Table of Contents
A Brief History of Mount Washington
Mount Washington Emergency Resources
Top Mount Washington Restaurants
Top Mount Washington Shopping Locations
Mount Washington Neighborhood Parks
Mount Washington Neighborhood Gyms
Mount Washington Schools
Access to Highways and Other Major Roadways
Public Transportation in Mount Washington
Mount Washington Contractors
A Brief History of Mount Washington
Nestled atop an enormous hill just southwest of Pittsburgh’s Downtown and across the Monongahela River, Mount Washington is celebrated for its breathtaking views of the city and its sprawling suburbs.
But in its earliest days, Mount Washington was called Coal Hill for its rich coal seams that local miners eagerly tapped. The hillside also proved to be an excellent resource for rock, especially sandstone.
Thanks to its steep topography, reaching the top of Mount Washington used to be a struggle, and the city built a series of switchback trails and multiple inclines to help residents commute up and down the hill.
Today, the Duquesne Incline and the Monongahela Incline are all that’s left from these modes of transportation, though you can see pictures of old switchbacks and inclines in the lobby of the Monongahela Incline station on Carson Street!
With its high perch above the rest of the landscape, Mount Washington is a popular stopping point for both tourists and locals, as the picturesque views are a worthy backdrop for any Instagram selfie. In addition, some of the region’s most legendary restaurants (like the Le Mont) have established themselves as great places to enjoy dinner and the sights of Downtown.
Mount Washington Emergency Resources
Police Station - Zone 3
Address: 830 E Warrington Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15210
Phone: 412-488-8326
Fire Station - 27 Engine
Address: 96 Virginia Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-255-2860
UPMC Mercy
Address: 1400 Locust St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 412-232-8111
Top Mount Washington Restaurants
These are the top restaurants on Mount Washington, based on their Google reviews:
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
About: Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is known for its stunning panoramic views of the city and its excellent seafood.
Google Rating: 4.7
Address: 1411 Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-481-4414
Cafe Nikos
About: As Mt. Washington’s favorite neighborhood bar, Cafe Nikos is known for its inexpensive drinks and great daily food specials.
Google Rating: 4.6
Address: 212 Shiloh St, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-381-4322
The Summit
About: A cozy, upscale bar with handmade cocktails and delicious bites.
Google Rating: 4.6
Address: 200 Shiloh St, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-918-1647
Scarpaci’s
About: A friendly neighborhood bar, Scarpaci’s is praised for its lovely outdoor patio and Monday live music.
Google Rating: 4.6
Address: 307 Shiloh St, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-431-9908
Joe Cestone’s Pizzeria
About: One of Mount Washington’s only pizza shops, this pizzeria also offers beer on-site.
Google Rating: 4.6
Address: 200 Virginia Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-431-3311
La Tavola Italiana Restaurant
About: This is a family-owned BYOB restaurant specializing in a variety of classic Sicilian dishes.
Google Rating: 4.5
Address: 1 Boggs Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-481-3336
J&J’s Family Restaurant
About: A charming diner with breakfast served all day.
Google Rating: 4.5
Address: 300 Shiloh St, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-381-1822
Bigham Tavern
About: Tucked away in Mount Washington, Bigham Tavern is known for its large beer selection, exciting brunches, and large outdoor section.
Google Rating: 4.5
Address: 321 Bigham St, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-431-15211
Shiloh Gastro
About: A popular summer destination thanks to its large outdoor patio, Shiloh Gastro is loved for its American comfort food, like its gourmet mac ‘n’ cheese.
Google Rating: 4.4
Address: 123 Shiloh St, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-431-4000
Coughlin’s Law Kitchen & Ale House
About: This laidback pub features an enormous bar and plenty of open-air seating. They also offer a wide selection of beers as well as gourmet tacos, burgers, and more!
Google Rating: 4.4
Address: 10 Virginia Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-586-5673
Mount Washington Shopping Locations
A largely residential neighborhood outside of its bars and restaurants, Mount Washington doesn’t have many shopping areas. You’ll find most of your shopping options along Shiloh Street. Stretching from scenic Grandview Avenue to Southern Avenue, Shiloh Street features a variety of bars, a beer shop, a bakery, and banks. You’ll also find Shop ‘n Save just off Shiloh Street on Virginia Avenue.
Mount Washington Neighborhood Parks
Mount Washington has three primary options when it comes to parks:
Olympia Park
Address: The 900-1000 block of Virginia Avenue
Features:
Baseball Field
Soccer Field
Basketball Court
Dog Park
Hiking
Playground
Grandview Park / Emerald View Park
Address: The 400 block of Bailey Avenue
Features:
Park benches
Amphitheater
Hiking
Ream Recreation Center
Address: 321 Merrimac St, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Features:
Playground
Pool
Mount Washington Neighborhood Gyms
Incline Fitness
Address: 125 Virginia Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-697-0004
All Day Fitness
Address: 28 Southern Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-294-9881
Mount Washington Schools
Whittier Elementary School
Website: https://discoverpps.org/whittier
Address: 150 Meridan St, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-488-8211
Mount Washington Access to Highways And Other Roadways
Despite its location at the top of a large hill, Mount Washington has relatively good access to Pittsburgh’s biggest roadways. How to reach them:
Saw Mill Run Boulevard: Travel south on Woodruff Street to the light. Turn onto Saw Mill Run Boulevard.
Route 376 West: Travel south on Woodruff Street and turn right onto Saw Mill Run Boulevard. Follow it to the Route 376 exit.
Route 376 East: Take East Sycamore Street to Arlington Avenue. Turn right onto Arlington Avenue, then turn right at the light to reach the Liberty Bridge. Turn right onto the Liberty Bridge and follow the Route 376 exit.
Route 65: Travel south on Woodruff Street and turn right onto Saw Mill Run Boulevard. Cross the West End Bridge and turn onto 65.
Mount Washington's Public Transportation
The Monongahela Incline - This incline costs a few dollars to travel to the bottom of Mount Washington and East Carson Street, putting you right across from Station Square and the Smithfield Street Bridge.
The 40 Bus Route - The 40 travels between Downtown, Mount Washington, and Duquesne Heights.
Mount Washington Contractors
Construction
Lodge Bliznesky Construction
Phone: 412-863-6864
Maintenance
Carl’s Handyman Service
Phone: 412-390-2046
Remodeling
M&Y Remodeling
Phone: 412-654-6221
Siding
Vinyl Siding Pittsburgh
Phone: 412-230-3663