Squirrel Hill Neighborhood Report

Squirrel Hill Murray Ave Grill

History of Squirrel Hill

Although Squirrel Hill is split into Squirrel Hill North and Squirrel Hill South, it’s typically referred to as a single neighborhood. As a single entity, Squirrel Hill accounts for a significant chunk of eastern Pittsburgh, covering nearly four square miles. 

When combined into one, Squirrel Hill is bordered by Shadyside to the north; Point Breeze, Regent Square, and Swisshelm Park to the east; Glen Hazel to the south; and Hazelwood, Greenfield, and Oakland to the west. 

Squirrel Hill’s roots go back even before the founding of the United States, with the first recorded house built in 1760. After its completion, a sprinkling of houses popped up in the region. 

To this day, the remains of many of the neighborhood’s original founders can be found at Turner Cemetery, along the southern end of Beechwood Blvd. 

Although industry originally focused heavily on its border with the Monongahela River in the south, it eventually retreated inwards, especially after the first electric trolley was installed in 1893. This allowed for more homes en route to the factories. 

Today Squirrel Hill is known for its diverse population, global cuisine, many walkable places of worship, prestigious universities, and the Squirrel Hill Tunnel. 

Emergency Resources

Pittsburgh Fire Bureau Station 18
5858 Northumberland St, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-255-2863

Pittsburgh Police Department Zone 4 Station
5858 Northumberland St, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-422-6520

Hospitals 

UPMC Shadyside
Address: 5230 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Phone: 412-623-2121

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital
Address: 300 Halket St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-641-1000

Doctor Offices

The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh
1405 Shady Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-420-2400

UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics
5608 Wilkins Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-422-3590

Chestnut Hills Dental
5889 Forbes Ave #305, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-521-4300

Full Health Primary - UPMC
6301 Forbes Ave #300, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-421-2060

Carnegie Pediatrics
6315 Forbes Ave #L118, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-421-1345

AHN Squirrel Hill Primary Care
5889 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-618-3010

Squirrel Hill Health Center
4516 Browns Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-422-7442

Top Squirrel Hill Restaurants

These are the best restaurants in Squirrel Hill, organized by their Google ratings:

The Mediterranean Table

Address: 2108 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Phone: 412-815-4344
Rating: 4.9
Description: This charming eatery offers a diverse menu inspired by traditional Mediterranean cuisine, making The Mediterranean Table ideal for both casual dining and special occasions.

Everyday Noodles

Address: 5875 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217A
Phone: 412-421-6668
Rating: 4.6
Description: Everyday Noodles combines dinner and a show in a unique way: All noodles are handmade in the kitchen behind a glass wall facing the restaurant.

Waffallonia

Address: 1709 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Phone: 412-521-4902
Rating: 4.6
Description: From breakfast to dessert, Waffallonia aims to offer sweet waffles and milkshakes to satisfy every craving.

African Cuisine Bar & Hookah Lounge

Address: 2030 Murray Ave,
Phone: 413-307-0293
Rating: 4.6
Description: Uncover delicious traditional Nigerian and West African dishes in this unique restaurant-bar-hookah lounge concept.

Casbah

Address: 229 S Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 412-661-5656
Rating: 4.6
Description: Relax in this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and wine bar featuring an Art Deco flair and even outdoor seating.

Point Brugge Cafe

Address: 401 Hastings St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 412-441-3334
Rating: 4.6
Description: There aren’t many places in Pittsburgh with Belgian fare, but Point Brugge Cafe has you covered!

Hidden Harbor

Address: 1708 Shady Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Phone: 412-422-5040
Rating: 4.6
Description: Ready for the full tiki bar experience? Head to Hidden Harbor for Polynesian-inspired cocktails and bar snacks.

UpStreet Diner

Address: 1711 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Phone: 412-586-7374
Rating: 4.5
Description: Enjoy cozy brunch options with a surprising (but delightful) Mediterranean twist.

Square Cafe

Address: 134 S Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 412-244-8002
Rating: 4.5
Description: Square Cafe has been one of Squirrel Hill’s favorite destinations for breakfast and lunch for years!

K.L Asian Cuisine

Address: 2209 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Phone: 412-345-8915
Rating: 4.5
Description: Enjoy Asian fusion cuisine that’s perfect for families and even dog-friendly.

T-Swirl Crepe

Address: 1714 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Phone: 412-586-7663
Rating: 4.6
Description: This Japanese restaurant specializes in making delicious, Instagram-worthy crepes.

Taiwanese Bistro Cafe 33

Address: 1711 Shady Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Phone: 412-421-2717
Rating: 4.5
Description: Though tucked away in an unassuming building on Shady Avenue, Cafe 33 makes up for appearances with an extensive selection of Taiwanese culture, all of it bursting with flavor.

Turkish Kebab House

Address: 5819 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Phone: 412-212-7982
Rating: 4.5
Description: Turkish Kebab House features a wide menu of authentic Turkish meals, drinks, and appetizers.

