brunch tips just in time for Mother’s Day weekend ⬇️

Anthos Bakery & Cafe

📍Castle Shannon

Head to this South Hills gem on Saturday or Sunday for Greek twists on breakfast classics: like French toast made with sweet Easter bread or a Croque Madame stacked with rosemary ham, gruyere cheese, and béchamel. Order pastries for the table like Loukoumades (Greek honey puffs). Tip: Check out the cute patio outside, perfect for sunny days with sunny-side up eggs. — Francesca Dabecco, senior newsletter editor

Lola's Eatery

📍Lawrenceville

Heinz might be king in Pittsburgh, but the banana ketchup on the Spam n'at is the perfect sweet and tangy complement to the rice and meat. Brunch isn't just for Sundays here; there are rotating specials during their weekday hours. The breakfast egg rolls, lumpia, hash browns, and home fries are all fried to perfection — so bring friends to share them all. Bonus points for having a bagel with pork roll on the menu, which makes my New Jersey heart so happy! — Sophia Lo, producer

More Brunch Picks!