A Brief History of Central Northside

Located just north of Pittsburgh’s North Side and the exciting homes of the Steelers and Pirates, Central Northside was originally referred to as The Buena Vista Tract, due to its connection to the Mexican War Streets. 

Once known for its gritty architecture, Central Northside was featured prominently in films like The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979) and One for the Money (2010). Today, however, Central Northside has been dramatically renovated and updated, and it now has a charming collection of tree-lined streets and community gardens. 

One interesting piece of trivia: In 2012, the local council voted to change the neighborhood’s name to Allegheny City Central, but the city’s planning department resisted altering the name—so it’s still known as Central Northside today!

Thanks to its location between the North Side and the North Hills, Central Northside has four distinctive sets of city steps that help pedestrians, workers, and students quickly cut through the neighborhood on a daily basis. 

Central Northside is bordered by Perry South in the north, Fineview in the northeast, East Allegheny to the southeast, Allegheny Center to the south, Allegheny West to the southwest, Manchester to the west, and California-Kirkbride to the northwest.

Central Northside Emergency Resources

If you have an emergency in Central Northside, please dial 9-1-1.

Police - Pittsburgh Police Department Zone 1

Address: 1501 Brighton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-323-7201

Fire - Pittsburgh Fire Station #32

Address: 900 Spring Garden Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-323-7211

Fire - Pittsburgh Fire Station #37

Address: 1124 W North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Phone: 412-323-7216

Hospital - Allegheny General Hospital

Address: 320 E North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-359-3252

Top Central Northside Restaurants

Central Northside is packed with great restaurants! Here are some of the best places to eat, based on their Google ratings: 

ShadoBeni 

Google Rating: 5.0
About ShadoBeni: With a perfect five-star rating, ShadoBeni is praised for its excellent Trinidadian vegan meals and friendly service. 
Address: 1534 Brighton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Website: http://shadobeni412.com/index.php/en/ 

The Lunchbox

Google Rating: 5.0
About The Lunchbox: This casual counter-serve restaurant has become a neighborhood favorite with great options for breakfast and lunch. 
Address: 1307 Federal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-378-7427
Website: https://www.thelunchboxpa.com/order/ 

Mayfly Market & Deli

Google Rating: 4.8
About Mayfly Market & Deli: Proudly featuring everything from fresh produce and savory deli items to delicious baked goods and sorbets, Mayfly Market & Deli is revered for being a true asset in the Central Northside neighborhood. 
Address: 1327 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-322-1300
Website: http://mayflypgh.com/ 

Deli On North

Google Rating: 4.7
About Deli On North: A true family-run kitchen, the team at Deli On North pride themselves in creating delicious dishes for everyone to enjoy!
Address: 4 E North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-322-3354
Website: https://www.delionbutler.com/ 

Nana’s New York Hotdog Shop

Google Rating: 4.7
About Nan’s New York Hotdog Shop: First established in 1964, Nana’s New York Hot Dog shop has become North Side’s go-to spot for gourmet hotdogs. 
Address: 1110 Federal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-904-2785
Website: https://nanasnewyorkhotdogs.godaddysites.com/ 

Legends Eatery

Google Rating: 4.7
About Legends Eatery: Powered by fresh ingredients sourced from Pittsburgh’s Strip District, Legends Eatery offers “legendary” meals!
Address: 500 East North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-321-8000
Website: https://legendseatery.us/ 

40 North at Alphabet City

Google Rating: 4.7
About 40 North: A lovely upscale restaurant, 40 North is a great spot for date night!
Address: 40 W North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-435-1111
Website: http://40northpgh.com/ 

Yinz Coffee

Google Rating: 4.7
About Yinz Coffee: Find one of Pittsburgh’s favorite coffee shops right here in Central Northside! Yinz Coffee has a total of eight locations in the Pittsburgh area. 
Address: 2 E. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 
Phone: 412-251-5674 
Website: https://www.yinzcoffee.com/ 

JR Coffee Shop

Google Rating: 4.7
About JR Coffee Shop: This charming little coffee shop is the perfect shop for a gourmet coffee or quick treat.
Address: 1200 Federal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-766-0444

Central Northside Neighborhood Parks

Although Central Northside is relatively small, it has quite a few parks and parklets! Here’s what to watch for:

Jefferson Playground

Address: Ehler’s Way & Jefferson Street
Features:

  • Basketball Courts

  • Playground and Jungle Gym

Alpine Parklet

Address: 513 Alpine Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Features: 

  • Playground and Jungle Gym

Olde Allegheny Community Gardens

Address: 1314 Sherman Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Features: 

  • Community Garden

Allegheny Commons

Address: 467 W North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Features:

  • Playground

  • Open Fields

  • Walkways

  • Pittsburgh Aviary

  • Lake Elizabeth

  • Basketball Court

  • Tennis Court

  • Baseball Field

Top Central Northside Shopping Locations

Because Central Northside is mostly a residential neighborhood, it doesn’t have a large shopping center within its borders. However, visiting Federal Street will unlock a few resources:

  • Library

  • Restaurants

  • Beer

  • Groceries

Central Northside Neighborhood Gyms

Allegheny YMCA

Address: 600 W North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-321-8594
Website: https://www.pittsburghymca.org/ 

CrossFit War Streets

Address: 600 W North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-321-8594
Website: https://www.pittsburghymca.org/ 

Central Northside Schools

Allegheny Traditional Elementary Academy

Address: 810 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-529-4100
Website: https://discoverpps.org/alleghenyes 

Propel Schools - Northside

Address: 1805 Buena Vista St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-325-1412

Child of the King Daycare Center

Address: 302 W North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-322-5437

Manchester Academic Charter School

Address: 1214 Liverpool St, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Phone: 412-322-0585
Website: https://macsk8.org/ 

Access to Major Highways From Central Northside

Route 279 North: Follow North Avenue east out of Central Northside. Turn left onto Madison Avenue and follow onto 279 North. 

Route 279 South: Follow North Avenue east out of Central Northside. Turn right onto East Street and follow onto 279 South. 

Route 65 North: Follow North Avenue west toward Chateau Street. Turn right onto Chateau Street and follow to Route 65 North.

Route 376 Option 1: Travel south on Brighton Road. Turn right onto Western Avenue. From Western Avenue, turn onto the West End Bridge. Follow the bridge onto Saw Mill Run Boulevard. Travel to the 376 junction. 

Route 376 Option 2: Follow the directions above for Route 279 South. Follow Route 279 to reach Route 376. 

Route 28: From East North Avenue, turn south onto Cedar Avenue. Turn right onto East Ohio Street. Follow to Route 28. 

Public Transportation in Central Northside

Bus Lines

The bus lines that run in and near Central Northside are: 

T Stations

The two T stations closest to Central Northside are:

  • North Side Station: Reedsdale Street & Tony Dorsett Drive

  • Allegheny Station: Reedsdale Street & Allegheny Avenue

Contractors in Central Northside

Landscaping

Eisler Landscapes 
Address: 1237 Monterey Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 724-865-2830

Construction

Mistick Construction
Website: https://mistickconstruction.com/ 
Address: 1300 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Phone: 412-322-1121

Painting & Drywall

Abstract Solutions Painting & Drywall
Address: 1417 Brighton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-218-3452