Top Squirrel Hill Shopping Locations

Squirrel Hill lacks a mall or major shopping center. Instead, the neighborhood features robust shopping options along: 

Murray Avenue

  • 1700 block

  • 1800 block

  • 1900 block

  • 2000 block

  • 2100 block

  • 2200 block

Once you’re on Murray Avenue, you’ll find unique shops like:

Forbes Avenue

  • 5800 block

Up on Forbes Avenue, you’ll find shops like:

Annual Squirrel Hill Events

For an updated list of events taking place in Squirrel Hill, visit Uncover Squirrel Hill.

Mother’s Day Wine Walk

Date: Every year in May
Location: Squirrel HIll’s Business District
About the event: This self-paced wine tasting through the business district is a great way to spend a special day with Mom. 

Vintage Grand Prix

Date: Every year in July
Location: Schenley Park
About the event: This two-week event is a major celebration of cars and racing that ends in the country’s largest vintage car race through Schenley Park.

Squirrel Hill Night Market

Date: Multiple times in the year—check with the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition
Location: Forbes Avenue and Murray Avenue
About the event: Squirrel Hill Night Market is a free, outdoor street festival featuring more than 100 tents brimming with food, art, music, and entertainment. 

Fall Beer Walk

Date: Every year in October
Location: Squirrel Hill Business District
About the event: Take a leisurely self-guided beer tour of the business district while enjoying the best local beers Pittsburgh has to offer. 

Upstreet Halloween

Date: Every year at the end of October
Location: Squirrel Hill Business District
About the Event: Upstreet Halloween is a fun, safe trick-or-treat event for children. 

Holiday Wine Walk 

Date: Every year in December
Location: Squirrel Hill Business District
About the event: Bundle up and start your holiday shopping as you zig zag your way through Squirrel Hill’s business district, all while enjoying wine and special treats. 

Neighborhood Parks

Schenley Park

Address: (Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center) 101 Panther Hollow Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 
Easiest Access: From Murray Avenue, travel west on Forbes Avenue to Schenley Drive. 
Park Features:

Frick Park

Address: (Frick Environmental Center) 2005 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Easiest Access: Travel east on Forbes Avenue until you reach Beechwood Boulevard, then travel south on Beechwood Boulevard until you reach the park. 

Park Features:

Davis Playground

Address: 5700 Hobart St, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Easiest Access: Follow Murray Avenue to Hobart Street, then travel west to the park. 
Park Features:

  • Tennis Court

  • Basketball Courts

  • Floor Hockey Rink

  • Squash Area

  • Playground

Wightman Park

Address: 5612 Solway St, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Easiest Access: Follow Wilkins Avenue to Wightman Street, then travel south to the park. 
Park Features: While the park is under construction for much of 2019, it will eventually feature:

  • A playground

  • A half-court basketball court

  • A baseball diamond 

  • A walking path

Neighborhood Gyms

Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh
5738 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-521-8010

Hydration Health & Fitness
1408 South Negley Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-877-0452

Wiegand Gymnasium
5032 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-268-2107

Schoolhouse Yoga 
2215 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-401-4444

Schools and Universities in Squirrel Hill

Universities

Carnegie Mellon University
Address: 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
About: Well-known for its technology programs, CMU is also popular for the Arts, Business, Humanities, and the Sciences.

Chatham University
Address: 1 Woodland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
About: Once an all-girls school, Chatham is now a co-ed university that boasts numerous highly-renowned programs. 

Schools

Minadeo Elementary School (Pre K-5)
Address: 6502 Lilac St, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Colfax School (K-8)
Address: 2332 Beechwood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Allderdice High School
Address: 2409 Shady Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Central Catholic High School
Address: 4720 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Access to Highways and Other Major Roadways

376

You can access 376 West and 376 East by traveling south on Murray Avenue.

Forbes Avenue

Located in central Squirrel Hill, Forbes Avenue runs east and west, connecting the neighborhood with Point Breeze and Oakland.

Squirrel Hill-Based Contractors

Here’s a list of contractors based inside Squirrel Hill:

Plumber

Barak Plumbing
5819 Forward Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-357-6364

Raecon Plumbing
5741 Pocusset St, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-921-6094

Studio One Kitchen & Bath Specialists
5666 Northumberland St, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-422-8200

General Contracting

Hometown Builders & Remodeling
5462 Beacon St, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-422-7579

Nadoff Construction
5828 Hobart St, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-521-0708

Landscaping

McNulty Landscaping
1046 Murray Hill Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-377-5876

Allegheny Fence Construction Co Inc. 
1900 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-422-8788

Steel City Garage Doors
2004 Murray Ave #1, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-504-7100

Electricians

Mendelson Electric LLC
2409 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-287-1035

Lorand Electric Inc.
5652 Melvin St, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-521-6869

Kelly Electric
724-858-0394

Flooring

Flooring & Wood Floor Refinishing
5542 Pocusset St, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-294-9925

Perfect Flooring Pittsburgh
5709 Forward Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-927-1011