A Guide to Squirrel Hill

Situated between the city’s two largest parks and stabilized by a large, multi-generational population, Squirrel Hill has long been one of Pittsburgh’s most pleasant neighborhoods. Rich Feder, the urban planner who compiled the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition’s master plan, says this tree-shaded locale has never needed an overhaul in the way other parts of the East End have, though the coalition seeks to tweak and preserve various aspects of it (and to mitigate the parking problem that has been an issue in Squirrel Hill since the advent of cars).

Shopping 

Independent purveyors of fashion also include The Pussycat Unlimited, a lingerie store in town since 1969; A Child’s Wardrobe and Adults Too, which sells gently used clothing in all age brackets, and Knit One, which deals in raw materials for and the products of the suddenly chic handicraft hobby. Zipper Blues features women’s casual chic, specializing in premium denim and vintage tees. More formal women’s wear can be found at Capriccio, and men’s needs are cared for at Charles Spiegel.

Dining 

Squirrel Hill has never lacked for restaurants. Formal and causal options and American and exotic ones dot the neighborhood. Some established eateries have tested their franchising potential or by opening an outpost in the neighborhood’s fertile ground. Cuzamil, a Mexican joint, and Sree’s, an Indian one, both had locations downtown before expanding to Murray Avenue. 

Bars and Coffee Shops 

The ample foot traffic of students of the high school, undergrad and grad variety makes Squirrel Hill a haven for hang-out places. The 61C Café, which shares a name with the Port Authority route that treks through the neighborhood, has existed since the coffee shop explosion of the early ’90s. Everything is good, though granola and smoothies are probably the two menu items the 61C provides better than anyone else.

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