Photo by Aakanksha Agarwal
East Liberty has come a long way since we began our community planning work at ELDI in the 1980s and ’90s. In the 2010 East Liberty Community Plan, we asked neighborhood stakeholders to describe their vision for East Liberty ten years into the future. At the time, many of those visions felt like far-off dreams. Today, they’re becoming a reality.
“East Liberty is enjoying a neighborhood vibrancy that has been dormant for over two generations. The clean, tree-lined streets that greet visitors to East Liberty blend seamlessly with colorful public art in a transformed urban core. The vibrant public plazas attract the lunch crowd on sunny days and host concerts in one of the city’s safest neighborhoods. Small businesses are thriving next to large national retailers, and keep Penn Avenue and Broad Street rooted in the neighborhood’s culture. Development that once seemed confined to one side of Centre Avenue is present everywhere within the now long-gone Penn Circle. East Liberty is the place to shop, eat, and see a show.”
– East Liberty stakeholder in the 2010 East Liberty Community Plan
One clear sign of this vibrancy is the impressive lineup of new culinary destinations opening in the neighborhood. From dog-friendly cafes to Palm Beach–inspired lounges, each new spot adds a fresh layer to East Liberty’s cultural fabric and historic identity.
Here’s a look at the newest places bringing flavor and energy to the neighborhood.
Hey Babe
Located in the former Ace Hotel lobby, Hey Babe brings a fresh take on cocktail culture to East Liberty. The space has been thoughtfully reimagined as a laid-back yet elegant lounge and restaurant with cozy seating, a beautiful bar, and curated small plates. It’s the first venture from local hospitality veterans Danielle Cain and Rob Hirst, who are passionate about creating a welcoming space that feels both stylish and approachable. Whether you’re meeting friends for a drink or stopping in for a date night, Hey Babe adds a warm, inviting vibe to the neighborhood’s nightlife scene.
Learn more in our Q&A with Cain and Hirst.
Dancing Crab Thai
Adding new spice to Broad Street, Dancing Crab Thai quietly opened earlier this summer. A sibling to their Dormont restaurant and South Side Noodle House, the East Liberty location offers classic Thai dishes—Massaman and green curry, noodle bowls, dumplings—and is open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
Palm Palm
Launched July 6 at 5996 Centre Avenue (formerly home to Plum Pan Asian Kitchen), Palm Palm delivers a blend of Mid-Century Modern design and coastal cuisine. With wall-length palm murals, a retro lounge aesthetic, and a menu by Chef Ed Smith, the restaurant aims to offer a sunny escape from the everyday. Guests can expect shareable plates like sushi tots and truffle Spaghettios, along with Wagyu and Bluefin tuna steaks, green juice margaritas, and other inventive dishes.
“Palm Palm will epitomize an approachable living-well attitude offering an immersive escape into a world of ease and elegance,” said co-founder Herky Pollock.
Title 9
Pittsburgh’s first dedicated women’s sports bar opened in February at 5997 Centre Avenue, next to Square Cafe. Founded by Square Café Founder Sherree Goldstein, Title 9 screens women’s sports exclusively across eight TVs and a rooftop bar. The menu includes gastropub classics and some Square Cafe favorites like vegan and vegetarian options and loaded tater tots.
Hound Haus
Part coffee shop, part coworking space, part bar, and part dog park, Hound Haus brings a one-of-a-kind concept to East Liberty. Located at 6314 Broad Street (the former Zeke’s Coffee building), the space was designed to take you—and your pup—from day to night. Members can enjoy coffee and snacks in the morning, bring their laptop to work, and unwind in the evening with a glass of wine or cocktail while their dog plays off-leash under the supervision of “houndskeepers.” The idea is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Tom and Danielle Lafe, who wanted to create a welcoming space where dog owners—and dog lovers—could connect and build community.
Just Roll’d Up
Located at 132 S. Highland Avenue, Just Roll’d Up brings a fun, fast-casual approach to sushi and poke. Originally a popular North Side food truck, their brick-and-mortar spot now serves up rolls, sushi burritos, sashimi packs, and bowls with unique names like “Tuna 2 Times” and “Jack ’n Yellow.” The menu also includes drinks like kombucha and ginger beer, with lunch and dinner service from Tuesday through Saturday.
Shake Shack (Coming Soon)
Shake Shack is heading to East Liberty as part of the new Meridian redevelopment at the former Shady Hill Center site. The project will also include a Giant Eagle Market District, residential units, and retail space. While an opening date hasn’t been announced yet, the new location will follow the brand’s first Pittsburgh opening in the Strip District in May 2024.