It is amazing how much you can do in 36 hours when you try. My 4th of July weekend trip to Pittsburgh was packed. Last week, I covered everything I got to see and do — from the Warhol Museum to a ride on the Monongahela Incline. This time I wanted to share where I stayed — Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh — and some of the restaurants I visited. Because when you are traveling, having a nice hotel and decent food are pretty important!
Stay
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh Pittsburgh is as quirky as Pittsburgh’s Warhol himself. In the rooms, fabrics with oversized houndstooth patterns are mixed with bright green furniture and, perhaps as a nod to the city’s winning ice hockey team, penguin-shaped lamps. Comfortable and clean, the Hotel Monaco in Pittsburgh does it just right. The bathroom was large and luxurious. Even with the Kenny Chesney fans in town, the room was quiet. It’s a fun, friendly and welcoming hotel. It is also centrally located in Downtown Pittsburgh with plenty in walking distance.
Don’t feel like forking out the cash for valet? There are several garages within a block or two of the hotel. I snagged parking in a garage a block away from the hotel. 24 hours in a garage on a Saturday for $5. Now that’s what I call a deal.
Eat
While this was my first “real” visit to Pittsburgh, I’d briefly been through the city a few years ago. Then, the only stop had been for dinner at Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh. The meal then had been so good it was at the top of the list for this trip. While the food wasn’t quite as good as my previous experience, it still was fun. Just like the original Hofbräuhaus in Munich, the Pittsburgh location is decked out in wood-paneled walls, Bavarian flags hang on the walls and waitstaff wear somewhat traditional Bavarian clothing. Don’t expect an accurate Bavarian experience but, if you don’t look too closely you can fool yourself into thinking you’re at the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl. Comfort yourself with a Maß and a plate of Apfelstrudel.
Sometimes convenience becomes the ultimate goal when traveling. What was intended to be a “convenient” breakfast at The Commoner turned into a delicious and satisfying experience with friendly staff. Situated inside the Hotel Monaco, The Commoner is the hotel’s main restaurant although there is a rooftop biergarten (named Biergarten) on the ninth and top floor. The Commoner’s industrial meets steampunk aesthetic set the mood while the friendly service and tasty food do the rest. And their brunch? Simply fantastic. I’m still thinking about those poached eggs with fluffy English muffins and fruit salad. Fresh, clean and delicious.
All opinions, as well as all photos, are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
